Instructor
Melissa is known worldwide for her teaching abilities. She brings
a special energy and enthusiasm to each and every class she teaches. Although her
specialty is NY Style Mambo/Salsa “On 2”, she is able to teach “On 1.” She is considered
to be one of the best examples of the Eddie Torres technique. She has a great ability
to assess the needs of her class and address all various levels in her classes.
Melissa also has a talent to personally attend to a room of 300+ people as well
as a one-on-one private lesson with students ranging from all ages and levels. From
the moment you enter Melissa’s classes, the fun begins. Her positive spirit and
true love for this dance is evident in her unique teaching style which makes every
class exciting, enjoyable, and satisfying. Some workshops and classes Melissa offers
are:
- Ladies’ Styling - This class is offered to women who wish to add or develop soft and feminine arm styling and movement to their dance. This class begins with a specific body movement warm-up and isolations. It then progresses to a thorough explanation of hand styling and design as well as how to technically execute arm styling with grace and control. Furthermore, contrabody rhythm as well as arm styling for the basic step is demonstrated. Components such as head whips, shoulder movement, body rolls and other hip and ribcage movements are explained in detail. Melissa also provides specific examples of where each styling aspect can be applied in your dancing as well the specific timing and count for each styling move. From beginner to advanced level, this class is designed to meet everyone’s stylistic needs as well as help students raise their confidence and knowledge in your dancing. A compliment to this class is Ladies’ Styling by Melissa Rosado.
- Spinning - This class offers men and women the foundation to execute spins accurately and consistently with grace and style. This workshop is excellent for anyone that wants to improve their technique and balance while spinning and dancing. The class begins with a detailed explanation of how to find your “center” and then progresses to description of the concept of “spotting” for both stationary and traveling turns. Furthermore, each student will leave this class with a series of practice exercises for spotting and all types of spins to practice on their own. These concepts are then applied to all men and women’s footwork for turn patterns. Additionally, Melissa places emphasis on the Lead and Follow of spinning for both men and women which consists of finger technique, arm placement, and tension levels. Also, the amount of power needed to lead and follow turns ranging from single to multiple spins is also demonstrated. Students will develop a greater awareness of their body and learn the intricacies of spinning, controlling momentum and stopping.
- Body Movement - This class teaches both men and women of all levels how to be more aware of their body movement and how to apply this movement in their dancing. Students will learn how to isolate different parts of their body and how to combine these movements into a combination done to music. The class will begin with an in depth body movement warm-up consisting of head, shoulder, rib cage, and hip isolations as well as combined isolations. A detailed explanation of how to technically execute head whips, body rolls, hip rolls, and combination of these movements follow the warm-up. Melissa then provides specific examples of how and when to apply these movements and isolations in shines and partnering and provides the accurate timing and count for each movement.
- Shines - Ranging from beginner to advanced levels, this class is designed to teach men and women footwork sequences increasing in difficulty which are to be used when dancing independent from your partner. Concepts such as weight transfer and balance are emphasized as well as the importance of precise execution of timing. Sequences are then practiced with music and then demonstrated in both men and women’s timing.
- Turn Patterns/Partnering - Ranging from beginner to advanced levels, this class focuses on teaching turn pattern sequences used in a social setting. Explanation of all arm work dominates the first portion of the class and then is followed by a breakdown of all men and women’s footwork for the turn pattern. Both arm and footwork are then demonstrated together with timing and shortly after with music.
- Combination Classes - These classes are designed for students to learn both shines and turn patterns and can be taught in all levels ranging from beginner to advanced. Components addressed include the basic step, all basic footwork for men and women turn patterns, shines, ear training, basic men and women’s styling, rhythm training and last but not least dance etiquette. A great compliment to this class is Beginner Level Mambo DVD by Melissa Rosado and Rebecca Sweet of Viva Dance Studio.
- Cha Cha Cha - This class teaches both men and women shines and partnering in cha cha cha timing. The difference between mambo/salsa and cha cha cha timing in shines and partnering is clarified.
- Lead and Follow - This class is designed to teach both men and women the proper leading and following technique for a variety of turn patterns. Students will learn about proper resistance levels, appropriate dance positions for specific entrance and exits to certain turn patterns, leading and following spinning, differences in speed for single to multiple spins, and footwork. An emphasis is placed on finger and hand technique and the concept of rotation. This class is perfect for students who are looking to brush up their lead and/or following in order to be a more refined and better social dancer or performer.
- Pachanga - This antiquated dance from the Palladium era is hitting the dance scene once again all around the world. Although its popularity was short-lived in the 1960’s because of its fast, syncopated and high-energy rhythm, interest in the pachanga is rising and is in high demand. This class focuses on the essence and fundamentals of pachanga and then progresses to an explanation of a series of shines. These shines are then practiced with charanga music, the most popular music for this dance.
- Instructor Training - This training is designed for any person, school, or team who are looking to implement a structured curriculum for “On 2” mambo/salsa. Students will be presented with a syllabus for both shines and partner work ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Specific leading and following technique is addressed as well as rhythm and ear training.
- Private Lessons - Individual or group private lessons focus on each student/s individual unique needs on any of the classes listed above. These classes are a great opportunity for any student looking to improve and expand their dancing ability within a shorter period of time. Packages of lessons are available.
- Master Class - This class is catered for the more advanced student and/or established instructors and is designed to offer more advanced and complex material and movement. It is taught at a much faster pace than other classes and workshops, intending to push and challenge each student/instructor.
- Performance Course - This intensive course is designed for each student to learn an On 2 New York Style choreography in either Mambo, Cha Cha Cha, Merengue, or a combination of any of these dances with the intention of performing the choreography at a later event. The level of the choreography can range from beginner to advanced levels and can either be an Open shines, Partnering or a Combination routine. Song selection is decided by either the choreographer or school holding the course and the song selected can be shortened and lengthened as well as slowed down or made faster. The purpose of the course is for each student to develop some experience in performing, learn new dance material, improve or strengthen technique, develop styling and/or body movement, and overall build a stronger sense of confidence within his/herself. The length of the course is decided upon the school/s and or dance company in conjunction with the choreographer. Students are allowed to record at the end of each session.
- Bootcamp Weekend - This course is a perfect way to enhance your knowledge in a specific area of mambo in order to advance to higher levels within a shorter period of time. The bootcamps can range from beginner to advanced levels and can be in any of the following areas: ladies styling, body movement, partnering and styling, leading and following, spinning, or a combination of any of these. In this course, each student will learn a significant amount of material within in a 2-3 day period (4 -5 hours per day). The course will commence with foundations/fundamentals and how to apply these fundamentals and concepts throughout your dancing while partnering and shining. A syllabus and outline is provided for each student so that all the goals and concepts are mapped out ahead of time. In addition, time is allotted at the end of the course for each student to practice what they have learned throughout the bootcamp and to ask questions of the instructor. Students are allowed to record at the end of each session.