Dance Classes

Afro-Latin Movement

This class is an introduction to a variety of Afro-Latin dance styles that will help students develop freedom, variety, and fluidity in their body movement. Folkloric dances are complimented with Contemporary-infused warm-ups to achieve dance fluidity. Students are also taught how to incorporate such body movement into salsa dancing. Some of the folkloric dances that students will learn are Cuban Rumba, Orishas (Yoruba culture), Palo and Makuta (Congo/Bantú culture), Gagá (Franco-Haitian culture) and Cuban Conga.

Bachata

Bachata is a popular dance that originates in the Domincan Republic, and is now danced all around the world. It has been evolving for several decades. It is increasingly danced to faster music, adding more footwork, simple turns and rhythmic free-styling with alternation between close (romantic) and open position.

Brazilian Zouk

Brazilian zouk is a partner dance originating from Brazil. Also known as zouk-lambada, the dance is a descendant of lambada, the music & dance style that swept over the world like a storm in the late 1980’s. Brazilian zouk is characterized by the dancers’ undulating bodies and the girls’ flowing hair. Depending on the style of Brazilian zouk, you can see a close connection embrace and long graceful steps, strong hip movements, body isolations and upper-body torsions, wild spins and whip-like head movements. While the dance is often called sensual, it is not sexual or erotic. It is danced by people of all ages in night clubs, dance schools and events around the world! Like many dance styles, Brazilian zouk is ever evolving. There are a few different lines or styles of Brazilian zouk, the main three derivations at the moment (April 2015) being ‘lambazouk’, ‘traditional zouk’ and ‘modern zouk’.

Milonga

The most cheerful & lively in feeling & tempo, with a steady 2/4 rhythm. The dance emphasizes this rhythm with a step on each beat & sometimes on the off beats as well.

Reggaetón

Dancing to reggaetón with a mix of Latin styles, perreo, & some feminine flare! This is a choreography class focused on feeling sexy and confident in your own body. Open to all genders and levels. HEELS optional for extra sassiness!

Salsa

This popular dance is known for being lively and for its energetic rhythm! great for all ages and dancing abilities. Salsa dancing has many turns, exciting footwork, and rhythmic hip movements. Originally originating in Cuba and Puerto Rico, salsa dancing has a history of being cultivated into its own style within the Latino community in New York. Salsa is a fusion of many music and dance styles from the Caribbean, including Cha cha cha, Rhumba, Mambo, Cumbia, and more.

Salsa Aerobics

Ladies and Gents, come and sweat to the beats of Salsa, Cumbia, Merengue, Bachata, and all other dance types you can think of. Salsa Aerobics is all about being more aware of how your body moves, the space around you, and understanding musicality all while learning FUN dance moves! No dance experience needed; everyone is welcome!

Samba

Sweat a little and shake your hips! This class will give students a solid foundation in the fundamentals of samba, while exploring its many expressions: folkloric samba de roda, glittery, elegant Rio-style “passista” samba, playful, jazzy “malandro” samba, pop-style “pagode” samba from Bahia, African “samba afro,” and more. This type of samba should not be confused with “ballroom samba”, so no partner is necessary.

Senior Tango

Senior Tango is an all level tango class characterized by its inclusive approach. We have advanced dancers who have studied for years, and also brand new beginners who start at any time and are always welcomed. We have people with disabilities and without. Dancers of ALL ages are encouraged to come—we don’t card!

Tango

Tango is a highly improvisational dance that is built in layers. Come learn the structure of tango from start to finish in a relaxed atmosphere. Students are coached in the skills of leading and following — as well as the etiquette and culture of Argentine Tango.

Kizomba

Kizomba is one of the most popular genres of dance and music originating from Angola. It is a derivative of semba, with a mix of Kilapanda and Angolan Merengue, and sung generally in Portuguese. It is music with a romantic and sensual flow.

Language Classes

Spanish for Beginners

If you’ve never taken Spanish before, this is the class for you! Join this personal and interactive Spanish program, taught by native speakers. The class will utilize different types of teaching modalities, group dynamics, interaction, and pedagogical techniques. The goal of this course is to learn the Spanish language in an open, free, relaxed, and fun environment.

Portuguese Conversational

Group conversational class, dynamic and fun. Mixed level classes geared towards those interested in learning Portuguese language and Brazilian Culture. A great opportunity to practice the language, as it is spoken, with a native teacher. Be part of Esquina’s community with everyday language, Brazilian music, videos, articles, news, cooking (yes, sometimes we use Esquina’s kitchen) and get informed about Brazilian events in Austin. All levels are welcome as we pair different levels students to practice. Oba! Nos vemos em breve!