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 elcome to the School of
AfroLatino Dance Company, your source of quality instruction in afro-latin dances
where learning is fun and relaxed. Our lessons in Cuban Salsa, Brazilian Samba, Kizomba, Semba, Rumba, Reggaeton,
Afro-Cuban, Latin Cardio, Bachata and more, will get you grooving in no time!
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KIZOMBA & SEMBA LESSONS IN TORONTO
The hottest dance craze hitting Toronto, come see what kizomba is all about! We offer classes in authentic (Angolan) style, presented as a natural progression into Semba.
A sensual and intricate yet simple dance, kizomba is here to stay and we are proud to be the pioneer kizomba school in Toronto, offering kizomba classes
since 2009 and now semba since 2013! Find out more
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| Upcoming Introductory Level Courses |
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| Mon., July 7, 2014 |
7-8pm |
Reggaeton 1 |
| Mon., July 7, 2014 |
8-9pm |
Kizomba 1 |
| Thu., July 17, 2014 |
8-9pm |
Brazilian Samba 1 |
| Sun., July 20, 2014 |
3-4pm |
Kizomba 1 |
| Tue., July 22, 2014 |
8-9pm |
Cuban Salsa Beginner 1 |
| Sat., August 2, 2014 |
4-5pm |
Kizomba 1 |
| Wed., August 6, 2014 |
8-9pm |
Bachata 1 |
| Sat., August 16, 2014 |
5-6pm |
Cuban Salsa Beginner 1 |
| Sun., August 24, 2014 |
4-5pm |
Cuban Salsa Beginner 1 |
| Mon., September 8, 2014 |
7-8pm |
Bachata 1 |
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| Upcoming Non-Introductory Level Courses |
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| Sun., July 20, 2014 |
2-3pm |
Kizomba/Semba 2 |
| Tue., July 22, 2014 |
7-8pm |
Afro-Cuban Movement |
| Sat., August 2, 2014 |
3-4pm |
Cuban Rumba |
| Mon., August 4, 2014 |
7-8pm |
Reggaeton 2 |
| Wed., August 6, 2014 |
7-8pm |
Cuban Salsa Beginner 2 |
| Wed., August 6, 2014 |
7-8pm |
Kizomba/Semba 2 |
| Wed., August 6, 2014 |
8-9pm |
Kizomba/Semba 4 |
| Thu., August 21, 2014 |
7-8pm |
Cuban Salsa Intermediate 3 |
| Thu., August 21, 2014 |
8-9pm |
Kizomba/Semba 3 |
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| AfroFit Dance Fitness Classes |
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June 21, 2014
AfroLatino's 9th Anniversary Party was a huge success and we thank all that came out to celebrate it with us!
Photos will be posted soon.
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July 19, 2014
Our kizomba and salsa mega KLIMAX
Party is back at Clave Social! No Salsa Social at the studio on this day!!
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August 10, 2014
Join us for our 1st annual KIZOMBA PICNIC IN HIGH PARK, where food, drinks and company are all excellent in one
of Toronto's most iconic parks!
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August 16, 2014
Our kizomba and salsa mega KLIMAX Party, August edition, at Clave Social!
There will be no Salsa Social at the studio on this day.
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August 29-31, 2014
AfroLatino will be teaching at the Toronto
International Bachata & Kizomba Congress
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Ayesha
"Just wanted to say thank you for being such a wonderful studio and for fostering such a welcoming dance environment! I look forward each week to coming to class and the social on Saturdays."
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Yvetta
"First of all I want to say that I don’t have words to express how good I feel about coming to your dance studio. You are very professional and your personality is so friendly and pleasant that you have created an excellent atmosphere for learning and having fun at the same time. Your instructors and other long time students are no exception to that... I am looking forward to a long time of practice at AfroLatino dance studio."
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Rhonda
"Thank you for your passionate and energetic instruction and for introducing me to this amazing dance (Samba) - I love it!"
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Robert (Australia)
"Thank you very much for teaching me Sententa Complicado, Noventa, El Dos, Montana etc as well as letting me do your group class.
I got a lot of benefit, and the good news is I can reproduce all those moves in Australia."
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Sally
"The party was really great. Thank you soo much for organizing the performance group. It was
honestly the best dancing experience I have ever had. Also, I really have to thank you for
encouraging us during the performance itself... That was
very nice of you. THANK YOU!"
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| Toronto Salsa Classes / Lessons |
 AfroLatino Dance Company
offers you a variety of dance lessons in Cuban Salsa, Brazilian Samba, Afro-Cuban orishas dance,
Cuban Rumba, Latin Cardio, Stretch and Strengthen, Styling and Body Movement, Cuban Cabaret, Merengue, Bachata, Kizomba, Son, Cha Cha Cha, and many more. Our classes
are taught in an easy to follow manner, and a friendly and highly supportive environment. With multiple locations and events
serving people across the Greater Toronto Area - from downtown Toronto to the west end - we are sure to offer something for everybody: from absolute
beginners to expert dancers, people of all ages and backgrounds, with or without a partner.
Where's the proof, you ask? Try our dance lessons and find out.
 Whether you are a total beginner or a seasoned dancer,
whether you're coming alone or with a partner, our Toronto salsa lessons are made for you. The step by step and easy going approach,
consistent breakdown of steps, will teach you the technique and the flavour, and turn you into a latin dancer in no time!
In our classes we are all about teaching you how to dance Salsa in a fun, caring and comfortable environment.
We do our best to balance the number of men and women to ensure you maximize your learning time in class.
In addition, our dance instructors, assistants and volunteers are dedicated to helping you get the most out of the classes.
For students with previous salsa dance experience, we provide (and highly recommend) a complimentary assessment in order to suggest the most suitable
level or plan for you. You can check our Salsa Class Descriptions
to get an idea of the steps and figures covered in each level. Please bear in mind that it may be best to start with our
Cuban Salsa Beginner 1 in order to build a strong foundation
that you can expand upon as you progress in our classes. Other styles of salsa do not necessarily
translate into the steps in Cuban Salsa, so do contact us for an assessment to be sure of the appropriate level.
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| What's Salsa, Cuban Salsa? |
 In short, it is the world’s most popular Latin street dance. With origins in Cuba and ties in Puerto Rico, it
has spread like wildfire around the world and is danced by Salseros/Salseras in cities as diverse as Paris, London,
Hong Kong, New York, Rio de Janeiro and, of course, in Toronto. In fact, any evening of the week you will find hundreds of
Torontonians attending Salsa lessons or at one of the many great Salsa clubs in Toronto. Go traveling and you’ll
likely find a similar picture in every major city in the world! When you start Salsa dancing, you join a huge family of
Salsa dance-loving folks spread throughout the world.
Cuban Salsa, or simply Casino as it's known in Cuba, is a style of Salsa dancing gaining ever more popularity outside of Cuba,
hugely popular in many places in Europe, Peru, Brazil, and now stablishing a strong fan base in Toronto. Its circular motion, afro-cuban flavour
and very rhythmic and playful nature make it a favourite among many.
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| Salsa: so much more than just dance |
Salsa has certainly become a way of life in many countries outside of Latin America, reaching Canada and as far west as Australia and Japan. Salsa dance
is an all-encompassing hobby that can be enjoyed by all regardless of race, age, gender, size or profession. Cuban salsa in particular, is making its
mark globally with its infectious rhythms and sexy movements that is unparalleled by any other style of salsa, and here is why.
 Salsa dancing expands your social
circle
Let’s face it, when it comes to exploring new hobbies, the chance to meet new people can be a definite motivator. When looking to expand your social
circle and meet new friends, Salsa is a great way to get out there and meet others. From the moment you step into the studio, you surround yourself
with other individuals with the same interests - a passion for dance, music and the same motivation for meetings others, just like you! Together, mistakes
can be laughed at, the music can inspire and conversation flows naturally. Students that attend regular salsa lessons will often get together and go out
dancing socially, forming lasting and meaningful friendships that extend beyond the studio.
As with any other hobbies that brings like-minded individuals together, Salsa has been known to help singles find their special someone. It is a very
sensual and romantic dance, so chemistry on the dance floor can often lead to romantic relationships as well. Salsa dance is also an excellent "excuse"
to approach someone and strike up a conversation while dancing, or after. So forget online dating, singles parties or speed dating and the frustration
and work that often accompany them. Instead, why not explore the possibilities that lie ahead in our Salsa classes? Have fun, impress yourself and others
and as an added bonus potentially meet your perfect match!
Salsa: the mind body balance
Regular salsa dancing promotes both physical and mental health, making it the perfect social "workout." It increases your heart rate and therefore your
stamina and acts as a great calorie burner and muscle toner, aiding in weight loss. Cuban salsa in particular, with its emphasis on body movement provides
an additional work out for your core muscle thereby strengthening your abs! Thighs, buttocks, arms and other important muscles also get a great workout.
Cuban salsa classes and parties are an excellent form of exercise that gets you sweating to the infectious rhythms. Salsa dancing is also beneficial to
the mind. It releases endorphins (the "feel good hormone") into the bloodstream reducing pain and alleviating stress. The moment you come into our
salsa class you will start to suddenly feel all the stresses of your day fade away. You will feel more relaxed, positive and energized. Regular salsa
dancing increases a sense of community among its students, helping students develop more self-confidence.
 Salsa as a creative outlet
Salsa dancing with its myriad of figures, styling and body movement options creates the possibility of endless self-expression and creativity. All in all,
salsa is a fun creative and artistic hobby unlike many other alternatives.
So to sum it all up:
- Salsa lessons are a fun form of exercise
- Salsa lessons increase endurance and heart rate
- Salsa lessons burn calories, increase metabolism and promote weight loss
- Salsa lessons increase muscle tone, coordination and strength
- Salsa lessons reduce stress
- Salsa lessons improve reflexes, spatial awareness and overall mental agility
- Salsa lessons increase self confidence and self awareness
- Salsa lessons make you feel younger
- Salsa classes are a great way to make new friendships
- Salsa classes can spark a romance
- Salsa classes are a great creative outlet
- Salsa classes are a great door to a fun loving community
- Salsa classes are EXCITING and FUN!
Many who dance salsa will attest it is a life-changing experience!
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| Toronto Kizomba Classes / Lessons |
| Kizomba dance has been taking the world by storm, having emerged from Angola in the 80s. Extremely popular in most
European countries, kizomba's wave has now hit Toronto and is here to stay! A partner social dance that is best known by its sensuality and
smooth flow, it became first popular in the 80s in Angola and from there in the other portuguese-speaking African countries. It was only in
the 90s that it started taking Europe by storm, first Portugal (for obviously having the biggest Angolan expat community), then gradually
the UK, France and Spain.
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| What's Kizomba? |
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The word kizomba was in use back in the 50s in Angola, more specifically in the region of the capital Luanda, as a word from kimbundu, one of the
local dialects, simply meaning party. With time it became associated with a musical genre that emerged from the blending of Angolan semba rhythm with
French Caribbean zouk, specially after the visit to Angola by zouk superstar band Kassav, in the 80s. Kizomba these days is the name for both the musical
genre as well as the dance that is often associated with it.
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| Kizomba as a musical genre |
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Kizomba was born in the 80s from the blend of traditional Angolan semba music with French Caribbean zouk rhythms, giving it that smooth romantic
feel. Mainly sung in portuguese or kimbundu, many people these days confuse kizomba with zouk, ghetto zouk, cabo zouk and zouklove.
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| Kizomba as a dance genre |
Kizomba dance has evolved mainly from semba, an Angolan traditional dance that emerged and became popular in the 50s. For Angolans there is no big
distinction between the steps used for kizomba and the ones used for semba, other than the usual slower tempo dictated by kizomba music wihich tends
to be romantic. For many Angolans kizomba sinply uses a subset of the steps that semba has, where some of the more extravagant/playful elements are
not present. It is worth noting that even semba has had over the years some infusion of ideas and steps from tango as well as Cuban partner dances
such as Son. Some of these influences have naturaly made their way into kizomba as well. Angolan traditional kizomba emphasizes heavily on smoothness
and fluidity, using the music as a steady compass.
In the last years a new style of kizomba has been emerging from Europe, where the interpretation of the music and dance has taken a more edgy/hip-hop
approach. In this style of kizomba there are more influences of tango as well, and the couples are often seen pausing and changing the tempo
of steps.
Our Kizomba lessons in Toronto will introduce you to mainly
Angolan style, but will also teach you some European style figures and principles, Whenever that is the case it will be stated clearly the difference
between the styles so students are aware.
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Find out more about our classes
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