Weekly Classes

Please note that we have limited spots available for our classes. Please ensure you reserve a spot, and cancel if you are not able to join us anymore to ensure someone else can. Drop ins will be accepted as long as there is space in the class. Please check the schedule on the website prior to arriving. Classes that are sold out already will be marked. All our classes are held at our air-conditioned studio.

To reserve your spot for classes and to purchase class passes visit cubanmovements.punchpass.com.

Class Format

The majority of our classes are drop in, and something new is covered each week. This is ideal for students who do not want to commit for a specific amount of time or have unpredictable schedules. Just sign up for the classes you want to take.

Some classes, including partner classes (Casino, Rueda and Bachata) are scheduled in progressive series. You will be asked to sign up for the full Series. All class passes will be accepted for these classes. Series are indicated on the schedule, for example by noting class 1/5.

We also offer occasional Choreography series. Students who attend Choreo sessions will be required to pay in advance for the whole session, and videos will be available from each class if one has to be missed. Note that regular drop in passes are not accepted for the Choreo sessions. Once the class starts we will create a WhatsApp group to share tips and videos.

PRIVATE LESSONS

Looking for a more personalized class? We offer private class instruction for individuals, couples, and private groups.  

Classes are available with our Director, Professional Dancer and Choreographer Leo Gonzalez. Pricing varies depending on the package purchased (visit the square site).

Contact us to find out more about the various options for private classes.

Private Lessons - Leo

Private Lessons - Leo

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Cuban SALSA CLASSES

Click on the drop down for more information. Not sure which level best suits you? Email us to schedule a level check for placement.

  • Salsa Suelta - Salsa Suelta means “loose salsa” – salsa patterns or sequences called out by a leader and danced without a partner. It is a fun and energetic way to improve your timing, skills, creativity and footwork when on the dance floor.

    Level 1 - Beginners

    Level 2 - Beginners+ (check with us prior to moving to Level 2 or contact us for a level check).

    Salsa Fusion - A Salsa Suelta class for all levels that mixes Cuban salsa with other dance styles including Brazilian funk and samba, jazz, hip hop and reggaeton. With this class, our intent is to create a positive and welcoming environment for people who want to enjoy salsa suleta but are not interested in learning or improving their technique .

  • Casino - Cuban Salsa, also known as Casino Salsa, is a joyful partner dance with a very free approach to footwork and body movement, incorporating Afro-Cuban movement. This style of salsa is danced in its original circular form where partners move around each other, with a great deal of feeling, sensuality and cadence. The music guides the rythmicality of the dance, which sometimes involves incorporating dancing on different beats or “contra tiempo” (against time).

    Level 2 - The pre-requisite is 4 (four) completed Salsa Fundamentals Class. We will start with Cross Body Lead and work at the pace of the group, incorporating an introduction to Rueda de Casino.

    Rueda de Casino - Rueda de Casino (Rueda, Casino Rueda, Salsa Rueda) was developed in Havana, Cuba in the late 1950’s. With dance moves called out by a “caller” or “cantante”, some might compare it square dancing. The names of the moves (calls) are mostly in Spanish, some in English or Spanglish. The calls may vary depending on the caller or geographic area. It involves continuous partner changing and the main goal of dancing Rueda is to have a blast.

    Level 3 - Must have completed at least 2 sessions of Casino, or complete a level check to join.

AFRO-CUBAN dance/RUMBA

In Cuba, Rumba is a generic term covering a variety of musical rhythms and associated dances. The rumba has its influences in the music brought to Cuba by Spanish colonizers as well as Africans brought to Cuba as slaves. Rumba is more than a music and dance genre; it is the collective expression of the Creole nature of the island itself. Rumba is a secular genre of Congolese African and Spanish flamenco influences, and is one of the primary ancestors of popular music in Cuba. There are three main styles of Cuban rumba: the yambú (the oldest style dating back to the colonial period), the guaguancó (the most popular of the three) and the columbia (the most African-flavored, and also the fastest).

The Afro-Cuban dances comprises dances with Yoruba Influences , know as Orishas/Orichas o Santeria, Dahomeian influences, know as Arara and the ones with Bantu influences know as Palo. Oricha/Orisha dances are religious manifestations of The Regla de Ocha (also known as Regla Lucumí/LuKumí) and are traditionally performed with Batá drums. Arara dances steps used by the slaves while going to work in the coffee plantations and sugar cane fields. Palo, Makuta and Yuka came from the region of Congo west Africa Bantu religion. Congo-influenced dances involve many pelvic and torso movements.

Bachata

Bachata originated in the 1960’s throughout the countryside of the Dominican Republic. The music was first developed with a heavy guitar emphasis and heartrending love stories as its basis. There are several different styles of Bachata dance, some of which closely resemble the original one and others being more stylized. Bachata, however, is still growing and evolving.

BODY MOVEMENTS

Body MovementS focuses on body isolation and technique.  A variety of dances are combined in body movements such as salsa, rumba, afro-cuban and son.  It will help you perfect your styling and technical components of dance.

CONTEMPORARY

Contemporary dance is a style that combines elements of several dance genres including ballet, modern, jazz, and lyrical. Contemporary dancers use expression to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements. It’s fantastic for body conditioning, technique building, and as a form of expression.

Private Classes & Workshops

Cuban Movements Dance Academy offers a variety of classes upon request. For more information contact Leo at 780-862-2068 or info[at]cubanmovements.com

  • Cuban Cardio Blast is an exhilarating, effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning program that blends international music and contagious steps to form a “fitness-party.”

  • Son is a traditional Cuban dance that is slower in pace and more sensual. The most recognizable Son music is played by Buena Vista Social Club, and is most enjoyed by dancing on the “counter time,” following the rhythm of the “clave.”

  • Reggaeton is an upbeat, modern dance coming from the Caribbean and fused with Latin rhythms. The steps and movements are open for interpretation, so enjoy cutting loose and let your body move freely to the beat of the music.