Beginner (1): Someone who is developing a foundation in the basic step, timing, and cross-body lead. He or she should be able to do single turns, basic footwork and simple partnering to slow and moderate music.

Intermediate (2): Has a solid grasp of in the basic step, timing, and cross-body lead. He or she should be able to do single and double turns, footwork patterns, and more complex partnering to moderate music.

Advanced (3): Has mastered all the basic techniques and has a repertoire of intermediate combinations and footwork. At this level, the dancer can follow advanced footwork and partnering combinations to faster music.

Class Descriptions

The Basic: So you think you already know the basic? Then why does the lead (or follow) feel like they’re riding in an old jalopy on a bumpy road instead of a Mercedes on the Autobahn? There’s much more to the basic than 1,2,3,5,6,7. Proper posture, weight distribution, upper/lower body coordination, and technique all make the difference between a joyful encounter and one you can’t wait to end. Learn the conservation of energy theory from the award winning inventor of the clock system himself. This class lays the groundwork for a solid foundation in salsa. Believe me it will change your life.

Choreography: This workshop teaches you how to put steps to the music rather than music to the steps. Every routine has a beginning, middle, and end. Learn how to create a routine from concept to completion. Who knows, you might create the next winning choreography.

Exits: Offered for the 1st time in any congress! Every combination can be broken down to a beginning, middle, and end. That’s just something we take for granted. But did you ever consider how the ending can be resolved in many different ways? This class will explore various combinations and teach multiple ways of exiting from them. Routines cease to be routine. Different exits give you the freedom to create more spontaneously

Ladies Styling: You’re dancing and the lead poses you…an embarrassing moment, ”Now what do I do?” These workshops teach the routines that show leads what you’re made of. A simple cross-body with turn becomes an elegant gesture. You break away and seduce him back with stunning patterns. This is styling!

Lifts & Tricks: From advanced to professional. These workshops will teach you the hottest moves on the dance floor. You’ll learn the techniques the pros use to defy gravity and make the seemingly impossible appear effortless.

Men's Styling: Ever wonder why you look like a robot and other dancers look like Ferraris? It’s all in the details. Take your basic cross-body, add some flair, and you have sabor. Break away from your partner and dazzle her with your footwork. Styling is what separates the men from the boys.

Feeling The Music: So you think you can dance? You know the combinations and footwork but do you FEEL IT? There are hits, peaks, and valleys, in the music that are begging to be expressed through dance. This is the heart and soul of salsa. It’s not about how many complex moves you can fit into a song. This series of workshops is about how to express the music and can share it with your partner.

Partnering: This is where leads and follows make the connection. Leads not only learn the moves, but the techniques to lead the follow with confidence. And follows learn to move through the combinations light as a feather.

RuedaBachata: A new popular dance from the Dominican Republic! Rueda de Casino is Cuban style Salsa danced in a group forming a circle, where a caller yells out steps and everyone follows. Bachata is a sexy dance from the Dominican Republic that looks a little like "dirty dancing", Latin style. Combine Cuban Salsa and Bachata and you have the best of both worlds, two very sizzling and sexy dances!

Spinning: Yamulee's world famous spinning class is a must for dancers of all levels. Learn how to properly prep, spin and stop. This dynamic move requires all the dance techniques working together in harmony: balance, posture, spotting, and timing. When done properly, it’s expressing a peak in the music. Done improperly. Your partner may wonder if you had one too many mojitos. These workshops by the master himself will give you the foundation to perfect your spins.

Shines: Ever wonder why you can not keep up with the music? Ever wonder why you don't have balance? Ever wonder what to do in the dance floor when left to do a solo? Learn how to do it properly with style, balance and speed. You will notice different muscle playing an important part in your quest for excellence. 

Timing: You’re standing with your partner and the song begins. You shuffle uneasily, groping for the 1 (or the 2). You think you finally found it and…oops, that not the 1, it’s the 5. Learn how to hear the music so that you can find the 1, anticipate the hits, and sense when  the song is about to end.