Women were very scarce in Argentina at the time. This meant that women were the only real judges of a man’s ability as a dancer. If a young man danced poorly or was inconsiderate, he would have no chance of ever finding a wife (as she would inevitably tell all her friends about him). Therefore, it didn’t matter how good a dancer he was– all that mattered was whether his partner found his dancing enjoyable.

Zouk Instructors Junyan and Danielle of  Mazouka have thought deeply about what they want  in a dance partner.  Below is how they answer the question “What would I want in my dream dance partner” ?

If I had my dream Follow she (or he) would:

• Smile and dance with most people who ask!
• Let leads know if they are too aggressive or rude
• Be balanced and self-reliant
• Move confidently rather than tentatively
• Develop nice styling and technique
• Play with the music without disrupting the lead
• Wait for my lead before executing a movement
• Stay on her own line of dance as much as possible
• Provide a supple and flexible connection
• Look at me when she dances with me
• Predict musical transitions and prepares for them
• Be adaptable to differences in our dance styles
• Dance with me another song if she enjoyed it
• Thank me for the dance when we’re done!

If I had my dream Lead he (or she) would:

• Escort me onto and off of the dance floor
• Begin by connecting to me with easy moves
• Adapt to my ability as a dancer
• Listen to what I need energetically, sometimes I want to rock out and sometimes I want to relax
• Play with the music and make me feel it
• Develop his own awesome style and patterns
• Show me off
• Execute figures safely and comfortably
• Move powerfully but not aggressively
• Lead with his body, not his arms
• Use different body parts to lead movements
• Look at me when he dances with me
• Keep his own space on the dance floor
• Politely thank me for the dance after we’re done
• Ask me about my life outside of dance!

We think this is such a great list that we asked them if we can publish it here.

• Learn More about Mazouka
• Find Tango Events in Toronto
• Find Zouk Events in Toronto

What would you like in your dream dance partner?  Let is know!

There will be Zumba Fundrasing Gala on Saturday February 4th 2011 in memory of nurse Sonia Varaschin who tragically lost her life in August 2010.  Sonia was well-loved, caring nurse who had a passion for life as well as dancing.

Funds raised through this event will be donated to the Registered Nurses Foundation of Ontario for the purpose of establishing a scholarship in Sonia’s name.

Zumba Fundraiser Schedule

• 2:30pm – Zumbatomic ™ (Zumba for kids). Tickets are $10 Participants over the age of 4 can participate.
• 4:00pm – Zumba(r) Party (for adults). Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door.
• 6:00pm - dance shows.

Zumba Fundraiser Performances

There is a special line-up of shows that will start at 6pm, including a Ballroom dance demonstration by Marija Bojic,  a friend of Sonia, and her husband, and a latin dance performance by internationally known young couple Richard Lifshitz – Morgana Lakatos-Hayward from Montreal (video below).

Richard is 15 and Morgana just 11!

There will also be prizes and a live DJ. To participate in this event, no dance experience necessary and no partner is needed. Participants should wear clothes suitable for fitness and running shoes. For more information and tickets, please click below.

Zumba Fundraiser Location

The fundriaser will be located at St Michael College School at 1515 Bathurst Street Toronto (Bathurst and St Clair).

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Links

• Buy tickets to the Zumba Fundraiser
• Zumba Fundraiser Facebook Page
• Other Zumba events in Toronto

The Third Annual Toronto Bachata Festival will take place February 16-19, 2010 with most events  taking place at the Estonian House.  The festival will include daily workshops, nightly dance parties, sexy performances, and the finals to the Toronto Bachata Competition awarding prizes totaling $2500.

Video from 2010 Bachata Festival below:

Photos of 2011 Toronto Bachata Competition finalists below:

A silent auction will help raise money for charity, with 100% of net proceeds going to Windfall Basics affiliated with Toronto shelters.

Toronto Bachata Festival to Feature Zouk

Like many other Bachata Festivals all over the world, the Toronto Bachata Festival included a Zouk room last year. This was so popular that this year not only will there be a room just for Zouk dancing, but participants will be able to take Zouk workshops from international instructors as well.

• More information about 2012 the Toronto Bachata Festival
• More information about the 2012 Toronto Bachata Competition

Toronto Bachata Festival Tickets

Go Dance Mambo, organizer of the Toronto Bachata Festival, is providing discounted advance tickets for sale until midnight February 17, 2012. Get your full weekend pass for $179  (price at the door will be $200).

• Buy Toronto Bachata Festival Tickets

A new dance has been taking Toronto by storm, and it’s here to stay. Already wildly popular in Europe and Australia, this smooth, sensual Brazilian dance evolved from the Lambada and has been making waves in dance scenes around the world ever since.

Mazouka has been a driving force in Toronto’s zouk scene since 2010, providing a rich community for new zouk lovers to learn and dance. They are kicking off the New Year with an Open House on Saturday, January 14th, at Trinity St Paul’s Church, starting with a FREE beginner zouk class at 5PM, followed by their 2012 Anniversary Party from 6-9PM.

The class is open to anyone, no partner or experience required, and the party will include free food, drinks, and surprises!  RSVP to the Facebook event for free entry.

What is Brazilian Zouk?

What is Zouk like? Some might describe it as somewhere between salsa, bachata and even tango, but really it is a dance all its own. Walk onto a zouk dance floor for the first time and you’ll find powerful but flowing strides, rolling body action, and sensuous upper body movements giving rise to dramatic sweeping of the woman’s hair. And through it all, a deep partner connection that allows a couple to feel the flow of the music as one. It’s one thing to see it, but something else altogether to dance it for yourself.  Here is just one glimpse of the Mazouka’s  “Zouk Me Tuesdays” social:

One thing many students of Mazouka love about zouk is that they’re in on the ground floor of something amazing. Not only are they among the first in the city to start learning this sensual dance, but they’re part of a friendly and welcoming community that’s eager to share the love of zouk with newcomers.

About Mazouka Dance Company

The school’s comprehensive offerings include progressive classes that take students from the basic steps all the way up to more advanced movements; a weekly social for students to practice; intensive crash courses for dancers of other styles to dive in head first; and even weekly “Style & Technique” classes to help students develop strong technical ability over time. Check out a recent Roda de Zouk (aka “zouk rueda”) class that got everyone zouking as one group:

Want to Quickly Join the Zouk Movement?

Do you learn fast, or do you have other dance experience already? Mazouka is offering an Intensive Beginner Crash Course on Sunday, January 15 that caters to quick learners and dancers with backgrounds in other styles, covering all the fundamental movements and more in two hours flat! Perfect to get a sense of what makes zouk look and *feel* like zouk. Register online at http://mazoukacrashcourse.eventbrite.com/.

For more info about Mazouka Dance and their classes, workshops and events, visit http://www.mazouka.com.

Other Links

• Learn more about Brazilian Zouk and its origins
• View other Zouk events posted to this Website
• Become a  TorontoDance.com Sponsor

Toronto is by far one of the most enriched cities in terms of cultural diversity.  As a new immigrant to this city, you can taste new food, see new fashion trends, and enjoy new activities, from all areas in the world – right here in Toronto!

If you are new to Canada, it may be difficult to venture out into new areas around you.  However, one of the most fun ways to integrate into a new culture is to join a dance class!  That’s right, step into a dance class with the style of dance from a part of the world you are interested in.

When people come together, and play music, something magical that happens – connectivity!  While you may never even say a word, the body moves to the music and you are physically drawn in to connect with other people on the dance floor.  Allowing yourself to succumb to the music literally opens your heart to those around you, creating a warm and inviting sensation felt by all!

The Latin dance community is also very strong. Compared to other ballroom dances, Latin dances are generally faster-paced, more sensual, and have more rhythmic expression.  Latin dance is known for its sensual hip action and sexy flair, which makes it a fun option to learn about the Latin culture.
The Latin dances are derived from the music to which they are danced. The component of the music that most differentiates the dances is their fast or slow tempo. Latin dancing, as Latin music, is sultry and physical. Quick-paced rhythms and playful movements make the various Latin dances endlessly entertaining, sometimes even breathtaking. In Toronto, the styles of Latin music that popular are Salsa, Bachata, Zouk, and Reggaeton.

Article by  Melissa Moniz,  first generation Canadian and Co-Founder of P.O.S.E. Dance Co.,  a dance school dedicated to Latin Social Dance classes and workshops.

TORONTO SALSA BALL – One Night.  Dance in the New Year Right!

Celebrate the Eve of the New Year 2012  with an evening of mystery, elegance, and dancing! Highlights of the evening will include:

• 4 DJs and 3 rooms to dance the best of the best of Salsa, Bachata, Zouk, Top 40s, and more!
• Complimentary hors d’oeurvres and sweets
• Complimentary champagne to toast in the new year
• Complimentary swag bags
• Complimentary coat check
• Best Dressed Competition
• Cash Bar

Doors will open at 8pm. Dress Code: Masquerade attire – Dress to impress for a  memorable night!

Toronto Salsa Ball Performances

Performances start at 9pm and will include:

• Salsa performance by instructors and students of Los Salsamanos,  EnamorArse Dance,  Latin Groove Productions,  and Toronto Salsa Nights
• Zouk performance by MaZouka and dZouk
• Contemporary performance by Silhouettes Dance
• Rock and Roll performance by Glen Cameron

Toronto Salsa Ball Venue

The Toronto Salsa Ball will take place at 918 Bathurst Centre for Culture, Arts, Media & Education, a  not-for-profit community arts centre & events venue located in Toronto’s vibrant Annex neighbourhood.

Three fabulous rooms ready for dancing, mingling, and celebrating! The Great Hall (pictured above) with natural redwood floors and furnishings boasting a 45 foot cathedral ceiling is dedicated as the main room for dancing and performances.   The Sun Room (named so due to its three fabulous skylights) will be the dedicated Zouk and Bachata room. Last but not least the Star Room will be a great opportunity to take pictures, stop for a beverage or complimentary hors d’eourve.

Toronto Salsa Ball Address

Address: 918 Bathurst Street, Toronto (just north of Bathurst and Bloor Street)

Parking: Street parking and enforced parking lots all around.

T.T.C.: From Bathurst Subway Station, walk north on Bathurst Street, for approximately 3 minutes.
View Larger Map

Toronto Salsa Ball Tickets

Tickets are  $50 (Tickets go up to $60 at the door). Space is limited so don’t wait until the last minute to get your tickets!

• Order Tickets Online Here

You will get an electronic ticket. Print it out and bring it to the Ball.

• More about the Toronto Salsa Ball

For more information about Toronto’s outdoor artificial ice rinks, including a map of rink locations, schedules for each location, closures, learn-to-skate programs and helmet/equipment requirements, visit:

http://www.toronto.ca/parks/skating/outdoor-rinks.htm

Casa Loma is 100 years old and the Kiwanis Club of Casa Loma is bringing back the roaring 20’s, where Latin, Ballroom and Swing took center stage, to this historically famous castle on Tuesday December 13.  Come prepared to enjoy a night of cha cha, jive, salsa, rumba, merengue, bachata, waltz and the foxtrot under the Casa Loma glitter of the 1920’s!

The night will start off with cocktail reception in the Grand Hall, followed by a sumptuous gourmet dinner and live entertainment.   Professional ballroom & latin dancers and Opera Star Ursula Ivonoffski will perform. Following dinner, the entire ground floor of the Castle will open up for dancing into the small hours of the night. There will also be a late night buffet served.

Highlights of the evening will include:

• Dinner & Dance Soiree
• Cocktail Reception
• Flapper Girls
• Gourmet Cuisine
• Professional Dance Performances
• Meet Santa Clause
• Raffle Prizes, Live Auction
• Opera Star Singer
• AND Dance…Dance…Dance

Proceeds from this charitable event will go towards the Kiwanis Music Festival and their scholarship program for underprivileged children.

Casa Loma Gala Tickets

• Dinner & Dance $69 (doors open at 6:30pm)
• Only Dance $30 (admission at 9:30)

Tickets must be purchased in advance before December 10, 2011. There are no sales at the door.

To purchase tickets: call 416-272-1704 or email Kiwanis@casaloma.org. Visa & Mastercard accepted.

About Casa Loma

Watch the video below to learn some quick facts about Toronto’s famous Castle.

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About the Kiwanis Club of Casa Loma

Founded in 1921, the Kiwanis Club of Casa Loma is  nationally recognized for saving Sir Henry Pellatt’s magnificent Casa Loma in the year 1937, and restoring the castle through a management agreement with the City of Toronto.

Dedicated to enriching the lives of the younger generation by creating various extracurricular programs and offering opportunities to optimize their skills,  Kiwanis runs activities promoting health and education and encourages leadership and service among youth. In pursuit of the latter goal, Kiwanis sponsors about 7,000 youth service clubs with nearly 320,000 youth members.

Thanks to many supporters and hard working volunteers, Kiwanis has been able to support music programs at various schools throughout the GTA.

Other Christmas Gala Events

• Click for other Christmas Events in Toronto

Luminato will present the North American premiere of a new work by the Batsheva Dance Company, popularly embraced as one of the most exciting contemporary dance companies in the world, in their much-anticipated return to Canada after a long absence from Toronto.

Presented in collaboration with the Israel Festival, Jerusalem, the Batsheva Dance Company will perform the new work SADEH21, co-commissioned by Luminato, and choreographed by Batsheva’s Artistic Director Ohad Naharin, for three performances only from June 14-17, 2012 at the MacMillan Theatre, University of Toronto. SADEH21 – literally translated Field21 – had its world premiere in 2011 at the Israel Festival in Jerusalem.

“Batsheva Dance Company deeply appreciates Luminato’s partnership and support in the creation of SADEH21, the company’s most recent creation. We are proud to be part of Luminato and to bring SADEH21 to Toronto,” said Ohad Naharin, Artistic Director and Dina Aldor, Executive Director.

SADEH21 is a full-length work featuring a large company of dancers, in solos and groups, exploring the space of an empty stage in the unique movement language developed by the Batsheva Dance Company, called Gaga. Gaga is described as “improving instinctive movement and connects conscious and unconscious movement, and it allows for an experience of freedom and pleasure in a simple way, in a pleasant space, in comfortable clothes, accompanied by music, each person with himself and others.” Pioneered by Ohad Naharin, this innovative technique has transformed modern dance around the globe. Artistic Director since 1990, Naharin has propelled the Batsheva Dance Company into a new era with his adventurous curatorial vision, distinctive choreographic voice, and revolutionary movement language.

Jorn Weisbrodt, Luminato’s newly appointed Artist Director added, “I am proud that Luminato commissioned SADEH21 by the already legendary Batsheva Dance Company together with the Israel Festival in Jerusalem for Luminato in 2012. SADEH21 is explosive – yet tender music to the eyes. It shows the complexity of human emotions through movement; it is one of these pieces that makes you marvel at the possibilities of theatre and dance to transform us.”

As a part of this presentation, Luminato is very pleased to be working with the Koffler Centre of the Arts, Canada’s only multi-disciplinary, contemporary Jewish arts and cultural institution. The Koffler will feature the June 14, 2012 performance of Sadeh21 as a fundraising Gala at the MacMillan Theatre. More information on this Gala evening will be available through the Koffler Centre of the Arts website: www.kofflerarts.org.
“We are proud to make an investment in bringing the Batsheva Dance Company, and their international company of dancers from Australia, Israel, Japan, Sweden, Taiwan and the USA to perform SADEH21 as our focal dance program for the 2012 festival,” said Janice Price, CEO of Luminato. Further details will be forthcoming at a Luminato media conference to be held mid-February.

ABOUT LUMINATO
For 10 extraordinary days in June, Toronto’s stages, streets, and public spaces are illuminated with arts and creativity. Luminato is an annual multi-disciplinary celebration of theatre, dance, music, literature, food, visual arts, fashion, film, and more.

HH Dance and Fitness are having their Christmas Sale of Natural Spin dance shoes this Sunday November 27, 10am to 6pm2011. The Natural Spin line, created by HH Dance,  includes a unique selection of stylish latin, salsa, tango, ballroom, and jazz shoes.

Prices start at just $35 per pair.

Dance wear is on sale also! Get stylish dance dresses, tops, skirts, pants, and costumes   –  all starting from just $35/item.

One Day Only 50%-Off Starting from $35/pair for All In-Stock Dance Shoes, Dance Wear for Lady, Men, and Children. For competitors, performers, and social dancing!

Dance Shoe Sale Location

HH Dance & Fitness is located at Unit 7A, 7310 Woodbine Ave in Markham. This is at the intersection of Woodbine and Denision within easy access of highways 404 and 401 and the Don Valley Parkway. Parking is available.

For those using TTC, the Victoria Park North bus #224 from Don Mills subway station stops very close to the studio.

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• About HH Dance Studio and Natural Spin Dance Shoes.