Course info
LAfrique Dance Company offers different courses of Latin American and African dances. Currently we teach Bachata, Salsa LA, Salsa Cubana, Rueda, Kizomba, Latin Styling and Latin Fitness at various levels.
Some dances are sexy and energetic, others sensual and grounded. What they have in common is that they are all a lot of fun and very sociable! You don’t need to have a regular partner. In fact, you often find yourself at the dance floor with a dance partner you have never met before. Because of the sociable nature of these dances, Salsa, Bachata as well as Kizomba have become highly popular, all around the world!
Salsa LA
In this course you will learn Salsa Los Angeles-style (also named Salsa on-1). Salsa LA is characterized by its smooth and elegant movements, often incorporating elements of other dance forms like ballroom. Dancers in Salsa LA style typically emphasize a more linear style, intricate footwork, and dynamic spins, showcasing a fusion of Latin passion with a touch of Hollywood flair. Salsa LA is probably the most danced Salsa style in the Netherlands.
Salsa Cubana
In this course you will learn how to dance Salsa to Cuban Salsa music. Cuban salsa music is a lively and rhythmic genre that blends Afro-Cuban beats with jazz and Latin influences, featuring complex percussion patterns and a vibrant brass section.
The class focuses on leading and following techniques, as well as body movement and control, packed into energetic & playful figures. The courses include Rueda de Casino which is a fun way of dancing salsa in a group.
A noticeable difference between Salsa LA and Salsa Cubana is that Salsa Cubana is danced in a circular fashion whereas Salsa LA is danced on a line.
Kizomba
Kizomba is a sensual and romantic partner dance that originated in Angola in the 1980s and has since gained popularity worldwide. Kizomba is characterized by its slow, rhythmic, and fluid movements, with an emphasis on connection and closeness between dance partners. The dance often features a close embrace, gentle swaying, and intricate footwork, creating an intimate and expressive atmosphere.
Kizomba is played at most Latin parties in the Netherlands and therefor a must for all Latin dancers. During this course you will also be introduced to Semba and Tarraxinha.
Bachata
In this course you will learn how to dance Bachata, which comes from the Dominican Republic and is commonly known as a very sensual dance. Generally, most of the movement is in the dancers lower body, so it is characterized by movements of the hip and playful footwork. At parties, you will definitely hear Bachata songs. Make sure you learn how to dance Bachata so you will never have to leave the dance floor!
Latin Styling
For every Latin dancer who enjoys perfecting his or her body movements in Salsa and/or Bachata and desires to enhance his or her skills in spinning & spotting, posture, balance, lighter following or leading. These elements constitute the foundation for a more complete, refined, and graceful dancer. In this course, you will learn to master various crucial techniques, receive extensive personalized feedback, and be thoroughly prepared to steal the spotlight during social dances.
Latin Fitness
Latin Fitness is well known from sports formats such as Zumba, Salsation, and ClubJoy Latin party. It is a fun dance workout where you work on both cardio fitness and toning your muscles by simply dancing. We work with a mix of music and dance styles mainly latin, such as salsa, cumbia, merengue, reggaeton, cha-cha, jive, samba, but also afro beat, bellydance, bhangra, pop, and hip-hop. Every song has a different rhythm and vibe and therefore a different choreography. Just follow along, there is no need to learn the choreography first. All levels of fitness are welcome! Bring gym shoes (something with a bit of bounce). Showers are available at the location.
Latin Percussion
Percussion is a very important part of Latin music. Becoming a musical dancer starts by understanding the structure of a song, so at LAfrique we also offer a Latin Percussion course. Learning the basics of Latin Percussion is fun and will help you anticipate and play with latin music.
Salsa LA style
LA style salsa is danced in a slot. It is typically seen as explosive, fiery, and passionate. There are a lot of turns and flair, as it was influenced by swing and mambo and developed to be danced in performances. Salsa LA is danced on the 1th count and the cross body lead is an essential step in this style, since it is used to switch places.
Salsa Cubana
Salsa Cubana originates from Cuba and is known for its circular motion, as partners face each other in intricate patterns of arms and body movement. It has a strong basic step known as guapea, and is often a playful game of seduction using body movement, facial expressions and jokes.
Rueda
Rueda de Casino is a way of dancing Cuban Salsa where pairs form a circle, called Rueda (Spanish for “wheel”) and dance to the commands of a Cantante (Spanish for “singer”). Couples exchange partners and carry out moves in sync with the music and corresponding to the commands called out.
Bachata
Bachata originated in the Dominican Republic and is commonly known as a very sensual dance. The movement of the hips is very important and is seen as the soul of the dance. Generally, most of the movement is in the dancers lower body; footwork and hips.
Rumba Cubana
Afro-Cuban rumba, not to be confused with the ballroom dance, or the African pop music, developed in rural Cuba, blending Congolese drumming with influences of Spanish flamenco-singing. In Cuba, Rumba is a generic term covering a variety of musical rhythms and associated dances.
Kizomba
Kizomba, which means ‘party’ in the Angolan dialect Kimbundu, is a dance and music that developed in numerous African Countries in the early 1980s. The Semba (from Angola) and Coladera (from Cape Verde) were transformed in what we now know as Kizomba. A music known for its slow, insistent, yet sensuous rhythm. With a hug being the basic dance hold of Kizomba, dancing this sensual dance gives you the feeling of moving as one.
Semba
Semba is a traditional music and dance from Angola. The Semba music was played by small bands in Angola, especially at large social gatherings. People say the word ‘Semba’ comes from ‘massemba’ meaning “a touch of the bellies” – one of the most recognizable and fun movements in Semba. The steps of semba are fairly quick and playful, incorporating facial expressions and mimed grabs for an escaping partner.
Tarraxinha
Tarraxinha is the sexy, percussive cousin of Kizomba. The music is mainly electronic, has a much heavier beat and fewer melody. Tarraxinha is danced mainly in place and is focused on isolations, fitting into the rhythms of the music. The body movements are initiated with the lead’s leg, hip or arm (on the ladies lower back/hips) movements or are initiated by the follower.