Beginner 101

  What is Salsa?
Salsa is a partner dance form that corresponds to salsa music. Salsa music is a fusion of traditional African and Cuban and other Latin-American rhythms that traveled from the islands (Cuba and Puerto Rico) to New York during the migration, somewhere between the 1940s and the 1970s, depending on where one puts the boundary between "real" salsa and its predecessors. There is debate as to whether Salsa originated in Cuba or Puerto Rico. Salsa is one of the main dances in both Cuba and Puerto Rico and is known worldwide. -Taken from Wikipedia

Salsa On2 vs. Other Styles of Salsa

Salsa On2 is a style of salsa danced all over the world. It's roots are in the 1950's Palladium days and was popularized by the Mambo King, Eddie Torres from New York City.

Salsa On2
Origins Puerto Rico, Cuba, New York City

Dance

 Salsa On2 (also known as Mambo) is a style of salsa dance. Steps are closely connected to the "clave", the underlying rhythm of salsa music. In salsa on2, followers "break forward" with the left foot on the 2nd beat and they "break back" with the right foot on the 6 th beat (salsa music is counted in cycles of 8 beats).
Musical Artists (just a small sample of some of the most well known)
  • Hector Lavoe
  • Tito Puente
  • Eddie Palmieri
  • Roberto Roena
  • El Gran Combo
  • Celia Cruz
  • La Lupe
  • Sonora Poncena
  • Lebron Brothers
  • Joe Cuba
Video Demos Scroll down for video samples of SALSA ON2!

Learn to Dance Salsa On2 at iFreeStyle Dance School

Salsa On2 Dance Lessons at iFreeStyle Dance School
Instructors: Caryl Cuizon, Mo Kobrosli, Joey Lopez, Velina Sotirova, Giselle Jagai
Assistants: Kanako Otsubo, Elton Martins, Jenzy Thomas, Maureen Camacho

Learn to dance salsa on2 with Toronto's Salsa On2 specialists! We are the first dance school in Toronto to specialize, teach, perform and promote salsa On2! We are experienced dancers in other major Latin street styles of salsa and are known for helping students learn to transition what they already know to salsa On2! We offer classes from beginner to advanced levels of salsa, as well as speciality classes and workshops to help fine tune your social dance skills!

Syllabus
Beginner - Learn the essentials of this playful dance
Intermediate - Shines & New Moves, styling
Advanced - New moves, more shines, dips
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Salsa On2 Performance Classes at iFreeStyle
iFreeStyles has been offering Salsa On2 Performance classes for intermediate to Advanced Levels since 2007. Students perform a minimum of 3 times at local Toronto events, including one major iFreeStyle event (Anniversary Celebration or Annual Christmas Gala). Visit our Performance Class page for upcoming performance classes!
   
   
   

Testimionials - What students say about Salsa On2 Classes with iFreeStyle!
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"iFreeStyle Dance Classes"
Join our facebook group and be in the know about Salsa dance classes, news, events, music and more!

Antoinette
"The on 2 classes has changed my dancing life.I feel like a colourful butterfly with brand new wings." Look out on2 dancers here I come, Caryl and helpers you rock!!" I look forward to doing more classes."

Andrew
"I've taken classes with other dance schools, and iFreestyle is the best!"

Jubette
"The instructors are so knowledgeable and so very amazing!!!! Thank you MO and VELINA :)"

Salsa On2 Dance Entertainment
  Dance Entertainment
Looking to provide some entertainment for your special event? iFreeStyle has several levels of dance entertainment in salsa, cha cha cha, and bachata! Contact Caryl Cuizon at caryl@ifreestyle.ca or (416) 669-1385 for more information. See our video gallery below!
• Couples Performances
• Team Performances
• Dance Lessons (customized to your event)
• Bachata Wedding Choreography

Frequently Asked Questions about Salsa On2

Why does iFreeStyle teach only salsa on2?
iFreeStyle.ca was created by two dancers (Caryl Cuizon & Angus Dirnbeck) who loved the feeling of dancing on2, so much so that they wanted to start a school in Toronto fully dedicated to teaching, performing and promoting salsa On2. The dance school crew at iFreeStyle.ca is passionate about salsa On2 and look forward to sharing that with any student or dancer with an interest in learning!

What style of salsa do most people dance in Toronto?
The answer to this question depends on which segment of the Toronto scene to which you are referring. As of this writing, On2 is more common among beginner to intermediate salsa dancers. As you focus your consideration more to the intermediate and advanced dancers you will find the proportions leaning towards the majority dancing On2.

Why would I want to learn to dance salsa on2?
Put simply, knowing how to dance different styles provides you with the opportunity to dance with more people. Just imagine your disappointment if you were to find out that someone you really want to dance with only dances a style with which you are unfamiliar!

Is Salsa On2 a more more advanced style of salsa?
No, salsa On2 is one of many styles of salsa. While many experienced dancers and performers prefer to socially dance On2, it is just a preference.

Is Salsa On2 harder to learn than Salsa On1?
No. This is in fact one of many myths about dancing On2. Dancing On2 is no harder than dancing On1. If you are used to dancing On1 (or some other beat) it can feel very different to what you are used to. Throughout the year we offer a workshop for On1 dancers called "From the 1 to the 2" to help On2 dancers transition what they already know On1 to On2.

Video Gallery - Salsa On2 @ iFreeStyle Dance Company