what you're going to learn
Lesson 1
RHYTHM TRAINING
The music is the reason why we dance so that's where we'll start. Salsa is dominated by the sound of drums. Congas are predominant instruments in Salsa music and one of its core rhythms is the: Tumbao. A very good rhythm at helping you stay on beat.
Lesson 2
THE BASIC STEP
When learning how to Salsa dance the core step we all "have-to-learn" is the Basic Step. Although named basic step, the only thing basic about it are its steps. However, it'll become more complex as you learn to layer it with style and body movement.
Lesson 3
THE CROSSOVER STEP
Next we learn how we twist from the hips to create a movement called the Crossovers, which is key when learning how to turn. Salsa has lots of twisting moves like suzie-q's and grapevines which utilize the action we're covered in this lesson.
Lesson 4
THE RIGHT TURN
Salsa has stationary and traveling turns, which followers do the most of. This lesson focuses on our first "stationary right turn". In order to differentiate it with future turns you will learn, we will refer this turn as the 2 o'clock Right Turn.
Lesson 5
PARTNERING COMBO
Now let's string our moves together to create a nice and smooth pattern you can use on dance floor. This lesson covers one way of connecting these moves together, there's other ways, which you will discover in Course 2 and Course 3.
LESSON STRUCTURE
In each lesson, you will learn fundamental techniques and footwork about the core steps used when Salsa dancing. You will build upon each lesson as you continue to progress through the program, grow on your knowledge and begin to Salsa!
This is how the Zero 2 Salsa courses are structured:
- Learn the footwork associated with each move or turn.
- Layer-in technique through a series of steps and important tips.
- Practice at various music speeds to improve processing time.
- Gradually add components individually and build an entire move.
- Combine moves into complete patterns.
We 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.
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".
Rojo
Rojo, aka Steve Meyer has been involved in some sort of musical adventure since he was born. Joining the UCSD ballroom dance team, involving travelling and competitions in Ballroom, Latin Dances and Swing, also gravitating toward West-Coast Swing, a style that really helped him put moves together that “hit those hits…” Then Rojo discovered Salsa dancing. What he loves most about Salsa music is it’s richness in rhythmic diversity. Rojo competed and performed on the World’s biggest stages, and also got the opportunity to perform with the great Tito Puente himself. Teaching Salsa at all levels for over 10 years, his favorite teaching activity was “Drills, drills and more drills” to train footwork and technique. Rojo hopes to bring the same passion for the music, footwork and drills to The Salsa Beat community.