At Caramelo we teach a variety of Latin dance forms, such as Crossbody Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha Cha, NY Mambo On2, Styling, as well as Kizomba. Use the menu on the right to find out more about dance classes of each style and our recommendations for each level.
Each course takes place over a 4-week period, 1 hour class per week. Multiple courses to be taken within the same 4-week/1 month period by the same person.
Salsa
Salsa Classes at Caramelo:
Our main courses are taught in a 4-Week structured & progressive course format. Courses start on the FIRST Wednesday and Thursday of the Month. For 1 Day Intensive Beginner Courses please click here
Salsa dancing is completely inclusive and is suitable for anyone regardless of age, or level of ability.
So much more than just dance classes, Salsa is a great way to stay fit, meet new people, make friends, challenge yourself and discover a passion you did not know you had! Work on your balance, coordination, fitness levels and fluidity of movement - all while having fun! Salsa classes can give you the confidence you need, as well as help you break the routine and escape the hectic lifestyle of today. Salsa dancing is an extremely popular and effective way to relieve stress and improve your emotional well-being. Our students often tell us how their lives have positively changed since discovering Salsa!
Aside from the physical execise, Latin dance is a great way to develop new social relationships. In Latin America, Salsa dancing is a massive part of the culture and its social life. Through Salsa dancing people find their self-expression, develop their creativity and embark on an exciting journey of self-discovery through partner dancing.
Caramelo Salsa classes cater to dancers at all levels, from Beginner to Advanced. Have a look below for more information on the course levels and what you will learn at each stage.
Join us on Wednesday and Thursday evenings for your weekly dose of Latin partner dancing. Read on to find out what we teach in each course level!
See a sample Salsa class routine and what you can expect to learn below:
Shaan and Haroula - Salsa On1 Workshop
Caramelo students - 3rd Place at Salsa Convention Berlin 2014 Competition:
Also, have a look at our videos page for some more sample routines and performances.
Salsa - Beginners 1 Course
Welcome to your first steps, literally, into Salsa dancing. Whether you have no experience at all or have taken a couple of Salsa classes, this beginner's course is perfect for you.
Taught with patience and encouragement, you will learn the timing & rhythm of Salsa, the core basic steps & turns in Salsa, the foundation of the cross-body in NY-Style Salsa and the basic principles of leading and following in partner dancing.
For those who feel they have 'two left feet', you will discover that you do have a right foot after all!
Prerequisite: None - no dance experience necessary!
Combine this course with: Bachata, Cha Cha Cha.
At the end of the course your instructor will advise you when you are ready to move up to the next level
Salsa - Improvers 1 Course
Now that we got you dancing, you will re-cap the basics in Salsa Beginners 1 classes. We will turn our attention to partner-work, focusing on the cross-body lead, right turn and cross-body turn variations with emphasis on creating various basic turn-pattern combinations and adding styling for the followers. Timing and rhythm will be built-up and encouraged.
Prerequisite: Completion of Salsa Beginners 1 or equivalent experience. Individual evaluations available upon request.
Recommendation: We advise you do this course level 2 times.
Combine this course with: Bachata, Ladies Styling Improvers, Cha Cha Cha.
At the end of the course your instructor will advise you when you are ready to move up to the next level
Salsa - Improvers 2 Course
Re-capping and expanding upon Salsa Improvers 1, we will re-visit cross-body turns, right turns and introduce you to more advanced variations of the cross-body turn to increase your repertoire of turn-pattern combinations. There will be a focus on spinning, wraps, footwork shines, as well as tips & styling for the follower in partner-work.
By now, you will feel assured and confident when hitting the dance floor!
Prerequisite: Mastering of Salsa clases at Improver 1 level or equivalent experience. Individual evaluations available upon request.
Recommendation: We advise you do this level 4 to 5 times.
Combine this course with: Bachata, Ladies Styling Improvers, Cha Cha Cha, Men's Styling.
At the end of the course your instructor will advise you when you are ready to move up to the next level
Salsa - Intermediate 1 Course
Re-capping and expanding upon Salsa Improvers 2, you will be reminded of the "dos & don'ts" of dance floor etiquette. We will cover intricate travelling-turns and the more advanced technique of 'open-breaks'.
We'll also introduce you to double spins and incorporate multiple spins into partner-work combinations.
Good leading and following techniques in partner-work are worked upon, with following and styling tips incorporated into every new turn-pattern combination.
Precision in technique, footwork, posture and balance will be encouraged.
Prerequisite: Mastering of Salsa Improvers 2 or equivalent experience. Individual evaluations available upon request.
Recommendation: We advise you do this level 6 to 7 times.
Combine this course with: Bachata, Men's Styling, Ladies Styling, Cha Cha Cha, Mambo on2.
At the end of the course your instructor will advise you when you are ready to move up to the next level
Salsa - Intermediate 2 Course
Re-capping and expanding upon Salsa Intermediate 1, we will teach you how to build your own turn patterns using good technique, involving a light lead, clear signaling, speed and timing, as well using all 8 counts in footwork and partner-work.
Followers will learn to respond quickly to more advanced techniques so as to remain light, mastering double spins, improving good posture and adding ladies arm-styling.
By this stage, whether you are a leader or follower, you will be confident to dance with a variety of dancers!
Prerequisite: Mastering of Salsa Intermediate 1 or equivalent experience. Individual evaluations available upon request.
Recommendation: We advise you do this level 6 to 8 times.
Combine this course with: Cha Cha Cha, Men's Styling, Ladies Styling, Bachata, Mambo on2.
At the end of the course your instructor will advise you when you are ready to move up to the next level
Salsa - Advanced Course
Congratulations for mastering all of the Salsa levels and for continuing and exploring your passion for Salsa dancing. With all the techniques under your belt, in our weekly advanced classes we will encourage you to include elements such as musicality, body movement isolations, spinning variations, improvisation in partner-work and footwork.
This level is tailored for you master all the techniques needed to be considered "advanced", such as syncopations, multiple-turns and intricate leading & following techniques and turn-patterns. We will also encourage you to create and improvise your own patterns and footwork. A high level of creative turn-pattern combinations, technique & speed, multiple spinning, arm-styling and partner connection will help you dance with confidence with an array of dancers, whether at your local salsa club or at salsa festivals in the world. All topped off with the most important aspect of this social dance... a smile!
Prerequisite: Mastering of Salsa Intermediate 3 classes or equivalent experience. This level has a compulsory evaluation to enter. Evaluations available upon request.
Recommendation: We advise you to do this forever! ☺
Combine this course with: Cha Cha Cha, Men's Styling, Ladies Styling, Bachata, Mambo on2.
At the end of the course your instructor will advise you when you are ready to move up to the next level
Bachata
Bachata Classes at Caramelo:
All dance classes are taught in a 4-Week structured & progressive course format. Courses start on the FIRST Wednesday and Thursday of the Month
Bachata is a beautifully sensual partner dance, hugely popular with dancers worldwide. It is a form of music and dance that originated in the countryside and rural marginal neighbourhoods of the Dominican Republic. Its subjects are usually romantic; especially prevalent are tales of heartbreak and sadness. Bachata grew out of - and is still closely related to - the pan Latin-American romantic style called bolero. Over time, it has been influenced by merengue - a fast paced danceable music also native to the Dominican Republic - and by a variety of Latin American guitar styles.
Just as the music has gained popularity and recognition, the Bachata dance has left the rural countryside of the Dominican Republic to reach places like New York City, Paris, Madrid, Sydney and Tokyo.
Bachata 1 - Beginners
Learn the seductive dance from the Dominican Republic - BACHATA! In this course, you will learn all the fundamentals of the very sexy Bachata dance including footwork, rhythm & timing, leading and following techniques, learning the basic Bachata hip movement & steps. We will incorporate all these elements into basic turns and several beginner partner-work combinations.
At the end of the course you will have learned enough material to make you feel like going to a Bachata club that same night.
Prerequisite: None - no dance experience necessary!
Recommendation: We advise you do this level 1 to 2 times.
Combine this course with: Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Men's Styling, Ladies Styling. Mambo on2.
At the end of the course your instructor will advise you when you are ready to move up to the next level
Bachata 2 - Improvers
Building on the basics you learned in the Beginners level this course will take you through the next step in the Bachata foundations with the intro into body movement and more intricate turn patterns with your partner as well as new footwork for your shines.
Prerequisite: Mastering of Bachata Beginners or equivalent experience. Individual evaluations available upon request.
Recommendation: We advise you do this level 4 to 6 times.
Combine this course with: Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Men's Styling, Ladies Styling. Mambo on2.
At the end of the course your instructor will advise you when you are ready to move up to the next level
Bachata 3 - Intermediate
Re-capping and expanding upon the Improvers level you will learn the skilful aspects of body movement in Bachata. Leading & following techniques and musicality of this sensual and romantic dance will be emphasized. Also shown will be the differences the various styles of Bachata, such as Moderna, Sensual and Dominican.
New partner-work combinations will be introduced each week with a focus on body rhythm, styling and execution. We will also encourage students on developing musicality and learning how and where to add dips and close holds, as well as hit the musical accents to spice up the dance.
Prerequisite: Mastering of Bachata Improvers or equivalent experience. Individual evaluations available upon request.
Recommendation: We advise you do this level 6 to 8 times.
Combine this course with: Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Men's Styling, Ladies Styling. Mambo on2.
At the end of the course your instructor will advise you when you are ready to move up to the next level
Bachata 4 - Advanced
Mastering and expanding upon Bachata Intermediate level, we will encourage you to be more expressive with your movements and the sensuality in Bachata by adding different dance fusions to Bachata.
Have you taken Bachata lessons to an intermediate / advanced level and been dancing in the clubs but want more of a challenge and some new movements? Then this course is for you! We will build on what you already know by adding new body isolations, turns and countless variations. Our body movement drills will help you add that sexiness that is needed to make this dance look effortless.
Prerequisite: Mastering of Bachata 3 or equivalent experience. Evaluations to join this level are mandatory.
Recommendation: We advise you do this level forever! ☺
Combine this course with: Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Men's Styling, Ladies Styling. Mambo on2.
Cha Cha Cha
Cha Cha Cha classes at Caramelo:
All dance classes are taught in a 4-Week structured & progressive course format. Courses start on the FIRST Wednesday and Thursday of the Month
Caramelo Cha Cha Boogaloo Student Team
1st Place Winners at Salsa Convention Berlin 2014 Competition
Sample Cha Cha Cha Routine and Footwork Taught During the 4wk Courses
Cha Cha Cha 1 - Beginners
If you have never done Cha Cha before, have done a little Cha Cha or even Ballroom Cha Cha, then this course is perfect for you. We will teach you the basics of this syncopated-step dance, which will improve your Salsa timing and most importantly help you become light on your feet.
The course will cover what we call the "core drill combo's", a series of step combinations and simple partner-work that will help to understand the rhythm and timing. What might seem difficult in the beginning will become very easy!
Prerequisite: None - no dance experience necessary!
Recommendation: We advise you do this level 1 to 2 times.
Combine this course with: Salsa, Mambo on2, Men's Styling, Ladies Styling. Bachata.
At the end of the course your instructor will advise you when you are ready to move up to the next level
Cha Cha Cha 2 - Improvers / Intermediate
Building upon the "core drill" steps and basic partner-work, we will highlight the differences between the more advanced dance movements to the Cha Cha rhythm and timing.
You will learn more challenging partner-work and footwork sequences, focusing on becoming more comfortable with keeping the timing. Elements of beautiful Cha Cha arm-styling and body movements will be encouraged. This will help develop your co-ordination and footwork speed to a high intermediate level.
Prerequisite: Mastering of Cha Cha 1 or equivalent experience. Individual evaluations available upon request.
Recommendation: We advise you do this level 7 to 9 times.
Combine this course with: Salsa, Mambo on2, Men's Styling, Ladies Styling. Bachata.
At the end of the course your instructor will advise you when you are ready to move up to the next level
Cha Cha Cha 3 - Advanced
Now the real fun and creativity begins! Together, we will show you how creative Cha Cha can be compared to other Latin dances. Special focus will be applied to playful musicality and improvisation in partner connection.
Bringing together all these elements and more will give you the encouragement to hit the dance floor with confidence to connect with music and express yourself. All topped off with a big joyous smile!
Prerequisite: Mastering of Cha Cha 2 or equivalent experience. This level has a compulsory evaluation to enter. Evaluations available upon request.
Recommendation: We advise you to do this forever! ☺
Combine this course with: Salsa, Mambo on2, Men's Styling, Ladies Styling, Bachata.
At the end of the course your instructor will advise you when you are ready to move up to the next level
NY Mambo
NY Mambo (NY Salsa on2) Classes at Caramelo:
All dance classes are taught in a 4-Week structured & progressive course format. Courses start on the FIRST Wednesday and Thursday of the Month
When Swing and Cuban music came together it created a fascinating rhythm and in turn created a new sensational dance - Mambo!
The Mambo could not have been conceived earlier since up to that time, the Cuban rhythms and American Jazz were still not wedded. The "Mambo" dance is attributed to Perez Prado who introduced it at La Tropicana night-club in Havana in 1943. Since then other great Latin American band leaders have achieved styles of their own and furthered the Mambo craze.
In the United States it first appeared in New York's Park Plaza Ballroom - a favourite hangout of enthusiastic dancers from Harlem. The Mambo gained its excitement in 1947 at the Palladium and other renowned places such as The China Doll, Havana Madrid and Birdland.
The modern Mambo dance from New York was popularised in the 70s by Eddie Torres and his contemporaries who were the Post-Palladium or "second generation" of Mambo dancers who kept Mambo alive and inspired thousands of NY Mambo dancers whose numbers are continuously growing. Eddie Torres is a New York dancer and Mambo fanatic who has become the leading exponent of the style and has taught the world to dance the Mambo once again. Eddie Torres is known as the "Mambo King" but he is also known as "el maestro de los maestros" because most New York Mambo and Salsa dance instructors and performers have learned from him.
Caramelo instructors have have trained in Eddie Torres style mambo, spending time in NY and attending Eddie's clases, as well as travel regularly to various international events where they continue taking his workshops. Eddie is a living legend of Mambo and Salsa and it is an honour to carry on and share the amazing dance style he created. The Mambo today is as hot as it was in the '50's with many influences, such as African, Cuban, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Modern dance.... you'll never run out of steps!
The modernized Mambo will look very similar to Salsa on1 at first glance. However, as you grow your understanding of the unique Mambo timing, you will find the style has a very different dynamics to Salsa. It is smooth, jazzy, elegant and a more sophisticated way of interpreting Salsa music. Unlike Salsa on1, NY Mambo is danced on2 and is a very stylized dance, with emphasis on intricate footwork, longer and more complex turn patterns, beautiful hand and arm movements, flow and smooth body isolations. However, the Mambo can also be vibrant and energetic depending on the music choice.
See a sample Mambo routine taught by Shaan at the Salsa Convention Berlin:
Read all about what you will learn in the different course levels below:
Intro / Transition to Mambo - Beginners
This course is ideal for Salsa dancers who are at an intermediate level or higher and are comfortable with their Salsa timing. You can also take this course if you are brand new to Latin dancing and only wish to learn Mambo on2 rhythm and dance style.
You will learn the basic steps, partner-work, stepping on the "2" and the movements in Mambo. Also, we will help you identify the instruments used in the music, like the conga and clave, to make you more comfortable with the Mambo rhythm.
Prerequisite: No dance experience necessary, but being of Salsa Intermediate 2 level or equivalent experience helps.
Recommendation: We advise you do this level 1 to 2 times.
Combine this course with: Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Men's Styling, Ladies Styling. Bachata.
At the end of the course your instructor will advise you when you are ready to move up to the next level
Mambo 2 - Improver / Intermediate
Re-capping and expanding upon Intro/Transition to Mambo, we will focus on rhythm, timing and spinning/turning preparations in Mambo. This will be covered in both intricate but manageable footwork and partner-work.
Combining all these aspects will give a greater knowledge and appreciation of the distinct differences when dancing Mambo from Salsa, especially with how it will apply to your Cross-body turns, spinning and styling. All this will lead to smooth partner-work with styling to enable you to have fun on the dance floor.
Prerequisite: Mastering of Intro / Transition to Mambo course or equivalent experience. Individual evaluations available upon request.
Recommendation: We advise you do this level 7 to 9 times.
Combine this course with: Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Men's Styling, Ladies Styling. Bachata.
At the end of the course your instructor will advise you when you are ready to move up to the next level
Mambo 3 - Advanced
With good knowledge and application of Mambo techniques and rhythm, we will show how to add musicality, body movements and arm-styling to the latest partner-work combinations and sizzling footwork shines from our internationally acclaimed instructors.
Our instructors have trained in Eddie Torres style Mambo, as well as with some of top Mambo teams in the world, such as Santo Rico, Karisma and Yamulee. We will not only share our passion, vast experience and knowledge, but what our contemporaries teach at the latest Salsa congresses and festivals around the world!
Prerequisite: Mastering of Mambo 2 or equivalent experience. Individual evaluations available upon request.
Recommendation: We advise you do this forever too! ☺
Combine this course with: Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Men's Styling, Ladies Styling. Bachata.
At the end of the course your instructor will advise you when you are ready to move up to the next level
Spinning Technique & Shines
Salsa Spinning Technique and Shines course at Caramelo:
All dance classes are taught in a 4-Week structured & progressive course format. Courses start on the FIRST Wednesday and Thursday of the Month.
Spinning Technique & Shines (Taught on selected months, please check the current time table)
This course will focus on the key aspects of spinning such as spotting, balance, timing, coordination, posture, correct feet and body positioning.
Additionally you will will go through a number of stylish footwork patterns to complement the spinning elements.
Prerequisite: Improver level minimum is required for this course
Recommendation: We advise you do this course 2 to 3 times.
Combine this course with: Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Mambo On2, Men's Styling, Ladies Styling, Bachata.
Styling
Salsa Styling Classes at Caramelo
All dance classes are taught in a 4-Week structured & progressive course format. Courses start on the FIRST Wednesday and Thursday of the Month
Ladies Styling Classes
Want to add elegance, sabor (flavour), beautiful arm-styling, sensuality and grace to your dancing? Then this is the course for you! Learn how to also add body-rolls, good posture, hip movements and musicality to your solo shines and within the partner-work.
We will cover and drill movements / techniques to encourage you to incorporate arm & hand-styling. Our techniques will help to improve your balance, add styling within turns, cross-body lead variations and in open stance. Learn to incorporate styling without interfering as a follower and learn how to make your dancing look fresh, fun and musical no matter who you are dancing with or what song you are dancing to. Bring out the femininity and playfulness of Salsa and Latin dancing.
This is a confidence building, women-only course. We offer this course at two levels: Ladies Styling Improvers and Ladies Styling Intermediate / Advanced. The Ladies Styling courses are taught to Salsa music and On1.
Prerequisites:
For Ladies Styling Improvers / Intermediate you need to be at the Salsa Improver 2 level at a minimum.
For Ladies Styling Intermediate / Advanced level you need to have a minimum of 9-12 months consistent experience of Salsa classes and be of at least Intermediate level. Individual evaluations available upon request.
Recommendation: We advise you to always keep up with your styling!
Combine this course with: Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Bachata, Mambo on2.
At the end of the course your instructor will advise you when you are ready to move up to the next level
Have a look at a sample performance of our Ladies Styling Student Team below:
Men's Styling Classes
Men, want to be more comfortable, confident and play with the music? This course will help you add comfortable body movements, styling and footwork that will add sabor (flavour) to your dancing. You will learn specific techniques and exercises such as body isolations movements, greater agility, flexibility, posture & positioning, good spinning technique, Cuban & rumba actions and footwork exercises/combinations to encourage quick feet.
There are a lot of styling options out there, so we try our hardest to cover with you as many as possible. Ladies don't have to be the only ones styling it up on the dance floor. We share a lot of know-how and tips with our gentlemen.
Prerequisite: Completion of Salsa Intermediate 1 & above or equivalent experience. Individual evaluations available upon request.
Recommendation: We advise you to always keep up with your styling!
Combine this course with: Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Bachata, Mambo on2.
At the end of the course your instructor will advise you when you are ready to move up to the next level
Pachanga
Pachanga classes at Caramelo:
All dance classes are taught in a 4-Week structured & progressive course format. Courses start on the FIRST Wednesday and Thursday of the Month
Pachanga - Open Level
Pachanga is a fun and energetic way to spice up your footwork and put some funk and bounce into your Salsa and Mambo shines!
Originally confused with Charanga, and later identified as "La Pachanga", this dance in it's beginnings was fast and syncopated and only had a number of step variations. But when mixed with Cha Cha Cha later (Pachanga-Cha), it developed a much wider variety of moves. Cuban immigrants took the Pachanga rhythm and dance styles to the US, where they became hugely popular during the late 1950s and early 1960s.
This type of music has a festive, lively style and is marked by mischievous lyrics. What distinguishes Charanga and Pachanga music is that these use a different instrumentation, replacing the brass instruments more commonly used in Latin/Caribbean music with flutes and violins.
Pachanga dance movement utilizes a shuffling and swiveling motion, usually achieved by dancers placing their weight on the balls of their feet and twisting their hips to emphasize the beat. It often employs varied footwork patterns, from three to eight beats, but in general each beat of the music is used. While proper Pachanga music and dance differs from Salsa, there is a lot of crossover in the music, so it is possible to integrate Pachanga movement and footwork into any Salsa or Mambo pattern.
Prerequisite: No dance experience necessary, but being of Salsa Improver level or equivalent experience helps.
Recommendation: We advise to take a pachanga course 2 to 3 times to master the movement and the rhythm.
Combine this course with: Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Mambo On2, Men's Styling, Ladies Styling, Bachata.
At the end of the course your instructor will advise you when you are ready to move up to the next level
Semba
Learn about Semba classes available at Caramelo
Semba is a rhythmic form of music and dance from Angola. It was born in the 20th century at the creative intersection of traditional African dance and colonial European influence. Its characteristic rhythm is one of the main contributors to kizomba music. Semba was played by small bands in Angola, especially at large social gatherings. It is frequently confused with Brazilian samba, since their names are so similar.
Also try other dance courses: Kizomba, Salsa, Mambo on2, Bachata, Cha Cha Cha
At the end of each course level your instructor will advise you when you are ready to move up to the next level
Kizomba
Learn about Kizomba classes available at Caramelo
In the 90’s when the actual Kizomba music got more and more popular, Kizomba dance also started receiving more and more credit and began to take the form it has today. Angolan Semba dancers started to adapt their Semba steps according to the tempo and flavour of the Kizomba beats. Technically speaking, Semba danced in a slow way to Kizomba music is the basis of the Kizomba dance we know today.
Kizomba - Beginners
This level will explain the key foundations of this dance, developing the basic movements as well as the leading and following techniques. We will be focusing on connection, musicality and getting your bodies familiar with the Kizomba hold and the key connection points in the partnerwork.
Kizomba is a gentle and sensual dance, two bodies as one, we aim to give our students by the end of the 4 weeks the solid fundamentals to start enjoying the Kizomba dance experience.
Try other dance courses: Brazilian Zouk, Salsa, Mambo on2, Bachata, Cha Cha Cha, Pachanga
At the end of the course your instructor will advise you when you are ready to move up to the next level
4-Week Courses Start Dates
| 2023/24 | |
| OCT | 4th & 5th |
| NOV | 1st & 2nd |
| DEC | XMAS BREAK |
| JAN | 10th & 11th |
| FEB | 7th & 8th |
| MAR | 6th & 7th |
| APR | 3rd & 4th |
Contact Us
Tel 07471 910611
Paddington Academy, 50 Marylands Road, London, W9 2DR