Cadence Dance Academy

Social Dancing Salsa in Toronto: Etiquette Part I

2011-02-23T14:15:00.000-08:00

Social dancing, like other social situations, involves rules - both spoken and unspoken. Here are some of our favourite "rules" up for debate...

1. Men vs. Women: In this modern day and age, is it as acceptable for women to ask men to dance as it is the other way around?
Or, since men are usually the leaders, and females are the followers, should dancers be mirroring that tradition when it comes to asking someone to dance? There are other factors to consider as well, such as: opinions on chivalry; cultural background of dancer; and gender to gender ratio. For example, most recently, Cadence Dance Academy proudly represented in Hong Kong, and it was very clear that the overwhelming female to male ratio made it nearly impossible for women NOT to ask men to dance.

2. If you tell someone that you are too tired to dance, are you obligated to sit that song out, or can you go ahead and dance with someone else if you want to?
According to our video poll, people unanimously agreed that it was rude to dance with someone else. It's important however to keep in mind that social dancing is supposed to be about the dancing, not about the people or egos. Someone may have a good reason to say "no" to a person, and have just as good a reason to be dancing with someone else. Perhaps someone being "tired" is a lie; perhaps it's the truth. And perhaps if you said "no", it's polite to sit the song out; perhaps it's juvenile to have to...In any case, why waste time pondering when you could be dancing!

3. When you see a man and woman standing together who could possibly be a couple in a relationship, should you ask permission from the partner of the person you're asking to dance?
Now, not every two people standing together can be assumed to be a couple. That said, are dancers really expected to watch their interaction beforehand?...this could make for a lengthy process. There are a number of different ways you can look at the "asking of permission". Some might see it as polite, chivalrous, and a general sign of good manners. Others might see it as encouraging possessiveness - after all, can't we all answer for ourselves.

4. When you turn someone down to dance without a specific reason, is it ok for them to ask you to dance again, or is the onus on you to now ask them to dance?
Some people say they shouldn't feel obligated to give specific explanations and a "no thanks" should do. However, this may invite the asker to ask again...and again....and again. Perhaps there's an unspoken rule for the rejected asker to take a hint, and wait to be asked instead of asking again. To avoid this problem, the one turning down the dance can opt to risk bruising an ego and just tell the truth: "it's you, not me".

When social dancing, think like you're driving: pay attention and read the signs!

BACHATA the Forbidden Dance?

2011-02-01T13:57:00.000-08:00

Few would argue that dancing Bachata encourages a certain sensual connection between a man and a woman. With that in mind, can Bachata be an innocent social dance between two strangers, or is there always an alterior motive/sexual tension?

If the latter is true, and you're in a relationship, does this mean that Bachata should be reserved for you and your mate only?

Hip swaying, closeness of bodies, slow music...one can definitely see the potential for misunderstandings, insecurities, and JEALOUSY. Yes, the J-word. Sonnn. Let me break it down: the whole purpose of going 'social' dancing is to dance with other people, isn't it?

If couples don't allow each other to dance Bachata with other people, is it just about the dance, or is there another underlying issue within the relationship that questions the intention of the dance? For example, if feelings of insecurity already exist in your relationship, dancing Bachata with others may be a recipe for disaster (KABOOM)!

CADENCE DANCE ACADEMY'S BACHATA SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR COUPLES:

No wandering hands
No grinding
There must be a basketball width of space between you and your dance partner
Consecutive dances with the same partner are prohibited (1 dance is safe; 2 you're pushing it; 3 you're in trouble)
Enjoy the music; have fun; TRUST your partner, and you won't even have to think about numbers 1-4 on this list

So the question remains: is Bachata an inherently "bad" dance? The answer may differ depending on who you ask. Just keep in mind the things that influence your answer.

Bachata, like Salsa, Cha-Cha, and other types of social dance, can be a beautiful exression of movement relevant to the music and dance form.

Salsa Class Salsa Lessons Ajax Pickering Toronto

2010-11-02T07:07:00.000-07:00

"BRINGING DANCE TO YOU!"

SALSA CLASSES IN YOUR AREA

PICKERING
MOKSHA YOGA STUDIO - 1099 KINGSTON ROAD UNIT #5

TORONTO
99 SUDBURY STUDIO-99 SUDBURY STREET

New Salsa Class September 15th 2010

2010-09-02T14:06:00.001-07:00

New Beginner salsa class Starting
Wed September 15th @ 8:30-9:30pm

Intermediate Salsa Class
Wed Sept 15th 7:15pm-8:15pm

Register Online:
info@cadencedanceacademy.com
416-671-3855

Cadence 2010-2011 Event Schedule

2010-08-09T19:47:00.000-07:00

1st annual Toronto Salsa Fest (formerly the Winter Salsa Carnival) March 11-14, http://www.torontosalsafest.com/

The International All Star Salsa Cruise on June 7-12 leaving from Barcelona cruising through Rome, Pisa & Cannes.
http://www.allstarsalsacruise.com/home

Mambo Nights in Bermuda August 12-16
http://bermudasalsa.com/index.php

New York Salsa Congress 10th Anniversary September 2nd - 6th GET a DISCOUT BY USING CADENCE PROMO CODE CDA 2010 http://www.nycsalsacongress.com/

Island Touch 2nd Anniversary September 9th -12th 2010 Tampa Florida http://islandtouchdance.com

Canada Salsa Congress, Toronto Oct 7-11
http://canadasalsacongress.com/home

Hong Kong February 14th – 20th 2011 http://www.hksalsafestival.com/

More to come....

WORKSHOPS - Afro-Cuban, Urbanized Cha-Cha, Men`s & Ladies`Styling

2010-07-13T15:15:00.000-07:00

WORKSHOPS BY CADENCE DANCE ACADEMY’S PATRICK DANQUAH, CLIFTON STENNETT AND ANDREA HANAK

SATURDAY AUGUST 28TH 2010
12:00PM-3:00PM

MOKSHA YOGA STUDIO
1099 KINGSTON ROAD, UNIT #5
PICKERING, ONTARIO

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SCHEDULE:

12:00-1:00PM
AFRO-CUBAN MOVEMENT & BODY ISOLATIONS, ALL LEVELS:

Become a grounded and powerful dancer as Patrick Danquah leads you through the fundamentals of Afrocuban and salsa through:

- Body Movement/Isolation drills
- Stretching/Strengthening exercises
- Proper technique of the arms, hands, & feet for Afrocuban

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1:00-2:00pm
URBANIZED CHA-CHA, ALL LEVELS:

Clifton Stennett will teach you how to take smooth Cha-Cha steps and fuse them with some hard hitting Hip-Hop moves, all while dancing to your favourite songs in the background. You will learn:

- Mastering timing
- Musicality & movement
- Being light on your feet and using your body as an instrument

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2:00pm-3:00pm
MEN’S AND LADIES’ STYLING, ALL LEVELS:

Patrick, Clifton and Andrea will walk you through easy yet sexy styling to look great on the dance floor! Add poise, style, finesse and sabor to every step! Focus will be placed on the following:

- Spinning techniques and drills for multiple spins
- Footwork
- Musicality
- Proper technique of the arm placement, hand placement, head styling, shoulder movement, body rolls
- Use of breath, and specifically how you can use breath to help create fluid motion

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Partner suggested, but not required. Liability and Privacy Waiver required at first attendance.

ATTIRE
Comfortable clothing that you can move in. Bring both flats (tennis or dance sneakers), and dance shoes (no heels for the ladies). Bring bottled water and a change of shirt if necessary too!

PRICING
Single Class $20 ($15 w/pre-registration)
Three Class combo $50 ($40 w/pre-registration)

Class size is limited so pre-register now to save a spot!

416-561-6621 Patrick Danquah
416-671-3855 Clifton Stennett

2010-06-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

Join CADENCE DANCE ACADEMY on another SALSATIONAL Road Trip to the 10th Annual New York Int'l Salsa Congress Sept 1-5, 2010.

The event will be held in the heart of New York City at the Hilton New York Hotel.

Receive an automatic $25 discount off of the Full Pass VIP Package and/or NYISC Challenge by entering our Code 'cda2010' in the Code Box on the Registration Page.

For more details please contact Cadence directly or visit the official New York Salsa Congress website:

http://www.nycsalsacongress.com/

See you all on the Dance floor,

Cadence Dance Academy

http://www.cadencedanceacademy.com/

416-671-3855

RED CARPET GALA - May 8, 2010!

2010-03-08T23:09:00.000-08:00

Save the date for a very special event!

Cadence Dance Academy invites you to indulge in truly sophisticated entertainment at the 1st annual Red Carpet Gala:

- World-class performances in dance and music

- Free salsa lesson

- Raffle - prizes include cash; partial proceeds to benefit Red Cross Haiti earthquake relief

- Free champagne/cocktails before 10pm

- Paparazzi, beauty lounge & other VIP treatment

- Bottle service available in advance

- Top DJs spinning salsa, old skool, house & more

- STRICT STYLE CODE in effect - absolutely NO jeans/runners

TICKETS

In advance: $25

At the door: $35

RSVP or BOTTLE SERVICE

EMAIL: info@cadencedanceacademy.com

CALL: 416-671-3855.

Buy tickets on-line now!

Red Carpet Gala - VENUE INFO

2010-03-08T23:04:00.000-08:00

VENUE: 99 Sudbury social club

ADDRESS: 99 Sudbury Street, Toronto, Ontario

www.99sudbury.ca

SALSAGLAM

2009-12-25T18:40:00.000-08:00

Come join Patrick, Clifton and Andrea from Cadence Dance Academy during the ultimate year end salsa celebration. ****Cool Preparty**** December 30th 2009, Cats Corner Studio.
****Glam Gala****December 31st 2009 Delta Hotel Montreal Say goodbye to 2009 with a bang! Great dancing Great energy Great fun

2009-12-11T13:08:00.000-08:00

Come support Clifton and Andrea from Cadence Dance Academy as they perform at:

iFreeStyle.ca's 4th Annual Salsa Christmas Gala

Saturday December 12 2009, 6:00-2:00am

Theme: Casino Royale

Attire: Semi-Formal/Formal

Venue: The Estonian House - 958 Broadview Ave.

Cantina Thursdays at South Latin Restaurant

2009-12-07T09:49:00.000-08:00

Join Cadence Dance Academy every Thursday night at South Latin Restaurant for Salsa dance lessons and Latin music.

Cadence Dance Academy

2009-11-24T15:50:00.000-08:00

Patrick Danquah from Cadence Dance Academy will be @ Comomango Gala 2009
Saturday November 28th 2009
La Balcon Cafe Theatre 304 Notre-Dame East Old Montreal
The evening includes 4 course meal with fine international couisine .

Performance @ South Latin Restaurant

2009-11-24T10:32:00.000-08:00

Come out to South Latin Restaurant (formerly Havana Nights), this Friday night for great authentic food, a few drinks and an Amazing Salsa performance by Cadence Dance Academy.

We will be promoting our weekly event, "Latin Thursdays" at South, starting December 3rd and every Thursday thereafter.

It would be a great way to meet people, learn to dance, party with your friends and have tons of fun ALL IN ONE NIGHT....

See you on the dance floor

SALSA CLASSES AT PICKERING MOKSHA YOGA

2009-11-24T09:57:00.000-08:00

REMINDER!

Our Salsa Beginner Level 1 and Cardio Salsa classes have started off with a BLAST at Pickering Moksha Yoga.

Salsa Beginner Level 1 is geared to the novice, those who have taken a few Salsa classes before, or those who just want a good workout packed full of fun. Learn the foundation basic steps that will allow you to keep up on the dance floor and inspire you to keep on learning.

TIME: Wednesdays 7:15 - 8:15pm

PLACE: Moksha Yoga Pickering, 1099 Kingston Rd Unit 5D, Pickering ON, L1V 1B5

COST: 8 week course for $125.

Latin Cardio is a high energy class that has everyone talking about: DANCING yourself FIT! This class is for all levels. Even if you've never dance before or have 2 left feet, men or women, in 8 weeks we will get you dancing yourself FIT to Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cha Cha, Reggaeton and Afro-Cuban dances! Warm yourself up to a fun workout!

TIME: Wednesdays 8:30pm - 9:30pm

PLACE: Moksha Yoga Pickering, 1099 Kingston Rd Unit 5D, Pickering ON, L1V 1B5

COST: 8 week course for $125.

SALSA MIX WEDNESDAYS

2009-11-24T09:38:00.000-08:00

REMINDER!

Be sure to join us tomorrow and EVERY Wednesday, for our FREE Intro Salsa lesson at Island Mix Restaurant & Lounge. Come join Cadence Dance Academy for some great food, drinks, and AMAZING DANCING. Lesson starts at 8:30pm sharp. Take a look at the attached flyer for more details.

See you on the dance floor.

Sincerely,

Cadence Dance Academy,

Welcome

2009-11-19T12:57:00.000-08:00

Thanks for checking out our new blog! Check back here often for updates on events, classes, performances, and news!

WEDNESDAYS
Event: Salsa Beginner Level I
Venue: Moksha Yoga Pickering - 1099 Kingston Road, unit 5D
Time: 7:15 - 8:15pm

Event: Latin Cardio
Venue: Moksha Yoga Pickering - 1099 Kingston Road, unit 5D
Time: 8:30 - 9:30pm

Event: Salsa Mix Wednesdays (Free Intro Salsa Lesson)
Venue: Island Mix Restaurant & Lounge - 1050 Brock Road
Time: 8:30 - 9:30pm

THURSDAYS
Event: Latin Thursdays
Venue: South Latin Restaurant (formerly Havana Nights)
Time: 8:30 - 9:30pm (starting December 3, 2009)

Please Note RE: Pricing & Attire
- 8-week course: $125
- For Salsa Beginner and Latin Cardio at Moksha Yoga please wear light shoes with flat soft bottoms, or socks (NO HEELS)

CONTACT
- Clifton Stennett: clifton@cadencedanceacademy.com
- Patrick Danquah: patrick@cadencedanceacademy.com