Welcome to Candela Cuban Dance - Melbourne, Australia
Learn how to dance with Melbourne's Cuban Salsa specialists!
Cuban Salsa - Explanation of Class Levels
Level 1
Important note: Assessment by your instructor required before moving up to Level 2.
Perfect for the complete beginner, if you’ve never danced before, or if you have done some dancing but have not done Cuban Salsa. A slow paced class in which you will learn the fundamental steps, basics and turns of Cuban Salsa. Different combinations are taught each week, with plenty of revision as well. You will start to learn about connection with your partner and we will break down the rhythm, timing and counting of this seriously addictive music called Salsa! We will introduce you to Rueda, an exciting form of Cuban Salsa where a group of couples dance in a rueda (wheel) and exchange partners frequently, whilst making a lot of noise and having an insane amount of fun! We will also teach you the basics of other popular partner Latin Dance styles such as, Bachata, Merengue and Cha Cha Cha. If you’ve never danced before you may need 3 months or so in this level – people who have some experience in other dance styles should pick up the steps much quicker. This class can be used as revision/warmup for Level 2.
Requirements: No dance experience necessary.
Level 2
Important note: Assessment by your instructor required before moving up to Level 3.
Building upon the foundations of Cuban Salsa (as learnt in Level 1), you will now start to learn simple turn patterns, variations and combinations. Develop a deeper understanding of technique (Lead and follow) and delve a bit further into the world of Salsa music (the Clave, plus the different instruments/rhythms that make up Salsa). Soon enough you’ll have enough moves under your belt to bust a move on the dancefloor! You will now learn the fundamental Rueda moves used all around the world! This class can be used as revision/warmup for Level 3.
Requirements: Level 1 (sound understanding of Cuban Salsa fundamentals)
Level 3
Important note: Assessment by your instructor required before moving up to Level 4.
A faster paced Intermediate class. By now you can already pull off a few moves at social dancing, have an excellent understanding of the fundamentals and are picking up new moves with ease. You have quite a repertoire of Rueda moves, including (but not limited to) various Dame, Enchufla, Sombrero, Setenta and Prima combos, Cubanito, etc.
You will learn more challenging Rueda turn patterns and partner routines, with more emphasis on styling and getting that authentic ‘Cuban feel’, as opposed to dancing in a slot/line. We will start teaching you how to dance on different beats, to make your dancing more dynamic and enjoyable. You will learn more about Body Movement/Styling that will give your dancing its 'sabor' (flavour), as well as other Cuban Dance styles that have greatly influenced and contributed to the development of Cuban Salsa.
Requirements: For those who have danced in Level 2 for at least 6 months, can understand and dance in time to faster Salsa music, and can pick up new moves fairly quickly.
Level 4
Important note: This is an Advanced Level class in Cuban Salsa, only suitable for the serious Cuban Salsa dancer!
By now you have impeccable timing, technique, body movement and styling, and your dancing is more music/feeling driven, rather than just executing turn patterns. A fast paced class, with even more complex and difficult turn patterns and footwork, intricate styling, incorporating body movement and other Cuban dance styles into your Salsa dancing, good understanding and appreciation of Cuban Salsa music (especially Timba, Songo and Son), and dancing to fast music.
Requirements: Minimum 2 years in sound Cuban Salsa tuition.
If you are still not sure which level is right for you please contact us directly :)