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. Level 2 is for students who have completed the 'fundamentals' course or for those who have a secure grasp of the basic elements of salsa and partnered dancing. Level 2 is for those who have a secure grasp of the basic elements of Salsa partner dancing. Prerequisite for level II - Students must know how to lead or follow basic left & right turns, Cross Body Lead with inside & outside turns, and Change of Places with inside & outside turns.
Suggested Footwear:
Leather or smooth soled shoes are suggested.
Suggested Experience Needed:
A minimum of 3-4 months of Salsa Dance classes.
Must have the ability to lead or follow right & left turns, ‘cross body lead’ inside &
outside turns, change of places, and spot turns.
Related Classes:
Bachata
Prerequisite:
It is recommended that beginner students take this class for between 8-10 weeks before
progressing to intermediate or level 2 class. Students must have the ability to lead or
follow right & left turns, cross body lead inside & outside turns, change of places inside &
outside turns, and spot turns.
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.