CLASSES
We offer 3 levels of Cuban Salsa & Rueda de Casino classes on two different days (details below). If you are a complete beginner to salsa, you should start from Level 1 classes. If you have experience in salsa dancing, but new to Cuban salsa & Rueda de Casino, it is still recommended to take Level 1 classes as you need to know the names of every move and be able to execute comfortably when it's called. You can move to the next level at your own pace when you feel ready.
​
Rueda de Casino is a very effective and fun way to learn Cuban salsa as we dance to multiple full-length songs during each class, switch partners often and practice not only the moves taught in that class but also moves from previous levels. In the end, you can utilize the well-rehearsed moves in partner social dancing and also participate to a "rueda" at a social event!
​
Thanks to the dynamic structure of the curriculum, you can join at any time at any level. No partner is necessary to join the classes.
In each class of Level 1, we cover all moves specified in the curriculum.
In Level 2 and Level 3, we cover several moves/patterns every week from the curriculum. It takes around 8-10 weeks to go through every move/pattern for Levels 2 and 3.
​
All classes are taught at the beautiful studios of SoHo Dance LA in Westwood.
The address is 1618 Cotner Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025.
​
UPCOMING CLASSES:
​
MONDAY JUNE 10TH:
- LEVEL 1 (Closed Dancing Position) AT 7:15PM
- LEVEL 1 (Open Dancing Position) AT 8PM
​
TUESDAY JUNE 12TH:
- LEVEL 2 AT 7:15PM
- LEVEL 3 AT 8PM
​
ADDRESS: 1618 COTNER AVE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90025.
​
Please register here >
LEVEL 1
In Level 1 classes, we learn fundamental moves, proper form and dancing dynamics.
​
It is suitable for complete beginners. No previous experience or a partner is needed. You can join anytime.
​
There are two different classes in Level 1:
-
Level 1 (C): Basic moves in the “Closed” position
-
Level 1 (O): Basic moves in the “Open” position
​
IT IS RECOMMENDED TO ATTEND BOTH CLASSES BACK TO BACK. If you can join only one class, please join Level 1 (C) at 7:15pm.
​
Schedule: Level 1 (C) Mondays at 7:15pm
Level 1 (O) Mondays at 8pm
​
The Foundation
LEVEL 2
Core Moves
Level 2 moves constitute core Cuban salsa & Rueda de Casino moves. To join Level 2, you must know all moves of Level 1 and be able to lead or follow comfortably.
​
Schedule: Tuesdays at 7:15pm
LEVEL 3
Ready for the Challenge?
Level 3 comprises of relatively complex and long (but lots of fun!) moves & patterns.
​
To join Level 3, you must know all moves from previous levels and be able to lead or follow comfortably.
​
Schedule: Tuesdays at 8pm
​
CURRICULUM
Level 1
Level 1 (O)
Guapea
Enchufla
(doble, triple)
Fly
Vuelta
Dame
(uno, dos, tres)
Dame directo
Echevarria
Foto
Ni pa'ti ni pa'mi
Level 1 (C)
P'al Medio
Una Bulla
Basico
Exhibe
(y rodeo)
Caminamos
P'abajo
Tarro
Tarro con manos
(hombres abajo)
Dile que no
Level 2
Paseala (doble)
Adios (con la hermana, con la familia, festival)
Paseo Cubano
Montana
Dedo
Sencillo
Balsero
Kentucky
Beso
Enchufla tres
Enchufla unisex
Puente
Festival de pelota
Manolin
Setenta (y uno, y dos, y tres, Miami)
Sombrero (mambo)
Medio Sombrero
Vacila
El Uno
El Dos
Parte el brazo
Tumba francesa
Coca Cola
Dile que si
La cruz
Casate
Ola
Cruzado
Peina
Level 3
Pasea y complicate
Kentucky complicado
Carousel
Helicoptero
Espresso
Doble ocho
Pina colada
Adios setenta
Habana
Habana loco
Lead-follow-lead
Setenta complicado
Setenta y uno complicado
Setenta y cinco
(lento, rapido)
Setenta y nueve
Ochenta y dos
Ochenta y tres
Ochenta y ocho
88 con 82
Vacila y casate complicado
Ola complicada
Fideos
El triple rodeo
Cruzado del mundo
Elito
Enrosca
Peina y paseo
Saloneo
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons can help take your dancing to the next level. After an initial assessment, we create an individualized plan and systematically focus on adding new moves to the vocabulary, improving the technique and musicality, creating proper dancing form and adding flavor to the movement.
​
Private lessons also help gain confidence on the dance floor, accelerate moving to the next dancing level and increase the joy of dancing.
BOOK A PRIVATE LESSON >
INSTRUCTOR
Gokhan is the director of Rueda Academy. His passion for music started at a very early age and he played multiple instruments growing up. He started performing in college and continued over 10 years with several bands. When he moved to San Francisco in 2010, he fell in love with Cuban music, culture and dances. After training and performing for years with various master dancing instructors in SF Bay Area, he started sharing his learnings with people and helped Cuban Salsa & Rueda de Casino communities grow in domestic and international cities. He has traveled extensively for participating to and teaching at events around the world including Taiwan, Mexico, Peru, Serbia, England, Croatia and Turkey. He recently moved to Los Angeles to contribute to the growth of this amazing community!
