Salsa / Bachata Dance Team Audition 2025-26 – Sat July 26 Audition

AUDITION DATES(select one date to attend only): SAT JULY 26 @12pm & Sat AUG 28 @6pm

AUDITION LOCATION (all dates):

Pre-requisites:

– No Salsa/Bachata experience necessary but other dance training a must in this case.
– We are also accepting current students of ETOWN SALSA to take the leap into performance dancing.
– A desire for Latin music.
– A hard working individual
– Ability to learn footwork and choreography quickly
– A positive attitude
– A team player
– A committed person
– Good stage presence
– Professionalism on and off stage

Assets:

– Social dance experience.
– Music background like playing an instrument for years.
– Classical music training like ability to read sheet music.
– Dancing “On2” experience
– Previous salsa dance team experience
– Previous dance performance experience
– Jazz training/ Ballet training/ Partner training/ Ballroom training/ Swing training/ cheerleading training/ bellydance training.
– High level folkloric traditional training such as Ukrainian etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

WILL I FIT IN IF I HAVE OTHER DANCE EXPERIENCE ONLY?
For example: We have had many females with jazz and ballet training under their belt. In fact, this training has been the best results for the fastest learning curve amongst new Latin dancers over the many years we have done this. As well, Belly dancers, Hip hop, and even cheer leaders!

WHAT DOES AN AUDITION ENTAIL?
STEP 1: First you will need to bring your dance shoes or a clean pair of danceable shoes. Please wear stretchy attire appropriate for a dance class. You will be required to do your own stretching and warm up 15 min before beginning your audition. Everyone registered will be required to learn a short shine choreography that will take about 30 min to teach and learn. You will all get an opportunity to demonstrate alone to the directors what you have learned, especially if you are new to the studio. You will then all get a chance to partner with each other and social dance what you know of Salsa or Bachata.

I’M INTIMIDATED BY THE AUDITION, WILL THIS BE DIFFICULT?
As the pre-requisites show, candidates do not necessarily have to have a lot of dance experience but have to show a willingness to learn and give their all, every time on stage. Those we feel have potential, we will ask to be on the training team to develop their skills. If you have some Salsa experience but not quite yet for the dance teams, we will refer you to register for our TRAINING PROGRAM that will give you a year of in depth knowledge into Salsa / Bachata and performing as well. The idea is to show that your not a quitter and you can humble yourself and be a ‘good student’. We are more receptive to students that show a willingness to learn and to show focus.

WILL I BE ABLE TO COMMITT?
Past history shows someone with a regular 9-5 job has a better lifestyle to fit the team time commitments. If you have a busy off-work schedule already, past history shows that this can be a little too much on someones plate to add on top. Currently if you are on other dance teams, this may be too much for you to handle as times will be harder to coordinate with team members so we are not selected people that are currently on other groups and plan to continue with them while joining our groups. You may be selected to be on more than one team. We are looking for 2 to 3 days a week for practice and performances (mostly Saturdays or Sundays). To begin practices are 2-3 days a week, but as performances near, more practices are required leading up. Weekday evenings will require practice by attending classes regularly to re-inforce fundamentals and to progress faster. For the ladys team, there will be no partnering required so practicing by yourself at your convenience is encouraged highly.
If you are brought on as a TRAINING MEMBER or to be on the BEGINNER STUDENT TEAM, you will be required to come to classes on a regular basis during weekday evenings or weekends.
Most events will be weekend commitments and advance notice of dates will be available.

WHAT IS THE COST?
Each team member will be required to pay a flat fee each month for rented dance space and the directors time. An overall cost is broken down into a set number of months.(These teams will be financially managed differently than the Advanced Dance Team)
Performance costumes and funds for out of town event accommodations and travel will be out of pocket depending if the event is compensating portions or all of the event. A costume can cost between $200-$350 per routine.

DO I NEED TO PAY FOR OUT OF TOWN EVENTS AND TRAVEL?
Our team goal this year is to attend at least 1 out of town national event to represent EDMONTON!, and 1 international event to represent CANADA! Fund raisers will team organized and will not involve ETOWN SALSA unless hired for djing, lessons, or organizing. The remainder will be out of pocket. Last year the teams attended 2 international congresses, one in Spain and another in Portugal.

WHAT EVENTS ARE PLANNED FOR 2026?
We are searching for a larger event for 2026 to attend for our teams. For our trainees we plan to attend a National Salsa Bachata Festival/Congress such as the Calgary International Salsa Congress and an International festival (tba) to attend workshops. 2 years ago we attended both the Montreal Salsa Convention in May and the Las Vegas Super Congress in July of 2024. We also have our own recital theatre event for our year end called BAILEMOS and it will be our 18th annual event that draws hundreds of people to watch you dance on stage. Event dates need to be confirmed and are based on availability and economic feasibility.

HOW LONG IS THIS COMMITMENT?
We are looking at a 9 month period and we will take a couple breaks in between. Such as a few weeks in December/January and possibly another break in April (Easter). 10 & 11th month are optional for additional training.

MONTHLY FEES (9 mth commitment):

SALSA or BACHATA TRAINING TEAM – $1350+tax total ($150+tx/mth avg)

SALSA or BACHATA STUDENT TEAM (intermediate/ 2nd yr): $900+tx total ($100+tx/ mth avg)
–

BOTH SALSA AND BACHATA TEAM – $1980+tx total ($220+tx/mth)

WHATS INCLUDED WITH TEAM MEMBERSHIP?

TRAINING PROGRAM (beginner): Weekly 90 min practice with team and 4 (90 min) bonus classes during the week.

STUDENT TEAM(intermediate): Weekly 90 min practice with team (classes extra)