The Beginner and Open Level classes are taught by BASo certified teachers and offer three levels of instruction – beginner, intermediate and advanced. To maximize and review results, BASo offers access to the BAILA Society Online Dance Academy, the largest video library of dance instruction in the world for dancers of all skill levels.

Training exercises used in every class will be drawn from fundamental dance techniques used in ballet, jazz, ballroom, hip hop, and salsa in order to present a clear and effective process for achieving total body control.

The Beginner Level Salsa class on Saturdays introduces the basics of New York Style Salsa, including:

• Leading and Following
• New York Salsa Timing
• Improvisation for Social Dancing
• Social Dancing Etiquette
• Turn Preparation & Execution
• New York Salsa Footwork Curriculum

The Open Classes introduce a wide range of fundamental Latin dance skills, including:

• Body Rolls (Forward & Reverse)
• Torso & Hip Rolls; Hip Shake
• Shoulder Rolls & "Salsa Upper Body Movement"
• Shoulder Shimmy; Head Rolls
• Arm Alignment and Transitioning
• Turn Preparation & Execution (solo and with a partner)
• Head Spotting; Balance; Momentum

For beginners, the class teaches variations in head, arm, and body movement that can be used to enhance simple salsa floorwork patterns. Isolation exercises and training routines will be drawn from other dance disciplines to encourage flexibility, body control, and rhythm. The goal of this aspect of the course is to enable students to improvise floorwork sequences on the dance floor with style and confidence.

For intermediate dancers, the lessons provide a comprehensive method for building body balance, momentum, and control when executing multiple spins in salsa. Turn drills designed after proven ballet and jazz spinning techniques will introduce and reinforce the skills needed to execute multiple spins in salsa dance both with and without a partner.

For advanced dancers, the main focus of the class is to enhance the dancer's skill repertoire to performance quality. Students will learn the importance of posture, eye contact, and facial expressions when performing, as well as useful strategies for maximizing each movement, interacting with an audience, making use of stage space, and dealing with nervousness and onstage mistakes.

For additional details and to review videos of BASo live classes and performances, please visit the Baila Society website.

Watch this video of a Peridance Class and a recent performance!