Pachanaga
Latin dance styles
Pachanga is a joyful and energetic dance that has left a significant impact on the world of dance. Its playful movements naturally work together with salsa, making it a dance step worth including in every salsa dancer's repertoire.
Pachanga emerged as a combination of Plena and Merengue, with its rhythm developing as an offshoot from the original charanga music played in Cuba and around the Caribbean since the end of the 18th century. It was first danced at the Caravana Club in South Bronx in 1959, after a performance by Jose Fajardo in NYC in 1958. The dance and its accompanying music took only a few months to spread its popularity and became the number one dance sensation in the early 1960s.
Originating in Cuba in the 1950s, Pachanga is a lively and festive dance that has played a significant role in the evolution of Caribbean style music. It is described as a happy-go-lucky dance with a Charleston flavor, characterized by the bending and straightening of the knees, and an emphasis on weight and energy going into the ground.
Pachanga is a very grounded dance, with the knees never completely straightening. The body movement resulting from weight changes follows the footwork, with a bounce originating in the knees. The dance utilizes a swiveling motion, usually achieved by dancers placing their weight on the balls of their feet and twisting their hips. It often employs varied footwork patterns, from three to eight beats, but in general, each beat of the music is used.
Pachanga is not a difficult dance to learn. A basic pachanga step consists of a bending and straightening of the knees. Popular instructors include the “Mambo King” Eddie Torres, one of his students Eddie Torres Jr., and his former partner Shani Talmor.
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Pachanga has a harder and jazzier sound than normal salsa and is often punctuated by catchy extra rhythms.
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Why we do what we do?Our mission is to ignite a passion for Latin dance, fostering a vibrant community where individuals can discover, embrace, and celebrate the artistry of movement.
We are dedicated to providing exceptional dance education, promoting cultural appreciation, and creating an inclusive space where the joy of dancing becomes a transformative and shared experience for all.
Through precision, dedication, and the sheer joy of dance, we aim to inspire a lifelong love for Latin dance and contribute to the flourishing dance culture of Trinidad and Tobago.
Our vision at Salsamology Dance Academy is to be a beacon of excellence in Latin dance education, setting the standard for quality, innovation, and inclusivity in Trinidad and Tobago.
We aspire to create a dynamic community that transcends the boundaries of dance, enriching lives and connecting individuals through the universal language of movement.
By continuously evolving our curriculum, fostering a supportive learning environment, we envision a future where Salsamology Dance Academy is synonymous with the joy, authenticity, and cultural richness of Latin dance.
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Class memberships
All classes must be booked before attending. Buying a package DOES NOT RESERVE YOUR SPOT. You must cancel your reservation at least 5 hours ahead of class using your online profile if you are not attending classes.
- Salsa
- Merengue
- Sensual Bachata
- Modern Kizomba
- 3-Step (Trini Syle)
- Cha Cha
- Pachanga
- Latin Hustle
Couple membership
Valid for any of our group classes. Be sure to attend YOUR level classes. Reserve before attending. Valid for 1 month from the day of your first visit. All purchases are final and non-refundable.
$525/monthSingle membership
Valid for any of our group classes. Be sure to attend YOUR level classes. Reserve before attending. Valid for 1 month from the day of your first visit. All purchases are final and non-refundable.
$300/monthQuarterly membership
For serious students. Valid for all group classes. Reserve your spot online. You can early cancel and reschedule classes. Valid for 90 days from the day of your first visit. All purchases are final and non-refundable.
$750/3 months
Private class booking system
Schedule Your Personalized Appointment
Buying a package Does Not Reserve Your Spot. You must cancel your reservation at least 5 hours ahead of class using your online profile if you are not attending classes.
Couple Privates
$450/hr
Private lessons are 1 hour long. Book, cancel and/or reschedule at least 24-hours ahead. No refunds. No rescheduling and refunds allowed for late cancellations. Valid for 6 months from the date of purchase. All purchases are final and non-refundable.
- Merengue
- Salsa
- Bachata
- Kizomba
- 3-Step
- Cha Cha
- Pachanga
- Latin Hustle
Single Privates
$300/hr
Private lessons are 1 hour long. Book, cancel and/or reschedule at least 24-hours ahead. No refunds. No rescheduling and refunds allowed for late cancellations. Valid for 6 months from the date of purchase. All purchases are final and non-refundable.
- Merengue
- Salsa
- Bachata
- Kizomba
- 3-Step
- Cha Cha
- Pachanga
- Latin Hustle
Semi Privates
$90/hr
Private lessons are 1 hour long. Book, cancel and/or reschedule at least 24-hours ahead. No refunds. No rescheduling and refunds allowed for late cancellations. Valid for 6 months from the date of purchase. All purchases are final and non-refundable.
- Merengue
- Salsa
- Bachata
- Kizomba
- 3-Step
- Cha Cha
- Pachanga
- Latin Hustle
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The instructors are very passionate about dancing and teaching the art of dance, this makes learning most enjoyable.
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We answer your most frequently asked questions
Whether you're a seasoned dancer or stepping onto the dance floor for the first time, find answers to common queries about pricing, attire, and more. Join us as we unravel the details, ensuring your experience with us is as smooth as your dance moves!
Student MembershipsWhat is Pachanga?
Pachanga is a dance style that blends Cuban and African rhythms. It is known for its lively footwork.
What other dance styles does Salsamology Dance Academy offer?
In addition to Pachanga, the academy offers a variety of Latin dance styles, including Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Kizomba, 3-Step, Cha Cha, and Latin Hustle.
What is the teaching approach at Salsamology Dance Academy?
The instructors at Salsamology Dance Academy focus on key areas such as musicality, timing, rhythm, shines (footwork), and turn patterns. They are not just teachers but passionate dancers themselves.
How often are classes held at Salsamology Dance Academy?
Classes are held three days per week, allowing students to fit dance lessons into their busy schedules.
Does Salsamology Dance Academy offer private lessons?
Yes, for those seeking a more tailored experience, Salsamology Dance Academy offers private lessons. These sessions provide one-on-one coaching, perfect for those preparing for events or wishing to accelerate their learning.
What are the costs of dance classes at Salsamology Dance Academy?
The academy offers affordable pricing options, including a three-month package that provides savings for committed students. The cost of online classes during the pandemic was priced at $160, which included access to an online library with all the recorded videos.
Does Salsamology Dance Academy offer online classes?
Yes, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Salsamology Dance Academy transitioned to online classes, offering lessons in Latin dance styles such as Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba. The online classes were conducted via video conferencing platforms like Zoom.
What is the community like at Salsamology Dance Academy?
The academy is more than just a dance school; it’s a community where students can meet new friends and share their passion for dance. The social aspect of dance is emphasized, making learning an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.
How can I join Salsamology Dance Academy?
You can visit their website at www.salsamology.com to learn more and join the dance revolution.
Group classes
These are classes where multiple students learn and practice a particular dance style together. Group classes are usually scheduled at specific times and days, and are led by a dance instructor. Group classes provide a social environment and a chance to interact with other dancers.
Private classes
These are one-on-one classes between a student and a dance instructor. Private classes are personalized and tailored to the specific needs and goals of the student. They offer a more focused and individualized learning experience, and the student can progress at their own pace.
Workshops
These are intensive classes that focus on a specific dance style or topic. They provide an opportunity for students to learn and practice new skills and techniques, and to gain a deeper understanding of a particular dance style or topic.