By bringing together dancers of many levels, we build the Latin dance community of Cornell and Ithaca and open a gateway into one of the most vibrant cultural scenes in the world – Salsa and Afro-Latin rhythm. We teach and train our own. Learning Salsa and Latin dance with Palante includes formal instruction by qualified instructors and self-guided practice led by troupe members. We find inspiration in Afro-Latin dance aesthetic and "street style" Salsa. We also draw on Salsa innovations from around the world. No experience is necessary to join our troupe. All new members are placed into groups appropriate to their level through internal audition. Our levels start from the most basic to performance stage.

Auditions, Levels & Placement
Palante auditions consist of a workshop, evaluation, survey and presentation by our group. Our evaluations determine whether a new member will start out in a Beginner Salsa class, Salsa en Rueda de Casino dance practice, our Performance Group, or some combination thereof. Beginner Salsa class is our most basic level open to those with little or no Salsa experience. It is also our foundational learning experience and all members are expected to become proficient in the core areas of social dance taught in this class: timing, rhythm, frame, tension, connection and spatial awareness. Salsa en Rueda de Casino is our intermediate level. Rueda is used to improve Salsa dance skills in the format of a single couple and the Rueda multi-couple circle. The performance dance group is our highest level. Members participate who have acquired a strong lead-follow acumen and a robust repertoire of moves. Many troupe members participate in different areas simultaneously. All are expected to learn some aspects of both the lead and follow roles. Dedicated members also can become instructors, teaching others in troupe and members of the Cornell and Ithaca community.

Membership Expectations & Benefits
All troupe members help each other learn and advance the overall goals of the organization. Members pay semesterly dues that cover instructional and organizational expenses. Expectations and benefits include the following:
• Love Salsa and appreciate Latin music; push oneself to dance with skill and confidence.
• One required weekly practice led by instructor; video and music learning aids available; regular attendance and punctuality expected.
• Access to all Palante Salsa classes and practice sessions (suitable to level).
• Peformance and choreographic opportunities.
• Teacher training opportunities.
• Discounts on special dance workshops offered by Palante in ladies and men’s styling, Bachata, and more; discounts on Afro-Caribbean percussion instruction.
• Organizational leadership opportunities.
• Community organizing opportunities via partner organizations: Full Plate Farms Collective/Healthy Food For All, Ithaca Friends of Cuba, Shaleshock Action Alliance, Tompkins County Immigration Reform Coalition, Latino Civic Association, Committee on U.S.-Latin American Relations.
• Event organizing and production: expectation to assist with events and organizational tasks; opportunity to initiate programming and learn event production skills.
• Dues: $75 per semester ($95 non-students), subject to review. Sliding scale ("pay to your ability"), pro rata and alternative arrangements (e.g. work, barter) are available. Community organizer discount. Ithaca Hours accepted.

If you could not attend group auditions, you can arrange for an individual placement audition by sending request to palante@cornell.edu.