June is Salsa month
Salsa, the All American Latin Dance
Following the Cuban revolution, a large number of refugees settled along the Atlantic Coast including Florida and New York. During the early ’70s, the New York émigrés worked with the existing Puerto Rican community to create a new dance, Salsa. This new dance uses the Mambo basic step and borrows step patterns from Mambo, Rumba Cha Cha, Cumbia and Merengue, among others.
Salsa abandoned Cuban musical syncopation, adapting instead to the “On One” rhythm of American and most other Western dance music. The quick-quick-slow rhythm of the basic step appears in many modern songs, increasing Salsa’s usefulness to dancers of all ages.
Free “Basics and More” Dance Classes
Our free Basics-and-More Latin dance classes provide instruction and practice in the steps and patterns of each dance style we offer. Instruction is pegged to the experience level of participants. Classes meet Thursday mornings from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. in the Vermilion Room at SaddleBrooke One. A dance step summary sheet and a practice music CD are provided to class participants.
Salsa – June 13, 20, 27
Arguably the most popular fast Latin dance. From an easy basic step, we develop patterns that are fun, aerobic and useful in other dances.
Nightclub Two Step – July 4, 11, 18, 25
This do-it-all slow dance uses basics and interesting step patterns from many other dances, including Salsa.
Free Beginner’s Class
This class meets at 2:00 p.m. Mondays on the dates listed below in the Vermilion Room of the SaddleBrooke One Clubhouse. Bring shoes that turn easily on your tile floor.
Argentine Milonga – June 17, 24, July 1, 15, 22
Milonga is the precursor of Argentine Tango. The steps are easy to learn, a lot of fun and definitely aerobic.
Note: Latin dancing is vigorous and great exercise and very good for seniors’ bodies, minds and balance. Be sure your doctor approves!
Latin Dance Practice Sessions
As part of our dance activities, we feature After Dinner Dances in the Vermilion Room of SaddleBrooke One on the third Tuesday of each month. These begin at 6:30 p.m. and are free for all SaddleBrooke residents. Come and practice your new dance steps!
For More Information
For more information about Latin Rhythm Dance Club classes and dance parties, our popular dance instructional DVDs or membership, contact [email protected] or call 818-0604. Ask to be included on our email dance events list.