About RAPHAEL BENITEZ

As a young boy in Puerto Rico, Raphael began his salsa journey at age five, when his father would hold his hand and guide him through the basics. He caught on immediately, and began dancing for crowds at the Fiestas de Patronales. At age twelve he moved to the U.S. and found New York Salsa. In addition to his father, Raphael has studied with greats such as Roberto Roena, choreographer for Ismael Rivera, El Gran Combo and Papito JalaJala.

SALSA BASICS (SL-001)

Wednesdays 7pm-8:30pm. Salsa is on Vacation in August!

Your first encounter with salsa is to learn gain a strong foundation of the steps. This is needed to prepare each student for turns. You will fall in love with the rhythm and the sexy movements of salsa in this class.

Class is limited to a small group and will be taught in an intimate setting. The class is designed to feel like a group private lesson with a lot of personal attention. No partner necessary. The class runs in 5-week modules. Only $75 per person.

SALSA DYNAMICS  (SL-101-110)

Wednesdays 8:30pm-10pm. Salsa is on Vacation in August!

(pre-requisite SL-001 or equivalent)

You will be expertly guided through your first turn and quickly move on to a full range of turns incorporating all of your basic steps. This is where you learn the posturing and dynamics that give salsa its uniquely sensual flavor.

Class is limited to a small group and will be taught in an intimate setting. The class is designed to feel like a group private lesson with a lot of personal attention. No partner necessary. The class runs in 5-week modules. Only $75 per person.

SALSA PRIVATE LESSONS

Available by appointment, $60/hr (for 1-2 students) $75/hr (for 3-6 students)

Raphael is a gifted instructor who grew up in Puerto Rico with the sounds of Salsa and Mambo all around him. He began dancing at age five, and has been perfecting the dance ever since.

He is a popular instructor in all of the best Latin clubs in Philadelphia. He has taught at universities across the Philadelphia area. His long list of performances include the Wilma Theater, PECO Energy Celebration of National Hispanic Month and the Allen Iverson Classic All Stars.