We're talking about three days of Salsa and Bachata training, six hours a day: 10:00-1:00 with a lunch break from 1:00-2:00 followed by more training 2:00-5:00. And we're including ALL the evening events — an incredible value! Don't let the title scare you. This is three days of FUN.
Our first Bootcamp with Edie, the Salsa Freak was an incredible success. We set a limit of 45 men / 45 women to maintain a balanced, quality learning experience and SOLD OUT! The feedback was that it's worth every dollar and then some. People not only learned Salsa in three days from one of the top instructors in the world — they had an experience of a lifetime while making new friends, watching world-class performances, and social dancing at the Northwest's premier Salsa event.
Over the past year, Bachata has exploded across the globe. It's sexy, sensual, and romantic in a way that perfectly complements Salsa's high-energy. Every Salsa club now plays Salsa and Bachata so it makes sense to introduce beginners to both for double the fun
Who Is Leslie?
So once again, we are bringing a very special guest — Leslie Ferreira of Bachata Caliente. Leslie is among the most in demand Salsa / Bachata instructors and performers in the world. Beginning at the tender age of five, she was performing with one of the most prestigious Portuguese folkloric dance companies all over North America and Europe. She went on to become one of the company’s star dancers and youngest choreo-graphers. Leslie eventually expanded her dance repertoire and explored many other genres of dance including Hip Hop, Belly Dancing, Swing and Ballroom. Soon after she traveled to Cuba and fell in love with Salsa. The experience of training and studying in Cuba was exceptionally valuable and the knowledge gained from learning Salsa, Afro-Cuban movement, and musicality by Cuban’s proved to be incomparable.
She later moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career and became the first instructor to teach Bachata there. Leslie’s incredible talent, knowledge, and impressive repertoire gained her work in Hollywood on major television shows and as coach for “Dancing with the Stars". She has also taught Salsa to many famous celebrities and actors. Leslie’s goal is to use her passion, knowledge and energy to inspire people to “Dance their way through Life! Leslie is the current co-director/creator of Bachata Caliente, L.A.‘s first Bachata company and host of the Annual L.A. Bachata Festival. So there you have it — an actress, a World Bachata Competition Finalist, and the friendliest, most sincere person you could ever hope to meet. You'll learn Salsa and Bachata from her in just three days while enjoying the evening festivities together. The perfect antidote to a big Thanksgiving dinner. Register NOW while passes are still available.
But wait, there's more!
Sorry, no Ginzu knife. But what you get along with Leslie's Bootcamp, is a three evening pass to the Seattle Salsa Congress. You'll have the opportunity to watch world-class performances and practice your moves with other students during the social dances. That's right, you are getting into ALL the evening events, a $100 value, for free!
Let go of any inhibitions about being able to dance and try Salsa. It will change your life! A GOZAR!..
Q. How many people will there be?
A. Last year we sold out. Due to the small number, we expect this event will sell-out again and we urge you to buy tickets early. Click here to visit our rates page and buy tickets online.
Q. What is the schedule?
A. Registration begins at 9am each day. Morning classes are 10:00 - 1:00 with a lunch break from 1:00 - 2:00. Afternoon classes are 2:00 - 5:00.
Q. Do I need a partner?
A. No, we rotate students. People learn faster by experiencing different leads and follows. Also, we do our best to balance out the number of leads and follows.
Q. What should I wear?
A. Dress comfortably for the workshops. You'll have the opportunity to dress up for the evening events.
Dance shoes are suggested to prevent damaging the floors and for your comfort. We strongly advise both men and women beginners to wear dance sneakers. High heels do not allow the student to build the muscle memory to properly develop weight distribution and weight transfer between the ball of the foot and heel. Dance sneakers are extremely comfortable and offer fairly good support. You can also wear regular sneakers if they don't mar the floor. But dance sneakers will allow you to turn easier because of the special composite sole and they flex easier because the sole is split. Popular brands include Capezio, Bloch, and Sansha.
Men’s dance shoes and women’s high-heel Salsa shoes are of course dressier for social dancing in the evening. 2″ – 2.5″ Salsa shoes are a good choice for Salseras. A 2.5″ heel is standard for Salsa. If you’re a tall woman you can go with a 2″ heel. Anything over 2.5″ is not recommended. Dressier dance shoes are also available for men. Buy locally rather than over the internet. You’ll be supporting a local merchant and will be guaranteed a shoe that fits.
Four dance supply shops in the Seattle area are Petticoat Junction in Lynnwood, Centerstage in the U-District (owned by Petticoat), Art’s Dance Shoes in Kirkland, and Experience Shoes in Pioneer Square. Art makes very high quality custom shoes.
Experience has has the largest selection of Salsa shoes, ranging from very reasonably priced beginners shoes to their Experience line: “Our premium dance shoes sets the standard for form, fit, and ultimate comfort. Imaginative, fashion forward designs to create a unique and singular statement. Conceived in passion to express and impress, meticulously constructed in the U.S. for high durability. Our Experience line provide an entirely new appreciation for the art of dance shoes.” They have a large selection of in the store or you can place a custom order, your choice of color(s), materials, heel-height, and style. Mention to Jim Hadley, the owner, that Rico Bravo referred you before he rings up your order to get the discount.
If you choose to buy dance shoes that have a suede sole, you’ll also need a wire shoe brush to keep the suede from matting down and becoming slippery. Use it before dancing every time.
Q. What about lunch?
A. You can either bring your own lunch or pitch in on a group order. Last year we ordered from a really good Mexican restaurant, sans beans and Subway. Bring $5 and $1 dollar bills and a couple of quarters if you want to pool in on the order.
Q. What does Bachata look like?
A. Here’s a beautiful
example. Keep in mind, these are advanced dancers so don’t feel intimidated. As with Salsa, we begin with the fundamentals and emphasize proper technique.
Q. Why stay at the Hilton for the Bootcamp?
A. Even if you live locally, remember that the Bootcamp is just the beginning, followed by exciting performances and social dances into the evening. With exclusive low room rates and free parking for those staying at the hotel, this is a great option if you want to dance the night away and make this Thanksgiving Weekend a care-free 3 day celebration.
Q. Where can I get more information?
A. Check the FAQ section under Program on the menu bar.
