Salsa music is a synthesis of European and African musical influences that was born in Cuba. The European part is the melodies and harmonies (from the Andalucia region of Spain), whilst the African part in Salsa is mainly from the western coast of Africa where the slave trade was most prevalent.
LOCATION:
The romance of Argentina takes one's breath away. The natural wonders alone take some beating! From the northern deserts to the southern Andean Cordillera, from Iguazú Falls to the magnificent desolation of Patagonia, Argentina's geography is varied and stunning. Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires: This fabulous city is renowned for its sophistication and has a surprisingly European feel about it.
BA is reminiscent of Paris and its tree-lined avenues and frequent plazas have a beguiling, faded elegance. Downtown, the Plaza de Mayo is the traditional focus of activity. Nearby Avenida 9 de Julio is popularly known as the world's widest thoroughfare and, with its nine lanes of traffic, is truly a pedestrian's nightmare! Avenida Santa Fe is the most fashionable shopping area.
Argentina is geared up to thrill - from nights tangoing in the chic quarter of Buenos Aires to gaucho riding in the grasslands of the Pampas. Dynamic and bustling, a city which seems never to sleep, Buenos Aires is one of the most exciting cities in Latin America. Tango was born here, restaurants serve all manner of world cuisines, bars play the latest music, cafés spill on to the streets and nightclubs allow dancing throughout the night.
DANCE COURSE OVERVIEW:
Musically speaking Salsa is a group of Latin rhythmic styles that contain the Clave beat; the clave beat is infectious, it makes the listener ‘have-to-move’. Modern Salsa is directly related to the Mambo in both its music and dance forms especially New York Salsa dance.
During your placement you will have lessons with a private Salsa teacher of Cuban origin who will tailor your programme to your individual level of expertise. The lessons scheduled for your placement are as follows;
• THREE private Salsa classes per week, each lasting one and a half hours, these will usually be taken in the late morning or afternoon but there will be some flexibility, depending on your teacher’s schedule.
• ONE group class per week (lasting one and a half hours). All of your teacher’s present students will get together for this class.
During your placement you will have plenty of opportunities to attend Salsa clubs where you will mix with many different people to improve your skills. Here everyone dances together and continually change couples - all lots of fun!
ACCOMMODATION:
There are two choices for accommodation in Buenos Aires. Depending on your preferences you can either stay in the modern hostel with other volunteers, in the young and trendy neighbourhood of Palermo, or, if you would prefer a more cultural experience, you can be placed with a host family and be fluent in Spanish is no time!
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Add to your travel experience in Argentina by doing some additional exciting activities - you never know, you could develop a passion for Latin American dance, or learn a new skill!
• Tango Courses: That most flamboyant and exciting of Latin American rhythms. Includes a weekly Milonga (Tango party) – great fun!
• Spanish Language Courses: You can take a few hours of private lessons a week at the same time as doing your project. You'll be amazed at how much it will add to your enjoyment during your stay.
This project can also be combined with any of our other projects in Buenos Aires, or you could even do a second project in a different region of the country, thus doubling your adventure and enjoyment!.
WHAT TO DO NEXT:
If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen. It’s as easy as that.
