Salsa Dancing News and Updates

This Salsa Blog will give you all up-to-date information in the Salsa Dancing world

10-03-2006 5:53 am - Welcome. This is the first Salsa Dancing News Item

Hi. Salsa Dancing News is here to bring you up to the minute information on Salsa Dancing Lessons, Salsa Clubs, Salsa Congresses and events in the UK, USA, Europe and around the world.

Salsa Dancing news is brought to you by Salsa Dance With Passion which is the brainchild of Aubrey Schultz. Salsa Dance With Passion is the main centre for all the Salsa Dancing information worldwide and you can visit there as often as you wish but Salsa Dancing News will bring you breaking Salsa Dancing News as and when we receive it.

Whether the news on Salsa Classes, Clubs, and Congresses is in London, New York, Bulgaria or Dubai the aim of Salsa Dancing News is to keep you up to date with this as and when it happens. So if you happen to be in another country be it on business or for pleasure, you can have information for any Salsa event there.

So do look out for the next issue of Salsa Dancing News which we plan to deliver to you as often as possible. Your Salsa Dancing life will never be the same again.

Aubrey Schultz - Publisher

11-03-2006 10:29 am - This is the first Salsa Dancing News Club item

Hi there,

Welcome to my Salsa Blog where I will keep you up to date with all that is happening in the Salsa World and today I will concentrate on the clubs.

Apart from listening to Salsa music, going to a good Salsa Club is the culmination of all that we do in Salsa as we all want to have a good dance to those Latin tunes in a Salsa Club with an unforgettable atmosphere. In my Salsa Dancing News Blog I aim to provide you with reliable information of all the clubs that are worthwhile going to starting from today. So here goes.

STOP PRESS

1. Salsa Fusion - Central London, UK

This is on tonight (and every 2nd Saturday) at 229 Great Portland Street, London W1. It starts at 9:00 pm and finishes at 2:00 am. There are 2 fully air conditioned rooms, one which plays Salsa Music, and the other called the Fusion Room which plays Timba, Reggaetton, Merengue and Latin Groove. There is a free class from 9:15 pm in the Fusion Room for about an hour.

Salsa Fusion is probably the longest running Salsa Club in the UK (Salsa Fusion was established 15 years ago) and their club nights were at the Notre Dame Hall in Leicester Square running once every two weeks. This was my favourite to go when I started Salsa 10 years ago. There was always a long queue to get in so you had to go early otherwise wait until 12.00 am when the early birds start to leave the club (normally the club was full by 10.00 pm). I always had a great time, there was usually a great atmosphere and the best dancers (also there was a cross section of beginners and itermediate dancers as well) went there so there were lots of people to dance with.

However about 3 - 4 years ago the owners of the Notre Dame Hall reclaimed it to host another event and Salsa Fusion moved to the present venue. When I went there on the opening night it was packed as all the regular dancers went there to check it out but it lacked the atmosphere and feeling of Notre Dame Hall so I went less frequently. In fact the club nights were very irregular anyway and I normally just went to the special occasion nights. However some nights were good.

However they have started holding club night again once every two weeks. I actually went two weeks ago and there was something about the atmosphere which suggests it might be recapturing some of its old magic. I certainly enjoyed myself, there were lots of people to dance with and the atmosphere was great. It was the first time I stayed until the end in the 'new' venue which is saying something.

So, if you are in London tonight why not check it out. I will certainly be going back tonight again to determine if two weeks ago was just a one off or if Salsa Fusion is recapturing its magic.

I will give you a report on this.

2. Mambo City, West London, UK

Friday nights at Ealing Town Hall. Run by Jean and Robert White, this is one of the nights which I decided about 2 years ago to go regularly on a Friday night, but I found some nights it was empty and lacked any atmosphere. Therefore I stopped going regularly, only going now and again. However a friend of mine who goes every Friday says it has now got busier so I went last night and had a great time. There was a good atmosphere and great dancers.

The venue has a dance floor on 3 levels and a licensed bar. There are 2 level classes which start at 8.30 pm and after the classes there is dancing until 1:00 am. There are varying theme nights each Friday. So if you are in the West London area next Friday or any other Friday this is worth checking.

For more information on Mambo City's and other club nights please click on London Club Nights.

That's all for now. I will be back soon with more up-to-date information on all that's happening in the Salsa World.

Aubrey

12-03-2006 2:46 am - London Salsa Club Salsa Fusion recovers its magic

Hi,

It's Aubrey here again.

I did tell you in my last post that I would go to an old favourite Salsa Club of mine to find out if it had recovered it's glory of 4 years ago as I went 2 weeks ago and the recent atmosphere had changed for the better.

So I did go. And it was great.

As I approached the main dancing area from the entrance, I could feel the atmosphere before I even went into the room and the first thing I thought was 'Salsa Fusion is back'. As I entered the main dancing area which plays Salsa just before I went to the cloak room (which is in the another room called the Fusion room), I saw some familiar faces in the London Salsa scene. I also saw some of the old guard (i.e. Salseros who used to frequent Salsa Fusion when it was in the Notre Dame Hall in Leicester Square) which gave me the feeling that some (or most) of the original people were coming back.

After putting my coat in the cloakroom I went back to the Salsa room and was overwhelmed by the atmosphere. It was just like the Salsa Fusion of old but with it's own identity. I immediately noticed a lot of the original salseros which gave me the impression that they were coming back and also some of the present day Salseros who had obviously now discovered the place. Anyway I started to dance (I normally dance non stop) and really enjoyed myself.

This is what it's all about. A Salsa Club with good music and an atmosphere to match. I spoke to a few acquaintances about the change and they said 'Yes, Salsa Fusion is like it used to be in the old days'. They were playing a mixture of New York and Cuban music and I did not stop dancing. It was great.

In the Fusion Room they play Timba, Reggaetton, Merengue, Latin Groove and a bit of Salsa. It is always almost empty so there is a lot of space and is a good place to relax if you want to take a break from the main salsa room or want to try something different.

I made a comment to Stephanie who started Salsa Fusion in 1991 about the change and asked her if she did anything different. She said 'No, it just took some time for it to pick up again. 4 years after moving from Notre Dame people are coming through word of mouth and some of our original customers are coming back which is the reason why we are back where we used to be before.'

Anyway I thoroughly enjoyed myself throughout the night, dancing non stop with friends and people I did not know, and eventually left at 1.50 am after which I came home and posted this here.

So there you are. If you live or are visiting London or are one of the original Salsa Fusion Salseros of 4 years ago, I thoroughly recommend going to Salsa Fusion on a Saturday (it is on every 2 weeks) for a really good night out.

Also for more information on the London Salsa club scene, please click on London Salsa Clubs.

See you soon

Aubrey

12-03-2006 11:42 pm - Salsa Congress in London

Hi there.

It's Aubrey here again bringing you some more information on what's new in the Salsa world.

There is a Salsa Congress coming up soon in London. You do not know what a Salsa Congress is? See here Salsa Congress. This is a fun packed weekend which is in it's third year. Salsa performers from all over the world will be here to entertain and thrill you.

The performers include the Mambo king himself, EddieTorres, Edie the Salsa Freak and Nelson Flores with Discarga Latina from the USA, Raphael and Janet, World Salsa champions from Cuba, Tony Lara and Claudia Loiacono form Italy and UK's own Marchant Birch, Shelly and Lee, Jason and Amanda with Manhattan Mambo, Emma Moore and Mushi, winners of Strictly Dance Fever "Sadie & Joseph", and many more.

This will be an action packed weekend full of classes of all types: Cuban and New York Salsa, Rumba, ChaChaCha and much more. Shows by all the international and UK performers and partying until late with music being supplied by a line up of impressive DJs.

If you are new to Salsa there is even a 2 day intensive beginner's introductory course. So if you want to learn Salsa in impressive surroundings, what better way and place to do it than the 5 Star Radisson hotel where this event is being held.

This event has been going since December 2003 and is run by Robert and Jean White the well known UK Salsa promoters. So if you have not heard of Mambo City 5 Star Congress or are new to Salsa, put this in your diary. It takes place on the weekend of Friday 28th April - Monday 1st May 2006. Give it a try. You will not regret it.

See you later with more Salsa Congress news.

Aubrey

15-03-2006 12:30 am - Manchester's premier Salsa Club event

Hi there,

Aubrey back again with some more Salsa news.

Well this next event will not be until 12th May 2006 as it is held once every 2 months on the 2nd Friday of the month and the last event was 5 days ago. But I will be giving you enough notice before the next one.

This event, Salsology is held in Manchester and run by the talented Emma Moore, who with her company Salsology co promoted with Salsa UK run by Paul Young the 1st Brit Salsafest Congress in Blackpool last month.

This event started in May 2004 and is probably the highlight of Manchester's events' calender. It is held in a superb venue with a magnificent dance floor. The music is primarily New York and Puerto Rican but there is a 2nd room where you can dance to Bachata, Merengue and Chachacha. There are Salsa classes at all levels at 9.15 pm before the club starts which then continues until 2:00 am with an impressive line up of DJ's playing the most up to date tunes.

This event attracts dancers from all over the UK and I have heard from reliable sources that this is one of the best events and venues in the UK. From what I have seen at the Brit SaIsafest Congress I am not surprised that this event has rave revues. I plan to go at the next one in May so I will give you a better report then.

Anyway I will see you later with more reports.

Aubrey

18-03-2006 5:04 pm - Saturday Night Salsa Clubs in London

Hi there,

It's me, Aubrey. Looking for some more juicy Salsa? Well, it's Saturday night again and time for me to introduce you to some more, which means more Salsa clubs.

There are so many places to Salsa on a Saturday night in London every week. I like a bit of variety and want to try something different every week. Luckily there is quite a variety of (good) Salsa available now on Saturday nights.

I reported on one, Salsa Fusion, last week. This week I am going to report on one which is run by Robert and Jean White of MamboCity and another Salsa Republic which is in Vauxhall South London and run by Simply Salsa and Ola Latina.

The Prodigal

This club night is run by Robert and Jean White approximately every 3 weeks in a classy wine bar in the City of London. I have been there most of the times since it was open and always have a good time.

On the ground floor there is a dancing area near the bar and there is also carpeted seating areas available. There is a carpeted seated area on the first floor where you can chill and also dance if you want to.

The night starts with two simultaneous free lessons. A general Bachata class by Inaki Fernandez and a Beginners/Improvers Salsa Class run by one of MamboCity's resident teachers. I always go early on these nights for the class as I am in the process of learning Bachata.

Doors open at 8:00 pm and the classes start at 8:30 pm after which the club starts with music (By Julian the Duke and Cruz), videos and dancing until 3:00 am. Most people start arriving between 11:00 pm and 12:00 midnight. There is also normally a show on the night and tonight it will be Liza and Mark from Salsa Oxford.

This is a relatively new club which started about September 2005. The times that I have actually been there the amount of people varied. Sometimes it was packed and sometimes it was not. I think there will a steady influx of people as it becomes more established.

Also some people have told me that the dance floor area was too small. Anyway I always enjoy myself as there is always a good appreciative crowd of people who have a good time. Entry is £10.00 (£8.00 for member for which it is free if they arrive before 9:00 pm).

As I said I will be going there tonight, so I will let you know what sort of a night it was.

Salsa Republic

This Salsa Club is situated at 1 Nine Elms Lane Vauxhall, London, SW8 and is on every week. On the first three Saturdays the club is at Bar Rez and the last Saturday of the week it (El Grande) is at the larger venue of Club Colosseum which is next door to Bar Rez. The clubs are run by Simply Salsa and Ola Latina and the emphasis is on Cuban Salsa (with some Mambo and New York Salsa at Club Colosseum).

On the Bar Rez nights there is a free Salsa Class starting at 9:45 pm after which the club goes on until 3:00 am. There is always a fantastic atmosphere there and I always have a good time. There are usually all levels of dancers there and lots of dancing space. Entrance: £8.00 (£6.00 NUS).

At Club Colosseum doors open at 9:00 pm and there is a class from 9:30 pm. The club then goes on until 3:30 am. There are three rooms. One which plays Cuban, New York Salsa and Mambo, the other plays Cuban, Reggaeton and Merengue and the third is the Chillout room.

There is always a lively crowd and most of the people who go to Bar Rez also end up at Club Colosseum. There is normally a show about 12 midnight. Entrance: £10.00 (£8.00 NUS).

The next Club Colosseum will be on Saturday 1st March 2006 and I will be there. I will let you know how I get on.

I will see you later with more updates.

Aubrey

19-03-2006 10:45 pm - More Saturday Night Salsa Clubs in London

1. Rocket Launch

Another popular Saturday night Salsa Club is the Rocket at 166 Holloway Road, Islington, London N7. This was closed for extensive renovations in 2005 but reopened 2 weeks ago on Saturday 4th March 2006.

The Rocket which is on about once a month boasts 4 rooms:

1. A Salsa Room with classes in Crossbody followed by the latest Salsa tunes.


2. A Cuban Room with classes in Rueda followed by the best in Cuban and Timba sounds.


3. An Urban Latin Room with Reggaeton, Merengue and Latinmix.


4. The Brazilian Room with Lambada and Kizomba classes followed by the best in Zouk music.

As I said previously, The Rocket reopened 2 weeks ago with an alldayer which included classes in Salsa, Mambo, Bachata, Reggaeton, Lambazouk and Kizomba from 6:00 pm followed by the club night. Two rooms were open, the Salsa Room and the Brazilian Room.

I actually went to this event (I went for the club night not the classes) and frequented the Salsa room. I must admit I like the new setting in the Salsa room which is on the ground floor as opposed to the first floor where it normally was in the past (I am not sure if this is permanent as the first floor was still being renovated, apparently it will be a lot bigger and better).

There was a seating area with comfortable sofas (Well they looked comfortable [I did not sit down, never do when I am dancing] so I assume they were), a nice wooden dance floor and a bar on the other side opposite the seated area. There was a good turn out with dancers of a very high standard and I had a great time.

The next Rocket event will be on Saturday 13th May 2006. Watch this space for more details.

2. Last night at the Prodigal

I told you I would report on my time at the Prodigal club night organised by Robert and Jean White of MamboCity.

It was a good night. I started off with the Bachata Class at 8:30 pm which is run by Inaki Fernandez and the first thing I noticed was that there were a lot of new people I had not seen before. I spoke to some who said they had come from way out of London which shows that the event is becoming well known.

The club started immediately afterwards and I had a good time. The standard of dancing was very high, I danced with a lot of new people that I did not know and stayed on until 1:30 am, dancing non stop.

Why not make this 3 weekly Saturday night event one for your diary on a Saturday night if you are in London? Give it a try.

I will be back with more.

Aubrey

20-03-2006 7:07 pm - Salsa Clubs in Heaven?

Hi. Aubrey here with some more Salsa news.

Monica, a friend of mine, in response to an email that I sent her replied: "Aubrey, thanks for sending me this email. And by the way have a good time in Heaven tomorrow night."

Heaven? I was baffled. Is this a secret society I'm in? Have I died and gone to heaven? Couldn't be as I have not been that good. Anyway she said tomorrow night so I could not be dead yet. Am I going to die tomorrow? Is my friend Monica psychic? She never told me she was.

I was getting really scared now. I do not want to die yet. The next day, a Tuesday I was really careful. I did not walk too close to any bus or car lest I got run over, drove carefully and looked at everyone suspiciously lest I get assassinated. At the end of the day I was still alive? Will I die in my sleep? It took me ages to go to sleep that night...

Next day I woke up. I looked around. Is this heaven? Strangely enough it looked just like my bedroom. I pinched myself hard. "Ouch" I said. I put my hand before my face. I felt my hot breathe on my hand. "I'm alive". I screamed with joy. Now for Monica. Why did she say have a good time in Heaven tomorrow....? The next day I sent her an email. At the end I commented: "What did you mean by 'Have a good time in Heaven tomorrow?" To which she replied: " I thought you were the one who told me you were going to Heaven on Tuesday night. You know, Heaven, the new Salsa Night Club.........?

Club Heaven is a new Salsa Night club that opened on Tuesday 28th February 2006 at the famous Heaven night club at The Arches, Villiers St, London, WC2N 6NG. It will be on every Tuesday night. It will start at 8:00 pm with classes from top teachers Susan Montero, Super Mario, Leon Rose and Chandy David until 9:00 pm followed by the club until late.

The club night is the brainchild of Chandy David who is a talented Salsa and Lambada dancer once winning the UK Salsa Championship with his partner Susan Montero in 1998. The opening night was packed, I was told with about 400 people but apparently the next week there were not so many people. Opening nights are always like that anyway with everyone wanting to see what it is like, it will die down a bit, then pick up as everyone gets to hear about the venue. With Susan, Super Mario and Leon at the helm, this is one venue that should do well.

There is also party night the last Tuesday in every month, with 4 rooms with NY Salsa, Cuban Salsa and Lambada. The next one is on 28th March and I will make sure I am there and report to you on this club.

Anyway until next time.

Aubrey

21-03-2006 10:16 pm - Cuban Salsa Club in the heart of Camden, London

Hi. Aubrey here again.

Fancy a bit of Cuban Salsa? Well check out this new club night in the heart of Camden Town, London.

Called Camden Salsa, this club is run on Thursdays with the best in Cuban and Timba Music. It is situated in the Cuban (Camden) a Cuban restaurant which is in Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road. Camden, NW1.

The evening starts off with classes at 7:45 pm at the Karmaa Martial Arts Centre. There are simultaneous Beginners, Improvers and Intermediate Salsa classes and now even a Bachata class. This goes on until 9:30/10:00pm after which its over to the Cuban for dancing.

Here there is dancing on a wooden floor in air conditioned surroundings with the latest tunes from DJ Darryl El Diablo of Salsa Republic fame. There is live music at times plus the Havana Café Descarga Ensemble - a jam session of Latin Musicians. Dancing goes on until 1:00 am.

Price: £7.00 for the class and £5.00 for the club only.

I will probably check this club out this Thursday especially as they have a Bachata class going which I am currently learning. Anyway I will let you know how it goes.

Until later.

Aubrey

25-03-2006 9:35 pm - Camden Salsa Club, Camden, London.

Hi folks.

I said I would report on the Cuban salsa Club, Camden Salsa, in Camden London which is on a Thursday. So here it is. After finding out that they have classes in Bachata I decided to check this club out on Thursday 23rd March, as well as continue my lessons in Bachata.

I drove to the venue which is at the Stables Market, in Chalk Farm, Road, London,NW1. If you are taking the tube it is easy to get to, as it is only about 5 minutes walk from Camden tube station but finding a parking place close by was a bit tricky. After driving around for about 10 minutes, I managed to find a place close to the tube station, but on approaching the club there were some streets where you can park close by. It is just a matter of getting to know the area, I suppose.

As I came through the entrance of the Stables, I entered the courtyard which was cobbled, very Victorian, authentic, different, and welcoming. The club, which is in the Cuban restaurant was easy to find. The Karmaa Martial Arts Centre, where the classes are held was also easy to find as it was next door.

After failing to find the entrance to the Karmaa (the classes start at 7:45 pm and the club between 9:30 pm and 10:00 pm) I went to the club where I had to pay £7.00 for the class and Club (£5.00 for the club only), and was given directions to the entrance of the Karmaa. On arriving at the Karmaa there were 3 Salsa classes in progress and I was directed to the Bachata class which was what I was interested in.

When I arrived in the class I had a pleasant surprise as Inaki Fernandez, who I take my regular Bachata classes and courses from, was teaching, as the regular scheduled Bachata teacher could not do that classes and Inaki stepped in at short notice. Anyway we did the classes, some of the moves I knew as I said I am taught regularly by Inaki, and some were new.

After an hour of teaching there was a break for 1/2 hour . This happened simultaneously with the other classes. Why this is so I do not know, as I would prefer to get the class over with and go to the club. After the break we did a spinning class for 1/2 hour. I enjoyed that very much as I am not good at spinning and learned a lot. I will definitely take up spinning lessons to improve this non-existent aspect of my dancing.

After the spinning class it was time for the club.This was about 10:00 pm. That was a 2 hour class. This is far too long for me as I prefer one hour and then hit the clubs (or preferably no class at all). It is the same for the other classes.

Anyway everyone from the classes then went to the club. My first impression was that it was a bit small. Most of the seats were taken and there were some people dancing. I recognised a few people from various other venues. I brought a drink and just had a look around.

One thing about this venue is it was very smoky. I had to leave early as I had laser eye surgery last week (Brilliant. I recommend it to anyone who is thinking of doing it) and was told to avoid smoky environments for about 2 weeks. So I will have to give a better report the next time I go.

The dancers ranged from non dancers and beginners to average with a few good dancers. The bar was about 1/2 full. I asked a few people if it got fuller later on they said no. That was it. By 11:00 am there would be less people.

I had about 3 dances and left about 10:50 pm. So I will give a proper report the next time I go when I will spend a longer time at the club. In about 2 -3 weeks time.

My initial impressions. Possibly good for the classes. For the club if you like Cuban music, somewhere which has a small dance floor, has average ability dancers, and the environment is very smoky then this is for you (however I have to go a few more times to make my own conclusions). Otherwise try the other clubs I recommend.

Anyway until later with more Salsa news.

Aubrey

28-03-2006 8:52 am - LA Salsa Congress. Fancy it?

Hi folks. More Salsa News.

Ever been to a Salsa Congress before? These events are so much fun and capture the spirit in all that is Latin through dance, music culture, etc. I have been going to Salsa Congresses since 2002, attending all the UK Salsa Congresses, the New York Salsa Congress in 2004 and most recently the inaugural Brit Salsafest in Bkackpool in February this year.

These events are attended by thousands of people ranging from 2,000 plus in the UK congresses to about 7,000 plus in the New York congresses. However the LA Salsa Congress (actually called the West Coast Salsa Congress) which is in 2 months time, was attended by 25,000 people last year. Wow!!! 25,000 people. Obviously if you do not like crowds and people this is not for you. However this seems phenomenal for the average Salsa lover.

The West Coast Salsa Congress which is from 25 - 28th May 2006, attracts people from 42 countries and 235 US cities. There will be 8 bands, over 50 workshops at all levels and 150 dance performances.

They are building a special 'Salsa Land' especially for this event. I am not sure if all or some of the events will be at the 'Salsa Land' but I will let you know when I find out.

Coupled with all the organised activities in LA previous to the Congress (I have never been to LA before) I am seriously tempted to go (and I most probably will). I will make up my mind within 2 weeks.

Anybody out there going? I will post some more detailed information about this phenomenal event later.

Goodbye for now. More Salsa News soon.

Aubrey

29-03-2006 9:10 am - Salsa Club in Heaven or possibly Hell? Heaven I think!

Hi Everyone.

As I told you I would go to the new Salsa Night Club Heaven, run by Chandy David, for their once a month party night, the last Tuesday of every month. Verdict? It was a good night.

I arrived at about 9:45 pm expecting the classes to be finished but they were still in progress as Leon one of the instructors was late. Anyway I met my friend Monica who had arrived before me and we had a look around.

Heaven is a very famous gay night club that has been around for about 20 years I think. I have not been here before (honestly I haven't), so we looked around. We went to the Lambada room which was in full swing. Chandy has had a Lambada background before Salsa so this was a very popular room. The other rooms were the Fusion Room which played Merengue, Reggaeton etc (we did not go to this room) and then there was a chillout room.

When the class finished at about 10:00 pm the dancing started. There were not many people but the quality of the dancing was good. A lot were the hard core Salsa Dancers who frequent places like Mario and Susanna's Club, and Robert and Jean White's Clubs. I had a few dances first with my friend Monica and then a few people that I did not know. They were good dancers. Good start.

Closer to 11:00 pm more people started arriving and the place started to have an atmosphere. Some people, the hard core I recognised, and some people were new to me but the place started to buzz a bit.

At about 11:00 pm Chandy took the stage. He asked everyone if they were enjoying themselves. However he did not announce himself before and his voice was so low no one heard him at first. He said it again and everyone said they were. However Chandy needs to take command especially as he has such a low pitched voice.

He announced the first show, a Lambada show, by Berg and a partner (Pauline? Obviously Solange could not make it) and it looked excellent (I know nothing about Lambada). Then Leon's group did an excellent Salsa how (part of a larger show he is working on I think) and it was excellent. The other dancers in his group were Susanna Montero and Inaki Fernandez of Bacahta fame. So you would expect nothing else. The room was full and the show was watched by this appreciative audience.

Chandy then did his closing statement. However there was smoke coming from out of his body. He seemed to be on fire. As I was thinking of calling the Fire Brigade so that I could douse him with water, I noticed he was smoking with the microphone in his hand and making his speech. Not sure how that went down with the audience. It didn't with me. What is your opinion on that? However he was very pleasant and thanked everyone for coming and not to forget to come for the next event.

Anyway the music continued and I enjoyed the dancing with a string of good dancers. However about 12:00 pm it began to thin out and was virtually empty by then. I went to the Lambada room again and there seemed to be a few more people there. However it may have seemed fuller because it is a smaller room than the Salsa room which was the main, larger room. The lights were also dimmer.

My verdict? I'm certain it will take off. It just needs a bit more time (and more people of course). For a club in it's first month and for the first monthly party night it was good. Most of the people that went there were hard core Salseras/Salseros and as the word goes around (especially with instructors like Leon Rose, SuperMario and Susan Montero) this will be one of the events to go to in London.

See you later with more news.

Aubrey

30-03-2006 10:44 am - Salsa World Championships. A new type of Salsa Congress?

Hi. It's me. Aubrey again.

So what is this then, a new type of Salsa Congress?

The first Salsa World Championships was held in Las Vegas on 14th - 17th December 2005. It is different to a Salsa Congress in that this is a major event to find the best Salsa Dancers in the world. There are four categories. Salsa "On 1", Salsa "On 2", Cabaret (not sure what this is), and Groups. However there are still some activities for us mere mortals as there are seminars, free Salsa Classes by some of the world's best instructors and concerts and dancing in the evening to major international bands.

The event is organised by 'The Salsa Seven' of which the unstoppable Albert Torres, of major Salsa Congresses fame is one of the committee members. It will also be broadcast by ESPN International and ESPN Deportes, thus making Salsa being seen worldwide and taking it to a new level.

The world of Salsa now seems unstoppable. This is something new. I thought that we reached the zenith with World Salsa Congresses but this new format seems kind of different, interesting and exciting.

The next event will be held on 14th - 16h December 2006 at a venue yet to be announced. Could this be New York, London, Milan, Tokyo..? I will let you know when this is announced.

Now I've more or less got the West Coast Salsa Congress pencilled in for May and the UK Salsa Congress in September. The Salsa World Championships in December?. Hmmmm........I wonder.

See You soon with more news.

Aubrey

31-03-2006 7:56 am - A Salsa Congress in Israel

Hi folks.

As you probably already are aware, Salsa Congresses are now proliferating all over the world in most major cities in every continent. Fancy a salsa Congress in Israel?

This event called the Mediterranean Salsa Congress which started in 2002 will be in the resort city of Eilat in Israel, situated by the Red Sea in a summery climate, in April 27-30, 2006. There has been between 1400 to 1800 people each year from all over the world, the majority being Israelis.

There are 4 dance areas at the congress: Salsa, Cuban, Brazilian and Hip-Hop (and Reggaeton).There are pool parties held throughout the day, during workshops as well. All drinks, soft and alcoholic are included in the participation pass and are completely free!

Among the guests, teaching and performing at the 2006 Congress are: Johnny Vasquez, Candy Mena, Super Mario, Jhesus Aponte, Leon Rose, Ismael Otero, Luis Zegarra, Henry Knowles, Melissa Melendez and Luis Vazquez. Albert Torres, Mr World Salsa Congress himself will be the special guest as well as many more distinguished names.

Prices for a 2 night 3 day hotel stay in Double room including free beverages (soft and alcoholic) around the clock, and full pass to all Congress activities starts from $239.00. A 6 night, 7 day package stay in Double room including free beverages (soft and alcoholic) around the clock, and full pass to all Congress activities including the Holy Land Salsa Tour starts from $539.00. However you must book early which means now, as so far prior to the 2006 Salsa Congress, over 1300 participants have already reserved their place!

So come on. Why not give it a try? Especially if you are already planning on holidaying in that area.

See you later with more Salsa news.

Aubrey