GROUP CLASSES
Group classes are 1 hour, once per week in the evenings, Monday - Thursday in downtown Toronto.
No classes on weekends or statutory holidays.
All classes are offered by drop-in (unless otherwise stated). Use your Monthly Membership, 1, 5, 8 or 10-Class pass to learn to dance
Salsa On2, Traditional Bachata, Cha Cha or other specialty topics/workshops.
Try as many as you can handle!
Minimum of 3 students to run a class, so reserve your spot to avoid disappointment!
No classes on weekends or statutory holidays.
All classes are offered by drop-in (unless otherwise stated). Use your Monthly Membership, 1, 5, 8 or 10-Class pass to learn to dance
Salsa On2, Traditional Bachata, Cha Cha or other specialty topics/workshops.
Try as many as you can handle!
Minimum of 3 students to run a class, so reserve your spot to avoid disappointment!
LATIN DANCE STYLES
What is Salsa?
Salsa is likely the most popular of the Latin street partner dances. With roots in Africa, combined with the Spanish flavours from Puerto Rico, Cuba and New Yorks Jazz era, this dance became widely known as "salsa" in the 1970's.
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Over the years, both the music and the dance evolved with influences from different genres of music and dance. Today there are many styles of salsa, expressing their own musicality, timing, flavour and movement.
Salsa On2 Salsa On2 is a style that is enjoyed by people all over the world, including right here in Toronto. Depending on the music, it can be danced slow and smooth or explosive and energetic, with everything in between; as compared to it’s siblings (Bachata and Cha Cha) it tends to be more up-tempo. |
What is Bachata?
Bachata is a both a genre of music and a Latin street partner dance born on the beautiful island of the Dominican Republic.
Dancers and music lovers around the world have come to love the music, partner connection, body movement, they playful footwork and freedom. It is a dance full of sensuality, partner connection and musicality inspired by the soulful melodic rhythms of guitars, and the suggestive sounds of accompanying instrumentation and vocals. ... Dive deep into this dance and you'll find a freedom unlike any other. Under the spell of the music, feel the romance, the connection and lose yourself.
Dancers and music lovers around the world have come to love the music, partner connection, body movement, they playful footwork and freedom. It is a dance full of sensuality, partner connection and musicality inspired by the soulful melodic rhythms of guitars, and the suggestive sounds of accompanying instrumentation and vocals. ... Dive deep into this dance and you'll find a freedom unlike any other. Under the spell of the music, feel the romance, the connection and lose yourself.
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"Traditional" or "Dominican" bachata refers to a style of bachata popularized in 60's - 90's often using acoustic instruments - guitars (lead guitar, second guitar, bass guitar), guira and bongo. "Dominican" may be a bit of a misnomer as many bachata styles hail from Dominican artists.
"Modern" or "Urban" bachata is a fusion style of bachata that has more of a contemporary feel, incorporating synthesized sounds and music production similar to R&B. "Sensual" bachata is a fusion style of bachata with roots in Brazilian zouk, characterized by full body movement (waves, head tilts, rolls, and often less stepping). This style is typically danced to Spanish or English bachata, contemporary English remixes with more emphasis on melodies rather than rhythmic. |
What is Cha Cha?
Cha Cha (also known as Cha Cha Cha) is a close relative of salsa (with the introduction of a syncopated step) and also traditionally danced “On2”. Because the tempos are generally slower than salsa, it gives the dance freedom for even longer lines and body movement.
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Because it is so closely related to Salsa On2, it is also a great “training ground” for more complex/advanced movements before they can be transported to/accomplished within your salsa dancing.
Like the other genres, the music for Cha Cha covers a wide spectrum of styles, from traditional, to latin jazz and “Boogaloo” (which is a funky, soul rnb infused style of salsa first popularized in the late 60’s, early 70’s). |
LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS
iFreeStyle.ca classes are offered at 3 broad levels (1, 2, or 3). Learn the skills needed at each level before progressing to the next. How long does it take to move to the next level? It depends on YOU! Each person learns at their own pace and has their own level of commitment to learning! The length of time also depends on the consistency of your attendance, how much you practice outside of class, how often you social dance etc.
At iFreeStyle we value a combination of fun, technique, partner connection, expression and musicality! It's not just WHAT you do but HOW you do it to make each dance a great experience for you and your partner! #ultimatefun!
At iFreeStyle we value a combination of fun, technique, partner connection, expression and musicality! It's not just WHAT you do but HOW you do it to make each dance a great experience for you and your partner! #ultimatefun!
Level 1
Little or no dance experience? No problem! Level 1 is the best place to begin! We’ll get you prepped with essential footwork, musical understanding, timing, partnering technique and connection. In levels 2 and 3, you’ll be expected to know all this good stuff so we can teach you cool new moves and variations!
Come with a partner, or come on your own, everyone is welcome! Get ready for some fun and a very active social life!
Experience - Beginner friendly! Little or none required!
Pre-Requisites - Looking for some fun :)
Come with a partner, or come on your own, everyone is welcome! Get ready for some fun and a very active social life!
Experience - Beginner friendly! Little or none required!
Pre-Requisites - Looking for some fun :)
Level 2
If you can already dance basic steps with correct On2 timing, THEN you may be ready for Level 2 where we’ll challenge you with new combinations and variations as we continue to introduce you to new rhythms and musicality. You will also get introduced to spinning technique and styling options.
Experience - Beginner/Intermediate to Intermediate footwork and partnering technique
Pre-Requisites - Interested in stepping up their game on the dance floor!
Experience - Beginner/Intermediate to Intermediate footwork and partnering technique
Pre-Requisites - Interested in stepping up their game on the dance floor!
Level 3
Our level 3 classes are for experienced dancers with solid timing. Did we say solid timing? Yes, this class challenges experienced dancers with intricate moves that dive deeper into the nuances of leading and following technique that provide smooth, light, connected partnering. We’ll work on flavour, musicality, weight transfers, directional changes and swing to get you dancing with soul!
Experience - Intermediate to Intermediate/Advanced in the dance style (solid timing, experience with intricate footwork and partnering including multiple spin technique)
Pre-Requisites - Hungry to learn, looking for a challenge and ready to rock the dance floor!
Experience - Intermediate to Intermediate/Advanced in the dance style (solid timing, experience with intricate footwork and partnering including multiple spin technique)
Pre-Requisites - Hungry to learn, looking for a challenge and ready to rock the dance floor!
Not sure what level you should take?
Contact us for a FREE assessment at info@ifreestyle.ca, call or text (416) 669-1385
Contact us for a FREE assessment at info@ifreestyle.ca, call or text (416) 669-1385
CLASS TYPES
Latin dances are full of flavour and spice, incorporate connection in partner work, footwork and body movement. We offer classes that combine all of them, AND we have classes the focus on each of them separately.
Footwork (Shines)
Whether you're dancing on your own or with a partner, you have to move your feet! The best of the best dancers in the world have great footwork as a solid foundation (timing, balance, rhythm, musicality, weight transfer, aesthetic). In partner work classes, we warm up with footwork and drills so don't miss the beginning of class! Mambo Shines (Level 3) Latin Movement & Shines (Level 2) |
Partner work
Part of Latin Dance’s unique appeal is the “partner work" aspect that allows for a conversation in movement. Social dances are improvised, as opposed to choreographed and this allows for infinite possibilities for two dancers to explore. In partner work classes you'll learn the techniques that make this ‘conversation’ possible and enjoyable. Yes you will learn some cool, fun, sexy moves; but more importantly you’ll learn the skills of leading or following that let you be light, smooth, responsive and musical on the dance floor. |
Body Movement
Ultimately, we strive to express ourselves and our connection to the music through our full bodies. Our body movement classes help you build isolations and coordinated movement that lets you do exactly that! Dancer's Body (Level 2 +) Afro Cuban Fusion (Level 2 +) Latin Movement & Shines (Level 2) |
Not sure which level class is for you?
Contact us for a FREE assessment at info@ifreestyle.ca, call or text (416) 669-1385
Want some 1:1 attention?
Private lessons are great for unpredictable schedules and learning at your own pace!
CLASS SCHEDULE & RESERVATIONS
WHY SHOULD I RESERVE MY SPOT IN A CLASS?
- It helps balance male/female ratio where needed/possible.
- It helps us know which classes you enjoy taking :)
- In the event of an emergency and need to notify students in a class (i.e. emergency cancellations due to weather, insufficient # of sign-ups, or other circumstances), we can contact you directly. If you don't reserve your spot, you may miss those important notices.
- Where space is limited, we'll accept students who reserve classes in the order that they are reserved.
CLASS SCHEDULE
List View
Click on the the classes below (in blue) to reserve your spot in that class.
CLASS SCHEDULE
Calendar View
Click on the the classes below (in blue) to reserve your spot in that class.
Those in grey have already taken place.
Those in grey have already taken place.