Ottawa × Toronto | Pure Vibes, Music & Community

Keep the energy going after the intensive with the official evening social of The Dominican Experience. We are uniting the Ottawa and Toronto dance scenes under one roof for an authentic night of Dominican culture, high-energy social dancing, and community connection.

What to Expect:

• Guest DJ Lineup: Powered by DJ Nico spinning pure Bachata, classic Merengue, and island gems.

• Live Animations & Crowd Play: Spontaneous group flow and animations to keep the room energized from start to finish.

• Dominican Picadera: Complimentary traditional snacks to fuel your dancing all night.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, September 19th

• Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Location: Somos Studios — 659 Yonge St, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON

• Admission: $15 Advance | $20 Door (Full Intensive Pass holders include social access)

Bridging Foundational Technique & Partnerwork with Raw Island Energy

Step inside an exclusive 4-hour immersive workshop presented by Araguacu and Ottawa’s De La Isla. The Dominican Experience bridges clean, structured studio fundamentals and dynamic partner connection with the vibrant, spontaneous street flow defining Bachata in the Dominican Republic today.

Designed for dancers looking to move past rigid patterns and unlock true social dance freedom, this intensive breaks down:

• Foundational Biomechanics & Footwork: Grounding, posture, and clean weight transfers through traditional Derecho and Majao rhythms to build effortless speed and balance.

• Dominican Partnerwork Mechanics: Transitioning from formal studio holds into relaxed, organic social framing; leading and following syncopated footwork inside partner dynamic; and mastering seamless direction changes and space play without tension.

• The Carrandales Wave in Connection: Applying street aesthetic, speed shifts, and playfulness directly with a partner, inspired by dynamic island dancers like Farifeo, Ana Saldaña, and the viral Carrandales movement.

• Rooted Self-Expression & Partner Play: How mastering core technique eliminates overthinking, allowing you and your partner to listen to the instrumentation, feed off each other's energy, and express your individual voices naturally to the music.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, September 19th

• Time: 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM (includes a 15-minute transition break)

• Location: Somos Studios — 659 Yonge St, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON

• Instructors: Kim Ramos, Giselle Perla

• Capacity is strictly limited to maintain a focused training environment, partner balance, and ample floor space.

• Includes the social from 8pm to 11pm.

• No refunds, makeups, or credits.

Master the Motion: Bachata Movement Mechanics

Ready to transform your dancing from just "stepping to the beat" to truly feeling and embodying the music? Welcome to Bachata Movement Mechanics, an intensive 2-hour workshop designed to break down the exact physics, intention, and flavor behind authentic Bachata movement.

We aren't just teaching you choreography; we are decoding the DNA of the dance.

What We’ll Dive Into:

• The Flow: Unlock smooth, effortless transitions and full-body fluidity that makes your dancing look seamless.

• The Intention: Understand why we move the way we do. Learn how to ground your weight, connect with the rhythm, and project confidence.

• The Booty Action: Master the hip mechanics, isolation, and authentic motion that gives Bachata its signature, irresistible flavor.

Whether you want to look more natural on the social dance floor or level up your technique, this workshop will give you the tools to command your movement.

Event Details:

• Date: July 25th

• Time: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM

• Location / Tickets: Somos Studios

• Investment: $45

• Cancellation Policy: no refunds, makeups or credits.

Spaces are limited to ensure quality feedback.

This Bachata Ladies class is designed to help you build confidence, style, and true expression on the dance floor. You will work on strong foundations, refine your technique, and explore the essence of ladies styling in a fun and empowering way.

With a touch of Bonao Style, you will learn a sexy combination focused on understanding each movement, so you can naturally apply it in social dancing.

Expect a mix of technique, attitude, and sabor in an energetic environment where growth and enjoyment go hand in hand.

Details:

Tuesday, June 16th from 7pm to 9pm

Location: Somos Studios

Investment: $35 (no refunds, credits, or makeups)

Get ready for an immersive 3-hour experience that celebrates the essence of connection and rich cultural roots.

We are thrilled to announce that international sensation Carolina Bustamante is returning to Toronto from Sweden to team up with Kim for a one-of-a-kind collaboration.

This "Con Sabor a Pueblo" edition is designed for dancers who want to dive deep into the heart of the music and dance. The bootcamp will focus on Footwork and Partnerwork, blending technical precision with the authentic sabor of the style.

What to Expect:

• Intensive Training: Three hours of focused instruction split between Bachata footwork and partnerwork. The bootcamp will cover musicality, partner connection, roots, rhythm and of course, high-energy FUN!

  Level: Open level, however an understanding of Bachata foundations is strongly encouraged.

• Artist Q&A & Mingle: A scheduled 30-minute break to grab a drink, connect with fellow dancers, and chat directly with Carolina and Kim. This is your chance to ask questions about technique, the international dance scene, or simply get to know these world-class instructors.

• Community Vibe: A welcoming environment focused on growth, musicality, and "sabor."

Details:

• Duration: 3 Hours (including a 30-minute social break)

• Location: Somos Studios

• Investment: $75 per person

• Cancellation Policy: no refunds, credits, or makeups.

Step beyond the steps and into the heart of the music.

Roots and Musicality is an immersive workshop experience dedicated to the foundations, history, and authentic musicality of Bachata. This intensive isn’t just about learning patterns; it’s about understanding the "why" behind the movement.

We break down the essential instrumentation—from the syncopation of the güira to the grounding pulse of the bongo—giving you the tools to hear the music like a musician and move like a dancer. Whether you are looking to ground your basics in authentic mechanics or find more emotional expression in your improvisation, this workshop provides a deep, technical, and soulful exploration of Bachata, at its roots.

Workshop Highlights:

• Historical Foundations: Explore the roots of the dance and the cultural history that shaped its evolution.

• Instrumentation & Rhythm: Learn to identify the traditional instruments that define the Bachata sound, helping you understand exactly what you are hearing.

• Musical Interpretation: Engage in technical drills and exercises specifically designed to improve your ability to translate music into movement.

• Footwork Breakdown: A detailed look at foundational mechanics, ensuring your steps are grounded in authentic style.

• Emotional Connection: Move past following a sequence of steps to focus on feeling the rhythm, building the confidence to improvise and express yourself with intention.

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Level: all levels, open to leads and follows

Cancellation Policy: no refunds, makeups, or credits.

Rediscover your dance through feeling, soul, and technical precision.

​At Araguacu, we believe that to dance is to FEEL. Our May 2nd Pop-Up Workshop is a dedicated space for dancers to step out of partnerwork patterns and into their own unique movement.

​This intensive focuses on Salsa On2 Shines and Movement. Instead of memorizing long, robotic sequences, we will break down the "why" behind the movement.

You will learn to:

• ​Embody the Rhythm: Understand the technical foundation of On2 timing through a "feeling-first" approach.

• ​Find Your Voice: Explore improvisation techniques that help you move away from the "correct" way and toward your authentic self.

• ​Rooted Technique: Connect with the cultural roots of Salsa while refining your body isolation and footwork clarity.

​

Workshop Details:

​Date: Saturday, May 2nd, 2026

​Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

​Location: Somos Studios (Yonge & Bloor, Toronto)

​Investment: $35

Level: All levels welcome (Salsa On2 foundations are strongly encouraged)

No refunds, makeups or credits

From Footwork Foundations to the Art of Connection

True Bachata is a conversation—not just between two people, but between the dancer, the ground, and the music. To speak the language fluently, we must first understand its vocabulary.

This 3-hour intensive is designed to strip away the "noise" of complex patterns and return to the core mechanics that define the soul of Bachata.

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To truly connect with a partner, you must first be grounded in the rhythm. The focus of this intensive is to bridge the gap between solo footwork techniques and intuitive social dancing.

Over three immersive hours, we don't just "learn steps"—we build a system of movement. We begin with the Foundations of Footwork, breaking down the mechanics of the weight transfer and grounding. We then layer in Musical Connection through footwork mechanics, training the ears to identify the instruments and the feet to mirror their specific rhythms.

Finally, we bring it all together into partnerwork, exploring the "Silent Dialogue"—the art of leading and following through pure weight management. Learn how to bridge the gap between footwork and partnerwork and how it can create more dynamic, playful and connected dances.

Whether you are a leader or a follower, you will leave with a deeper connection to yourself, a sharper ear for the music, and a more intuitive, effortless presence on the social dance floor.

This isn’t about learning a "routine"—it’s about learning the language of the dance.

All levels welcome. Let’s get grounded.

Details:

Date & Time: Saturday, April 11th from 3pm to 6pm

Location: Somos Studios

Investment: $70 per person

Partner Special: Save 15% when you register as a Lead & Follow pair!

• Use Promo Code: CONNECTION

• Note: Both spots must be purchased in a single transaction to apply the discount.

  
  

Registration is open now. Limited spots to ensure personalized feedback.

No credits, makeups, or refunds.

The Focus: Bringing the JOY Back to the Floor

In a world of complex patterns and technical pressure, we’re returning to the heartbeat of why we move. The Araguacu Experience is centered on reclaiming the pure, unfiltered JOY of dance.

We’ve designed these workshops to be a playground for your creativity. By combining deep cultural exploration with high-energy play, we’re stripping away the ego and replacing it with DANCE FUN.

For the first time ever, the entire Araguacu instructor team is coming together to teach in one building, on one day.

Our mission has always been to make high-level dance education accessible to everyone. To celebrate this milestone collaboration, and to give back to the community that has supported us, we are offering this intensive at our most accessible price point ever. We believe that financial barriers shouldn't stand in the way of world-class training, culture, and community.

This space has been created for YOU!

Whether you’re stepping into Bachata Con Flow, finding your rhythm in Salsa Con Sabor, or catching the vibe in the Guac Remix, the goal is the same: to leave the room feeling more connected to the music, the culture, and each other.

This isn’t just training—it’s a celebration of why we started dancing in the first place.

Schedule & Investment

Whether you are a Lead or a Follow, and regardless of your current level, these sessions are designed to challenge your movement and inspire your creativity.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21st from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM

• 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM | Workshop 1: Bachata Con Flow (Footwork) Dive into the soul of Bachata. This session focuses on authentic footwork, rhythmic versatility, and that signature Araguacu "flow" that brings your dancing to life.

  BREAK

• 1:30 PM to 2:45 PM | Workshop 2: Salsa Con Sabor (Salsa On2 Shines) It’s all about the Sabor. Sharpen your timing, coordination, and stylistic expression with On2 shines that will elevate your presence on any social dance floor.

  BREAK

• 3:00 PM to 4:15 PM | Workshop 3: The Guac Remix (Fusion) Our grand finale. This is where the Araguacu identity truly shines. We’re blending our Latin roots with the raw energy of other dance styles. It’s a genre-bending, high-energy session that explores the fusion of movement, energy, and culture connection.

$15 per workshop

$40 full pass (all 3 workshops)

Cancellation Policy: No credits, makeups, or refunds

Location: CRE8, 348 Ryding Ave, Toronto, ON

Level: Open to all levels (Leads & Follows)

Experience the full power of the Araguacu team in one room. This isn’t just a class; it’s a celebration of where we’ve been and where we’re going together.

Join the movement. No excuses—just dance.

Break the Pattern. Find Your Voice.

3-Hour Intensive | Saturday, March 7th | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Bachata isn't just a dance; it’s a conversation, a feeling, and a way of life. But so often on the dance floor, we get trapped. We get stuck in our heads, we repeat the same patterns, and we find ourselves "counting" to the music instead of living inside it.

The Creativity Lab is here to break that cycle.

This isn't a traditional "step-by-step" workshop—it is a space for dancers to experiment, play, and discover their own unique movement language.

We will deconstruct the music until you can feel the bongo in your bones and the guitar in your heartbeat. We aren’t here to give you a routine to memorize—we are here to give you the confidence to improvise.

It is time to move away from the "right way" to dance and move toward your way to dance.

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What to Expect:

• Ignite Your Intuition: Learn to react to the music in real-time. No more "planning" your next move—just pure, spontaneous reaction.

• Embody the "Amargue": Dive deep into the soul of the Dominican Republic. We’ll explore the textures of the dance—from the heavy, grounded strength of the countryside to the sharp, playful wit of the city.

• Find Your Signature: Discover the unique ways your body wants to move. We use creative play to unlock "flavor" you didn’t even know you had.

• Master the Dynamics: Learn the power of the pause, the drama of a slow-motion step, and the explosive joy of a high-energy mambo solo.

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The Atmosphere:

Expect a room filled with infectious energy, soulful music, and a community of dancers all pushing their boundaries. There are no mistakes in this space—only "steps we didn’t plan yet." Whether you want to command the floor with your musical connection or simply feel more "at home" in your own skin when the music starts, this is where it happens.

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📅 Date: Saturday, March 7th

🕒 Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

📍 Location: Somos Studios, 659 Yonge St, 2nd Floor

💰 Investment: $70 (no refunds, makeups, or credits)

All levels welcomed.

No partner required.

Spaces are limited to keep the energy intimate and the focus sharp.

Workshop: Bachata Fusion

Date: Saturday November 22, 2025

Time: 3-5pm

Location: Somos Studios

Workshop Description:

POP-UP BACHATA WORKSHOP!

Cold outside? We’ve got the cure🔥

For this first time ever, Antonio and Xhina are teaming up for a very special pop-up bachata workshop! This bachata fusion footwork class will blend elements of bachata, merengue, salsa and other dance styles, exploring how we can add different flavours, rhythms and movement to spice up your bachata dancing.

Beginner-friendly and open to all levels - no partner required!

Expect a fire combo, BIG energy and a full out dance party at the studio!

Price:

Early bird: $30 (until Sunday the 16th at 11:59)

Regular: $40

Toronto is more than a city — it’s a multicultural melting pot, a living mosaic of stories, languages, rhythms, and roots.

With nearly half of its residents born abroad, Toronto pulses with energy from every corner of the globe, creating a city that thrives on connection and cultural exchange.

In the Greater Toronto Area alone, over 390,000 people identify as Latin American — meaning the colours, sounds, and flavours of Latin roots are already part of Toronto’s soul.

This is the moment when Adrianna Yanuziello and Dance Migration’s dream comes to life — a celebration where Latin roots and Canadian spirit meet. It’s all about the warmth of human connection, rhythm, dance, joy, and music coming together under one name: UNITE THE ROOTS.

For this first edition, we’ve chosen Brazil, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, represented respectively by Adrianna Yanuziello, Sarita Leyva, and Kimberly Ramos — three strong, incredible women who have dedicated decades of hard work to ensuring that these cultures are respected, known, shared, and celebrated.

UNITE THE ROOTS
Brazil, Cuba & Dominican Republic Edition
Saturday, November 15th, 2025
Location: SASS (180 Shaw Street)
Doors open at 9:45 a.m.

Day Schedule
10:00 – 11:30 a.m. — Afro-Cuban Class with Sarita
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. — Samba Class with Adrianna Yanuziello
1:15 – 2:30 p.m. — Break & Lunch / Time to Socialize
2:30 – 4:00 p.m. — Bachata Class with Kim
4:05 p.m. — Panel & Talks with the Three Instructors
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Special Offer for Current Students:
If you’re currently enrolled in any Dance Migration classes or classes from our partner instructors, send us a message to request your discount code (in case you did not get it by email).

Early Bird Price (with discount code):
$45 — Dance Migration Students
$45 — Partner School Students
Price increases after October 18th.

Early Bird – Non-Students:
Single Ticket: $55
Unite Combo — You + a Friend: $90
Price increases after October 18th.

After October 18th:
$58 — Dance Migration Students (with discount code)
$58 — Partner School Students (with discount code)
$65 — One Ticket (Non-Student)
$99 — Unite Combo (You + a Friend)

Imagine walking in and feeling the electricity in the air — a room filled with dancers, storytellers, and creators.

Latin rhythms flowing through Toronto’s heartbeat. The laughter, the sweat, the connection.

This will be a day spiced with life, where roots are honoured and new memories are made.

Whether you’re already rooted in Latin culture, curious to explore, or simply looking for a day filled with dance and connection — this is your invitation.

✨ Reserve your spot now — come unite your roots with ours, and let’s make November 15th unforgettable.

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Ready to master Pachanga? 

Unlock your full dance potential!  My Pachanga Bootcamp is BACK on November 8th!

My last workshop was in February, so it is time for another one. 

This workshop is designed to transform your footwork, refine your technique, and unleash your inner groove. Spend 2 intense hours mastering body movement and truly feeling the music through drills, exercises, and technique breakdown.

This is your chance to learn, grow, and connect! 

It's about to be a PACHANGA JAM!  

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LEVEL: Beginner to Intermediate/Advanced (open to dancers of all levels)

This is a tailored program that will have options for dancers of all levels. All foundational movements, footwork, and movement will be taught with different layers that will cater to dancers of different levels.
**An understanding of the basics is encouraged - prior experience with Salsa classes is recommended.
-Should know the basics of foundational movement, footwork.

Spaces are limited – secure yours now and step into a new level of confidence on the dance floor!

No credits, refunds or make ups.

Bachata lovers, this is for YOU!

Ready to deepen your Bachata journey?

We're thrilled to announce two separate 2-hour workshops with the amazing Kim. Join us on the 18th and 25th of October for a deep dive into essential Bachata elements: technique, intricate footwork, seamless flow, and expressive body movement.

Two unique opportunities to train, grow, and dance your heart out.

• 4-HOURS of immersive Bachata education:
  Are you interested in levelling up your Bachata?
  Do you want to connect deeper to the culture, roots, music and dance?
  Do you seek new, creative and exciting teaching methods that create those lightbulb, "aha" moments?
  Are you interested in an experience that goes beyond just the steps, and explores the deeper layers of dance, including mindset, creative expression, freestyle, and more?

Come and connect with the culture, history, music, and dance through an immersive exploration into all things Bachata. 

• WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
  These two Bootcamps catered to dancers of all levels will cover themes like footwork techniques, musicality, foundations, movement mechanics, and more.

  Both dates will cover similar foundational concepts, but will include different techniques, drills, and sequences.
  1. Bachata from the island - roots, history, cultural exploration
  2. Movement, footwork & partnerwork drills, along with group exercises that explore technique, lead/follow connection, musicality.
  3. Musicality and creative expression: Connect to the instruments, rhythms, and energy.

LEVEL: Beginner to Intermediate/Advanced (open to dancers of all levels)

This is a tailored program that will have options for dancers of all levels. All foundational movements, footwork, and partnerwork will be taught with different layers that will cater to dancers of different levels.
**An understanding of the basics is encouraged - prior experience with Bachata classes is recommended.
-Should know the basics of foundational movement, footwork and partnerwork.

No credits, refunds or make ups.