Cuban Salsa Dance Lessons
Learn how to Salsa with Jaime Ruiz and Friends
Cuban Salsa Dance Lessons
March 31–June 30
Each Monday
6:30 pm
Do you wanna dance?
Join Jaime Ruiz and Friends at the SCC for our Spring introductory course in the basics of Cuban Salsa starting Monday March 31 and ending on June 30. Classes will take place weekly.
By the end of this course, you will have mastered the basic steps and the rhythm of Cuban Salsa. You will be able to lead (or follow). You will be able to impress your friends with some stunning turns. This course will be a step-by-step process; with each week building on the previous week.
You will learn:
How to dance in 4-time
The 5 basic steps in Cuban Salsa
How to dance in couples (with someone leading)
A series of turns that become more complex each week
How to dance the famous ‘Rueda de Casino’ – this is how Cuban Salsa is done in Cuba
Classes will last for 1 hour. There will also be a complimentary ½ hour of one-on-one instruction for those who want extra instruction – this must be booked in advance.
About
Jaime Ruiz and Friends
About Cuban Salsa
Cuban Salsa also known as “Casino” differs from other styles of Salsa found in the US. Notably it focuses on circular movements were dancers face each other and move round in a fluid, circular pattern. This reflects the influence of traditional Cuban dances like Son. It is rooted in Afro-Cuban rhythms like Son, Rumba and Cha-Cha which can lead to a more improvisational style of dancing. Cuban Salsa is a unique expression of the rich cultural heritage of Cuba, which emphasizes community and celebration. In contrast, Salsa in the US focuses more on performance and competition.
The Benefits of Cuban Salsa Classes
Cuban Salsa is a holistic form of exercise. Our classes offer a unique blend of physical and mental exercise that can greatly enhance overall well-being. Physically, dancing Cuban Salsa provides an excellent cardiovascular workout that improves stamina, coordination, and flexibility. The rhythmic movements engage various muscle groups, promoting strength and endurance while allowing participants to burn calories in a fun and social environment. Mentally, Cuban Salsa dancing serves as a powerful stress reliever, as it encourages self-expression and creativity. The vibrant music and dynamic dance steps stimulate the mind, helping to improve focus and cognitive function. By participating in Cuban Salsa classes, you can improve your physical fitness while cultivating mental resilience and joy.
Jaime Ruiz
Discovered by a talent scout at the age of 15 – while breakdancing on the streets of Santiago – Jaime had a professional dance career for over 20 years. He was initially recruited as a dancer on the popular Chilean variety show Sábado Gigante (1986-2015). During this time, he studied Jazz, Hip-Hop and Ballet at the Mangosta academy in Santiago. He subsequently auditioned with and joined two dance companies: Abaraxas Jr. and Tramax where he was one of the lead dancers who performed in all the choreographies. Tramax was led by Manny Castro, who came to the US in the 1990s and found fame on America’s Got Talent.
After a break from dancing, Jaime returned to the Mangosta academy where he trained and obtained certification as a Cuban Salsa Teacher.
Salsa Social
Spring 2023