About Salsa
Class Description:
Salsa is a Latin dance, associated with the music genre of the same name, which was first popularized in the United States in the 1960s in New York City. Salsa is a partnered dance where the lead takes the follower through a series of spins and turn patterns to music. Salsa's tempo ranges from about 60 bpm (beats per minute) to around 130 bpm, although most dancing is done to music somewhere between 80 and 120 bpm. In this class the student will learn the fundamental principles of partner dance, dance floor etiquette, timing, basic footwork, left & right turns, 'cross body lead', and other basic core elements and patterns for leading or following Salsa. It is recommended that students take this class for between 4-6 weeks before progressing to the level 2 class.
Suggested Footwear:
Leather or smooth soled shoes are suggested
Suggested Experience Needed:
No prior dance experience recommended
Related Classes:
Bachata Level 1
Prerequisite:
Students need to take this class for between 8-10 weeks before progressing to intermediate
Meet Ava
Instagram: @avaandrodolfo
Ava Apple (She/Her), a San Francisco native, has been dancing professionally for over 40 years. She has competed, performed & taught throughout the USA, Hong Kong, Italy, and The Netherlands and has received awards for her contribution to the world of Salsa & Latin Dance at the 2002 West Coast Salsa Congress, the 2003 SF Salsa Congress, and the 2003 Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts 25th Anniversary celebration. Many well known dancers got their start in Ava’s classes, and on her dance team The Latin Symbolics - brother/sister duo Junior & Emily Alabi, Alex Lee & Chi Le, Jhon Narvaez & Liz Rojas are just a few that have had successful dance careers after studying with Ava.
Ava and her dance partner Rodolfo Guzman, are well respected for teaching Salsa On 1 & On 2, Bachata, NY Hustle, and Partner Lifts & Drops, and she was one of the first dancers to teach “Same Sex Salsa” classes in the mid-’90’s, in S.F.
She is a highly respected Wedding dance coach/choreographer and LOVES helping couples get ready for their “First Dance”, whether it’s a slow, romantic, Ballroom style they are looking for, or something up-tempo and playful.
Ava has danced in commercials for Fitbit, and Next Insurance, and was a featured extra in “Spirit of ‘76”, and “Center Stage”. She also has danced in music videos for Linda Ronstadt, Rick Springfield, and Timmy Spence.