Directions:
Subways A,C, or 1 to 59th Street Stop. Walk to 939 Eighth Avenue, between 55th & 56th Streets. 3rd floor (Room 3B).

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939 Eighth Avenue, between 55th & 56th Streets, #307 - Room 3B

$5.00 PER CLASS with

advance purchase of class card

* 4 Class Card = $20

* 8 card is now $4 per class *

* 8 Class Card = $32

(can be used for Level I or II)

NOTE: advanced cards can only be purchased at the class.

* Walk-ins will cost $7 per class.

 contact us for details!

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Schedule HTML click here!

Foundation (Beginner Levels):

Fridays from 7-8pm (Schedule)

Enhancers & Variations (Intermediate Levels):

Fridays from 8-9pm (Schedule)

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Instructor Training: If you are interested in becoming an instructor, create your own turn patterns and shines, then this class is for you!

Send me an email to arrange for the sessions.  All sessions are taught privately.

Each session is $120 hourly.  Each additional hour takes $20 off the price. For example two hours is equal to $220.  Additional training to teach Ladies Technique and Styling taught by Missy will be an additional $100 hourly. These prices include two instructors but does  not include the studio rental.

These sessions apply to all styles of Salsa.

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Building Blocks: The 1st level class teaches foundation steps which includes: Footwork and Spins, Direction, Sequence Variations, Combinations and the keys of leading and following. These are repeated consistently throughout each class while you are learning sets of turn patterns.

The 2nd level concentrates on core turn patterns "Enhancers"; from these turn patterns you will be able to create several variations of each turn, creating your own unique repertoire. Followers will be able to follow any turn pattern.

This is my technique named "Building Blocks of Salsa/Mambo" (c). In the first level I teach foundation, in the second level, I build on that foundation. All of this I implement in my classes while still teaching a unique collection of turn patterns named enhancers. So you end up with alot of material after each class!

When I took my first class in Salsa/Mambo, it was the "Son Montuno" or "Palladium" style Mambo.  The steps I learned were 234, 678. 

When I first learned to dance, I remember how I did not originally count to the music; I danced through feeling the music and did not realize any structure to the steps.  I did not realize this back then, but the count I was dancing to was 123, 567 - known as "breaking on the 1". 

After I learned Salsa/Mambo with 234, 678, I experienced another style of Mambo danced on the "New York On2" 123, 567.  Both of these styles are breaking on "2" and they both have their own flavors. 

The difference I found was in the basic step; 234, 678 - pauses and does not step on the "1" or "5", however the other style - 123, 567 - does step on the "1" and "5", however they both break on the "2".  After you progress as a dancer, your basic step becomes more versatile.  This is where you experiment with the music and choose which count you step on.  This of course, depends on how you feel and move to the music.

With that said, I have danced both styles and found that they have made me a better dancer, instructor, performer and choreographer. 

Learning both styles exposes you to areas of the music and dance that you cannot gain through dancing only one style.  Any well-established dancer should be open to all styles and should be able to dance to any of them.

Which style you prefer to dance is your decision. If someone else is dancing a different style then they are not wrong - they are different.

I learned allot about the Fania and the Palladium Mambo era from the Salsa Magazine website, hosted by Izzy Sanabria.  I encourage you to begin some dialogue with Izzy and read up on some of the interesting articles on his web site. Ask him about "The Palladium Days - When Mambo Was King".

What is open footwork/shines?

When I first took my step to the dance floor, I quickly realized that my turn patterns were not happening and I could not remember those that I learned in class.  After the 10th cross body lead, I recall my first instructor advising me to take the open footwork class - it is then that I understood what was open footwork/shines.

Salsa/Mambo is versatile, but it all depends on you.  You can go out on the dance floor and work your partner on turn after turn after turn or you can break away (open) from your partner and freestyle!

Open footwork/shines is made up of footwork influenced by Cuban rhythms and Jazz technique.  Try out a class!

*** Frequently Asked Questions ***

Do I need to bring a partner to class? No, but as any school will tell you, the more people you bring, the better your discounts will be.

What do I need to wear? I recommend shoes with a leather bottom.  The smoother the better. Suede bottoms are good as well. You can wear sneakers, to avoid injury it is not recommended in the advanced levels because sneakers tend to stick to the ground and cause too much friction while spinning. Please do not wear boots, but if you do then you may end up dancing in your socks. The studio has very nice dance floors.

In the more advanced levels you may want to bring an extra shirt to change into for the class.

Do I really need to be there at the start of the class?  Can I watch for a bit and then step in?  Learning how to dance is progressive. Each block of information builds on top and around each other.  If you miss any part of the class you will feel lost and miss some important concepts.  Later on this will be evident when you decide to join the class.

See you in class!

Frank "Ritmo" Garcia

"Siempre En El Ritmo"

The Ritmo Tip - Why?