Get ready to spice up your dance moves!
Salsa in the Square is here!
With these FREE classes and social dances, you'll discover the joy of Latin dance while connecting with fellow dance enthusiasts and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, these classes are open to everyone who wants to learn, have fun, and immerse themselves in the world of Latin dance.
Dancing is fun but it's also healthy for your body and your brain. Here are what you can learn:
- Salsa: the most popular partner dance in the world. It originated in Cuba in the 1920's but today it's an international dance that can be found in most metropolitan cities. Which means if you learn to dance, you'll always have something to do pretty much anywhere you go.
- Bachata: originated in the Dominican Republic around the 1960s. Bachata is a beautiful and sensual dance, that is all about the hips! Contrasting to salsa, the music and energy of the dance is slower however the leading and following signals are mostly the same.
- Kizomba: originally from Angola is a partner dance that has captured the hearts of dancers worldwide. It is known for its slow, rhythmic movements and close connection between partners. With its soulful music and smooth body movements, Kizomba offers dancers a unique and captivating experience.
What to expect at Salsa in the Square
Free Salsa Classes
Learn how to connect with the music, the rhythm, and navigate the dance floor.
Instructors will guide you through the fundamental techniques, footwork, and partner work that define the energetic salsa style.
Time: 6:30 pm to 7:15 pm
Line dance
Spice up your summer with Salsa Line Dancing!
Whether you're new to salsa or a seasoned pro, our sessions will keep you grooving all summer long. Get ready to feel the heat, make new friends, and let the music move you.
Time: 7:15 pm - 7:30 pm
Open dance floor
After the dynamic classes, experience the exhilarating rhythms of salsa!
Discover the joy of salsa while connecting with fellow dance enthusiasts and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. No partner is required.
Time: 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Schedule for Summer 2024
July 9
La Vida Bistrobar & Social with Bonnie and Alexei teaching salsa
July 16
Ballroom, Kizomba and Afro-Beats with Nomsa
July 23
La Vida Bistrobar & Social with Bonnie and Alexei teaching salsa
July 30
QSalsa with Tanvir and Terra teaching bachata
August 6
Ballroom, Kizomba and Afro-Beats with Nomsa
August 13
La Vida Bistrobar & Social with Bonnie and Alexei teaching salsa
August 20
QSalsa with Ali and Tamara teaching salsa
August 27
La Vida Bistrobar & Social, QSalsa & Dansani
September 3
TBC
September 10
TBC
Experience the exhilarating rhythms of salsa!
Meet the instructors
La Vida Bistrobar & Social
La Vida Bistrobar hosts Latin dance parties that play a variety of music such as salsa, bachata, cha cha cha, merengue, Kizomba, reggaeton, soca and other Latin beats. They also offer Latin dance workshops such as salsa and bachata as well Zumba classes in order to grow and expand the Latin dance scene in the Kingston area.
Bonnie Wannamaker
Co-owner of La Vida and one of the founders of Latin Dance Kingston, to say that Bonnie has a passion for Latin would be an understatement. Bonnie is a salsa and bachata teaching assistant and you'll find her beside Alexei helping him with his group and private classes at La Vida. Bonnie believes that Latin dancing is more than just steps you execute, it touches your soul and opens up your life to new experiences, new friendships, a fun way to stay fit and keep your heart, soul and brain happy. Experience this energy for yourself at La Vida.
Alexei Baro
Alexei Baro is our dancer and instructor extrodineaur! Originating from Cuba, Alexei is a born entertainer, showman, dance instructor, Zumba teacher, MC and host. He is the party! His infectious energy and amazing dance skills will heat the dance floor and get everyone moving. At La Vida, Alexei brings the chiqui, chiqui no control to our Latin nights as well as teaches salsa On One and Cuban-style salsa, bachata, and sensual bachata plus leads Zumba classes that are so fun you'll forget that you're exercising. His studies included learning many forms of dance and the culture of movement. He is a graduate of Physical Culture and Sports at the University of Matanzas in Cuba.
Dansani
DANSANI is a local dance company that specializes in Latin, Ballroom, Kizomba and Afro-Beats dance classes. Latin dance classes include Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, and Cha-cha-cha. A variety of Ballroom dance classes are offered at DANSANI and include, for example, Slow Waltz, Viennese Waltz, jive and others. Weekly group and private dance classes are offered in each of the dance styles. Special dance workshops are also offered every 4-6 weeks.
Nomsa Mngoma
Founder of DANSANI Dance Company an award-winning dancer with competitive ballroom dance experience. She has been a dance instructor in the Greater Kingston area for over 10 years and her diverse portfolio spans many genres including Salsa, Semba, Kizomba, Bachata, Merengue, Argentine Tango, International Standard Ballroom and Latin dance. She has danced in many countries including, several countries in Africa, the Caribbean, USA, Spain, Italy, and of course, across Canada. DANSANI, derived from the isiZulu word for dance, expresses a sense of rhythm that is embodied in each of us — not as an individual but collectively as a community, in the true spirit of Ubuntu.
QSALSA
QSALSA is a student club at Queen's University with a rich history dating back to 1989 when it was first known as Club Hispanico, dedicated to promoting Spanish and Latin American culture on campus and in the Kingston community. The club's current staple activities include weekly Latin dance classes and socials featuring salsa and bachata, fostering a vibrant and engaging community for both Queen's University students and the greater Kingston community. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our collaboration with some of the best dance instructors in the Kingston community to ensure high quality dance classes for both our students and the community members.
Tanvir Kaykobad
Tanvir is actively involved in QSALSA and has been teaching bachata since the pandemic restrictions eased. Currently pursuing his PhD at Queen's University, Tanvir is passionate about dance and enjoys sharing his love for it with others. While he has experience in Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba, he continues to learn and grow in his dance journey.
Terra Marie
A passionate dancer and fitness expert with a deep love for Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba. Her dance journey began in 2011 when she joined QSALSA and quickly fell in love with the rhythm and energy of Latin dances. As the owner of Personal Training Kingston, Terra's extensive training as a Movement Specialist and Strength & Conditioning Expert allows her to bring a unique perspective to her dance instruction. With her expertise in dance-specific conditioning and technique, Terra is dedicated to helping her students improve their skills and reach their full potential.
Tamara Centis
Tamara started teaching Latin dance in 2018, trained by Waldo and Jaqui Solano of Salsaknox in Tennessee. Since 2022, she has shared her passion by teaching at QSALSA and on the military base. As the co-founder of the Los Encantos Kingston Latin Dance Team, she inspires others to embrace the therapeutic power of dance, emphasizing its capacity for expression and connection beyond physical movement.
Ali Zaydan
From the slums of Tripoli on the shore of the Mediterranean in Lebanon, Ali Zaydan started dancing a decade ago. As a previous sales manager who sold diapers in P&G and coffee with Nestle, Ali refreshes his soul through Salsa! Migrating from linear to Cuban, salsa has been part of Ali’s life as a dancer and instructor. Ali’s love for salsa pushed him to learn Spanish to indulge and understand the music he dances on.
Produced by
Downtown Kingston BIA, representing +700 Downtown property and business owners.