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Dance Workshops
The Swing
Marilyn George and Ted Gray
Session 1: Monday, July 6, 2009; 6:15–7:30 PM (followed by open social dancing)
 This
workshop teaches Swing—the all-American dance. Originating with the Lindy Hop in the 1930s, Swing dancing has evolved into
dozens, perhaps hundreds, of variations throughout the country. Jazz and rock ‘n’ roll music emphasize the back beat, an accent
beat between the main beats of music. Swing dances those beats. Our workshop covers East Coast Swing with the goal of teaching
beginners the triple step, which is the common ingredient in all the swing dances.
The Salsa
Francisco Gutierrez
Session 2: Thursday, July 9, 2009; 6:15–7:30 PM (followed by open social dancing)
Salsa
is a beautiful and sexy dance, very popular in Spanish-speaking nightclubs. The goal of the workshop is to teach beginners the
skills they need to get on the dance floor whenever a Salsa song is playing.
At the end of the workshop, students should know the three basic steps, how to turn in both
directions, how to dance in both an open and a closed frame, and how to smoothly transition from one step to the other and
into turns. The style of Salsa is the same that is danced in Latin nightclubs and in Latin America, in general. More playful,
relaxed and improvisational than ballroom style, Salsa is very versatile—it can be adapted to any 4/4 beat, and to
moves from Swing and Cha Cha. People who already know Swing and Cha Cha should be able to improvise Salsa moves after
learning the basic steps.
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