[WARNING: Blatant plug]
Starting Monday, February 2nd, 2009, I'm back teaching with new salsa classes in LA. I'd appreciate your help getting the word out!
If you know someone in the LA area and they want to learn or grow their dancing, please send them my way on Mondays. I know what it's like to learn as an adult, and my experience teaching with Edie the Salsa Freak brings a wealth of material and perspective for my students. Of course, I'll add some interesting music classes at some point.
If you don't like having fun while learning, please skip my classes. We work hard, but having fun while learning is a priority for me. The studio is amazing, the parking is free, and we always have a great time.
I don't just teach moves; I teach concepts that get you on the floor faster, with more compliments from your partners.
My current salsa class schedule is set as follows:
EVERY Monday night until further notice
7 pm - Foundational (Beginning and Improvers)
8 pm - Intermediate
9 pm - Free- practice for a while...
Normally $15 per single class, the first few weeks will be discounted to $12 per class, or $15 for both classes. Package deals will be available soon.
If you are more advanced, feel free to come early and assist the Improvers (no cost). You won't believe how much you'll learn from assisting others. You must attend at least one class and check with me first, although if we know each other from the clubs, please join in.
You'll have a great time no matter what your current level, as I always modify the class to meet the level of the attendees. Partners are not necessary (but feel free to bring your 37 closest friends).
I'm available for private lessons before/after some classes, but my availability is limited.
Location:
Los Angeles Dance Center (formerly JNDA)
Upstairs!
324 N. Ford Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90022
FREE Parking across the street
Click here for Google Map
Call my cell phone for details: 818.903.0016
Thursday, January 29, 2009
My New Monday Classes In LA: Unlikely Salsa
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5 comments:
Don Baarns is an awesome Salsa Instructor. Someone who knows how to inject the theory of music into his classes (he's an accomplished Drummer). Timing being so important to the Salsa Dancer just starting out, this is often not taught in salsa classes.
I've taken many weeks of his Instruction and after each class, I asked people what they thought. No one was confused about what they were taught and left feeling very comfortable & confident with what they had learned.
He is very competent and patient and is more than happy to help those who need a little extra.
I highly recommend Don Baarns as a Beginning or Intermediate salsa Instructor.
Valentine Doran
L.A. Salsa Studios
Hi this is Fintan from Ireland. As one of Edie's Worlds Best Leads I have an understand in what it takes to make a lady feel amazing on the dance floor. I have to listen to all whats new and whats refreshing is in Don's classes it gives me reason to understand basics again. Bringing it back down to earth where all the fundamentals of musical trainging and give you a simple approach to the journey of the dance. I have attended a few of his classes. If i like a film i will go and see it again. Well i will go to Don's class again.
Don Baarns does an awesome job explaining musicality, a complex topic, in a way that is easy to understand. Also, his classes are fun and interesting. I would definitely recommend someone to take his classes, because the intermediate to advanced will definitely learn something, but he also keeps in mind the beginners, doing a good job to provide explinations that everyone can understand. -Sam Willis from Fort Myers, FL
Professional Dancers take private lessons on how to improve their basics. Don will give you a strong foundation to what the breakdown of musicality and how you can improve your ear to listening and creating a better feel in your dancing. I suggest everyone to go to Dons Classes. Basics Basics Basics. Science then Art.
I had the pleasure of attending Don's musicality workshop while in Palm Springs for New Year's, and it was well worth my time. Since he is a musician, his has the ability to identify and communicate the tone and emotion of a song. Some leads do combinations without any regard for the music, thus making it difficult to "play" off of the music as a follower, unless we (the followers) hijack the dance. When I had a chance to dance with Don before attending his class, he acknowledged the hits with certain moves which allowed me to have a more enjoyable dance experience. Some leads are only interested in learning combinations, but Don teaches how to connect with the music and use moves accordingly. His information is imperative for any dancer, in my opinion. He delivers the material in a clear, concise, and witty manner. I have been on a salsa team for several years and have learned a lot , but I always value the fundamentals of dancing. He lays a strong foundation for anyone to understand, and I highly recommend his classes to dancers of all levels.
Kelly Richardson
Isabelle Pampillo's Dance Academy
Llego el Sabor Dance Team
Santa Monica, CA
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I love feedback. Your thoughts, feelings and comments are appreciated. Civil disagreements and other points of view are always welcomed!
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Don Baarns - Unlikely Salsero