Drop-In Group Classes
John and Liz regularly teach classes at various clubs and studios around the bay area where students can learn in a relaxed and social environment. Most classes are on a drop-in basis and draw large groups of beginner and intermediate students. Students can begin at any time. The classes cover all elements of salsa including the basic step, individual footwork, and partnering patterns. Please see our class schedule for more details.
Salsamania "On1" Training Team Series, Starts September 21st
Salsamania Training Team On 1 is the place that has been a proven success to learn the principles of salsa dancing, partnering techniques, styling, footwork spinning AND turn patterns. The Salsamania Dance company provides a dancer with intense rehearsals, yet offers them a supportive atmosphere to facilitate faster progress. We are committed to bringing out the best in you as a dancer by sharing our love of salsa/mambo dancing. Please see our class schedule for more info and how to register.
Salsamania Dance Company Auditions!
Auditions for Professional, Semi-Pro, Projecto Mania, Lady Mambo and Training Team On2
(TBA)
If you are an intermediate to advanced dancer wanting to refine your skills On 2, the Salsamania Training Team is the place to be. Recognized as one of the best salsa dance training programs in the world, Salsamania's training program will teach you all the details of technique, timing, styling, musicality, footwork and partnering that will let you shine on the dance floor. The On 2 Training Team is also the first step to joining one of the Salsamania performance teams. Dancers who consistently excell in the Training Team may be invited to join one of our performance groups.
The Salsamania Dance company provides intense rehearsals, yet offers them a supportive atmosphere to facilitate faster progress. We are committed to bringing out the best in you as a dancer by sharing our love of salsa/mambo dancing.
Due to the high level of instruction in our On 2 Training Team classes, dancers wishing to join must first pass an audition to exhibit their current skill level. If you are interested but have never auditioned or danced with a company before, but you have experience social dancing, please feel free to come and try out anyway. Salsamania has many levels of classes to offer so chances are that there is one that is right for you.
We are seeking also Female and Male dancers for our performance teams, Salsa dance experience is required and previous performance experience is a plus. Please wear comfortable dance shoes and clothing. Salsamania Dance Company is a non-profit organization founded by John Narvaez and Liz Rojas. Salsamania Dance Company members are trained not to just perform routines, but also to develop skills and techniques, which they can carry onto the social dance floor.
(TBA)
Intermediate to Advanced dancers are welcome to audition.
No partner required.
Location
Alameda Ballet Academy
1402 Park Street
Alameda, CA 94501
When (choose one day to Audition)
TBA
Training With Salsamania Dance Company
Salsamania is unique in many ways, but one distinction is that everyone is given a chance to learn if they have a passion for salsa and a positive attitude. The atmosphere at rehearsals is intense, yet relaxed and encourages learning. Salsamania Dance Company members are trained not just to perform routines, but also to develop skills and techniques that they can carry into the social dance floor. John and Liz encourage all members to utilize the patterns and shines they teach in clubs, at socials or anytime a member goes dancing.
The dance company is divided into five groups of varying skill levels.
- Salsamania (Professional Team)
- Son De Mania (Semi-Pro Team)
- Proyecto Mania (Amateur Team)
- Lady Mambo
- Training Team On 2
- Training Team On 1
The two training teams focus on technique and learning the principles of dancing on 1 and on 2. There is no audition required to join the Training Team On 1. This group is to give an opportunity to all dancers to develop intermediate level techniques and dancing skills "on 1." This group was established to allow the dancers to be a part of a group "In-Training". Members of the Training Team will be expected to attend minimum of 12 hours of practice per month. The program lasts 3 months, and the end of training, members will have the option to take an assessment on their dancing skills, which in turn will be their audition if they want to be part of the Salsamania Training Team On "2".
Successful students who are interested in performing have the option to audition for one of the three performance teams. Salsamania regularly promotes its dancers within the teams. The performance teams develop 3 to 4 routines per year and perform locally, in national salsa congresses, and regularly qualify to compete in the World Championships.
As a member of Salsamania you will receive resources to help you succeed in your training and detailed information about our organization, including:
- Mission Statement
- New Member Handbook
- Academic Credit Program Information
- Intensive Dance Program Information
- Mentorship Program Information
- Salsamania Dance Syllabus Program
- International Intership Dance Program
The time commitment to be part of the team is reasonable considering the members maintain full time non-salsa jobs. Although the group rehearses in the Oakland/Alameda area, members come from as far north as Petaluma and as far south as San Jose.
Testimonials (from some of Our On1 and On2 training Team members)
I remember in On1 struggling with the idea of turns-I could not seem to spot or avoid falling over to save my life. In my second season, though, I started doing the drills we learned in class and to my great surprise, they worked. I began spotting and my wobbling all over the dance floor was greatly reduced. (Liz Kirby)
The On 1 class taught be the basics I needed in order to understand salsa dancing. John and Liz gave me the tools I needed to be able to dance socially, to dance with a team and to compete with a partner. (Neena)
The on1 class was by far the best beginner's class that I've taken. I was able to meet really motivated dancers of all skills which helped me improve fast. I'd recommend the on1 class to any person wanting to learn Salsa in a heartbeat. (Lusa)
Training with the on2 team has improved my following skills, expanded my repertoire of shines, and helped me develop flavor and musicality on 1 as well as on2 - as a result, I am now more confident on the dance floor and have more fun social dancing. (Jane)
Training with John and Liz is teaching me the "whole body" experience of salsa, incorporating Afro-Cuban and core awareness into the dance. A successful class means getting in and popping a sweat, keeping my balance and wits about me and having a focused fun time. Great training! (Ernie Shelton)
For more information please visit salsamania.org
If you have other questions please contact John and Liz
Contact: John or Liz at 510. 928.8535 or 510.697.1892 or email at : liz@johnandlizproductions.com
"To touch, to move, to inspire. This is the true gift of dance."