Hello my name is duane Wrenn. Welcome to the Energetic Soul Workshop Series 1(ESWS 1). The ESWS 1 is a series of workshops that are designed to introduce each individual to a basic level knowledge on the style of dance they are learning. A basic knowledge level includes a brief history about the style, its influences and its music. This will enable the dancer to fully understand the dance and eventually this will lead to his or her own creative movements.

The series is very informative in that the main purpose is to educate the dancer with sound principals for non sport dancing. These principals are simple guidelines to help partners connect on the dance floor. When these principals are understood the exciting challenge is in learning to over stand the dance.

Overstanding implies that one finally realizes that the dance is whatever you desire. In order to realize your potential we have developed a very easy way to help dancers understand the fundamentals of various dance styles. The styles are very popular in Salsa clubs around the world. Our goal is to make all dancers compatible while maintaining a unique presence on the dance floor.

These goals are achieved by offering four levels for each topic. The series starts with a level I class and progresses to a level IV. The first two levels are foundation classes with the last two solely working on application of the foundation. There are several styles that are offered. Each of the styles has their own unique characteristics and still they are all inter-related. Each style of dance therefore offers more insight to the other styles.

Foundation classes :

(Level I)

These classes start with a small discussion on theory and the mindset of the dance. The class then progresses into fundamental body movement and footwork. ( Footwork only)

(Level II)

These classes continue with fundamental body movement and footwork. It then progresses into fundamental movements that will be directly applied to the dance. (ex, the Henry combination)

Application Classes :

(Level III)

These classes work specifically on application of the dance. Here is where we will take a look at possibilities that may happen with in the fundamental framework already established. (It will be assumed that the first two levels have been taken).

(Level IV)

This level is the first step in putting all the pieces together. Here is where your understanding is applied . By this time each dancer should have a full understanding of how to progress the dance for themselves. Practice should be consistent in order to develop your dance from within.

Classes offered :

1.) Energetic Salsa (for exercise/for dance)
2.) Casino
3.) Energetic Cha Cha Cha (for exercise/for dance)
4.) Rueda de Casino
a.) Rueda no Casino
5.) Soul*sa
6.) Afro Cuban Rumba (Yambu, Guaguanco)
7.) Merengue/Bachata

Compliment Classes

A.) Body movement and isolations for dancers
B.) Ladies Styling
C.) Functional fitness for dancers

Class Descriptions

Energetic Salsa:

Imagine a low impact aerobic workout where students can dance to exciting music, learn basic salsa steps with a group of friends and reduce stress and fat calories, while smiling and having fun!

Well… imagine no more, Energetic Salsa is here!

Energetic Salsa is the new standard in Salsa based workouts. This is a fun workout that incorporates basic Salsa steps into a low impact aerobic format. There is no partner involved so anyone can join.

Unlike traditional aerobic classes, Energetic Salsa is designed to promote class interaction as well as incorporating the fundamental building blocks of partner Salsa dancing. This provides additional motivation for both the instructor and the students.

The combination of Salsa steps and hand signals provides a template for an unlimited number of class formats.

Lastly, the music motivates a wide variety of listeners due to the various beats and rhythms that comprise Salsa music. Energetic Salsa provides a positive and energizing foundation for an uplifting workout.

Cha Cha Cha Suelta (Estilo Cubana):

This class is a mix of Cha Cha Cha and Son timing. This timing starts on 8 and breaks on 2. The format incorporates calls from Energetic Salsa and original calls designed for the class. It is also a footwork based class where each participant will learn fundamental footwork basics that will be applied to several limitless combinations based on Cha Cha Cha timing. The class is designed with multiple levels of difficulty. There is a lot of body movement and a great deal of fun to be had! This is the ultimate class to practice for timing improvement.

Ladies Styling (compliment class):

This class is designed to add spice to each ladies repertoire. From sleek body roles and sexy expressions to dynamic leg flares. This class has something for you.

Body Movement and Isolations (compliment class)

These classes are designed to increase range of motion and flexibility primarily between the hip and ribcage area. Not to worry though because different drills for isolations are applied to every joint in the body. So get ready to sweat because this 45 min class is non stop movement until the very end.

Soul*sa:

Soul*sa is Energetic Soul's version of partner style salsa dancing. Soul*sa is unique in that it is inspired by both linear and circular variations of Latin dancing. Soul*sa uses three main movements as its foundation. Learn how to be a unique dancer with exciting styling and a smooth flow. Timing of Soul*sa is host sites choice. Timing choices are on time (dance on 1), son tiempo (break on 2) or contra son tiempo (break on 3).

Casino Salsa -

This class is designed to give participants turns based on circular movements. Casino style is the freestyle of Cuban Salsa. Progresses from Son, Casino style is a very dynamic style with many arm variations and a lot of walking movement. (Highly recommended) Learn how to take your partner from linear to circular dancing with a change of momentum in the form of a tap. Participants then progress to circular turns with a Cuban flair. This class has No Rueda Involved.

Afro Cuban Rumba

Rumba is the word used for a group of related musical dance styles in Cuba. The word is also sometimes used to refer to a Latin-inspired ballroom dance style that is completely different than authentic Cuban Rumba. Rumba can also refer to an African style of pop music developed recently with Latin influences. This class focuses on Cuban Rumba. Rumba developed in rural Cuba, with strong influences from African drumming as well as Spanish poetry and singing.

There are three basic types of Cuban Rumba.

Yambu- a slower, simpler style where the older male and female are dancing in a relaxed manner. In theory the male is trying to prove that he has still got it and the female is encouraging (entice) him through sexy body movements.

Guajuanco- This is a moderate to fast style where the rhythm is more complex. The couple dances in a flirtatious fashion. The male is trying to win her body by performing a series of dynamic movements and thrusting at her with a vaccination type movement called a Vacunao. Both games, Yambu and Rumba heavily influence the dance we know of today as salsa.

Columbia- (Not yet offered):

The fastest of the three styles, Columbia is played in 6/8 time signature. It is danced by solo male dancers, who demonstrate acrobatic and daring moves to demonstrate their courage, strength, agility and sense of humor.

Merengue- Dominican dance with two steps that is very lively and easy to learn.

Bachata- Dominican dance with three steps that is very passionate and fun easy to learn movements.

Functional fitness training for dancers (fffd)

This class starts with movement exercises to heat the core temperature of the body for increased range of motion. The class then progresses with body weight training. The class also may incorporate stability balls and bands. No free weights are used in this class. This class is a total of 60 minutes long. With a 10 minute warm up, 30 minutes of strength and 20 minutes of stretching

Rueda de Casino :

RUEDA de CASINO is a particular way of dancing CASINO (or SALSA ) that is very popular in Cuba.
It starts with a circle of couples that, led by a " Calle r", perform figures (turns) and changes of partners. It might be considered as choreography, since all leaders must know how to perform the turns and the calls of their " Calle r ".