what You're going to learn
LESSON 1
the 180
The "180" is a traveling move used to swap places with your partner. The intricacies that you will learn about this move will help improve your leading and following of other closed position moves.
LESSON 2
COMBO A
In this lesson we will combine a "180" with two Level 1 moves to create a combo. These two moves are the "Reverse Cross Body Lead" (CBL) and "Fake CBL", which will also be led in closed position (CP).
LESSON 3
LEFT TURNS
Leading a "Left turn" is considered more intricate than the right turn. In this lesson we cover different hand-holds and footwork tips to help improve how you execute this turn.
LESSON 4
COMBO B
In "Combo B" we seamlessly combine the "Left Turn" into a "Right Turn". By far this is one of Salsa's most taught turn combos.
LESSON 5
the BASKET
In Salsa we use "Open Break" moves to generate power. In return we can exchange this power to generate speed, spin faster, or to travel further like we are in this lesson.
LESSON 6
FULL PATTERN
Its time to put it all together into a pattern. Let's combien "Combo A" with "Combo B" and add that "Half Basket" Open Break move from Lesson 5.
LESSON STRUCTURE
In each lesson, you will learn how to lead and follow a new Level 2 move. Leaders will learn how to use this new move to create a combination with Level 1 moves that you already know. Followers will practice reading cues and reacting. In each lesson you will continue reinforcing fundamental techniques and footwork you’ve learned while incorporating new information.
This is how all partnering courses are structured:
- Learn the footwork associated with each move or turn.
- Layer-in technique through a series of steps and important tips.
- Gradually add components individually and build an entire move.
- Combine moves into combos and then create entire patterns.
- Practice at various music speeds to improve processing time.
We will spend a majority of our time dancing together in order to help you build better muscle memory, give you added confidence on the dance floor, and continue preparing you for the next stage - every step of the way.
what our students say
"We had tried private lessons before but never felt a real connection with Salsa until Juan and Erica started teaching us. It isn't just about learning the steps; they teach you how to hear the beats... how to become better leads and follows... I highly recommend them to anyone who is looking to either start their dancing journey or enhance their current one."
- Jamileh B.
"Absolutely no regrets. I still cannot believe I can dance salsa after 4 lessons. And in all honesty, I have practiced very little due to my super busy schedule. Almost all my dance time is during my lessons. I no longer have to stand on the side at the club when they play salsa. Juan's program really works..."
- O.M.
Course Curriculum
course PRICING
meet your instructors
Erica Hernandez
Erica is dedicated to teaching people how to Salsa Dance. She believes anyone can learn how to dance by finding a program that works with their unique background and learning style. She partnered with Juan-2-3 to create a curriculum that focuses on the key fundamentals of Salsa; connection, footwork, partner moves, spin technique, rhythm and musicality. After guiding hundreds of students through their step-by-step program, she has experienced the greatest joy for a dance teacher-watching her students have fun on the dance floor!
Erica began dancing at the age of four. She learned ballet, jazz, and hip hop. She participated in Drill Team, Cheer, and Song learning about formations and how to synchronize movements on a team. While getting her BS in Electrical Engineering at SDSU, she fell in love with Salsa dancing. In 2005, she joined Majesty in Motion Dance Company and trained hard everyday. She earned a spot on the professional team where she performed and taught with her dance partner Juan-2-3. Since 2006, Erica has been teaching people how to Salsa Dance locally, nationally, and internationally.
Juan-2-3 Hernandez
Colombian, born in Brooklyn raised between Spain and New York. In 1999, while in the Military and having lived in Japan for two years, Juan-2-3 arrived to San Diego. It was then that he was introduced to Salsa group classes and dance teams. Although he struggled to learn, his passion for Salsa never stopped. In 2002 he joined Majesty in Motion Dance company and worked his way up to their professional team, then became co-director of the company and meet his beloved new partner Erica, now wife. Unfortunately, in 2010 he had to quit the team due to military injuries that kept worsening. However, his passion to teach still thrives today. Besides continuing to teach, choreograph and perform Salsa, Juan now also hopes to reach the world and inspire people from all walks of life that "Anyone Can Salsa dance".