SAT 8/7 Salsa Musicality [beg/int] w/Sarah Riddle

2:00-4:00pm $25 prereg/ $30 day of

Understanding the steps to Salsa is one thing, but understanding the music is something entirely different!  This class not only covers a small history of this beautiful music, but breaks down the structure of Salsa music, taking the mystery out of all those rhythms.  Students learn to dissect songs, making them more predictable, and thus dancable.  Students walk away with listening techniques that help them find the '1', distinguish the Tumbao rhythm from the Clave.  Leads gain n understanding of how to plan moves based on how the music is structured, and follows will learn ways to accent their styling based on specific accents in the music.  The class is mostly lecture, but we do exercise the principles we learn through dance the second half of the workshop.  No partner necessary. All levels.

SAT 8/7 Salsa Styling for Follows [beg/int] w/Sarah Riddle

12:00-2:00pm $25 prereg/ $30 day of

Salsa stands apart from other dances because of its flair, sass, and flirtatious movements. Salsa dancers, especially follows, dance not with their feet, but with every part of thier bodies down to the tips of their fingers.  This class is designed to improve any dancer's posture, turn technique, and grace.  Students will also learn mini 'shines' (solos and footwork patterns), how to accentuate the music with musically motivated flourishes, what to do with those darn arms!, proper Salsa posturing and body movement. Each class begins with light stretching and strengthening exercises to keep dancers injury-free and more flexible.

SAT 9/11 Salsa Quickstart Workshop [intro/beg] w/ Sarah Riddle

12:00-4:00pm $40 prereg/ $50 day of

Have you been curious about learning Salsa, but just can't seem to find the time? No problem! This 4 hour intensive workshop is geared to get dancers and NON dancers moving to today's most popular Latin Rhythm - SALSA! The class will cover Salsa rhythm, body movement, Salsa timing, 3 basic step variations, three turn patterns, and more! After finishing the Quickstart course, students will be eligible to take the Salsa 2 weekly series, without taking Salsa 1! Don't miss out on this ever popular, easy to learn dance. Register Now!  No partner required.

SAT 9/18 Afro-Brazilian Samba Workshop [all levels] w/Beto Guimaraes

12:00-2:00pm $25 prereg/ $30 day of

The high-energy, uplifting and spirited music of Samba will surely get your blood pumping as Brazilian born Beto Guimaraes leads you through the basics of Afro-Brazilian Samba .  There is no partnering in this style of Samba - just you, the music, and a really great workout!  No prior experience in dance of any kind is neededto do well in this workshop.  Beto will break down movements and terminology so students learn the steps, their origins, and how to execute them with joy!  This 2 hour workshop will jolt students into the vibrant world of Afro-Brazilian rhythm!  We recommend you bring a large bottle of water and the blues to kick to the curb, because nobody has ever left one of Beto's classes without a smile. 

9/25 Swing Quickstart Workshop [intro/beg] w/Melissa Roane

12:00-4:00pm $40 prereg/ $50 day of

This monthly workshop is geared to get you from Swing-curios to Swing-furios in just 4 hours!  The class will cover Swing rhythm and timing, basic Swing steps with basic step variations; three turn patterns, and more!  Vintage Swing is an ageless and ever popular dance that has filled dance halls for over 70 years, and it is still as popular as ever!  That said, the Swing Quickstart workshop fills up fast, so sign up ASAP! Don't miss out on this exciting and easy to learn dance. Students will learn the equivalent of the 'Intro to Swing' 4 week series material, plus some bonus material in a non-intimidating, low pressure, fun environment. No partner necessary, no prior experience required!

TBA Argentine Tango Quickstart Workshop [intro/beg] w/Carrie Whipple

12:00-4:00pm  $40 prereg/ $50 day of

Did you know that Portland is home to one of the largest Argentine Tango festivals in North America?  It is no wonder as this romantic and thoughtful dance has changed the lives of thousands of people around the world!  Come find out why and how in Carrie Whipple’s "Tango Quickstart," - a special four hour workshop designed to get you out on the Tango floor in one afternoon! In this workshop, we will explore Argentine Tango fundamentals (such as frame, timing, and the line of dance) as well as progress to slightly more complicated movements. Students will gain confidence in and connection with their partner and the music given Carrie’s user friendly techniques and tips. Come find out why Tango has taken the world by storm! No prior experience is required. No partner required. Please wear comfortable shoes that do not stick to a wood floor surface (leather bottoms are best). 

SAT TBA Dancer's Workout Workshop [all levels] w/Eric Zimmer

12:00-2:00pm $25 prereg/ $30 day of

Dancer, choreographer, and fitness guru, Eric Zimmer, is serving up a lively assortment of conditioning exercises for dancers AND non-dancers alike.  Based on the principles of ballet, pilates and traditional exercise technique the Dancer's Workout is designed to be effective as it is enjoyable.  You don't have to have any special training to benefit from this class, nor is prior dance experience required!  If you agree that the dancing body is beautiful and should be strong and supple then THE DANCER'S WORKOUT is for you.  These conditioning exercises flow to music and are designed to restore alignment, balance, flexibility and strength from the "inside out."  Participants wear socks or ballet slippers (no restrictive dance shoes allowed!).  THE DANCER'S WORKOUT is performed either standing or on a mat and uses light equipment like bands and balls to maximize performance.  Put your best foot forward and come experience a fresh new look at exercise from a dancer's perspective!  Wear comfy exercise attire and a smile!  Please bring an exercise/yoga mat and a towel.  Because you don't have to be a dancer to look and feel like one!