I. Salsa Caleña and Latin dance classes
One of the main samples of Latin American culture is the expression of the enjoyment of life through musical and dance celebrations.
a.) Salsa Caleña
Salsa Caleña is an intangible cultural heritage of Colombia. It has become the preferred style worldwide for the great variety and colorfulness of its steps, turns, and figures. It offers its dancers the most incredible experience of fun and socialization.
The people of Cali have been the creators of the largest steps in salsa dancing today. They are recognized worldwide as the best salsa dancers on the planet. Therefore, Cali is considered the salsa capital of the world, and as such, it is the best destination for those who want to learn, improve and/or practice one of the world's favorite dances.
In this program, under the guidance of experienced teachers from Cali, the participant will receive the secrets of a solid foundation for beginners in Cali’s salsa, as well as for those who already know how to dance other styles of salsa and want to enrich their skills.
b.) Bailes Latinos
Part of the richness of Latin culture lies in its musical diversity, and therefore in the different possibilities of expression of those rhythms through the body.
A clear African influence can be witnessed in what is understood as the Latin flavor. Therefore, the teachers will teach different Latin dances to complement the learning of Salsa. Among these that will be experienced are rhythms such as bachata, merengue, mambo, boogaloo, chachachá, son, cumbia, and other dances of the Afro-descendant cultures of America.
II. Spanish classes for groups and individuals
The Spanish language is officially spoken in 18 of the 20 Latin American countries, making up 82% of its population. Therefore, those who learn Spanish have the possibility of approaching the most diverse cultural experience on the planet.
a.) Spanish classes for groups
This program focuses on the use of the Spanish language in Colombia, especially in Cali. By using a playful methodology with a specific theme for each day that accompanies the cultural immersion process. The topics that will be dealt with are typical aspects of Colombia such as its coffee, music, cinema and the behavior of its inhabitants.
In the practical aspect, there will be activities of interaction with local people during the cultural excursions that will take place, allowing the application and settlement of the learning.
The group classes are focused on the basic to intermediate level.
b.) Individual Spanish class
The program offers the possibility to be conducted on an individual basis, which allows the classes to have a personalized approach to the specific needs and requirements of the student.
The classes can be adjusted to the tastes and interests of the participant, taking into account the themes surrounding the immersion experience.
This modality is adjustable to the participant's level of Spanish.
III. Integral wellness techniques such as yoga, Feldenkrais Method and TUJ
Due to the way human society is organized, human beings must deal with circumstances of survival that can be challenging on a daily basis which causes high levels of stress, tension, anguish, and physical discomfort. Yoga, meditation, and body movement are very efficient strategies to cultivate well-being and relaxation on a physical, mental, and emotional level.
The program offers three modalities of holistic wellness experiences, such as yoga and the Feldenkrais Method, which will be present throughout the immersion, as well as the ritual steam house, which will be the experience of the last day.
a.) Yoga classes
The program is designed with multi-level classes suitable for all audiences, meaning that both beginners and experienced practitioners can benefit from the classes.
There will be work on body postures, called asanas, while respecting the parameters dictated by biomechanics so that the practice is given adequately at the level of body organization in such a way that the body does not strain or force itself, thus allowing a smooth, easy, and relaxed approach to the postures.
Breathing and meditation techniques are also implemented to complement the state of relaxation during the practice.
b.) Feldenkrais method and therapeutic yoga of movement
It is a sophisticated practice, soft and easy to execute, that explores and rediscovers the capacity, and the possibility of movement of the body, making it a suitable technique for the restructuring and reorganization of the body. It improves discomfort, pain, and musculoskeletal circumstances. At the same time, arousing relaxation and the experience of general well-being.
c.) Steam house ritual (TUJ)
The TUJ is an introspective ritual space in which the body and mind are purified through the steam produced by the contact of water on stones heated by direct fire. It is done in an environment that is favorable to finding oneself through guided meditations and silence.
IV. Excursions and tours
The city of Cali, known as the branch of heaven and the salsa capital of the world offers a picturesque landscape that reflects the Colombian cultural diversity, and the joy of the country. It makes all visitors feel the uncomplicated, friendly, and festive personality of the Cali people. A city of sunny days and intense nights.
a.) City tour
During one of the days of the immersion, participants will be able to visit the most emblematic sites of the city such as El gato de tejada with its cats, El mercado de Alameda, El boulevard del rio, El monumento a Jairo Varela, and El barrio San Antonio.
This experience will test the knowledge acquired during the Spanish classes.
The participants will be able to taste the variety of fruits of the region and Colombia.
b.) Salsa nights
In the evenings, program participants will have the opportunity to take salsa classes in the most famous clubs and schools on the planet, where they will be able to apply what they have learned with their peers and local people. This will allow for an immersive experience in the dance and the Spanish language.
For the end of the program, they will attend the best salsa show in the world, at the famous Mulato Cabaret where the Swing Latino Company, which are the world champions of salsa, will perform and with whom they will have the privilege of dancing. The Swing Latino troupe shared the stage with Shakira and Jennifer Lopez at the 2020 Super Bowl.
V. Other activities
a) Premium Colombian coffee
Coffee is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water. Its history in Colombia is around 300 years old, making this country a recognized producer of some of the best coffees in the world.
- Tasting of Premium Colombian coffee - During some days, participants will have the opportunity to meet with a professional barista to learn about the different types of Colombian coffee, and how to recognize their aromas, flavors, intensity, body, acidity, and sweetness. These coffees will be prepared using different extraction methods such as French press, the Italian coffee maker, and drip filter among others.
- Cocktail nights - During the four nights of the immersion, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of typical house cocktails made with ingredients from the region, as well as internationally recognized cocktails.
Schedule:
There will be different schedules every day during the immersion. There will be excursions and nights out, as well as special activities.
Monday
- 08:30 Breakfast
- 09:00 Spanish
- 10:00 Salsa
- 11:00 Salsa
- 11:30 Rest
- 12:00 IKY Yoga
- 13:00 Lunch
- 14:00 FI optional (functional integration)
- 15:00 Spanish
- 16:00 Vraja yoga (therapeutic yoga of movement)
- 17:00 Rest
- 18:00 Dinner
- 19:00 Cocktail
- 22:00 Las Brisas
Tuesday
- 08:30 Breakfast
- 09:00 Spanish
- 10:00 Salsa
- 11:00 Salsa
- 11:30 Rest
- 12:00 IKY Yoga
- 13:00 Lunch
- 14:00 FI optional (functional integration)
- 15:00 Spanish
- 16:00 Vraja yoga (therapeutic yoga of movement)
- 17:00 Rest
- 18:00 Dinner
- 19:00 Cocktail
- 19:40 Sensual bachata class at La Escuela de Baile
Wednesday
- 08:30 Breakfast
- 09:00 Spanish
- 10:00 Salsa
- 11:00 Salsa
- 11:30 Rest
- 12:00 IKY Yoga
- 13:00 Lunch
- 14:00 FI optional (functional integration)
- 15:00 Spanish
- 16:00 Vraja yoga (therapeutic yoga of movement)
- 17:00 Rest
- 18:00 Dinner
- 19:00 Salsa class at La Topa Tolondra
Thursday
- 08:30 Breakfast
- 09:00 Spanish
- 10:00 Salsa
- 11:00 Salsa
- 11:30 City tour
- 12:00 Lunch at Alameda market
- 13:00 City tour
- 18:00 Dinner in Cali
- 19:00 Salsa class at Swing Latino
Friday
- 08:30 Breakfast
- 09:00 Spanish
- 10:00 Salsa
- 11:00 Salsa
- 11:30 Rest
- 12:00 Shamanic yoga
- 13:00 Lunch
- 14:00 FI optional (functional integration)
- 15:00 Spanish
- 16:00 Vraja yoga (therapeutic yoga of movement)
- 17:00 Rest
- 18:00 Dinner
- 19:00 Cocktail
- 19:40 Topa Tolondra dance club with taxi dancers
Saturday
- 08:00 IKY integral yoga class
- 10:00 Breakfast
- 11:00 Vraja yoga (therapeutic yoga of movement)
- 12:00 Lunch
- 13:00 Eco-tour at Pance river with Spanish guidance
- 19:00 Dinner
- 19:40 Cocktail night
Sunday
- 08:00 Breakfast
- 09:00 Kankueb class (Mayan yoga)
- 11:00 Coca and ambil meditation (sacred plants)
- 12:00 Salsa
- 13:00 Tuj (sweat lodge ritual)
- 15:00 Lunch
- 16:00 Fire ceremony (optional)
- 19:00 Dinner
- 22:00 Mulato Cabaret (salsa show)
