Downstreet Dance Studio
Downstreet Dance Studio
Our Booking Policy1. Select class
2. Select date
3. Select time
4. Create profile (or login if returning customer)
5. Confirm class
6. Repeat for next class/date of choice
Once booked, payments can be sent via e-transfer to pay@downstreetdance.com
2. Select date
3. Select time
4. Create profile (or login if returning customer)
5. Confirm class
6. Repeat for next class/date of choice
Once booked, payments can be sent via e-transfer to pay@downstreetdance.com
1. Select class
2. Select date
3. Select time
4. Create profile (or login if returning customer)
5. Confirm class
6. Repeat for next class/date of choice
Once booked, payments can be sent via e-transfer to pay@downstreetdance.com
Private Lesson
There are no private lesson to displayClasses
11-Hour Dance Card
Dance Cards are finally available for purchase online!
11 hours of dancing for the price of 10! Dance Cards can be used for any class offered by DownStreet Dance Studio, and are shareable between 2 or more people.
The physical cards will be filled out and activated when you come to the studio, at which point you may add the names of anyone with whom you wish to share. Cards will remain at the desk so you have no need to remember to bring them with you!
If you are purchasing as a gift, we will be happy to email you a printable graphic! Just email us at downstreetdance@gmail.com and let us know the details.
Happy Dancing!
11 hours of dancing for the price of 10! Dance Cards can be used for any class offered by DownStreet Dance Studio, and are shareable between 2 or more people.
The physical cards will be filled out and activated when you come to the studio, at which point you may add the names of anyone with whom you wish to share. Cards will remain at the desk so you have no need to remember to bring them with you!
If you are purchasing as a gift, we will be happy to email you a printable graphic! Just email us at downstreetdance@gmail.com and let us know the details.
Happy Dancing!
Special Events
Friday, June 20
8-9 pm - Beginner Workshop
9-10.30 pm - Social
Pre-requisites
Beginner Workshop is for people with little or no experience in West Coast Swing. You do not need to register with a partner or have any dance experience!
Cost
$10 for the Beginner Workshop plus the Friday social
Please contact for private lesson availability and costs.
Come dance with us!
Maria Ford is an Ottawa-based All-Star West Coast Swing dancer who also competes in Professional/Open Hustle. She has co-choreographed and performed winning West Coast Swing routines, including team and Rising Star divisions. Today, she focuses on providing high-quality instruction and innovative teacher training. She is skilled in and gives equal support to both Lead and Follow roles. She is known for building strong technical foundations, quality of movement, troubleshooting, and excellence in teaching. Learn more at www.smoothstyle.ca
8-9 pm - Beginner Workshop
9-10.30 pm - Social
Pre-requisites
Beginner Workshop is for people with little or no experience in West Coast Swing. You do not need to register with a partner or have any dance experience!
Cost
$10 for the Beginner Workshop plus the Friday social
Please contact for private lesson availability and costs.
Come dance with us!
Maria Ford is an Ottawa-based All-Star West Coast Swing dancer who also competes in Professional/Open Hustle. She has co-choreographed and performed winning West Coast Swing routines, including team and Rising Star divisions. Today, she focuses on providing high-quality instruction and innovative teacher training. She is skilled in and gives equal support to both Lead and Follow roles. She is known for building strong technical foundations, quality of movement, troubleshooting, and excellence in teaching. Learn more at www.smoothstyle.ca
Just like our regular social dance, but a lo latino!
Whether you're looking to show off some of the Salsa moves you learned in class or simply want to dance the night away to some great Latin music, look no further!
All levels welcome and no partners necessary!
Dance styles include mostly Salsa, Bachata and Merengue, but also any other Latin dance style that's requested. Song requests are always welcome!
Whether you're looking to show off some of the Salsa moves you learned in class or simply want to dance the night away to some great Latin music, look no further!
All levels welcome and no partners necessary!
Dance styles include mostly Salsa, Bachata and Merengue, but also any other Latin dance style that's requested. Song requests are always welcome!
A social dance is an opportunity to practice the skills and moves that you've learned in class. All levels and styles of dance are welcome! It's also a chance to watch other dancers and listen to great music.
There will be a variety of styles - including West Coast Swing, Foxtrot, Waltz, Lindy Hop, Persian, Line Dance.
All can come - no partners necessary.
There will be a variety of styles - including West Coast Swing, Foxtrot, Waltz, Lindy Hop, Persian, Line Dance.
All can come - no partners necessary.
Tuesdays
Belly Dance, Cairo Style.
In the exciting Cairo style Belly Dance, students learn from basic to advance technique. Starting with basic hip movements, correcting body alignment to develop a beautiful technique, and different arm positions for a good foundation.
My goal is to share and broadcast my love for dance thorough my experience to students. Teacher Erika's Bellydance training consists of seminars, workshops and private classes taken with Egyptian, Iraqi, and Iranian teachers. She was offered to teach classes for dance teachers and students in Egypt within the "Sagat" Festival in El Cairo, Egypt. Receiving an acknowledgment from the "Cioff" (The Egyptian Council of Folklore, Arts, Groups and Festival). Graduated from the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature in Mexico City in Contemporary Dance.
In the exciting Cairo style Belly Dance, students learn from basic to advance technique. Starting with basic hip movements, correcting body alignment to develop a beautiful technique, and different arm positions for a good foundation.
My goal is to share and broadcast my love for dance thorough my experience to students. Teacher Erika's Bellydance training consists of seminars, workshops and private classes taken with Egyptian, Iraqi, and Iranian teachers. She was offered to teach classes for dance teachers and students in Egypt within the "Sagat" Festival in El Cairo, Egypt. Receiving an acknowledgment from the "Cioff" (The Egyptian Council of Folklore, Arts, Groups and Festival). Graduated from the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature in Mexico City in Contemporary Dance.
Lindy Hop and Charleston are the original swing dances from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. Continuing dancers will learn Lindy Hop and Charleston steps and sequences to add to their existing repertoire, solo jazz moves to sprinkle in, and jazz routines to put it all together.
A basic foundation of Lindy Hop and Charleston is recommended to take these classes.
No partner required.
This class is 60 minutes with 30 minutes of additional practice time.
Jordi has danced Lindy Hop and Charleston, the original Swing dances, since 2016. In addition to teaching at DownStreet, he is always actively taking classes in various dance styles, participating in swing dance workshops across Atlantic Canada, and learning from international teachers. In 2019 and 2021 he performed Lindy Hop routines at PEI's own Dancing with the Stars Hospice PEI event, and received the Judges' Choice and People's Choice awards. It's the goofy nature of this dance that always keeps him laughing and he is excited to share the joy with all those who want to continue learning this dance.
A basic foundation of Lindy Hop and Charleston is recommended to take these classes.
No partner required.
This class is 60 minutes with 30 minutes of additional practice time.
Jordi has danced Lindy Hop and Charleston, the original Swing dances, since 2016. In addition to teaching at DownStreet, he is always actively taking classes in various dance styles, participating in swing dance workshops across Atlantic Canada, and learning from international teachers. In 2019 and 2021 he performed Lindy Hop routines at PEI's own Dancing with the Stars Hospice PEI event, and received the Judges' Choice and People's Choice awards. It's the goofy nature of this dance that always keeps him laughing and he is excited to share the joy with all those who want to continue learning this dance.
Thursdays
Welcome to the Burlesque Summer Sessional! Each week in July we will dive into a different element or style of Burlesque.
Week 1- Fans! Each student will require 2 fans to work with. Practice fans will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.
Week 2- Boas! Boas will NOT be provided for this lesson. However, if you cannot find or access one, a long flowing scarf (5-6ft) will do.
Week 3- Character work! How do performers come up with their personas? Hold an audience's attention? Be funny AND sexy? We will explore these nuances in this class.
Week 4- Classic technique! We are going to go old school, glitter and glamour, and explore the origins of burlesque and how to build a routine of your very own. Ooh lala!
Each class is accessible and attuned to the level of all students. The instructor makes attempts at offering challenges for every level of dancer.
Marieve has been dancing for over 30 years and teaching for over 20 years in a variety of styles. She started her burlesque journey in Toronto in the mid 2000s before returning home to PEI and joining the Charlottetown Burlesque troupe as their resident choreographer. She has been teaching burlesque for 3 years at Downstreet, and loves seeing the confidence shine through as her students grow into burlesque performers in their own right.
Week 1- Fans! Each student will require 2 fans to work with. Practice fans will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.
Week 2- Boas! Boas will NOT be provided for this lesson. However, if you cannot find or access one, a long flowing scarf (5-6ft) will do.
Week 3- Character work! How do performers come up with their personas? Hold an audience's attention? Be funny AND sexy? We will explore these nuances in this class.
Week 4- Classic technique! We are going to go old school, glitter and glamour, and explore the origins of burlesque and how to build a routine of your very own. Ooh lala!
Each class is accessible and attuned to the level of all students. The instructor makes attempts at offering challenges for every level of dancer.
Marieve has been dancing for over 30 years and teaching for over 20 years in a variety of styles. She started her burlesque journey in Toronto in the mid 2000s before returning home to PEI and joining the Charlottetown Burlesque troupe as their resident choreographer. She has been teaching burlesque for 3 years at Downstreet, and loves seeing the confidence shine through as her students grow into burlesque performers in their own right.
Saturdays
Lots of music and an opportunity to practice! No instruction, but teacher present and happy to dance with you
10 for $10 - Mini private lessons available during this hour. 10 minutes/$10. First come first served, sign up at the desk on arrival.
10 for $10 - Mini private lessons available during this hour. 10 minutes/$10. First come first served, sign up at the desk on arrival.
New to dance? New to West Coast Swing? Want to review from the beginning?
These drop-in classes cover the fundamental steps of West Coast Swing, starting from a walk. We will explore the structure, music, and core 6-count steps to get you moving to your favourite pop, blues, or 4/4 time music. (Classes repeat beginning the first Saturday of every month)
*Start on any week, and finish 4 classes later!*
Class designed that you can drop in at any time to start learning.
Prerequisite for the WCS Whip Intro and higher level classes.
1st Saturday - 6-count Left Side Pass
2nd Saturday - 6-count Push Break with and without Tuck Turn
3rd Saturday - 6-count Right Side Pass
4th Saturday 8-count WCS Whip Intro (Please sign up for this class here https://bit.ly/WCSWhipIntro)
Here's a bit of inspiration! (Right click and open in a new tab)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LKmKu2PHkM&ab_channel=LibertySwingDanceChampionships
Amy has danced for over 40 years and brings her professional experience as a classical dancer to her social dance teaching. Her training in ballet, jazz, modern, and contemporary gives her deep knowledge and understanding of fundamental body movement, and fuels her passion for helping students to learn in a clear, accessible, and fun way. Amy is a founding member of DownStreet Dance and teaches a variety of styles.
These drop-in classes cover the fundamental steps of West Coast Swing, starting from a walk. We will explore the structure, music, and core 6-count steps to get you moving to your favourite pop, blues, or 4/4 time music. (Classes repeat beginning the first Saturday of every month)
*Start on any week, and finish 4 classes later!*
Class designed that you can drop in at any time to start learning.
Prerequisite for the WCS Whip Intro and higher level classes.
1st Saturday - 6-count Left Side Pass
2nd Saturday - 6-count Push Break with and without Tuck Turn
3rd Saturday - 6-count Right Side Pass
4th Saturday 8-count WCS Whip Intro (Please sign up for this class here https://bit.ly/WCSWhipIntro)
Here's a bit of inspiration! (Right click and open in a new tab)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LKmKu2PHkM&ab_channel=LibertySwingDanceChampionships
Amy has danced for over 40 years and brings her professional experience as a classical dancer to her social dance teaching. Her training in ballet, jazz, modern, and contemporary gives her deep knowledge and understanding of fundamental body movement, and fuels her passion for helping students to learn in a clear, accessible, and fun way. Amy is a founding member of DownStreet Dance and teaches a variety of styles.
In this WCS Fundamentals Class we will be building on and refining the five basic steps learned in the Intro classes, breaking them down into easy-to-follow components. You will begin to explore connection, a crucial aspect of West Coast Swing, and learn the subtleties of lead and follow techniques, enhancing your ability to communicate seamlessly on the dance floor. You will also enrich your dance vocabulary with new patterns, variations, and styling options to add flair and creativity to your movements. This four-week class follows a progressive curriculum, ensuring that each session builds upon the previous one.
Whether you're a beginner looking to establish a strong foundation or an intermediate dancer aiming to refine your skills, this class is designed to enhance your understanding of this versatile and stylish dance form.
Prerequisite: Knowledge of the five basic steps (Push Break, Left Side Pass, Right Side Pass, Push Break with Tuck Turn, and Basic Whip)
Laura has been dancing, teaching, and performing West Coast Swing, Hustle, Salsa, and many more for a little more than a decade. When she teaches, her emphasis is on creating a dance class that doesn't have any age, size, mobility, or enthusiasm limits!
With zero childhood dancing other than "rockin' out" to the Beatles in her living room when she was 3, Laura brings the ability to teach students to be kind to themselves when learning new dances or simply how to dance for the first time.
She started learning partner dances in her 30s and keenly remembers the awkward stage of no proprioception or coordination because it was pretty much last Tuesday.
A block of four classes costs $30.
The four week blocks will start on April 6th and May 4th.
Whether you're a beginner looking to establish a strong foundation or an intermediate dancer aiming to refine your skills, this class is designed to enhance your understanding of this versatile and stylish dance form.
Prerequisite: Knowledge of the five basic steps (Push Break, Left Side Pass, Right Side Pass, Push Break with Tuck Turn, and Basic Whip)
Laura has been dancing, teaching, and performing West Coast Swing, Hustle, Salsa, and many more for a little more than a decade. When she teaches, her emphasis is on creating a dance class that doesn't have any age, size, mobility, or enthusiasm limits!
With zero childhood dancing other than "rockin' out" to the Beatles in her living room when she was 3, Laura brings the ability to teach students to be kind to themselves when learning new dances or simply how to dance for the first time.
She started learning partner dances in her 30s and keenly remembers the awkward stage of no proprioception or coordination because it was pretty much last Tuesday.
A block of four classes costs $30.
The four week blocks will start on April 6th and May 4th.
Zumba is a dance fitness workout full of fun latin music and challenging but accessible choreography. This class will accommodate all fitness levels and dance experience is not necessary.
Bring Exercise apparel, sneakers.
Luis has been a certified group fitness instructor for over 35 years. During his career he has conducted safe, challenging and fun classes in almost every modality of group fitness. He has been teaching Zumba Fitness for the past 9 years because it is the perfect marriage of dance and fitness. His classes are structured in such a way that participants of all levels can enjoy the classes and perform at whatever level they are in at the time. In addition to fitness Luis is also trained as a jazz dancer in the Betsy Haug Technique in New York City and has been performing, teaching and choregraphing in the style since the mid 80's.
Bring Exercise apparel, sneakers.
Luis has been a certified group fitness instructor for over 35 years. During his career he has conducted safe, challenging and fun classes in almost every modality of group fitness. He has been teaching Zumba Fitness for the past 9 years because it is the perfect marriage of dance and fitness. His classes are structured in such a way that participants of all levels can enjoy the classes and perform at whatever level they are in at the time. In addition to fitness Luis is also trained as a jazz dancer in the Betsy Haug Technique in New York City and has been performing, teaching and choregraphing in the style since the mid 80's.
Sundays
Casino, known internationally as Cuban Salsa or Salsa Cubana, is a popular partner dance that is danced to Salsa music. It's a social dance that originated in Cuba in the 1950s, heavily influenced by Cuban Son, Mambo and Cha Cha Cha.
This class is for the more advanced beginners who already took the Beginner Cuban Salsa class and know the fundamental moves (Dile que no and Enchufla), which we will be building on to learn slightly more complex figures commonly used in Casino (Cuban Salsa). We will also work on travelling more across the floor and connecting different moves in a smoother way (desplazamientos).
For the advanced beginner class, students should know the basic count (123 567) and basic steps as well as "Dile que no" (Cuban cross-body lead), "Guapea" (basic step in open position - taught in Salsa Rueda), "Paso de Son" (basic step in closed position) and "Enchufla" (all taught in the absolute beginner lesson).
This class is done in partners, but no need to register as a couple since we will be rotating.
Wear comfortable shoes that don't stick too much against the floor.
Block pricing is available: $70 for all 8 classes starting May 4th.
Victoria says:
Coming from a background of over 16 years in competitive figure skating, I've only recently gotten more into different types of dance such as contemporary dance as well as Cuban Salsa and some Tango.
I fell in love with Cuban Salsa after getting introduced to this dance style through my boyfriend, who is originally from Cuba. The fact that it's a street dance there and all types of people of different ages enjoy dancing it over there is something that especially drew me to this as that separates it from all other styles of Salsa.
As someone with Latin roots who grew up speaking Spanish and listening to Latin music, dance has always had a special place in my heart.
This class is for the more advanced beginners who already took the Beginner Cuban Salsa class and know the fundamental moves (Dile que no and Enchufla), which we will be building on to learn slightly more complex figures commonly used in Casino (Cuban Salsa). We will also work on travelling more across the floor and connecting different moves in a smoother way (desplazamientos).
For the advanced beginner class, students should know the basic count (123 567) and basic steps as well as "Dile que no" (Cuban cross-body lead), "Guapea" (basic step in open position - taught in Salsa Rueda), "Paso de Son" (basic step in closed position) and "Enchufla" (all taught in the absolute beginner lesson).
This class is done in partners, but no need to register as a couple since we will be rotating.
Wear comfortable shoes that don't stick too much against the floor.
Block pricing is available: $70 for all 8 classes starting May 4th.
Victoria says:
Coming from a background of over 16 years in competitive figure skating, I've only recently gotten more into different types of dance such as contemporary dance as well as Cuban Salsa and some Tango.
I fell in love with Cuban Salsa after getting introduced to this dance style through my boyfriend, who is originally from Cuba. The fact that it's a street dance there and all types of people of different ages enjoy dancing it over there is something that especially drew me to this as that separates it from all other styles of Salsa.
As someone with Latin roots who grew up speaking Spanish and listening to Latin music, dance has always had a special place in my heart.
Casino, known internationally as Cuban Salsa or Salsa Cubana, is a popular partner dance that is danced to Salsa music. It's a social dance that originated in Cuba in the 1950s, heavily influenced by Cuban Son, Mambo and Cha Cha Cha.
This class is for absolute beginners, suitable for anyone looking to get started with the very basics of Cuban Salsa. This includes learning the basic count (123 567) and basic steps as well as partner work and the fundamental moves (Dile que no, Enchufla, Vacilala) needed to learn the most commonly used figures in Casino (those figures will be taught in the advanced beginner class).
Advanced beginners can join this class from the beginning if they feel like they need a small refresher of the basics.
No skills required.
This class is done in partners, but no need to register as a couple since we will be rotating.
Wear comfortable shoes that don't stick too much against the floor.
Block pricing is available: $70 for all 8 classes starting May 4th.
Victoria says:
Coming from a background of over 16 years in competitive figure skating, I've only recently gotten more into different types of dance such as contemporary dance as well as Cuban Salsa and some Tango.
I fell in love with Cuban Salsa after getting introduced to this dance style through my boyfriend, who is originally from Cuba. The fact that it's a street dance there and all types of people of different ages enjoy dancing it over there is something that especially drew me to this as that separates it from all other styles of Salsa.
As someone with Latin roots who grew up speaking Spanish and listening to Latin music, dance has always had a special place in my heart.
This class is for absolute beginners, suitable for anyone looking to get started with the very basics of Cuban Salsa. This includes learning the basic count (123 567) and basic steps as well as partner work and the fundamental moves (Dile que no, Enchufla, Vacilala) needed to learn the most commonly used figures in Casino (those figures will be taught in the advanced beginner class).
Advanced beginners can join this class from the beginning if they feel like they need a small refresher of the basics.
No skills required.
This class is done in partners, but no need to register as a couple since we will be rotating.
Wear comfortable shoes that don't stick too much against the floor.
Block pricing is available: $70 for all 8 classes starting May 4th.
Victoria says:
Coming from a background of over 16 years in competitive figure skating, I've only recently gotten more into different types of dance such as contemporary dance as well as Cuban Salsa and some Tango.
I fell in love with Cuban Salsa after getting introduced to this dance style through my boyfriend, who is originally from Cuba. The fact that it's a street dance there and all types of people of different ages enjoy dancing it over there is something that especially drew me to this as that separates it from all other styles of Salsa.
As someone with Latin roots who grew up speaking Spanish and listening to Latin music, dance has always had a special place in my heart.
All-levels Sunday practica. This is a practice session, no lessons or teaching will take place.
No partner required.
Drop in for all or part of the session.
No partner required.
Drop in for all or part of the session.
Latin Dance
Casino, known internationally as Cuban Salsa or Salsa Cubana, is a popular partner dance that is danced to Salsa music. It's a social dance that originated in Cuba in the 1950s, heavily influenced by Cuban Son, Mambo and Cha Cha Cha.
This class is for the more advanced beginners who already took the Beginner Cuban Salsa class and know the fundamental moves (Dile que no and Enchufla), which we will be building on to learn slightly more complex figures commonly used in Casino (Cuban Salsa). We will also work on travelling more across the floor and connecting different moves in a smoother way (desplazamientos).
For the advanced beginner class, students should know the basic count (123 567) and basic steps as well as "Dile que no" (Cuban cross-body lead), "Guapea" (basic step in open position - taught in Salsa Rueda), "Paso de Son" (basic step in closed position) and "Enchufla" (all taught in the absolute beginner lesson).
This class is done in partners, but no need to register as a couple since we will be rotating.
Wear comfortable shoes that don't stick too much against the floor.
Block pricing is available: $70 for all 8 classes starting May 4th.
Victoria says:
Coming from a background of over 16 years in competitive figure skating, I've only recently gotten more into different types of dance such as contemporary dance as well as Cuban Salsa and some Tango.
I fell in love with Cuban Salsa after getting introduced to this dance style through my boyfriend, who is originally from Cuba. The fact that it's a street dance there and all types of people of different ages enjoy dancing it over there is something that especially drew me to this as that separates it from all other styles of Salsa.
As someone with Latin roots who grew up speaking Spanish and listening to Latin music, dance has always had a special place in my heart.
This class is for the more advanced beginners who already took the Beginner Cuban Salsa class and know the fundamental moves (Dile que no and Enchufla), which we will be building on to learn slightly more complex figures commonly used in Casino (Cuban Salsa). We will also work on travelling more across the floor and connecting different moves in a smoother way (desplazamientos).
For the advanced beginner class, students should know the basic count (123 567) and basic steps as well as "Dile que no" (Cuban cross-body lead), "Guapea" (basic step in open position - taught in Salsa Rueda), "Paso de Son" (basic step in closed position) and "Enchufla" (all taught in the absolute beginner lesson).
This class is done in partners, but no need to register as a couple since we will be rotating.
Wear comfortable shoes that don't stick too much against the floor.
Block pricing is available: $70 for all 8 classes starting May 4th.
Victoria says:
Coming from a background of over 16 years in competitive figure skating, I've only recently gotten more into different types of dance such as contemporary dance as well as Cuban Salsa and some Tango.
I fell in love with Cuban Salsa after getting introduced to this dance style through my boyfriend, who is originally from Cuba. The fact that it's a street dance there and all types of people of different ages enjoy dancing it over there is something that especially drew me to this as that separates it from all other styles of Salsa.
As someone with Latin roots who grew up speaking Spanish and listening to Latin music, dance has always had a special place in my heart.
Casino, known internationally as Cuban Salsa or Salsa Cubana, is a popular partner dance that is danced to Salsa music. It's a social dance that originated in Cuba in the 1950s, heavily influenced by Cuban Son, Mambo and Cha Cha Cha.
This class is for absolute beginners, suitable for anyone looking to get started with the very basics of Cuban Salsa. This includes learning the basic count (123 567) and basic steps as well as partner work and the fundamental moves (Dile que no, Enchufla, Vacilala) needed to learn the most commonly used figures in Casino (those figures will be taught in the advanced beginner class).
Advanced beginners can join this class from the beginning if they feel like they need a small refresher of the basics.
No skills required.
This class is done in partners, but no need to register as a couple since we will be rotating.
Wear comfortable shoes that don't stick too much against the floor.
Block pricing is available: $70 for all 8 classes starting May 4th.
Victoria says:
Coming from a background of over 16 years in competitive figure skating, I've only recently gotten more into different types of dance such as contemporary dance as well as Cuban Salsa and some Tango.
I fell in love with Cuban Salsa after getting introduced to this dance style through my boyfriend, who is originally from Cuba. The fact that it's a street dance there and all types of people of different ages enjoy dancing it over there is something that especially drew me to this as that separates it from all other styles of Salsa.
As someone with Latin roots who grew up speaking Spanish and listening to Latin music, dance has always had a special place in my heart.
This class is for absolute beginners, suitable for anyone looking to get started with the very basics of Cuban Salsa. This includes learning the basic count (123 567) and basic steps as well as partner work and the fundamental moves (Dile que no, Enchufla, Vacilala) needed to learn the most commonly used figures in Casino (those figures will be taught in the advanced beginner class).
Advanced beginners can join this class from the beginning if they feel like they need a small refresher of the basics.
No skills required.
This class is done in partners, but no need to register as a couple since we will be rotating.
Wear comfortable shoes that don't stick too much against the floor.
Block pricing is available: $70 for all 8 classes starting May 4th.
Victoria says:
Coming from a background of over 16 years in competitive figure skating, I've only recently gotten more into different types of dance such as contemporary dance as well as Cuban Salsa and some Tango.
I fell in love with Cuban Salsa after getting introduced to this dance style through my boyfriend, who is originally from Cuba. The fact that it's a street dance there and all types of people of different ages enjoy dancing it over there is something that especially drew me to this as that separates it from all other styles of Salsa.
As someone with Latin roots who grew up speaking Spanish and listening to Latin music, dance has always had a special place in my heart.
Swing Dance
Lots of music and an opportunity to practice! No instruction, but teacher present and happy to dance with you
10 for $10 - Mini private lessons available during this hour. 10 minutes/$10. First come first served, sign up at the desk on arrival.
10 for $10 - Mini private lessons available during this hour. 10 minutes/$10. First come first served, sign up at the desk on arrival.
New to dance? New to West Coast Swing? Want to review from the beginning?
These drop-in classes cover the fundamental steps of West Coast Swing, starting from a walk. We will explore the structure, music, and core 6-count steps to get you moving to your favourite pop, blues, or 4/4 time music. (Classes repeat beginning the first Saturday of every month)
*Start on any week, and finish 4 classes later!*
Class designed that you can drop in at any time to start learning.
Prerequisite for the WCS Whip Intro and higher level classes.
1st Saturday - 6-count Left Side Pass
2nd Saturday - 6-count Push Break with and without Tuck Turn
3rd Saturday - 6-count Right Side Pass
4th Saturday 8-count WCS Whip Intro (Please sign up for this class here https://bit.ly/WCSWhipIntro)
Here's a bit of inspiration! (Right click and open in a new tab)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LKmKu2PHkM&ab_channel=LibertySwingDanceChampionships
Amy has danced for over 40 years and brings her professional experience as a classical dancer to her social dance teaching. Her training in ballet, jazz, modern, and contemporary gives her deep knowledge and understanding of fundamental body movement, and fuels her passion for helping students to learn in a clear, accessible, and fun way. Amy is a founding member of DownStreet Dance and teaches a variety of styles.
These drop-in classes cover the fundamental steps of West Coast Swing, starting from a walk. We will explore the structure, music, and core 6-count steps to get you moving to your favourite pop, blues, or 4/4 time music. (Classes repeat beginning the first Saturday of every month)
*Start on any week, and finish 4 classes later!*
Class designed that you can drop in at any time to start learning.
Prerequisite for the WCS Whip Intro and higher level classes.
1st Saturday - 6-count Left Side Pass
2nd Saturday - 6-count Push Break with and without Tuck Turn
3rd Saturday - 6-count Right Side Pass
4th Saturday 8-count WCS Whip Intro (Please sign up for this class here https://bit.ly/WCSWhipIntro)
Here's a bit of inspiration! (Right click and open in a new tab)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LKmKu2PHkM&ab_channel=LibertySwingDanceChampionships
Amy has danced for over 40 years and brings her professional experience as a classical dancer to her social dance teaching. Her training in ballet, jazz, modern, and contemporary gives her deep knowledge and understanding of fundamental body movement, and fuels her passion for helping students to learn in a clear, accessible, and fun way. Amy is a founding member of DownStreet Dance and teaches a variety of styles.
In this WCS Fundamentals Class we will be building on and refining the five basic steps learned in the Intro classes, breaking them down into easy-to-follow components. You will begin to explore connection, a crucial aspect of West Coast Swing, and learn the subtleties of lead and follow techniques, enhancing your ability to communicate seamlessly on the dance floor. You will also enrich your dance vocabulary with new patterns, variations, and styling options to add flair and creativity to your movements. This four-week class follows a progressive curriculum, ensuring that each session builds upon the previous one.
Whether you're a beginner looking to establish a strong foundation or an intermediate dancer aiming to refine your skills, this class is designed to enhance your understanding of this versatile and stylish dance form.
Prerequisite: Knowledge of the five basic steps (Push Break, Left Side Pass, Right Side Pass, Push Break with Tuck Turn, and Basic Whip)
Laura has been dancing, teaching, and performing West Coast Swing, Hustle, Salsa, and many more for a little more than a decade. When she teaches, her emphasis is on creating a dance class that doesn't have any age, size, mobility, or enthusiasm limits!
With zero childhood dancing other than "rockin' out" to the Beatles in her living room when she was 3, Laura brings the ability to teach students to be kind to themselves when learning new dances or simply how to dance for the first time.
She started learning partner dances in her 30s and keenly remembers the awkward stage of no proprioception or coordination because it was pretty much last Tuesday.
A block of four classes costs $30.
The four week blocks will start on April 6th and May 4th.
Whether you're a beginner looking to establish a strong foundation or an intermediate dancer aiming to refine your skills, this class is designed to enhance your understanding of this versatile and stylish dance form.
Prerequisite: Knowledge of the five basic steps (Push Break, Left Side Pass, Right Side Pass, Push Break with Tuck Turn, and Basic Whip)
Laura has been dancing, teaching, and performing West Coast Swing, Hustle, Salsa, and many more for a little more than a decade. When she teaches, her emphasis is on creating a dance class that doesn't have any age, size, mobility, or enthusiasm limits!
With zero childhood dancing other than "rockin' out" to the Beatles in her living room when she was 3, Laura brings the ability to teach students to be kind to themselves when learning new dances or simply how to dance for the first time.
She started learning partner dances in her 30s and keenly remembers the awkward stage of no proprioception or coordination because it was pretty much last Tuesday.
A block of four classes costs $30.
The four week blocks will start on April 6th and May 4th.
Solo Dance
Welcome to the Burlesque Summer Sessional! Each week in July we will dive into a different element or style of Burlesque.
Week 1- Fans! Each student will require 2 fans to work with. Practice fans will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.
Week 2- Boas! Boas will NOT be provided for this lesson. However, if you cannot find or access one, a long flowing scarf (5-6ft) will do.
Week 3- Character work! How do performers come up with their personas? Hold an audience's attention? Be funny AND sexy? We will explore these nuances in this class.
Week 4- Classic technique! We are going to go old school, glitter and glamour, and explore the origins of burlesque and how to build a routine of your very own. Ooh lala!
Each class is accessible and attuned to the level of all students. The instructor makes attempts at offering challenges for every level of dancer.
Marieve has been dancing for over 30 years and teaching for over 20 years in a variety of styles. She started her burlesque journey in Toronto in the mid 2000s before returning home to PEI and joining the Charlottetown Burlesque troupe as their resident choreographer. She has been teaching burlesque for 3 years at Downstreet, and loves seeing the confidence shine through as her students grow into burlesque performers in their own right.
Week 1- Fans! Each student will require 2 fans to work with. Practice fans will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.
Week 2- Boas! Boas will NOT be provided for this lesson. However, if you cannot find or access one, a long flowing scarf (5-6ft) will do.
Week 3- Character work! How do performers come up with their personas? Hold an audience's attention? Be funny AND sexy? We will explore these nuances in this class.
Week 4- Classic technique! We are going to go old school, glitter and glamour, and explore the origins of burlesque and how to build a routine of your very own. Ooh lala!
Each class is accessible and attuned to the level of all students. The instructor makes attempts at offering challenges for every level of dancer.
Marieve has been dancing for over 30 years and teaching for over 20 years in a variety of styles. She started her burlesque journey in Toronto in the mid 2000s before returning home to PEI and joining the Charlottetown Burlesque troupe as their resident choreographer. She has been teaching burlesque for 3 years at Downstreet, and loves seeing the confidence shine through as her students grow into burlesque performers in their own right.
About
Your Place to dance, learn, and have fun! From Charleston to Cha Cha Cha, Hustle to Hip Hop, Latin to Lindy, Waltz to West Coast Swing, choose your favourites from our current schedule and come dance! No partner is required to join our
community!
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