Salsa Dancing News and Updates

It was another end of month (apart from this week) Saturday night at the Salsa Republic venue Club Colosseum and they did not disappoint.

I went there at 12.:00 midnight at which time I normally do and the place was already buzzing. The Salsa room which was packed was a hive of activity and I immediately got into my dancing. No point in wasting time. I saw a lot of familiar faces which is always good as you feel at home, but I also danced with total strangers. Everyone comes here to dance so it's so easy enjoying dance and meeting new people.

As I reported earlier there are three rooms at Club Colosseum. One which plays Cuban, New York Salsa and Mambo, the other plays Cuban, Reggaeton and Merengue and the third is the Chillout room. I normally stay in the New York and Mambo room and just have a peek in the Cuban room, but this time I went there and had a dance. It is a smaller room but the crowd was appreciative. I will probably spend some more time there next time

The show this time (about 12:30 am) was by Lazaro Lopez of Lady Salsa fame and his lovely wife Paolo. They performed a traditional Cuban dance (I think) called the 'Rumba Colombia. Part of the act was him balancing a lighted candle in a plate on his head and then doing a blind folded dance (he was blind folded, not the dance) where he danced around a bottle on the ground. Very different.The rest of the night I just danced as I normally do and had a good time. As I said previously this event is a must for the last Saturday of the month Salsa in London. For more Salsa Clubs in London please see Salsa Clubs in London.

Incidentally there will be a band, Conjunto Sabrosa at Salsa Republic's other venue Bar Rez, which is next door to Club Colosseum at 1 Nine Elms Lane Vauxhall, London, SW8, on Friday 7th April 2006. I have never been to this venue on a Friday, only a Saturday, so I think this is a good time to check out this venue on a Friday as well as the band. I will let you know how I get on.

Until next time with more Salsa news.

Aubrey

03-04-2006 7:07 am - Another good night at that Salsa Club in London, SOS.

Hi folks. Back to clubbing again.

I went to SOS, that Salsa Club in Holborn after an absence of about three weeks. I normally go there every Sunday for about an hour's dancing from 10:00 pm to 11:00 pm when it finishes, but the last few times I went, they surprisingly closed at 10:30 pm (one time it was even 10:00 pm. Luckily I went a bit earlier at 9:15 pm). Something to do with soundproofing. So I got a bit fed up and decided to give it a break for a while. This time I went at 9:00 pm. It still is finishing at 10:30 pm so apparently they have not sorted the problem out yet, but at least I got in my dancing.

SOS stands for Salsa On Sunday and is run by Leon Rose and Tamambo. With such high profile names, Leon Rose is probably the principal male Salsa dancer from the UK and Tamambo from Holland, SOS is famous worldwide. You get a lot of good dancers, many dancing NY Style and Mambo "On 2". So if you want some practice "On 2" here is the place to come.

There was a show by Mauro Casali and Eva, two up-and-coming performers and instructors, performing a routine I think they performed at their debut performance at the UK Salsa Congress 2005. From what I could see there was a bit of an improvement. SOS do have shows from time to time, as confirmed by Tamambo after the performance, from up and coming and current international dancers. However no dates were given so I will have to keep my eyes and ears open.

Anyway I danced until 10:30 pm "On 1", "On 2", some Bachata and I generally had a good time, meeting up with friends on the dance floor etc, etc. SOS is a pleasant place, is smoke free and is a refreshing place to go to end (or start) the week. Girls, Guys. Are you undecided what to wear here? Why not wear a pair of blue jeans? I had a look around and over 80% of people were wearing blue jeans. It is quite common at Salsa clubs in London. SOS also has classes before the club. If you are interested in doing a class, please visit Leon Rose's classes.

That's it for now. See you later with more Salsa news.

Aubrey

04-04-2006 6:32 am - One of the latest Salsa Congresses , The BG Salsa Festival in Bulgaria.

Hi there again. Time for more Salsa Congress news.

One of the latest Salsa Congresses, the BG Salsa Festival, will be in Sofia Bulgaria from 12 -14 May 2006 and is presented in association with London's Paul Young and his company Salsa UK.

There will be a string of international performers/instructors including Italy's Tropical Gem, Juan Matos, Candy Mena and Nelson Flores from New York, London's Super Mario, Leon Rose and Susanna Montero teaching the London Style of Salsa and many others. There will be workshops during the day by the above mentioned instructors, performances by the international performers in the evening, dancing until the early hours of the morning and a competition.

The thing about this competition, and I believe this will be a regular feature for many a major Salsa Congress, is that the winner will qualify for the Salsa World Championship in Las vegas in December 2006. This, as I mentioned previously, is a new event which started last year, and is the brainchild of that man Albert Torres with 'The Salsa Seven' and is set to take Salsa dancing to a new level.

The BG Salsa Festival is now in it's 2nd year and last year's event was an unqualified success. So why not give this a try?

More later.

Aubrey

06-04-2006 10:15 pm - The First Scandanavian Salsa Congress.

Hi Folks. The Salsa Congress Band wagon rolls on.

The first Annual Scandinavian Salsa Congress is due to begin tomorrow (7th April -9th April 2006) in Gothenburg Sweden. In attendance and co promoting the event with Adrienne Mendes will be Salsa Congress supremo Albert Torres and his company Albert Torres Productions.

The international performers/instructors at this ground breaking event will include Edie "The Salsa Freak" from Los Angeles, Tito & Tamara Ortos from Puerto Rico and Alex D Silva & Ruby Karen from Los Angeles, a string of European stars and groups including Manuel Mascarel from Valencia in Spain and Sacuye from Sweden and many other dancers and groups from countries such as Cuba, Brazil China and of course many of the Scandanavian countries.

A wide variety of dance styles including Salsa, Cha cha cha, Samba, Streetdance will be taught by the best international teachers at a variety of workshops. There will be dance performances and of course dancing to a line up of international DJ's until the early hours of the morning including DJ Frank - Los Angeles, DJ Pepe - Switzerland, DJ Davar - Gothenburg, DJ Sören - Gothenburg, Dj Mojito - Norway and DJ Wilson, Stockholm.

So why not join the party in Gothenburg and be part of history?Come on. It's never too late you know.

See you later with more Salsa news.

Aubrey

07-04-2006 9:18 pm - Another Salsa Club in London. Leon Rose at Ruby Blue

Hi Folks,

Another London Salsa Club has got going. This is at Ruby Blue, 1 Leicester Place, London and is run by Leon Rose and Tamambo. I was told that this club has been running for a few months and was relaunched about 2 weeks ago but I only heard about it when I went to SOS on Sunday. So I decided to investigate. I went later than intended arriving at 11:00 pm.

Ruby Blue is a series of rooms. On the first floor is an R&B Room (where you can chillout from the Salsa if you want to - looked nice) and the Salsa room is on the second floor. The room was not very big and there were few people. Half were people who frequent Bar Salsa and SOS. I had a few dances as I knew most of the other people.

I am not sure what Leon wants with his club as it certainly needs more people but if too many come then the room will not be able to hold them all. The jury is out on this one. I will go back to see how it develops.

However there was a great show by Leon and his dance group. It was the same as the show he performed at Heaven nightclub, except that Susannah was replaced by another guy. They have promised some more shows to come. However Ruby Blue needs more people to give it an atmosphere (my opinion).

I will sign off now and be back later with some more Salsa news.

Aubrey

08-04-2006 1:14 pm - First Salsa Festival in Slovenia

Hi Again.

It's seems there is an alternative Salsa Festival/Congress this weekend on 7th - 9th April 2006. This one is in Ljubljana Slovenia and is organised by Elder Sanchez of Cuba working out of the UK.

The international stars include Tamambo, Andrea, and Homero Gonzalez of the UK, Patrick Mussendijk and Vanessa D. Mambi of Holland, Jose Antonio and Vanesa Losa Perez of Spain, Frank Santos of the Dominican Republic and many other performers from different parts of the world.

Over the three days there will be 43 workshops, 20 instructors, 18 plus performances and dancing in the night on superb wooden floors in 3 dance halls in the Hotel Domina.This festival has been organised by Elder Sanchez's Slasoteca Dance School in Ljubljana and as I said it is the first of it's kind.

Will it be a success? Will it rival the present Salsa Congresses?

Watch this space.

More Salsa news later.

Aubrey

09-04-2006 9:52 pm - London Salsa Club Salsa Fusion. Back at it's best!

Hi again.

This is the 4th fortnight in a row that I have been to Salsa Fusion and any doubts that I may have had about the revival of this club has been dispelled. Salsa Fusion is definitely back.

Last night, Saturday 8th April 2006, was the 15th Anniversary and it did not disappoint. I arrived about 10.30 pm. In the Fusion room (Reggaeton, Salsa,Timba and Merengue) there was a Salsa lesson given by Osbanis which was just finishing off. However the party was well underway in the bigger main Salsa room.

A Cuban band, Luis Lema & Orquesta Bombele provided the Live music during the night. However I missed it. As soon as I took my coat off I went straight to the main Salsa room and started to dance. The room was not that full when I first arrived but it soon filled up. I however was too busy to notice as I had dance after dance. At about 12:30 there was an authentic Cuban Salsa Dance by Osbanis and Iris De Brito and there was Percussion music by Cuban Musicians throughout the night in the background of the club. It made for quite an atmosphere.

At about 1:00 am (the Club finishes at 2:00 am) they announced that the band would soon play their 2nd Set. Goodness! I must have missed the first set. I asked someone 'When did the band start playing?' He said 'About 11:30 pm'. 'But I did not see them'. I said. 'That's because they are in the other room.' He said'.

Yes I was so busy dancing and having a good time that I did not realise the band had already done a Set in the Fusion room. Which is a good thing since it showed I was enjoying myself and not drifting from room to room because there was not much happening in one room. I tend not to listen that long to the band anyway and did briefly go to the Fusion and listened to them, but soon went back to the main Salsa room.

So there you are. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I met up with old and regular dance friends, danced with and made new friends and savoured the vibrant atmosphere.

Salsa Fusion is back and that is official. 4 brilliant fortnights in a row says it all.

If you want a good Salsa night out, the next Salsa Fusion, at 229 Great Portland Street, London, W1 (Close to the tube/underground station) is on 6th May 2006 and normally fortnightly thereafter but check their web site Salsa Fusion for up-to-date information.

See you later with more Salsa news.

Aubrey

11-04-2006 3:09 pm - The Salsa Rueda Congress 2006

Hello again. More Salsa news.

I must admit this is new to me. A Salsa Rueda Congress.

The 3rd Salsa Rueda Congress of the Americas will be on 12th - 15th Oct 2006 at the Wyndham Miami Beach Resort, 4843 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Fl 33140. This in fact consists of 2 championships. The World Annual Amateur Rueda Championships 2006 and the World Amateur Cuban Salsa Championships. There will be of course the usual performances, workshops and dancing to the latest Salsa tunes until the early hours of the morning by a selection of National and International DJs.

The workshops, from beginners to advanced, will consist of Salsa, Rueda de Casino, Rumba, Cha-Cha-Cha, Ladies and Men Styling and a lot more. This event is for all Salsa Lovers alike especially those in love with Cuban Salsa.

I must admit I do not know much about this event so anyone who is familiar with it is free to add their comments.

So there you are. If you are into Cuban Salsa especially La Rueda de Casino or if you fancy a Salsa Congress with a difference in Miami, be there.

More Salsa news later.

Aubrey

13-04-2006 8:10 pm - New Salsa Club Night in LA

Hi. It's me again. Presenting you with Salsa news from LA.

Albert Torres of Albert Torres Productions presents a new Salsa Club Night in the Valley. This is at the El Rio Bar and Grill, 15910 Ventura Blvd (Corner Of Gloria & Ventura), Encino, CA 91436. Tel 818 205 9799 for directions.

Starting on Friday 5th May and every Friday thereafter, the music will be supplied by DJ Frank for you to dance to until the early hours. However why not go before 9:00 pm for dinner and a Samba show and relax a bit before the dancing? The Salsa music and dancing will be from 9:30pm - 1:30am.

Cover Charge: After 9:00pm, $10.00 for Salsa Dancing and open seating only. No reserved seating. Before 9:00pm, $45.00 for dinner, the Samba show and reserved seating.

Starting in June there will be dance competitions at El Rio every Friday to qualify for the 2nd Annual World Salsa Championships in Las Vegas in December 2006. This event in Las Vegas will be seen on ESPN Worldwide Next Year. For the competition there are 4 divisions. "On 1", "On 2", Cabaret and Teams. The dates of the competitions at El Rio will be announced soon. So start practicing.

More Salsa news soon.

Aubrey

14-04-2006 7:39 pm - Salsa Club Salsa Heaven serves up the goods!

Hi. Aubrey here again.

Chandy David of Salsa Heaven seems to be moving in the right direction. At his next once a month Latin Flava Party Night on Tuesday 25 April he will be hosting Juan Matos, one of the finest exponents of mambo in the world. Juan, performs at many a Salsa Congress throughout the world (he has to be seen to be believed) will be at the Mambo City London 5 Star Congress run by Robert and Jean White the well known UK Salsa promoters of MamboCity.

This month's Latin Flava Tuesday Party night will act as a precursor to the London 5 Star Congress and give you an opportunity to warm up for the Salsa Congress as well as check out Chandy's once a month party night.

I did review this event about 3 weeks ago when I went there (look at the past Salsa Club news or better still subscribe above or see here to get daily news straight to your PC). It was a good night. I recommend it. It just needs a few more people but this will come if the quality of the shows and the dancers continues.

Salsa Heaven is at Club Heaven,The Arches, Villiers Street, Charing Cross. There are 4 rooms with classes in Salsa, Lambada, and Kizomba, then the party in mainly the Salsa and Lambada rooms and the shows goes on until the early hours.

Get down there. I will be. It could be a real good night.

See you later.

Aubrey

15-04-2006 7:48 am - MamboCity Salsa Club serves up alldayer!

Welcome and happy Easter.

More Salsa news again.

MamboCity run by Robert and Jean White hosted an alldayer at the Ealing Town Hall. This has acted as a precursor to the London 5 Star Congress which is on 28th April - 1st May 2006.

There was a plethora of international performers and instructors who gave workshops during the day and there were two performances in the evening as well. The stars included Salsa Dance Squad of Holland, Tony & Claudia of Italy, Rafael Del Busto of Cuba and our own Marchant Birch. There were a series of workshops all day in Ladies & Mens Styling, Shines & Turn Patterns, La Rueda, Bachata & more for beginners to advanced. From what I gathered there was a huge turn out for the classes close to 200 odd people.

Anyway I went for the evening party. This was moved to a bigger (600 capacity) venue on the next floor as they were expecting a large turnout. They did not disappoint. There was an appreciative crowd of good dancers who were having a good time. I had a string of good dances, meeting up with regulars that I know.

There were 2 performances by Salsa Dance Squad, the world acclaimed Salsa performers from Holland. The performances were very imaginative, both of which I remember from previous congresses (The Brit Salsafest in Blackpool, UK in February 2006 and the UK Salsa Congress in Bognor Regis in 2005). The performances were different and a joy to watch which explained why they are held in such high regard on the international stage.

The music was supplied by DJ's Cary Lyseight and Cruz. However it was not of the highest quality and the sound was a bit low. I think the explanation given was because the venue had been moved and so it had something to do acoustically with the different surroundings. However everyone still had a good time. You always do for events that Jean and Robert promote.

The 5 Star Congress is in 2 weeks, so I will inform you on all the events leading up to this as well as the event itself.

Bye for now.

Aubrey

17-04-2006 8:12 am - No egging on needed to go to Salsa Club Scala on Easter Sunday 16th April 2006

Hi Salseros and Salseras. Welcome back.

Sunday night 16th April was Scala night. Scalalatina is a series of Bank holidays allnighters that take place at the Scala, 275 Pentonville road, Kings Cross, London, N1, 4 times a year. It happens twice in April, once at the end of May and then again in August. It always takes place the Sunday before the Bank holiday Monday and is a sight to behold.

There are free classes at 9.30 pm - 10:00 pm in Salsa (On 1) and Lambada but the major event follows afterwards with dancing until 6:00 am in the morning. This event is world famous with over 1,000 people attending. In fact the organiser Joe Davids announced just before one of the showcases that they had broken the record for attendances since they started. So it was a busy night.

There are 4 rooms of music: SalsaMax (Salsa), Viva Cuba (Cuban Salsa), Brazilian Beach Bums (Lambada) and Funk Me (Not sure what is in this room. I never go there) featuring a guest Dj. There are normally at least 3 showcases. On this night there were 3 showcases: Heber & Partner (Lambada), Miguel De Puerto Rico & Aneta (Salsa) and Lee & Shelley (Salsa). On either side of the showcases there was dancing in the 4 rooms to music from world famous Julian "The Duke, Dr Jim, Sylvester and Big Les.

I arrived at 10.45 pm and went straight to the Salsa room. I would normally arrive later but there is always a large queue for the cloak rooms (I hate having to wait 10 minutes to 1/2 hour for the cloakroom especially when you can hear Salsa music playing. What a waste of time). I did go to MamboCity run by Robert and Jean White 2 days earlier and had yesterday off. I knew Scalalatina was a big event so I saved myself. I would normally even go to SOS just before and then move onto the Scala but this night I decided to concentrate on the Scala.

The Salsa room was filling up already and I immediately started to dance when I got there. After about 3 dances the room was literally packed. You can tell when people start to bump into you. (It's that matter of dance etiquette and personal space again. Some people have no idea about this, even the good dancers which the majority of these people were).

The atmosphere was fantastic as usual. This is an event everyone who loves Salsa goes to. People travel down from The North of England, Ireland, Scotland and if they are on vacation from abroad this is one of the events that is on their list.

The showcases happened around 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 am but in the meantime it was dance, dance, dance. I went to the Cuban Salsa room and had about 2 dances and looked into the Lambada room. I've never had a Lambada lesson so I could only watch. As I am going to the LA Salsa Congress I may just take some lessons in Lambada so that this should enhance my experience of that Salsa Congress.

I danced until 4:45 am. I could have gone on longer but had to go out on Monday bank holiday and also I wanted to go to Bar Salsa the same day. Normally about 3:30 am I would become stale, but I think having a rest the day before increased my appetite, enthusiasm and energy.

So there you have it. Another successful Scalalatina night. The dates of the other ones are 30th April (in 2 weeks time), 28th May (I can't make that one. I will be in LA) and the August Bank holiday (the last week in August I think). If you are in London on any one of these weekends check out this event. Provided you do not mind crowds, you will not regret it.

Bye for now.

Aubrey

20-04-2006 8:21 am - A Salsa Congress (Convention) in Montreal

Hi again.

I honestly did not know there were so many Congresses worldwide. There is literally a Salsa Congress every weekend.

This time it is the Montreal Salsa Convention which starts today 20th April, about 12 hours from now and ends on 23rd April. Sonia and Moris from the San Tropez Dance School, in association with DJ Tony Knowles, are Artistic Directors and organisers of the MSC, drawing from their experience from attending many Salsa Congresses worldwide. This event is located in the heart of downtown Montreal, the main hotel being the Hyatt Regency Montreal which is within easy reach of the Metro and the Contemporary Museum of Art and close to Old Montreal, Chinatown and the trendiest restaurants.

The performers and instructors are both International and National. The international performers include Tito and Tamara - Puerto Rico, Jason Molina and Alessandra - Puerto Rico and Italy, and the Nationals include Victor and Corrine, and also Sonia and Moris - of San Tropez in Montreal and United Salseros - Toronto. The instructors are Jennifer Aucoin - Toronto, Lyson Nepveu - Montreal, Maria Torres - New York, Rene Gueits "Mr. Rueda" & Salsa Lovers - Miami, and perhaps more (to be announced).

Guest of honour is that man again, the doyen of Salsa Congresses Albert Torres. Just like every Salsa Congress there are workshops during the day, shows on every night, around 9:00 pm start, and DJing all night long by Tony Knowles with the latest Salsa tunes. This makes me want to visit ever country in the world on a holiday combining it with a Salsa Congress. What a good idea!

Anyway if you are in or even remotely close to Montreal why not pop in for the whole Salsa Congress or you can even buy a day pass for the workshops or individual passes for the night parties. If you do go why not write a comment on my blog and tell me what it is like.

Until later with more Salsa news.

Aubrey

21-04-2006 8:29 am - Salsa Dance Lessons with Latin Energy

Hi Folks. I'm back again.

What about some Salsa lessons in Canada? Today 21st April 2006 Latin Energy will be giving a special Salsa workshop at 8 pm for 2 hours. They will be teaching a string of moves including fancy dips & tricks, sexy footwork, great arm styling and fun turn patterns. The venue will be the spacious & beautiful El Magnate Nightclub which has a brilliant hardwood dance floor!

Other lessons starting on 28th April 2006 will be the new set of Salsa Group Lessons also at the El Magnate. Cost for 5 weeks $65! Oscar & Vanesa will be teaching together! After the lesson why not stay on and enjoy the elegance of El Magnate with this special hardwood dance floor? They will be providing the latest sounds in Salsa, Merengue, Reggaeton and much more.

So come on you guys. If you are in that area check these courses and this venue out.

To find out more about Oscar and Vanesa, please see Latin Energy, where you can find out a bit more about Latin Energy and all their upcoming events and workshops.

More Salsa news later.

Aubrey

22-04-2006 7:19 am - More Salsa Club News

Hi all. More Salsa Clubbing News.

In the USA

In association with Albert Torres and Enio Cordoba, every Saturday at the The Granada, 17 First St. Alhambra, CA 91801 there is Salsa dancing until 4:00 am in the morning. Live Salsa Music on the main dance floor with DJs Frank and Robby alternating each week playing the best salsa (till 2am) and DJ Saoco playing the best in reggaeton, bachata, merengue & cuban timba (from 2am-4am).

Why not go early for dinner? Doors open at 8:00 pm. There is Free Parking. There are also dance lessons by Enio Cordoba and the Let’s Dance Staff from 8:15 - 9:15 pm, and also special guests and bands.

For more information call: 626-227-2572 or email: reserve@atpevents.com or visit web site: Salsa Clubs.

In the UK

Chandy David this latest club entrepreneur has 2 events.

The first is the re-launching at McCluskys in Kingston as a monthly charity event in aid of The Shooting Star Childrens Hospice. Chandy and the SalsaHeaven team will be taking lessons at all levels at 7.30 pm, and then you can dance the night away to the sounds of the fabulous live 8 piece band 'Cosa Latina', featuring Cuban singer Elizabeth Leyva. This is being done for the The Shooting Star Childrens Hospice, a local charity.

For more information about this event please go to web site:McClusky's Relaunch.

The 2nd is on Tuesday 25th April - Latin Flava @ Club Heaven! World famous Mambo dancer Juan Matos who will be over in the UK in this pre congress week at the end which features the London Salsa Congress organised by Robert and Jean White, will be there for a workshop and show. A second show will be performed by Heber and Patricia. Also there for the first time will be Riquita and Kwenda taking Kizomba lessons in addition to the Lambada lessons provided by Berg and Solange. In the Salsa room, Juan Matos, Chandy and Chryssa will take lessons at all levels.

For more details go to web site Salsa Heaven.

See you later.

Aubrey

23-04-2006 6:31 am - Salsology Salsa Club starts a new workshop

Hi all. More Salsa news.

Salsology the prominent Salsa club in Manchester has started a new series of workshops. Run by the indomitable Emma Moore, Salsa performer/instructor and up-and-coming promoter, these workshops aim to focus on styling, spinning and footwork. The first of these workshops, called the Monthly Skool, will be on Saturday 3rd June 2006 and they will be on the first Saturday of every month.

At 5:00 -6:00 pm, The Ladies’ Styling & Spinning workshop (Improvers) will be taken by Emma & Kate. Then at
6:00-7:00 pm simultaneously, the Ladies’ Styling & Spinning (Int/Adv) will be by Emma & Kate and the Men’s Footwork, Styling, Spinning for all levels will be taken by Mushi.

Afterwards there will be a Social from 7:00 pm -11:00 pm dancing to DJs Emma, Mambomagic & Barry G.

The Venue is The Lancashire Health and Racquet Club which has 2 superb, mirrored dance studios, gorgeous wooden flooring and air conditioning. There is a Bar/café facilities and free ample parking. The address is: The Lancashire Health and Racquet Club, Heywood Old Road, Middleton, Manchester, M24 4TH
Tel: 0161 653 4567

For more details please go to web site:Salsology.
See you later.

Aubrey

24-04-2006 6:56 am - A Salsa Congress in Africa.

Welcome again.

The Salsa Congress is going to Africa.

Yes. The first Africa Salsa Congress will take place in Abuja , Nigeria on 7th -13th November 2006. It is being organised by three brothers: Olu, Ade and Akin. Olu is the most prominent member of the brothers on the UK London Salsa scene. He is very popular with everyone and can be regularly seen at such places as Bar Salsa, SOS, MamboCity and anywhere there is a Tumbao sound going. Ade is also a Salsa addict and lives in Atlanta, USA. Akin who runs an events company and is also a keen golfer, salsas occasionally.

This event will be held at the Abuja 5* Sheraton Hotel and Towers and artists already booked to go are from London, UK: SuperMario, Leon Rose, Susan Montero, Emma Moore, Mushi and Andrea Stewart; Boston, USA: Hacha Y Machete, Joel and Ana Masacote; South Africa/UK: Marchant Birch. DJs will be Gabriel of Paris, France; SuperMario of London, UK; Emma Moore of Manchester, UK and Jano of Togo/UK.

The workshops, shows and all night dancing will follow the normal Salsa Congress schedules and these are still to be finalised but stay tuned here for more news as it happens.

So there you have it. A Salsa Congress in Africa. Imagine combining a Salsa Congress with a dream holiday in Africa. Do you fancy it? The brothers are aiming to have the Africa Salsa Congress yearly but in a different African country. They have already provisionally booked the following years: 2007 - Nairobi (Kenya), 2008 - Accra (Ghana), and 2009 - Cape Town (South Africa).

Now I haven't booked any holidays for these years yet. Hmmmmm. I wonder!

Until later.

Aubrey

25-04-2006 8:56 am - Salsa Club Scalalatina on again!

What? The Scala is on again?

Yes folks. This event is back again this weekend on 30th April 2006. In case you did not know this is a huge Latin event that takes place at the Scala, 275 Pentonville Road, King's Cross, London, N1, 4 times a year on the Sunday before a Bank holiday. The last time was about a week ago. The next 2 will be the end on 28th May and 27th August. Another 2 to go. Phew!!!

The last Scala a week ago broke all records for attendance since it started. Just to remind you there is over 7500sq ft of wooden dance floor, 3 bars, full air-conditioning and 4 rooms of music: SalsaMax (Salsa), Viva Cuba (Cuban Salsa), Brazilian Beach Bums (Lambada) and Funk Me. The showcases will be Gary & Marisa, Osbanis & Iris De Brito, Rafael & Abbey, The Duende Dance Co and Mauro & Eva with DJ's Dr Jim (SalsaCaribe, Buffalo Bar), Big Les (Bar Salsa, The Rocket) and guest DJ Julian "The Duke".

There are classes downstairs between 9:30-10:30 pm with a choice of a Free Salsa (on1) or Lambada Classes at all levels with The Latin Collective team and special INTERNATIONAL guests. After that there will be dancing and showcases until 6:00 am the next morning.

If you missed the last one folks, catch this one. There will be no MamboCity on Friday (although I will be at the 5* Congress on Saturday organised by Robert and Jean White) or SOS on Sunday for me, as this event will be enough for the weekend.

See you later.

Aubrey

26-04-2006 10:13 pm - Salsa Clubs - A tale of 2 Cities

Hi, it's me again.

Mambo in New York and New York Mambo Legend in London.

New York - The Big Apple Mambo Jam

This event is the brainchild of David Melendez, the founder and director of the New York Salsa Congress, and will be @ Club Side Street in the Bronx. This is a once a month event and takes place one Friday each month from 9:00 pm - 4:00 am. The next event is this Friday 28th April 2006. This event takes place in a recently renovated fully equipped club with a wooden dance floor, tables and chairs for socializing, a complete bar and a professional DJ sound system. DJ Nelson Torres will be playing lots of classic salsa mixed in with a bit of cha cha.

This Friday they will be honoring Ms. Winsome Lee who has been part of the New York Mambo scene for over 10 years. Performing will be Winsome Lee's semi-professional group Tormenta Oriental, CC Williams' Revelation Dancers and Mario B's Plan B. Admission is just $10 all night. For all future Big Apple Mambo Jam events, check the web sites: New York Salsa Congress or Starlite Dance. If you are in the New York area at the time, why not give this event a try? It does cater for On 2 Mambo dancers.

London - Juan Matos was in Heaven.

Talking of Mambo on 2 dancers, Juan Matos gave a performance in Heaven night club last night (Tuesday 25th April 2006) which is a new Salsa night Club started by Chandy David, a past UK Salsa Champion (with Susan Montero). The club is on a Tuesday night each week, but the last Tuesday of the month is party night with shows from national and international performers.

This party night was the official prelaunch party for the London 5 Star Salsa Congress (which will include Eddie Torres, the King of Mambo) promoted by Robert and Jean White of MamboCity. There were 3 classes before the show: A Salsa Class given by Juan himself, a Lambada Class and a Kizomba Class. I decided to do something different so I had my first Kizomba lesson, which is a slowish sensual dance of Angolan origin. Unlike me I got the steps right at the end of this my first lesson. A good experience. I may give it another go.

After the classes there was dancing to Salsa in the main room and Lambada in a separate roome. At about 11:30 pm there were 2 shows. A Lamdada show by Berg and Patricia and a typical Mambo show by Juan Matos and his partner. This was the third of these once a month Tuesday night showcases. The first (the opening night) I did not attend but I did go to the last one a month ago. The amount of people were about the same, good dancers and very appreciative of the performances. It does have a very good dance floor but as I said there just needs to be more bodies there. However I did enjoy myself and it was a good night.

For more information on the 5 Star Congress check website: London 5 Star Congress and on Salsa Heaven nights check: Salsa Heaven.

More Salsa news later.

Aubrey

27-04-2006 6:27 am - International Stars at London 5 Star Congress

Hi.

At the London 5 Star Salsa Congress (more of which later) promoted by Robert and Jean White of MamboCity, two international Salsa stars will be displaying their wares, exhibiting their performing, teaching and dancing skills.

Edie the 'SalsaFreak' who does not need much introduction, will be teaching and performing at the Congress. She is currently on a World tour and is one of the most sought after instructors and performers in the world. At the Congress she will be giving a spinning class for both men and women and a Ladies styling class. You always know when Edie's class is on because it is always full and you can hear her from miles away.

Henry Herrera will be teaching mens styling and also performing. Being avidly involved in Latin music since a kid, Henry who was born and raised in Havana, Cuba where the steps Mambo, Cha-cha-chá, Son, Danzón, and Guaguancó were first introduced, is the Director of Salsa Racing Dance Studios, Inc. In 1991, Henry arrived in Miami and immediately began competing in some of Miami's most popular night clubs as well as on television. He has won a lot of competitions, awards (e.g. Salsero of The Year 2002), has choreographed and performed in the movie "From Justin to Kelly" in the year 2003 and is the dialect coach and Dance Choreographer in the movie Miami Vice.

Henry and Edie, who has now moved to Miami, Florida, have formed a partnership, travelling to different countries virtually every weekend, teaching and performing around the world. One of their creations is 'The Perfect Storm' which combines Cuban and LA Style partnering techniques. At the London 5 Star congress there will be an introductory workshop of 'The Perfect Storm' on Saturday 29th April 2006

So why not go to the Congress and get some instructions from these 2 world class Salsa Acts. You can purchase day passes, evening only passes or go for the full weekend.

Until later with more Salsa news.

Aubrey

28-04-2006 7:23 am - Salsa Congress comes to London!

Hi everyone.

The Salsa Congress has now hit London. Yes the London 5 Star Salsa Congress promoted by Robert and Jean White of MamboCity takes place at the 5 Star Radisson Edwardian Hotel at Heathrow from 28th April - 1st May 2006.

This event also known as the MamboCity 5 Star Salsa Congress or the London Salsa Congress has been running since 2003. The main performer is always the "Mambo King" himself Eddie Torres, and this is one of the rare occasions that you can get to see him perform. Also there are a line up of international stars such as from the USA - Edie "The SalsaFreak", Hacha Y Machete , The Eddie Torres Dancers (with Eddie Torres of course), Henry Herrera; from Cuba - Janet Fuentes, Raphael del Busto and Osbanis; and national stars from the UK - Marchant Birch, Jason and Amanda and Manhattan Mambo, Shelly and Lee, Hakeem Onibudo and Impact Dance, Mushi and Emma Moore, Lisa and Mark and Miguel and Aneta.

There will be series of workshops during the day on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th April from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm (4:00 pm on Sunday) and the shows will be from about 9:00 pm in the evening. After the shows there will be dancing (the usual Salsa Congress format) to DJs Julian "The Duke", Johnny "G", Carey Lyseight, Lubi, Dr Jim, Javier, Tony Lara, Cornelius and Cruz.

There will be 2 special Courses at the Congress:

1. A Complete Beginners Salsa Course -This is an intensive 2 day course for those who have done no Salsa whatsoever. This will take you through the fundamentals of Salsa and give you the opportunity to experience other dance forms as well.

2. An introduction to dancing "On2" - Dancing "On2" is no longer "The new thing" to hit London and the UK as many more people are dancing "On2" now. It fact it has become quite common now to dance "On2". This 4 part course is aimed at intermediate/advanced dancers familiar with dancing "On1". They will be taken through the basics of dancing "On2", and it is recommended you take the full 4 part course in order to gain a full understanding of dancing "On2".

You can purchase a weekend pass, day pass or evening pass. I am not sure if you can get a full pass now. Please go to the web site Mambo City 5 Star Congress for prices.

I have stayed for the full weekend and half the weekend a couple of times and fully enjoyed myself. This time I will be going on Saturday evening. Heathrow is only an hours drive from me so I tend not to stay there.

So why not give this a try. You won't regret it.

Aubrey

29-04-2006 5:55 am - Salsa Congress Cruise!

Hi,

Fancy doing something a bit different?

Then why not try a Salsa Congress Cruise? The Royal Caribbean Salsa Fest has its 2nd Annual Salsa Cruise on the Royal Caribbean International cruise ship, the Explorer of the Seas from 6th August 2006. Although I have done a couple of cruises, one with this company to the West Indies from Puerto Rico, and another (smaller) one along the Nile in Egypt, this concept seems very appealing to me (as do all the holidays with a Salsa Congress attached to it).

The cruise ship will be departing from New Jersey and sailing to Bermuda. Along the way there will be pool parties, Salsa showcases and social dancing aboard. In Bermuda there will be beach parties, water sports, showcases and social dancing ashore for 2 days. Then it is back on board for the trip back to New Jersey.There will also be workshops on board. Performers and instructors on the cruise will include Juan Calderon, Moris Alvarenga and Sonia Kyriacou, and Latin Energy with Oscar Naranjo and Vanesa Stay. Henry Knowles the international DJ from New York will be spinning the tunes .

The Salsa Fest is from 6th August 2006 - 11th August 2006 and the Explorer of the Seas will leave on 6th August for Bermuda, arriving in Bermuda on 8th August in the morning, leaving on 9th August in the evening and arriving back in New Jersey on 11th August in the evening. There will be a total of 5 days at sea.

So why not give it a try? If you would like to register you can do so through Latin Energy where you can go to their link and register there. More news and details will be given about this event nearer the time.

See you later.

Aubrey

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30-04-2006 9:47 am - Another Salsa Congress - This time Hamburg in Germany.

Hi.

And then there was more.

Yes folks. Another Salsa Congress is set to hit us. This time it is the 4th Hamburg Salsa Festival presented by Imad and Albert Torres and will be between 21st - 23rd July 2006. The location for the workshops and parties is: CCH Radisson SAS Hotel,Congress Centrum Hamburg, Am Dammtor/ Marseiller Straße/ Tiergartenstr, 20355 Hamburg and the location of the hotel which is adjacent to the CCH is: Radisson SAS Hotel,Marseiller Strasse 2,D-20355 Hamburg, Deutschland.

The line up of instructors is incredible. I have never seen such a line up of such instructors in one Salsa Congress. They include: Edie the 'Salsa Freak', Johnny Vazquez, Alex da Silva, Al Espinoza and Ruby Karen - Los Angeles; Frankie Martinez, Angel Ortiz and Juan Matos - New York; Super Mario, Susan Montero, Leon Rose and Tamambo - London; Manuel Mascarell - Valencia; Ramon Morales - Mexico and many more. There will be more than 50 workshops for Beginners, Intermediates and Advanced in Cuban, LA, New York and London styles and also ladies styling, footwork and partnerwork.

In the evening the shows will start at 10:00 pm on Saturday 22nd July and 10:30 pm on Sunday 23rd July with top acts from LA, New York, Miami, Puerto Rico, London, Cuba and more. After that dancing will go on until the early hours of the morning with the music being provided by the DJs:The 'One and Only' Henry Knowles from New York, El Malo from Zurich, Ben El Ssalsito from Bonn, Radi from Dusseldorf, Saber from Heidelberg, DJ Dave from Munster and more. On Saturday night there will be a live band, Jose Alberto (El Canario) from New York and his Orchestra, playing from 10:50 pm.

On the web site Imad has assured his visitors that they are travelling to over 45 countries every year, to look for the best shows in the world to present to the Congress. From what I can see they are doing a fantastic job. See website International Salsa Festival in Hamburg for more details.

So if you want to be taught by the best, entertained by the best and party with the best, make sure you are there.

See you later.

Aubrey

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Then please subscribe as shown at the top of this page or go to Subscribe Me where a full explanation is given.