What is styling class?
This course is design for all level of dancers.
If you are a beginner and want to learn to work in your confidence level and style before dancing with a partner, this will be the best course to start with.
Or if you are a follower that reached a plateau in your dancing skills and what to improve your style, musicality and movements, these classes will also give you the boost you need.
This course will focus in Solo "Suelta" steps. A sudden pause and drop during "dile que no" or the subtle figure-eight movement while doing a basic step that will make your dance fun, stylish and elegant!
Please note this is not a choreography class but each class will increase in complexity therefore, a small routine will be created at the end of the course to easily remember all the moves.
There are 3 types of Latin salsa dance.
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LA Style
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New York Style
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Puerto Rican Style
LA Style (Dancing on 1)
LA style salsa is danced in a line or "slot" with dancers exchanging positions throughout the dance, unlike Cuban salsa which is danced in a more circular fashion. The two essential elements of this dance are the forward–backward basic step and the cross-body lead.
New York Style (Dancing on 2)
It is a linear form of salsa, where dancers dance in a slot, similar to LA style salsa. Unlike other styles of salsa, however, New York style is danced on the second beat of the music ("on 2"), and the follower, not the leader, steps forward on the first measure of the music.
Puerto Rican Style
Puerto Rican salsa lines are clean, shoulder shimmies abound and arm movements are circular. There is also an emphasis on dancing to Clave rhythm (2/3 clave). As dancers break away from their partners, they execute complicated and fast solo footwork called “shines” for the audience, as soloists.
When you sign up for our Latin Ladies Styling classes in Toronto, we'll introduce you to all 3 types.
What will you learn?
This is a course open to all level of dancers and a partner is not required. This is a Solo “SUELTA” steps class.
First, we will teach you how to dance “a tiempo” (on time) and able to identify where the count start on each beat of the music.
Next, we will concentrate on the arms, footwork, posture, dancing freestyle and hips movements. You will see an improvement in your dancing. It will become more fluid, versatile, stylish (or as we like to say, shummy) and as a result, the enjoyment is infinite.
You will learn how to add style to steps such as:
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Guapea
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Dile que no
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Right and left turn
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Figure 8 hips
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Syncopated steps
Solo
This class is made for solo dancers, specifically followers.
Casual Attire
Dress comfortably in sneakers and loose pants.
Unlimited Classes
When you have a membership with us, you have unlimited classes in any of our studios in Toronto.
Don't know your level?
Contact us to book a $25 drop-in class and we'll assess your level.
About Your Instructors
Our Latin Ladies Styling classes are taught by instructor, Dailyn Martinez.
Dailyn is from Cuba. She is a passionate performer and an experienced instructor. She brings an explosion of positive energy and personality to her classes.
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I am a complete beginner, can I still join the class?Absolutely! Our classes cater to both beginners and experienced dancers. Our instructors are trained to teach individuals with no dance background as well as those with experience.
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Can I do a trial class?Yes, you can! Contact us directly to schedule a drop-in class for $20 per person. We'll help you find the best level to start with.
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Do I need to bring a partner to register for a class?No dance partner is required. You can attend the class individually or with your friends. We do partner rotation in class, it will be a great way to meet new friends.
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What if I have to miss a class?Please inform us at least 24 hours in advance so we can arrange a make-up session within the same set of classes.
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I have a dance background. Which level should I register for?If you have experience with Cuban Salsa, please contact us directly to arrange a drop in class for $20 per class. In class, we can better advise you on a suitable level for you.
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What should I wear for classes?Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, such as workout or gym attire. Street Latin dance shoes are not required for your first class; you can start with jazz shoes or dance sneakers.
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Where can I practice my dance moves learned in class?ShumdeSalsa hosts a Students Night Out Social at Lula Lounge at least once a month. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on all our events.
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How long does it take to learn?From our experience a minimum of 3 month until you feel fully comfortable and confident with your style.
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How many people are in the class?It depends on the levels and seasons, usually between 6 to 20 students per class.
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What is "shum"?Shum is a unique term coined by Dailyn, representing the free spirit of movement. It's not an English, Spanish, or Cuban word. For Dailyn, it means letting go of fears and moving freely to the music. As she says, "we all have Shum, and it's just a matter of time until we understand how to use it." This concept is central to ShumdeSalsa, making our approach to Cuban salsa unique. Once you learn to "shum," you'll become a danceholic of Cuban salsa.