DAN 35 — Let’s Salsa!
Quarter: Spring
Instructor(s): Amanda Marquez, Michael Gonzalez
Date(s): Apr 14—May 19
Class Recording Available: No
Class Meeting Day: Tuesdays
Grade Restriction: NGR only; no credit/letter grade
Class Meeting Time: 7:00—8:30 pm (PT)
Tuition: $365
Refund Deadline: Apr 16
Unit(s): 0
Enrollment Limit: 100
Status: Open
Quarter: Spring
Day: Tuesdays
Duration: 6 weeks
Time: 7:00—8:30 pm (PT)
Date(s): Apr 14—May 19
Unit(s): 0
Tuition: $365
Refund Deadline: Apr 16
Instructor(s): Amanda Marquez, Michael Gonzalez
Grade Restriction: NGR only; no credit/letter grade
Enrollment Limit: 100
Recording Available: No
Status: Open
Salsa has electrified dance floors from Havana to New York with its irresistible rhythm and energy. Evolving from Afro-Cuban son (a fusion of Spanish melodies and African rhythms) along with mambo and Latin jazz, it’s both a cultural story and a living, joyful art form. In this dynamic class, you’ll learn the footwork, partner connection, and playful improvisation that bring salsa’s fire and soul to life. Each session begins with a solo warm-up to loosen the body and find your groove, then builds toward combinations that develop balance, confidence, and musicality. Whether you’re dancing solo or with a partner, you’ll develop coordination, creative expression, and a deeper appreciation for the music’s roots in Cuba and its evolution in New York. Come ready to sweat, laugh, and feel the beat—salsa isn’t just learned, it’s lived!
No partner or prior dance experience is required.
AMANDA MARQUEZ
Lecturer, Dance Technique, San Jose State
Amanda Marquez is a versatile performer, choreographer, and dance educator with over 25 years of professional experience. Her expertise is extensive in Latin social, performative, and competitive dances as well as classical styles, including jazz, contemporary, and ballet. She has taught dance at the Joffrey Ballet School, Ballet Hispánico, Broadway Dance Center, and Alvin Ailey. She also teaches, performs, and curates Latin dance events around the Bay Area. MICHAEL GONZALEZ
Dancer
Michael Gonzalez has been immersed in salsa for over 20 years. He trained under diverse Latin dance mentors across Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco, refining his skills in salsa, Latin jazz, and Afro-Cuban folkloric dance. His dance repertoire engages broad audiences and tells vibrant, meaningful stories. He also mentors new dancers from their first basic steps to confident stage performances.
Textbooks for this course:
There are no required textbooks; however, some fee-based online readings may be assigned.