Want to learn to dance? We host weekly classes where you will learn the fundamentals of one of the world’s most popular dances — Casino AKA Cuban Salsa! Whether you're an absolute beginner or coming from another dance style, this class is for you.All Salsa styles have their origins in Cuba and the authentic down-to-earth Casino is inclusive of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Enjoy a fun-filled hour of learning to dance with professionally trained Cuban dance maestro Vivio, who has been teaching and performing in New Zealand for 21 years.
Our philosophy is "Bailar es vivir, La vida es danza"/ Dance is life, Life is a dance". In Cuba, music and dancing is a way of life. Here in Aotearoa, it often becomes a way of life for those who fall in love with Cuban dances — a way to socialise, have fun, gain a skill, stay healthy and appreciate joyful moments dancing with friends, and strangers. Come and give it a go! Everyone is welcome.
WHEN? Wednesday nights, 6.30-7.30pm.
LOCATION: Grey Lynn Library Lecture Hall, 474 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand.
PRICES AND HOW TO PAY:
$25 - Casual class
$84 - 4 classes ($21 per class, save $16)
$160 - 8 classes ($20 per class, save $40)
$228 - 12 classes ($19, save $72)
Please deposit to the following bank acct, referencing your full name: JL Harvey / Cuban Groove — 38-9012-0006566-00
NB: All concession cards are non-refundable and need to be used within 6 months from the date of purchase, unless an extension is pre-arranged with us.
IMPORTANT INFO FOR CLASS:
PARKING: There is free off-street parking at the venue.
WHAT TO WEAR: Wear clothes and shoes you can comfortably move around in and a good deodorant to keep your fellow dancers happy ?
WHAT TO BRING: Bring a water bottle, a gym towel and comfortable shoes suitable for dancing.
FACILITIES: There is a kitchen on site to top up your water. Clean toilets are available inside the hall.
PRIVATE CLASSES:
If you want to fast-track your learning and develop aspects of your technique and styling, book a private class with Vivio and pick from an extensive range of dance styles from Cuban salsa to ballet to contemporary to bachata. For more info, email [email protected] or DM The Cuban Groove.
FOR MORE INFO / CONTACT:
For more info about classes, check out our Facebook 'Events’ at https://www.facebook.com/thecubangroove or send Justine a direct message or email [email protected]�
STAY UP TO DATE:
Please Like and Follow The Cuban Groove on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date with upcoming classes, events, workshops and live music gigs (we have two bands, Ke lo Ke and Vivio & Friends, that perform live Cuban music for dancing).
SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE USEFUL INFO ABOUT CLASSES >>>
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THE TEACHER
You will love learning with NZ's own master of Cuban dances, 'Vivio' Isbert Ramos Mediaceja, who loves to share his passion for his country’s dances with his students. Vivio was formally trained in Havana at the National School of Performing Arts, before touring the world for 20 years as a professional dancer and choreographer in famous shows like Lady Salsa. His bands, Ke lo Ke and Vivio & Friends, regularly perform music for dancing at bars, events and festivals around the country. It will be hard to find an experienced Salsa dancer in Aotearoa who hasn’t studied under Vivio at some point in their dancing journey. He is supported by his partner Justine, who has 8 years dancing experience, and other senior students.
10 BENEFITS FROM DANCING CASINO/CUBAN SALSA:
1. Get fitter and healthier! Dancing is the ultimate workout. It's scientifically proven to increase endurance and improve the condition of the heart and lungs, muscle tone and strength, motor skills, coordination, flexibility, aerobic fitness and much more.
2. Make new friends! Dancing is social and you are bound to form new friendships and a new social scene. Couples love doing our classes together and you should know that quite a few romantic partnerships have arisen from our classes and events!
3. Have a great time! Dancing is a natural high. Move your body to release happy hormones like dopamine to improve your self-esteem and mental health.
4. Casino is a skill you can take anywhere in the world and onto dance floors around the country. Did you know Casino and Rueda are the most popular forms of Salsa in Europe?
5. Learn about related dance styles like Rueda de Casino, Cha-Cha-Cha, Son, Mambo, Afro-Cuban Orishas and Rumba, which are sometimes incorporated into Salsa, along with elements of Contemporary, Ballet, Merengue, Bachata and more.
6. Increase your musical understanding! Cuban music is super happy and energising! From Buena Vista Social Club to Alexander Abreu, it’s really beautiful music to enjoy listening and dancing to, and you will inevitably improve your rhythm and timing.
7. Become more social. Our community expresses itself at festivals, parties and events, where you will mingle with people from different cultures, ages and walks of life. We perform dance and music (with our bands Ke lo Ke and Vivio & Friends) at numerous festivals and events around the country.
8. Discover a whole new culture! Cuba has a rich history of music and dance that combines the best of Western musicianship with African rhythms and Caribbean vibes. Amazing that such a small country is renowned to produce some of the best musicians and dancers in the world.
9. Gain a few Spanish words throughout your dancing journey. You will learn fundamental Salsa moves like Guapea, Dile Que No and Enchuffa and essential combinations like Panque con Coca Cola and La Prima con Hermana. We provide a list of moves for you.
10. Learn from the best! Vivio is one of the most talented dancers of his generation to come out of Cuba. He is a fully qualified dance teacher who has taught 1,000s of students and at least a dozen dance teachers.
SOCIAL DANCING
The Cuban Groove organises regular social events, dance workshops, classes and performances, and music gigs, and is often invited to host events at bars, parties, and festivals, alongside regular classes at the Refugee Centre in Mangere and Auckland University. Like and follow The Cuban Groove on Facebook and Instagram. For live music, check out our bands Ke lo Ke and Vivio & Friends via @kelokeband.
YOU ARE UNIQUE!
Diversity is at the essence of Cuban Salsa. Everyone comes it with different backgrounds and skill levels so, at The Cuban Groove, we celebrate the uniqueness of our students who have various dancing abilities and origins. Some start with zero experience while others have trained under experienced teachers for many years. We hope you will join us on this exciting dance adventure together!
Drop us a line if you have any questions by DM or email [email protected]
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Event Venue
474 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand 1021, New Zealand