New Dance Company Teaches How to Make Moves

Ooh La La Dance Company opened in La Jolla in October, and the number of people taking classes is already growing, thanks in part to the fact that there are more than 18 different kinds of dance instruction available. Students can choose from jazz, salsa, burlesque, swing, contemporary ballet, tango, and “abs core and isolation,” among others, from beginner to advanced levels. Held every day, some classes are for children, others for adults.

"Salsa" Susie Nguyen, director, makes it all look easy. At the abs class she taught recently, she demonstrated how to move each part of the body separately and repeatedly to start to build a routine. “Move just the ribs, not the whole torso,” she instructed adult students. “Chest out, buttocks in, then reverse,” she crooned, then showed how the arms, legs, and hands move to the music fluidly, as well. Susie clearly has patience (she claims she used to have two left feet), and she smiles brightly when a student eventually gets it right.

Although Ooh La La is new, Nguyen has 20 years of experience, including teaching students how to dance with confidence at the .  Now that there is only enough class space for her to teach one class at the Y, many students are following her to her new large studio on Cuvier Street.

In addition to providing instruction, Nguyen also has formed dance troupes who give performances all over the world as well as locally, and has won numerous awards and been on television shows such as ESPN’s world salsa cabaret event.

Those calling or emailing for more information may have to wait a day or two for Salsa Susie's response; she seems to be always teaching and dancing the days and nights away.

Address: 7467 Cuvier Street, La Jolla

Phone: 858-456-4500

Web: oohlaladancecompany.com

Hours: Monday: 4-10 p.m; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m.-noon and 4-10 p.m.; Friday: 4-6:30 p,m,; Saturday: space available for party rentals; Sunday: 4-8:30 p.m.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Payments Accepted: Cash, check and credit card

Services Offered: Dance and fitness instruction, private dance instruction, group class lessons, talent troupes for hire for shows and choreography, first wedding dance classes for engaged couples, and space for rent for events.

Product Line: Ooh La La dance apparel and footwear, instructional dance DVDs.

Owner: Susie Nguyen “Salsa Susie”

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