events
May Latin Dance Party, May 31, 2025 at Black Frame Studios, St. Catharines
Join and celebrate Blanca and Teresa's birthdays with our first time featuring live music by Andi & Los Latinos with DJ Dyanna and DJ John Lopez in a two room unforgettable bash. Get your advanced tickets by e-transferring $20 to [email protected].
The price goes up to $25 cash at the door and doors open at 7:30pm at Black Frame Studios at 114 Hartzel Road, St. Catharines
The price goes up to $25 cash at the door and doors open at 7:30pm at Black Frame Studios at 114 Hartzel Road, St. Catharines
Saturday February 8, Battle of the Sexes and Twins party with DJ Yesii
7:30pm-1am, Black Frame Studios 114 Hartzel Rd. St. Catharines $20 at the door
Find a friend to dress up the same is and partake in the battle of the sexes beginning at 8pm. Leads in one room, Follows in the other each with a dance teacher to come up with a choreography for the win. Music by DJ Yesii begins at 9pm and goes till 1.
OUR TEACHERS
Angel will be teaching the leads and Daniela the follows in the hottest battle of the sexes. The lesson begins promptly at 8pm.
Angel
Dancing for me is one of the most exciting things I do in life, dancing is energy, passion, love and many desires.
Dancing for me is having all the time in my favour, I enjoy it to the fullest, with dance I can dream, experiment, create, and help. Dance is a part of all of us.
Since I was a child, I always saw my mother and many of my relatives dancing. Since then I was interested in the culture in general, along with the music, it was what always captivated me, I have been dancing for about 15 years.
Dancing for me is one of the most exciting things I do in life, dancing is energy, passion, love and many desires.
Dancing for me is having all the time in my favour, I enjoy it to the fullest, with dance I can dream, experiment, create, and help. Dance is a part of all of us.
Since I was a child, I always saw my mother and many of my relatives dancing. Since then I was interested in the culture in general, along with the music, it was what always captivated me, I have been dancing for about 15 years.
Daniela
Daniela is a latin dancer and as a member of El Balcón de Las Artistas, and has risen to become six-time Colombian national champion in Salsa On 1 and the 2013 World Latin Dance Cup champion in Cha-Cha-Cha. She also served as co-director of one of Colombia’s premier Latin Dance academies, Blood Dance Company. Since moving to the United States in 2021, she has worked in Chicago as director of the Mayambo Ladies dance teams (both pro and semi-pro) and has continued to dominate the stage, performing throughout the country both with professional dance teams and as a solo artist.
Daniela is a latin dancer and as a member of El Balcón de Las Artistas, and has risen to become six-time Colombian national champion in Salsa On 1 and the 2013 World Latin Dance Cup champion in Cha-Cha-Cha. She also served as co-director of one of Colombia’s premier Latin Dance academies, Blood Dance Company. Since moving to the United States in 2021, she has worked in Chicago as director of the Mayambo Ladies dance teams (both pro and semi-pro) and has continued to dominate the stage, performing throughout the country both with professional dance teams and as a solo artist.
January 11, 2025 7:30pm-1am, Black Frame Studios 114 Hartzel Rd. St. Catharines $20
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We open the doors at 7:30pm, dance lesson with Roberto Quaresma begins at 8pm and at 9 we continue the party with music by Nando (London) and go till 1am.
Tickets are available at the door for $20 cash. Don't forget to vote before the party https://form.jotform.com/243653976899280 and we will have the awards ceremony around 11pm. See you there! Black Frame Studios114 Hartzel Road, St. Catharines |
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Tickets $20 cash available at the doorSaturday, November 23, 2024
7:30pm-1am Black Frame Studios 114 Hartzel Rd. St. Catharines On Saturday, November 23, 2024 we are hosting our next Latin Dance Party at the mindblowingly beautiful Black Frame Studios in St. Catharines.
First we will welcome Julie and Rafael of Mil Pasos to teach us some moves. As always, we break the boundaries of a typical dance class at a social so don't worry about learning turn patterns that you'll forget immediately and beginner moves that you already know. We will focus on Cuban styling, handwork and musicality. For the rest of the evening, DJ Yesii will bring us rhythmic and danceable music from all over Latin America. Come dressed in your best Cuban style! |
Tickets Available at the door $20 cash, 4518 Victoria Ave., Vineland Station
SATURDAY OCTOBER 19, 2024 7:30PM TILL 1AM
Saturday, October 19 2024 we are back for our monthly Latin Dance parties! The month of October features a bachata dance class with Thomas Sosa (Rochester, NY), music by DJ Carlitos Legend as well as surprises and performances.
This is also the celebration of our official photographer, Manuel of El Vikingo Media. For this reason, and because Halloween is on it's way, this is a Viking themed costume party but you are welcome to dress up as you wish.
Because it's our official photographer's birthday, we have the talented Javier Lazo to capture the memories of the night to give the Viking the night off.
The venue is incredible, just off the highway in Vineland, we have a big beautiful barn at Peach Country Venue 4518 Victoria Avenue, Vineland Station with plenty of parking and a stunning environment. Drinks will be available for purchase.
$20 cash tickets available at the door
This is also the celebration of our official photographer, Manuel of El Vikingo Media. For this reason, and because Halloween is on it's way, this is a Viking themed costume party but you are welcome to dress up as you wish.
Because it's our official photographer's birthday, we have the talented Javier Lazo to capture the memories of the night to give the Viking the night off.
The venue is incredible, just off the highway in Vineland, we have a big beautiful barn at Peach Country Venue 4518 Victoria Avenue, Vineland Station with plenty of parking and a stunning environment. Drinks will be available for purchase.
$20 cash tickets available at the door
Manuel 'El Vikingo Media'
We will be celebrating the birthday of our official photographer, who is getting the night off.
Make sure to follow him on instagram.
DJ Carlitos Legend
Born in El Salvador raised in south Phoenix where he started DJing at house parties, then after moving to Toronto in the early 90s he starting to focus on latin music. DJs playing salsa and merengue, automatically he fell in love with the sounds of salsa. As his passion for Latin music grew so did his knowledge and his roster, at the time when crowds followed the DJ for his music he build his platform playing at famous clubs which he became resident DJ, such as El Rancho, Park Avenue, Club Lavoe, Palazzo, and the infamous Babaluu Super Club where he played for 16 years where gained his name The Legendary DJ Carlitos. DJing in New York, Mexico, Dubai, Montreal, Winnipeg he made his name in the Latin industry. |
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Friday July 5th Two room party at Newark Brewing Company
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR FOR $20 CASH.
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Salsa dance class 8-9pm with
Daria Novoselova Daria has been performing, competing and teaching in the Latin dance community for over 10 years. She started her competition journey at the World Latin Dance Cup in Miami and in the first two years has claimed the title of 2x Amateur Salsa World Champion and later - 2nd place in the Semi-pro Bachata and Salsa divisions at the World Salsa Summit. Daria has been fortunate to teach and perform in many dance congresses around the world: Los Angeles, Dubai, Japan and Australia. She has also appeared on CBC National News, CP24 and Morning Television, as well as featured in numerous magazines and newspapers, including the front page of the Toronto Star. 
DJ Bane
Salsa - Bachata - Merengue |
FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024
PARTY WITH DJ DUCK AND SAL SERO
SALSA CLASS WITH DARIN 'SAL SERO' PRICE
Dancer. DJ. Instructor. Photographer. Darin Price is the man behind the brand, SALSERO. In 2009, Darin founded Essence of Rhythm Latin Dance Co., now known as SALSERO ROC Dance Academy 2011, Darin began DJ'ing events in our local community, across the US and even internationally. In 2017, He decided to take his love of landscape, portrait, and special event photography more seriously and began offering his services for portrait and event photography. Darin (Or as many call him, "Salsero") is known across the entirety of Upstate NY as the premier instructor, performer, choreographer and organizer for Salsa on1 and on2, Bachata, Cha-Cha and Afro-Latin Jazz. Darin hosts several of the longest running Latin dance socials in Rochester NY on a monthly basis, while also offering private and group lessons for adults and youth for all levels of learning. His primary focus is to enrich the region through creativity, culture and community. He accomplishes this by facilitating space for all to share their passion. He prides himself on providing a welcoming atmosphere for clients to connect, share and celebrate what this wonderful arts community has to offer. |
DJ DUCK
DJ Duck has been known in the Latin Community the last 19 years and has been DJing for over 3 decades. Owner of DJ Duck Productions, He and his team provide entertainment to private parties, corporate events, weddings and anything in between. In the Latin Community, you can find him DJing regularly at el Rancho on Thursday nights with Baila con Gusto, Fridays at Toronto Dance Fridays and many latin events in and outside of Toronto. Aside from that, he loves to produce and remix a few good tunes whether live or in the studio! For more information, check out Facebook: DJ Duck Productions Instagram: djduck75 Mixcloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/DJDuck75/ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djduck75 |
FRIDAY APRIL 5
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VENUEThe best space yet! 3000 square feet of dance space with 22 foot ceilings, a full bar, and a fantastic dance floor this is sure to be a memorable event.
DANCE CLASS |
Nobody has been at this longer than DJ Carlitos, we are blessed to have Carlitos DJ for us and help us put Niagara on the map in the Latin Dance scene.
Born in El Salvador raised in south Phoenix where he started DJing at house parties, then after moving to Toronto in the early 90s he starting to focus on latin music. DJs playing salsa and merengue, automatically he fell in love with the sounds of salsa. As his passion for Latin music grew so did his knowledge and his roster, at the time when crowds followed the DJ for his music he build his platform playing at famous clubs which he became resident DJ, such as El Rancho, Park Avenue, Club Lavoe, Palazzo, and the infamous Babaluu Super Club where he played for 16 years where gained his name The Legendary DJ Carlitos. DJing in New York, Mexico, Dubai, Montreal, Winnipeg he made his name in the Latin industry. |
FRIDAY MARCH 1ST
Join us Friday, March 1st for our first Friday monthly party.
Doors open at 7:30 and at 8 we will beginning the dance class with Tati and Anaita from Araguacu in Toronto who will be teaching a full hour of Dominican (traditional) Bachata. At 9pm, DJ Carlitos LEGEND hits the decks playing what is sure to be a legendary set of Salsa and Bachata. This party goes late. Tickets on sale now $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Get your tickets here. Advance ticket sales close at 5pm, Friday March 1. 
Anaita is Indian-Canadian and grew up in Toronto, Canada. Coming from a non-latin background, many have been curious as to what brought her to the world of latin dance. One word - Community. From the moment she entered the latin dance scene, she has experienced the feeling of belonging, she had found her family.
Tatiana was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. With Costa Rican and El Salvadorian parents, she was immersed in Latin music and culture from birth. She leads with an open mind and heart, committed to lifelong learning of dance history, technique, and foundations, all while staying rooted in the essence and flavour of salsa and bachata.
Together, this dynamic duo share their passion for bachata as instructors for Araguacu Latin Company and teach together locally at various events and venues. They bring love for the history, music, and dance of the Dominican Republic and will have you fall in love with bachata by the end of a lesson! Anaita and Tatiana train extensively under Araguacu director, Kim Ramos, and are constantly striving for growth to inspire their students. Anaita and Tatiana create an engaging and safe community for their students to learn in and their excitement and passion shines through every class! |
February 2nd, 2024 First Friday Latin Dance Party
past events
Around 2010 DJ Nico (aka Dr. Bachata) stumbled across the song "Promise" by Usher (already one of his favourites) with Romeo Santos, and his love of bachata was born.
Not all dancers are DJ's just like not all DJ's are dancers.
He took his first ever dance lessons in 2014 and hasn't stopped learning since.
Having always been a collector of music, in 2019 he started flirting with the idea of DJing. As soon as dance socials resumed in 2021, he started DJing at various events in Toronto, notably Toronto Salsa Fridays, El Rancho, Araguacu and Steps Dance Studio Socials. After adding some weddings and private events to the mix, he reached a high in 2022 when he was selected to DJ in bachata room at the Canada Salsa Bachata Congress whose success got him invited back in 2023.
"On the dance floor it's all about the connection for me. Connection to the music, to my dance partner."
As a DJ he gets to facilitate and witness those connections.
"What I enjoy most about DJing are the reactions I get to witness from dancers, often in the form of a gasp, an OMG! or I love this song!, followed by a little run towards their next partner."
I'm so looking forward to welcoming Nico to our community, understanding the dance makes for a better DJ and understanding the music makes for a better dancer. Be sure to pull him out on the dance floor when he's got a minute!
Not all dancers are DJ's just like not all DJ's are dancers.
He took his first ever dance lessons in 2014 and hasn't stopped learning since.
Having always been a collector of music, in 2019 he started flirting with the idea of DJing. As soon as dance socials resumed in 2021, he started DJing at various events in Toronto, notably Toronto Salsa Fridays, El Rancho, Araguacu and Steps Dance Studio Socials. After adding some weddings and private events to the mix, he reached a high in 2022 when he was selected to DJ in bachata room at the Canada Salsa Bachata Congress whose success got him invited back in 2023.
"On the dance floor it's all about the connection for me. Connection to the music, to my dance partner."
As a DJ he gets to facilitate and witness those connections.
"What I enjoy most about DJing are the reactions I get to witness from dancers, often in the form of a gasp, an OMG! or I love this song!, followed by a little run towards their next partner."
I'm so looking forward to welcoming Nico to our community, understanding the dance makes for a better DJ and understanding the music makes for a better dancer. Be sure to pull him out on the dance floor when he's got a minute!
Picture this, I'm dancing at a social at Studio G in Hamilton when I see Cornell talking to some latino guy I've never seen before (if you go out a lot in different cities, you've at least seen pretty much everyone. Then I see Cornell point at me, I'm no superstar dancer so I couldn't figure out why. I finish my dance and new guy holds out his hand for a dance and off we go. Within seconds, I'm having the time of my life, here's someone who isn't dancing to the beat, nor the melody nor to any singular instrument but it seemed like his soul was dancing to his heartbeat and took me along on the journey. Before I know it, I'm smiling, laughing, shouting, watching and doing things I didn't expect to do just minutes before. I don't know where he led me but it was the funnest and most unexpected journey in dance I'd had possibly ever. I didn't know his name, where he was from or how he ended up at Studio G that Saturday night but I did know he was so comfortable with the music, dancing and making connection that I didn't want to lose sight of him. I still hadn't asked his name but I blurted out immediately upon the song finishing, "Do you teach?". He said "yes" and I said "let's talk" then he disappeared back onto the dance floor, dancing with everyone in the room, playing with tempo, infusing flavour in to what is a 1-2-3, 5-6-7 for everyone else. He speaks Spanish but the language barrier didn't stop him from being friendly and connecting with everyone. We never got a chance to talk so I threw him my card as he was leaving at the end of the night hoping he'd use it.
Soon after, he got in touch, I invited him to teach in Niagara for this party and only after that, I finally caught his name. Baltazar Garcia.
It was then that I got some facts on Baltazar. He was champion in Havana, Cuba for 5 years in a row, he was world champion at 17 years old, he retired from professional dance 16 years ago and since (and before) then has been teaching in Cuernavaca, Mexico (where my life changed forever), and that he's the teacher of teachers. There's more, but he didn't have to tell me he was a champion dancer nor master teacher. This is obvious.
Since our meeting at Studio G, he's come down to Niagara to some of our socials and everyone has met him and danced with him. He's brought that warm hearted Mexican energy here. He's friendly and fun. After our members were up in Hamilton a few times since they told me I had to meet Baltazar. I laughed. Of course I had to meet him, we all do. He's created quite a buzz in our community in a few short weeks and I am more than honoured to have him come and show us a thing or two. We are already planning some regular classes with Baltazar in Niagara over the winter.
Anyway, this is a dance class you don't want to miss. Ladies want to dance with him and the men want to dance like him. Let's give him a warm welcome and see you all Friday.
Soon after, he got in touch, I invited him to teach in Niagara for this party and only after that, I finally caught his name. Baltazar Garcia.
It was then that I got some facts on Baltazar. He was champion in Havana, Cuba for 5 years in a row, he was world champion at 17 years old, he retired from professional dance 16 years ago and since (and before) then has been teaching in Cuernavaca, Mexico (where my life changed forever), and that he's the teacher of teachers. There's more, but he didn't have to tell me he was a champion dancer nor master teacher. This is obvious.
Since our meeting at Studio G, he's come down to Niagara to some of our socials and everyone has met him and danced with him. He's brought that warm hearted Mexican energy here. He's friendly and fun. After our members were up in Hamilton a few times since they told me I had to meet Baltazar. I laughed. Of course I had to meet him, we all do. He's created quite a buzz in our community in a few short weeks and I am more than honoured to have him come and show us a thing or two. We are already planning some regular classes with Baltazar in Niagara over the winter.
Anyway, this is a dance class you don't want to miss. Ladies want to dance with him and the men want to dance like him. Let's give him a warm welcome and see you all Friday.
DECEMBER 1, 2023
Join us for our next Latin Dance Party on Friday, December 1st, 2023. We will start the evening with a Salsa Dance lesson with Cornell Mannings followed by social dancing with the music of DJ Sisco all the way till midnight.
The party will take place at 2 Chestnut Street East in St. Catharines in a beautifully renovated venue with a cash bar, coat check and even an ATM for those that forgot their cash at home.
A limited number of advanced tickets are available for sale until they sell out, only $15 in advance (no fees) or $20 cash at the door if there are any remaining.
Once you've purchased your ticket, your name will be on the guestlist at the door, no need for a physical nor digital ticket.
The party will take place at 2 Chestnut Street East in St. Catharines in a beautifully renovated venue with a cash bar, coat check and even an ATM for those that forgot their cash at home.
A limited number of advanced tickets are available for sale until they sell out, only $15 in advance (no fees) or $20 cash at the door if there are any remaining.
Once you've purchased your ticket, your name will be on the guestlist at the door, no need for a physical nor digital ticket.
 Cornell Mannings
When I first took a class with Cornell, I understood his smile. I've taken all kinds of salsa classes all across the Americas and for the first time, here was a class that was big fun. Cornell is not only an amazing dancer and incredible teacher, he's charismatic, fun and funny. Somehow, the way he explains things, everyone understands and follows.
Cornell has been teaching Latin Dance for over 20 years, instilling his love of dance to all, creating champions and creating choreographies for competitions and couples, customized to the strengths and talents of the students involved. If there was a reason why people like his class is that he makes it fun to learn. "I don’t believe in re-inventing the wheel but teaching students the way that they learn best. As you know everyone learns in a different way." You can find Cornell teaching at Studio G in Hamilton, check out https://studioghamilton.com/ for more information on classes and social dances. |
 DJ Sisco
I'm pretty particular about where I go social dancing and fully trust the organizers to hire amazing DJs and the only thing that brings me away from being in the moment of dancing is if the music is really bad or really good (despite having been a DJ, it's not usually my focus when dancing). Well there was one particular event where I just kept noticing the amazing flow of music. The ups and downs in tempo were ideal for non-stop dancing, the salsa/bachata balance was perfect. Salsa songs don't fade out and those big endings were intact. The song selection was amazing, every song was a favourite or a shazam moment. Who is this guy? It was Sisco.
Then something magical happened. After thinking about hosting a bigger party for over a year, the stars aligned and I was presented with the perfect space for one. It was an absolute hit. I was buzzing after and hardly slept that night. I was still buzzing the next morning and shortly after my morning coffee I had an unexpected message in my inbox. There was Sisco saying he saw what I was doing. Building a dance community. He values community building and asked when he could come and play at one of our parties. That sealed the deal for a next one. I glanced at the calendar and asked how December 1st sounded. He was available, it was a deal. I was touched and honoured that our little group was catching the attention of the salsa stars of Toronto. Yes, something must be going right. |