AusLatin - Salsa Dance Course Content

salsa dance course content

Below is a description of each type of class/course we do.

For Timetable see:

For Course Start Dates see:

SALSA Level 1 - Beginners - Partner dancing class
This is a class for absolute beginners to Salsa dancing. You will be taught the fundamentals of the basic steps, rhythm and timing, the rudiments of leading and following, and a few simple turn patterns to get you started.
In this class we work to a set syllabus, which is specifically designed to equip you adequately for the next level.
You should be able at the end of this course to begin to enjoy Salsa socially.

SALSA Level 2- Continuing Beginners - Partner dancing class
This syllabus takes at least 2 courses to complete due to the amount of material that you will need to cover. The syllabus has been divided into 2 parts each taking 1 term to cover.
Many students even repeat a 3rd and 4th term just to ensure they feel confident before moving on to Salsa Level 3.
Salsa Level 2 progresses from Salsa Level 1, introducing more of the fundamental patterns and how to combine them effectively to improvise your social Salsa dancing.
In this class we work to a set syllabus, which is specifically designed to equip you adequately for the next level.
By the end of this course you are well on your way to being a part of Sydney's Salsa dancing community!

SALSA Level 3 - Intermediate - Partner dancing class
In this class, the fundamentals covered in Salsa 1 and 2, are combined in more complex variations and more complicated turn patterns to add to your repertoire.
Each term we will deliver a series of combinations which can be used individually or as a sequence or even used in alternative sequences and you will be shown how to do so.
This class is continuous – meaning that we will have new patterns, combinations and variations for you every week and you should continue in this class for at least 3 terms before progressing to Salsa Level 4 class.
In addition to turn patterns, you will also learn Shines and how to dance Salsa On 1 (L.A Style)

SALSA Level 4 - Advanced - Partner dancing class
This class is continuous and is not a set syllabus. We will have new patterns, combinations and variations for you every week and you will likely be able to continue in this class for some time before feeling as though you have exhausted our repertoire. In addition to turn patterns, you will also learn Shines and how to dance Salsa On 1 (L.A Style)

Latin Jam (level 1) - No partner dancing.
This is a beginners latin dance class, aimed at the absolute novice. It is a little like a Zumba class, but perhaps more focussed on Salsa specifically with a few other rhythms for fun and variety. It is also a little more conservative.
No experience and no partners are required to do this class. Suitable for all levels of fitness.
Latin Jam is a fun latin dance class with no partnerwork, using Salsa and other latin dance rhythms and steps in combinations that will keep you entertained and get you moving at the same time. Movements and combinations are repeated in class enough times so that you should get a bit of a workout and feel satisfied that you accomplished the material. Every week brings something new and fun to do. As you are dancing without partners, you may work at your own pace and progress as your body acclimatises.
This class also delivers to the the ladies the fundamental patterns required in Salsa level 1, so that if you wish to swap over to salsa afterwards you are at least semi-prepared and will only need to cover lead/follow perhaps with a private lesson.

Latin Jam - (Level 2 ) - No partner dancing.
This class is basically a progression from Latin Jam level 1. It is a little like a Zumba class, but perhaps more focussed on Salsa specifically with a few other rhythms for fun and variety. It is also a little more conservative.
If you have danced before however, this is probably a better class for you as the Level 1 class is aimed at the absolute novice.
This class also delivers to the the ladies the fundamental patterns required in Salsa level 2, so that if you wish to swap over to salsa afterwards you are at least semi-prepared and will only need to cover lead/follow perhaps with a private lesson.

Salsa Technique & Styling Class - No partner dancing - separate classes for Ladies and Gentlemen

If you genuinely intend to achieve any kind of real proficiency in salsa, there are certain 'secrets' that are impossible to teach in a regular 1 hr salsa class. If you are serious about becoming a sought after salsa dancer on the social dance floor, this class is an absolute MUST.
There is one class for the ladies and one for the gentlemen as the roles of lead and follow vary vastly. The classses provide all the back up information and practice that is necessary to lift your salsa dancing to the next level.
Suitable for anyone who has covered at least level 1 salsa.

The topics to be covered within this 2 course syllabus are as follows:

. Lead/Follow (Tips and tricks for expert lead & follow)
. Footwork (placement, tracking,using the floor, turn in turn out, footwork styling etc).
. Basic Body Movement (fundamental salsa body movement to elevate you from walking to dancing your steps)
. Body Movement within salsa (where/when/how to use it)
. Body Movement - embellishments (body rolls, shimmies, implosions etc and where to use them)
. Musicology (salsa music broken down and explained so that you know what to expect and how to interprete it)
. Spins (Techniques and drills)
. Arm Styling (what to do with your arms and when)
. Minimalist footwork (how and when to use less steps than the original fundamentals require)
. Shines (clever little footwork patterns and how/when to improvise on the dance floor)

"...Technique--bodily control--must be mastered only because the body must not stand in the way of the soul's expression...." - La Meri -

"...It is through strength of technique that the body stays in possession of music..." - Arlene Croce -

"...Technique is what you fall back on when you run out of inspiration..." - Rudolf Nureyev -