Courses & Workshops in Cairns

The modern Mambo dance from New York was popularized in the 70s by Eddie Torres and his contemporaries who were 1st or 2nd generation Puerto Rican immigrants. Since then it has regained popularity due to a number of films featuring the dance. Eddie Torres is a New York dancer and Mambo fanatic who has launched a crusade to make sure the dance reigns in the ballroom once again. Eddie has become the leading exponent of the style and has taught the world to dance the Mambo once again.

Today Mambo dancers all over the world, including us at Latinissimo, are determined to introduce new and current salsa dancers to what we believe is the authentic "night-club" style of mambo dancing. During the 1990's it was increasingly known as "Salsa" but has the breaking step on the 2nd beat (hence the Salsa "on2" name) which is the upbeat of the music. However, keep in mind there is a difference between classic Mambo and Salsa "on2, they are not the same. There is classic Mambo and modern Mambo (aka Salsa "on2").

The Mambo today is as hot as it was in the '50's with many influences, such as African, Cuban, Jazz, Hip-Hop, even some ballet. You'll never run out of steps!

The modernized Mambo will look very similar to Salsa "on1" at first glance. However, as you grow your understanding of the unique "Mambo" timing, you will find the style has a very different dynamics to other Salsa styles. It is smooth, jazzy, elegant and is a more sophisticated way of interpreting Salsa music. However, the Mambo can also be vibrant and energetic depending on the music choice.

The Beginner classes (L1) will focus on the basics, fundamentals, the understanding of Mambo's unique timing, musicality and basic lead/following techniques. L2 will explore the basics further, develop and expand repertoire with interesting partnerwork and a new element we have added to the curriculum is Salsa song structure. This will guide the dancer on how to dance a song and appreciate the close relationship of the dance and music!

At this level you will learn all the key elements and fundamentals of "linear" style salsa (on2). This course is aimed for the student who has little or no experience in salsa. We start from the very beginning with all the salsa basics, rhythm & timing. We will then continue with the fundamentals of partner dancing, basic lead and following techniques, turns and how to put it all together into basic figures and fun easy flowing variations.

Throughout this course, your goal is to learn the basic terminology, understand the 7 fundamental basic salsa steps and be able to lead (if you are the leader) OR be able to follow (if you are the follower) the basic figures and variations taught in the course. The basics taught in this fundamental course are absolutely vital as they will follow you throughout and always be referred to in higher levels.

Pre-requisite: None

Beginners PLUS is for those who have completed Level 1 (Beginners Salsa) and feel they are ready to move on, or may have done a salsa beginners course elsewhere and are not sure where they fit in. This course will explore how you can change the look of the basics you have learned in Level 1 without changing the actual basic steps.

Basics boring...?! No way! It is here you will creatively explore the beginners level further and find out how much fun it can really be with the simplicity of the basics and its variations! This course will also give you an even more solid foundation and understanding of the basics and build your confidence to prepare you for Level 3 (Improvers). Please note that this course is not suitable for absolute beginners as it is assumed that you have full understanding of the basic steps and terminology.

Pre-requisite: Salsa Level 1 assessment

Can I come without booking?

Yes, you can join without prior booking! However, we recommend to pre-register as you do get a pre-registration discount. Regardless, you are most welcome to show up on the day without pre-registration. Please have cash ready. See door pricing in the above table.

Any questions, just let us know! This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., txt or call 0473 246332. Hope to see you dancing real soon! 

The authentic dance from the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean is a basic dance sequence in a full 8-count moving within a square. Dancers in the Western world much later made up a basic step going from side to side and also incorporated moves and turn pattern sequences from various couple dances, Latin and non Latin, performing these combinations in the timing used in bachata dancing, thus creating a fusion Bachata dance that you see around the world today.

The basic dance sequence consists of three steps and then a tap step or various forms of step syncopation (such as the "double step"). Dancers in the west accompany the tap with an exaggerated "pop” of the hips. Bachata can be danced on the 1st beat of the musical phrase, with the tap on the 4th beat, but dancing on the 2nd, 3rd or 4th beat is also common. The tap is done on the opposite foot of the last step, while the next step is taken on the same foot as the tap. The dance direction changes after the tap or fourth step.

Bachata Styles

There are three main stream bachata styles;

• Traditional Bachata (Dominican)
• Modern Bachata
• Sensual Bachata

In the sample clip is a preview of "modern/sensual bachata". This is the style that we teach at Latinissimo.

Dominican Bachata: (traditional style) or others call it "authentic" bachata, as its the way it is danced in Dominican Republic. This style is danced with the basic steps moving within a small square (side, side, forward and side, side, back) are inspired from the bolero steps but is an evolved version of those including a tap and also syncopation (steps in between the beats) depending on the dynamics of the music being played. The hand placement will vary with the dancers position which can be very close to semi close to open. Unlike salsa, traditional bachata does not usually include many turn patterns sequences.

Modern Bachata: This is the most common style of bachata danced all over the world. The main characteristic of this style is the use of a small hip movement on the 4th count of the beat (1,2,3 and hip) and the close connection with your partner (a very romantic style of dance). The most direct fusion influence on Modern Bachata, comes from the adoption of salsa turn patterns; these, together with dips became the core of the dance.

Body Movement is a key characteristic in all Latin dancing. Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha, Zouk, Kizomba, Samba etc. Doing the steps is great, but having the skill to add body movement to it will enhance the any fancy footwork and put you on a whole new level. Note that the body movement course is not about styling. This course is about gaining understanding of the body mechanics to create fluidity in your dance and as result “execute” the movement rather than “doing” the movement. Styling can only be added once you understand body movement. Styling is like the “cream, cherry and sprinkle” on top of the cake. Body movement is the cake - the base that is put together by different elements and techniques.

This course is also about coordination from one body part to the other. It creates a chain of actions that that if all done correctly, will result in fluid, elegant and controlled movement. You will go through how to isolate certain parts of the body to enhance others and so on.

Shines and body movement go hand in hand. However, it is best to study them separately when you are trying to learn the fundamentals of both at first. Later on you will be able to put the two skills together and add body movement to your shines/footwork/styling - that's when the magic happens.

In these courses you will look into body awareness, coordination, timing, turns, musicality, rhythm, weight transfer and distribution, directional changes, general dance technique, balance and much more. All these elements are essential for all partner dancing and solo dancing too of course. The combination of the two will not just teach you skills, will also teach you how to hold your own on the dance floor.

We recommend everybody, both girls and guys who are taking partner dance classes up to take these courses to better understand the different elements involved in both Salsa, Bachata and Latin dancing in general. Understanding of body mechanics, coordination and order of sequence will give consistent results.

The Body Movement course will start with Level 1 going over the fundamental techniques and drills to give you a solid understanding and sufficient practice to process all the information. We will build up the skills slowly as it takes a while for it to sink in. You will focus on your entire body from head to shoulders, to arms, to hands, chest, ribcage and hips. The course is separated in two part. First part focuses on simple body movement excecution of hips, torso, shoulders and arm coordination. This will be appied to simple basic steps. Second part will focus on rolling and popping ovements, using the same body parts but with less stepping. Pure body control. This does take time to learn and execute. Be patient. You are conditioning your body to new movements and coordination.

Shines Key Elements

• Body Awareness
• Coordination
• Timing
• Rhythm
• Musicality
• Weight transfer
• Balance
• Directional changes
• Speed