SALSA CURRICULUM

Salsa Class Levels

Structured 8-week programs designed to take you from beginner to professional. Each level builds on the previous with clear progression.

Beginner Level

Beginner

Focus:

Building Foundation & Confidence

Goal:

Master basic timing, footwork, and simple turn patterns to dance comfortably at social events

Perfect for those with no prior dance experience. We focus on establishing solid fundamentals, musical timing, and partner connection in a supportive environment.

Beginner Salsa class

8-Week Curriculum Breakdown

Week 1
Foundation & Timing

Moves:

  • • Basic step (forward & back)
  • • Side step
  • • Counting: 1-2-3, 5-6-7

Technique:

  • • Weight transfer
  • • Frame & posture
  • • Basic rhythm

Combo:

Basic step sequence with side steps

Week 2
First Turn Patterns

Moves:

  • • Right turn (leader)
  • • Inside turn (follower)
  • • Cross body lead

Technique:

  • • Leading/following basics
  • • Connection points
  • • Turn preparation

Combo:

Basic step + cross body lead + inside turn

Week 3
Building Vocabulary

Moves:

  • • Outside turn
  • • Enchufla
  • • Open break

Technique:

  • • Hand positioning
  • • Momentum control
  • • Spotting

Combo:

Cross body lead + outside turn + enchufla

Week 4
Partner Work Fundamentals

Moves:

  • • Dile que no
  • • Hammerlock
  • • Simple dips

Technique:

  • • Clear leading
  • • Active following
  • • Body awareness

Combo:

Full sequence with all Week 1-4 moves

Week 5
Styling & Expression

Moves:

  • • Basic shines
  • • Arm styling
  • • Body movement basics

Technique:

  • • Upper body isolation
  • • Footwork precision
  • • Musical accents

Combo:

Social dancing sequence with styling

Week 6
Multiple Turn Patterns

Moves:

  • • Copa
  • • Setenta
  • • Right turn variations

Technique:

  • • Turn combinations
  • • Smooth transitions
  • • Flow

Combo:

Multi-turn pattern: copa + setenta + enchufla

Week 7
Social Dancing Skills

Moves:

  • • Partner exchange
  • • Navigation
  • • Recovery steps

Technique:

  • • Floor awareness
  • • Adapting to different partners
  • • Musical interpretation

Combo:

Freestyle with learned vocabulary

Week 8
Putting It All Together

Moves:

  • • Review all moves
  • • New combinations
  • • Performance prep

Technique:

  • • Confidence building
  • • Musicality
  • • Personal style

Combo:

Complete choreography showcasing all skills

Intermediate Level

Intermediate

Focus:

Expanding Technique & Musicality

Goal:

Develop complex patterns, improved styling, and the ability to interpret different salsa rhythms

For dancers comfortable with basic patterns. We introduce more intricate footwork, body movement, and musical interpretation to elevate your dancing.

Intermediate Salsa class

8-Week Curriculum Breakdown

Week 1
Advanced Footwork

Moves:

  • • Complex shines
  • • Suzie Q
  • • Advanced basic variations

Technique:

  • • Speed control
  • • Syncopation
  • • Quick footwork

Combo:

Shine sequence with musical breaks

Week 2
Multiple Spin Combinations

Moves:

  • • Double turns
  • • Continuous spins
  • • Reverse turns

Technique:

  • • Spotting mastery
  • • Balance control
  • • Spin momentum

Combo:

Multi-spin pattern with variations

Week 3
Body Movement & Isolation

Moves:

  • • Cuban motion
  • • Body rolls
  • • Hip movement

Technique:

  • • Isolation exercises
  • • Core engagement
  • • Smooth transitions

Combo:

Sensual sequence with body movement

Week 4
Partnering Techniques

Moves:

  • • Basket
  • • Sombrero
  • • Neck passes

Technique:

  • • Close connection
  • • Counterbalance
  • • Trust building

Combo:

Partner work intensive sequence

Week 5
Musicality Development

Moves:

  • • Dancing to breaks
  • • Accenting instruments
  • • Musical pauses

Technique:

  • • Active listening
  • • Phrasing
  • • Dynamics

Combo:

Freestyle to different salsa styles

Week 6
Dips & Tricks

Moves:

  • • Various dips
  • • Lifts basics
  • • Dramatic moves

Technique:

  • • Safety first
  • • Core strength
  • • Partner communication

Combo:

Show-stopping sequence with dips

Week 7
Complex Patterns

Moves:

  • • Coca cola
  • • Adios
  • • Festival patterns

Technique:

  • • Pattern memory
  • • Leading clarity
  • • Following sensitivity

Combo:

Extended pattern combinations

Week 8
Performance Quality

Moves:

  • • Stage presence
  • • All previous material
  • • Creative expression

Technique:

  • • Confidence
  • • Entertainment
  • • Connection

Combo:

Full performance routine

Advanced Level

Advanced

Focus:

Mastery & Personal Expression

Goal:

Perfect technique, create unique combinations, and develop your signature style for performances

For experienced dancers ready to refine their craft. Focus on performance-level execution, improvisation, and developing your unique artistic voice.

Advanced Salsa class

8-Week Curriculum Breakdown

Week 1
Technical Perfection

Moves:

  • • Precision footwork
  • • Complex shines
  • • Advanced basics

Technique:

  • • Microscopic adjustments
  • • Body alignment
  • • Energy efficiency

Combo:

High-level shine sequence

Week 2
Partner Acrobatics

Moves:

  • • Advanced lifts
  • • Aerials
  • • Complex dips

Technique:

  • • Strength & control
  • • Timing perfection
  • • Safety protocols

Combo:

Acrobatic showcase sequence

Week 3
Improvisation & Creation

Moves:

  • • Creating new patterns
  • • Spontaneous combinations
  • • Musical responses

Technique:

  • • Creative thinking
  • • Lead/follow communication
  • • Risk taking

Combo:

Improvised performance to live music

Week 4
Multiple Style Integration

Moves:

  • • On1 vs On2 mastery
  • • LA style elements
  • • Cuban style elements

Technique:

  • • Style switching
  • • Versatility
  • • Authenticity

Combo:

Multi-style fusion routine

Week 5
Performance Artistry

Moves:

  • • Stage craft
  • • Audience engagement
  • • Emotional expression

Technique:

  • • Presence
  • • Storytelling
  • • Character

Combo:

Theatrical dance number

Week 6
Advanced Musicality

Moves:

  • • Complex rhythmic patterns
  • • Multiple instruments
  • • Afro-Cuban elements

Technique:

  • • Deep listening
  • • Cultural understanding
  • • Authentic interpretation

Combo:

Musical interpretation showcase

Week 7
Teaching & Leadership

Moves:

  • • Breaking down movements
  • • Correcting technique
  • • Class management

Technique:

  • • Communication
  • • Demonstration
  • • Feedback

Combo:

Student-led teaching practice

Week 8
Final Showcase

Moves:

  • • Individual choreography
  • • Competitive patterns
  • • Signature moves

Technique:

  • • Performance polish
  • • Showmanship
  • • Professionalism

Combo:

Competition-level performance

Ready to Start Your Salsa Journey?

Choose your level and join our structured program. Every class builds on the previous one.