Salsa Lessons Ottawa

Learn to Salsa at Arthur Murray Dance Studios Ottawa, Ontario. Come and enjoy what hundreds of others in Ottawa are already doing. Within a few short lessons, you’ll notice a new you at social functions. Get a great workout, relieve stress and have fun!

We invite you to take advantage of a first free class. Click Here

History

Salsa is the Spanish word for “sauce” denoting a spicy or hot flavour. As a dance it can be danced to a variety of different rhythms. Generically Salsa music encompasses many Afro-Latin rhythms driven by the clave (two wooden sticks struck together). Today’s Salsa is the result of many years of rhythmical evolution due to economical, social and political change. Salsa is the national music and dance of Puerto Rico. Many of the Salsa dance patterns are closely related to those of the Mambo.

Music

In 1933, Cuban songwriter Ignacio Piniero wrote the song Echale Salsita (throw on some sauce) after tasting food which lacked the Cuban spices. But it wasn’t until 1962 when Jimmy Sabater’s tune Salsa y Bembe suggested the dancers liven it up or spice it up by adding a little “salsa” (sauce) to their movement when the danced.

Characteristics

Danced to four beats using only three steps, each step being a beat long, the remaining beat is used as a tag to the last step or perhaps an adorning (tap, kick or pause) movement called a highlight. Steps can be traveling or on the spot.

Teaching Elements

Footwork – Steps can move side to side, forward and back, or in circles
Rhythm – Count as Quik, Quik, Slow or 1,2, 3 (holding or taping on beat 4)
Regional Influences – Breaking on count three is acceptable on regional basis
Compare/Contrast – Marked similarities with Mambo, Lindy Hop, Swing and Hustle

Arthur Murray Ottawa offers complete social and competitive curriculums allowing the student to select the type of class that suits their individual needs.

Artists Include:

Albita
Marc Anthony
Celia Cruz
West End Mambo
Tito Puente
The Latin Explosion

Private Classes

During your one-on-one private salsa dance classes, you will receive personalized instruction that will help you achieve your goals in dancing. Your instructor will spend the time necessary on technique, styling and general dance improvement. An up-to-date record of everything you have learned will also be kept as part of your instruction.

For over 20 years Arthur Murray Dance Studios Ottawa has been one of Ottawa’s leading dance schools. Award-winning instructors and owners Marilisa Granzotto and Steve Martin are members of the World Professional Dance Teachers Association.