The music we dance to is counted in 2 four beat measures (4/4 time). A "break step" is the step that you change the direction of your momentum. When your break step falls on the second and sixth beat of the music, then you are dancing "On2". We use the wording "On2" when describing the NY style salsa, and teach that style exclusively.

It is not a requirement to come to class with a partner, although you are always welcome to do so. During the class you will be rotating partners giving you the opportunity to meet and dance with everyone, including your instructor.

Salsa Intensive Courses run for 8 weeks and cost $90 per person. Walk-in students are also welcome and pay $15 per person, per class. Please visit our classes link for more information on classes and special workshops.

Yes we do. Private lessons are a great way to advance to the next level, catch up from a missed class, or to work on moves you are having difficulty with. Private lessons are scheduled at a time that is convenient for both you and the instructor. The cost for a private lesson is $70 for one hour. This price can include up to 3 individuals who may share the cost. We also have bulk lesson packages and semi private group rates. Private lessons need to be scheduled in advance and require a 24 hour cancellation period. Check out the private lessons link for more details.

There is no dress code for class, but your best bet is to wear something casual and comfortable. Ladies should wear dress shoes that have a closed back and support around the ankle. Gentlemen should wear dress shoes that have a smooth bottom. Sneakers, Timberland boots or slip-on sandals are NOT recommended. Most importantly, the one thing that we recommend you to bring is your SMILE!

There is always a place to go dancing! Mambodelphia promotes and encourage all of our students to go out and show off their dance moves. Check out our mambo scoop link on our website or the flyers in the studio to find opportunities for FREE Salsa Lessons and to catch up on the hottest places to go dancing. We will also keep our students updated on any upcoming events that Mambodelphia will be participating in. If we're in the building you are sure find on2 dancers there.

The majority of the salsa music that is played in clubs can be easily danced "On2". Be it Marc Anthony, Sonora Carruseles, or Tito Puente, if you can dance to it "On1", then you can probably dance to it "On2”

It all depends on your focus. If you see "On2" dancers and decide that you want to learn to dance that way, then there is no reason to learn to dance another way first. If your goal is to able to dance with just about anyone that you meet, be it in NY, Toronto, or DC, then you can learn to dance "On2", and easily adjust your timing to dancing "On1". A great instructor that I know once compared it to driving a manual transmission. If you can drive stick, then it's pretty easy to work with an automatic transmission(though not nearly as exciting). If you learn to drive an automatic, then learning a stick later on can be a bit tougher. However, if you want to pilot a Ferrari, then you're going to need to be able to work a stick.

We recommend that you take the beginner level 1 class, and progress according to how well you learn from the ground up. There are many basic fundamental Mambo floor shines dancing "On2", which are covered in the beginner level 1 and level 2 classes. Once you are familiar and comfortable with those differences, then give the Intermediate level a try.

Shines are an integral component of salsa that add flare and style to your dancing Shines allow partners to abandon the roles of lead/follow for brief moments.  Shines consists mainly of fancy footwork that deviate form the footwork typically executed while partnerin. This component of sala dancing provides the opportunity to improve confidence in movement that is independent of a partner. However many aspects of shines can also be utilized in partnerwork, adding enhanced musical interpretation. Development of shines helps create a greater awarness of movement, confidence, musicality and most of all the endless possibilities for self-expression.

During the shine portion of the class there is always a drill session, where the instructor calls a shine and drills it a number of times before doing another one. This gives the regular students a chance to practice and review shines they know, as well as learn new ones that they may pick up. If you find that you don't know the shine, try to study the count, or at least get the name of the shine, and you can ask for a review of it later. Some classes will start with the drill session. Others will end with it. However, in addition to the drills, 2-5 shines will be broken down specifically by count. This is the standard teaching method for Open Shine footwork that  you will encounter if you take an On 2 class in.

While Shines are not a requirement to take the Turn Patterns class, you will find that the classes do complement each other. Many of the steps that are used in the Turn Patterns class are taught in the Shines class. There is a syllabus of steps and Turn Patterns that are assumed for those taking the Level II Turn Patterns class. This makes the class more satisfying and a better learning experience for those that have their fundamentals in place. It's recommended that you give equal time to Shines and the Turn Patterns, in order to be a more balanced dancer. Otherwise you may find yourself trying to play "catch up"!