At Flama’s Couple Dance Starter, we’ll explore Cuban salsa, bachata moderna, and urban kiz. You can join one, two or all three classes as you like.
All classes start from the very basics, so no prior dance experience is needed. You can join solo or with a partner. During the classes, we dance in a circle, switching partners throughout the session. If you prefer, you can also dance only with your own partner.
All participants in Flama’s couple dance classes can take the role of leader or follower, regardless of gender.
The dances taught in the Couple Dance Starter are social dances, meaning they are danced freely with a partner without pre-choreographed steps. Dancers communicate through movement: the leader guides the dance, and the follower responds naturally. This allows for improvisation, living in the moment, and, once you’ve learned the basics, you can dance with anyone – even if you’ve never practiced together before.
At Flama’s partner dance classes…
Couple Dance Starter on Thursday 8.1.
17.00–18.15 Cuban Couple Salsa
18.30–19.45 Couple Bachata Moderna (teaching in English)
19.45–21.00 Urban Kiz
Level: beginners
Duration: 75 min / workshop
Location: Flama Rauhankatu (Rauhankatu 15, Turku)
Price: 19 € / workshop / person
Cuban Couple Salsa, also called Casino, is an energetic and joyful social dance. In the beginner class, you’ll get familiar with the basic steps of partner salsa, rhythm, a couple of common basic patterns, and the techniques of leading and following.
Cuban salsa is especially based on Cuban son, a music and dance style from the early 20th century that combines African rhythms with Spanish melodic influences. It is a rich blend, both musically and in terms of movement, shaped by various Cuban and Afro-Cuban rhythms and dances.
The Cuban partner salsa class is taught by Anna Ketopaikka, founder of Flama and a dance instructor specializing in Cuban dances. Anna has been teaching couple salsa for over 10 years and aims to inspire her students to discover energy and joy for everyday life through dance.
Bachata is a sensual and expressive dance and music style that originated in the Dominican Republic. Today, bachata is extremely popular and has developed into several different styles.
In the Couple Dance Starter, the modern style of Bachata features spins, dynamic footwork, and a variety of steps. This style has also been influenced by salsa.
The couple Bachata class is taught by Giuseppe De Luca, who specializes in the modern Bachata style and has trained with top international dancers. Giuseppe’s goal is to help dancers feel comfortable, connect with their partner, and, above all, enjoy the music and have fun on the dance floor.
Note: The class is taught in English.
Urban Kiz is a couple dance style developed from kizomba. It was born in Paris, France, in the 2010s. As a music style, Urban Kiz has been influenced by hip hop, ghetto zouk and R&B. This dance with African and Caribbean influences combines smooth movements, intimate couple dancing and a delicate atmosphere created by the music. The dance experience is delicate and emotional.
The Urban Kiz class is taught by Tuomas Sirviö, who began his dance journey with salsa and bachata but ultimately fell in love with Urban Kiz. Tuomas has completed Urban Kiz teacher training and aims to bring a positive vibe and encourage self-expression on the dance floor in his classes.
More information about the workshops: info@flama.fi
Does the idea of stepping onto the stage excite you? Flama’s spring season culminates on Wednesday 27.5. at the Flama Spring Show held at the Linnateatteri. Once again, an amazing group of Flama dancers will take the stage and you could be one of them!
New courses are starting at Flamassa in the spring! There are many different types of dance, body maintenance, and performance courses to choose from. Which one would be right for you?
