About this Event
Welcome to the "NJ Salsa Performance Teams & Choreography Programs" registration page!
NJ Salsa will be hosting auditions for our new season of choreography training, and performance teams!
On Mon, April 1st, 2024, we will be hosting a meet & greet with the directors of our new performance teams, holding auditions for the next season of our choreography programs, and answering any questions not addressed in this description.
What Choreography Programs Will We Be Offering , and Who Can Participate?
- Salsa Ladies Styling, directed by Viviana Fernandez
Salsa Ladies Styling will feature feminine styling to Salsa. Participation in this choreography program will allow dancers to grow through expressive movements, and develop proficiency in Salsa. Attention to how these movements and expressions show up in performance and social dancing will be emphasized. The level requirement for participation in this choreography program is Level 2, or advance beginner. Participants who desire to be part of this program should be comfortable with the basic steps of Salsa, the right and left turn, and timing.
- Bachata Co-Ed Shines, directed by Margie Montes
Bachata Co-Ed Shines will feature a combination of upper and lower body movement, and footwork patterns. Participants who desire to be part of this choreography program should be comfortable with the basic steps in Bachata, the left and right turns, and the timing of the music. This co-ed choreography program will develop in participants an ease of movement, and a strong sense of proficiency in solo Bachata dancing, with application for social dancing.
- Bachata Co-Ed Partnerwork, directed by Ismael Otero
Bachata Co-Ed Partnerwork is a co-ed choreography program designed to help participants feel comfortable and gain a sense of proficiency in social dancing. Those who are accepted into this program will learn new movements and patterns that can be applied on the dance floor for social dancing, as well as on the stage for performance. Participants who desire to participate in this program should have a Level 2 foundation, or what is equivalent to an advance beginner in Bachata partner work.
Who Will Be Directing the Choreography Programs?
We're very excited to be collaborating with 3 talented and experienced directors for our new choreography programs and teams!
Viviana Fernandez is Director of Choreography at NJ Salsa where she builds choreographed routines for special events, such as weddings and Sweet 16s. She developed the recent routine "Abre Que Voy" which is currently performed by the NJ Salsa Student Team. Viviana will be the director of the Salsa Ladies Styling choreography program.
Margie Montes is Director of Mi Esencia NY, an all-ladies bachata team. Her teams have performed at many events and festivals including THE LATIN SOCIAL at American Dream, and the Atlanta Salsa & Bachata Festival. Her teaching experience includes instructing bachata at Empire Mambo in NYC. Marge will be the director of the Bachata Co-Ed Shines choreography program.
Ismael Otero is Director of Caribbean Soul Dance Co. He is domestically and internationally known as a dancer, performer, choreographer, and competition judge. Ismael's experience is extensive and his accolades are countless. Ismael will be the director of the Bachata Co-Ed Parterwork choreography program.
How Will the Auditions Work?
Everyone who will audition for the bachata choreography programs should arrive at 8pm. Everyone auditioning for the salsa choreography program should arrive by 9pm.
Greater detail to the audition process will be given on the day of the audition.
How Will This Process Work?
Participants are invited to audition for our new choreography programs. The program will last for 3 months from April 8th to June 24th. During that time, participants who are accepted into the programs are expected to attend a 1.5 hr choreography class each week. The class will be held on the same day, at the same time, under the instruction of one of our directors. At the end of 3 months, participants will be invited to audition to become an official member of one of NJ Salsa's new performance teams. Once the team members are selected, they will be given a calendar of events, socials, festivals, and congresses where they can perform with their team.
If I'm Selected For a Choreography Program, Do I Have to Perform?
Participants who are invited into a choreography program may choose to do so because they want to develop as dancers, or because they have a goal to perform one day. Performance is not required of any one in the choreography program.
If I Complete the Choreography Program, Will I Perform?
After successfully completing the choreography program, participants will be invited to audition to be part of a team. If you make the team, you will be guaranteed performance opportunities at NJ Salsa nightlife locations and events, as well as at other socials, events, festivals, and congresses.
What Will Be The Practice Schedule?
The official days and times for the choreography classes will be announced on April 1st at the auditions but it will likely be the following:
Salsa Ladies Styling, directed by Viviana Fernandez: Thursdays, 8:30-10pm
Bachata Co-Ed Shines, directed by Margie Montes: Mondays, 7-8:30pm
Bachata Co-Ed Partnerwork, directed by Ismael Otero: Mondays, 8:30-10pm
What Is The Cost Involved?
The cost of the audition on Mon, April 1st is $15. This ticket is non-refundable. If you are invited to participate in the choreography program, the $15 will be credited toward the program tuition.
The cost of each choreography program will be $290, minus the $15 credit from the 4/1/24 audition, which is a total amount of $275. The tuition will cover all three months of training, as well as the audition to join the team which will be held at the end of the 3rd month of the program. The total amount will be paid before the first class. We will accept credit card, zelle, or cash.
An additional cost will be the performance outfit for those who make the team. That cost is expected to accure on the 3rd month of the program.
Can I Participate in More Than One Program?
Yes, if invited to join by the director of the respective program, you may join multiple programs. In some cases, a person may qualify for all three programs. If you desire to participate in more than one program, we will provide a discount of $100 for each additional program.
What if I Want to Keep Taking Group Classes?
Everyone who joins a choreography program will be eligible for half off of any NJ Salsa group program.
What if I Can't Make the 4/1/24 Audition?
In rare cases, we will attempt to make it possible for a much shorter, and less formal audition on Wed, 3/27/24 at LIT21 in Newark at approximately 10pm. There will be no other option for auditions. Those who absolutely cannot make the Mon, 4/1/24 audition in Elizabeth should message @NJSalsa on IG.
Should I Audition?
Although we assume certain prerequisites in the level requirement for all of our programs, we are open to considering experienced dancers from other disciplines who may demonstrate a capacity to succeed in our choreography programs. If, for example, you’ve been formally trained in contemporary, or have taken a substantial number of heels classes, or are comfortable dancing hip-hop choreography, you’re welcome to audition on April 1st.
In all cases, the decision to allow anybody to participate in any of our choreography programs will be left to the directors of those program who will use a similar criteria to the following:
- A good understanding of timing of Salsa and/or Bachata
- Foundational knowledge of the basic steps, and turns in Salsa and/or Bachata
- Capacity to pick up on simple choreography in a short period of time
- A desire to want to learn and/or perform
- A desire to want to be part of a team
Ultimately, we aim to attract people who love music, want to grow as dancers, want to be part of a team, and want to one day perform. If you find yourself in that category, we encourage you to audition!
See you on the dance floor!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
317 Union Ave 3rd floor, 317 Union Avenue, Elizabeth, United States
USD 15.00