| 01-10-2006 6:07 pm - UK Salsa Congress. Day 2. Part 2!!
Hi Folks,
More on the UK Salsa Congress 2006.
1. My Hotel Room. Not 'Complaining' Now.
After the afternoon class I went back to my hotel room. As I opened it I was stifled by the heat in the room. It was sunny and warm all day and the ceiling to floor contributed to the room's stifling warmth.
I quickly opened the 'terrace doors' and the internal doors. Boy was I happy to get onto the patio which I was 'complaining' before hand was not exactly a balcony. There was also a strong breeze which added to the pleasantness of the patio.
I decided to have my 'lunch' on the patio. I could not go inside anyway as it was too hot. It was pleasant sitting on the patio with the sun beating down (never thought I would say that in the UK but it seems to be becoming the norm nowadays judging from this year's summer) and the pleasant sea breeze. Hmmm!! Maybe I will book this room again after all.
After my 'lunch' I went inside my room. It was still hot. I put the air conditioning on. On the coldest temperature it took some time for the room to cool down as it was so hot. I then decided to have my afternoon nap as I had a long evening and early morning salsaing to look forward to.
2. Evening Shows. Salsa with Imagination.
I slept for about two and a half hours (from 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm) had a nice soak in the bath, dressed and left about 8:55 pm to go to the shows. The doors were just opening when I arrived at the 'Centre Stage' and went inside.
I was lucky to get a fairly decent seat. Most of the front rows were reserved and those that were not were already taken. (These were the seats for prime viewing without any pillars in front of you. However I was not bothered about this as you could not video the shows which I wanted to do). I got a seat at the back which was not too much obstructed.
I looked at the line up of artists. Very mouth watering. I wanted to see them all.
At the West Coast Salsa Congress in May 2006 there were so many shows (I would have loved to see them all) but the distance of the accommodation from the main activity area of Salsaland meant I had to be selective.
Here at the UK Salsa Congress because of the proximity of the accommodation I could watch all the shows.
The shows were excellent. A lot of imagination went into them. To be honest if a group or couple dance Salsa say NY Style or LA Style or whatever, once you've seen one you've seen them all unless you add a little twist or something different even mixing it up with different styles of dances like Tango, Hip Hop, Swing etc.
There was a lot of that which made the shows interesting.
All the showcases were good but the ones that stood out were:
- Sacuye.
This was different. They mixed up a lot of different dances (not Salsa. I cannot remember which they were) with the Salsa that made it very interesting.
This was one of the first acts which set the pattern for the evening.
- Serial Dancers.
With Tony Lara the DJ. They always have an interesting theme. Last time it was the Pink Panther. This time they were cave men (and cave women).
Very interesting.
- Los Hermanos.
My favourite. This was the 'Skeletal' Dance. The dance 'under dim light' imitated dancing skeletons with one dancer making up the top half of the skeleton and the 2nd dancer the bottom half.
There were six dancers therefore making 3 skeletal bodies. They then proceeded to do intricate Salsa movements as though they were one body.
Then the lights came on and they danced as humans then at the end the lights dimmed and they were the dancing skeletons again.
They got the biggest standing ovation of the night.
- Chris and Jaclyn.
I have never seen this couple on the UK Salsa scene but they were very good and the Salsa was a bit different. They are the first non-Latin Americans to win the Official World Professional Championships.
They are now three time winners (2003, 2004 and 2005).
- U-Tribe.
After a slow start they put up a very brilliant Salsa show.
- Franklyn Diaz& Nilada Tirado.
This was the most dramatic. Franklyn and Nilada started dancing together. Then Nilada danced the last half of the show on her own.
After the performance Paul Young announced that Franklyn did not finish as recently he has continually been dislocating his shoulder whilst performing.
Very brave of him but 'OUCH', rather him than me.
- Tito and Tamara.
This was back to the Palladium days. Differently refreshing.
- Junior and Emily.
They are a young talent from San Francisco. I saw them at the West Coast Salsa Congress in May 2006 in LA. I think they won the LA version of the European Salsa Championships. They were absolutely brilliant and got a long standing ovation.
- Oliver Pineda and Luda Kroitor.
They were good as always. They are probably my favourite dancers now since I saw them in LA this year. They did a different routine than the one at the West Coast Salsa Congress in May 2006 in LA which I remember for the intricate but smooth movements. Nevertheless they were as good as ever.
- Tropical Gem.
The European master salsa dancers. They are always high energy. You get exhausted just watching them. A great show as ever.
- Swing Guys.
New kids on the block from Milan (as is Tropical Gem). The UK Salsa Congress always seem to end with Swing Guys (or Tropical Gem). They mix their Salsa with Swing.
At the moment they are the funniest and most entertaining Salsa dancers in the world.
They did two routines. One they did at last years UK Salsa Congress and this year's West Coast Salsa Congress in May 2006 and the other is a brand new one.
They were entertaining and funny as ever a got a standing ovation.
So the shows were very good.
However in addition to the announcements that Paul made, the whole thing took over two and a half hours. He did apologise about this but what can you do?
The shows were good and I think he just wanted to get over them in one go as like me most people came to dance.
My legs were aching from sitting. It was now nearly 12:00 pm. I got up and left the 'Centre Stage' as they were now clearing the area of the chairs.
Time to dance!!
3. Evening Social Dancing and Band Salsa Celtica.
I headed for 'Reds' one of the 3 dancing venues for the evening and they were playing disco music.
What!!?? This is where the play Cuban Salsa if you want a rest from the LA and NY Style. I could not understand it.
I then headed for Jaks the other dance venue which played Reggaeton, Latin Soul, Urban etc. There was a queue. Most people headed for this venue after the shows. (With 2 thousand people at the shows it was soon full). People were already queuing waiting for others to leave.
I decided to wait outside of the 'Centre Stage' until they re-opened again. After 5 minutes I took another peek into 'Reds'. I recognised the sound. Was it Salsa? It certainly was.
Thank goodness for that. I think before they were warming up with disco music while people were watching the shows.
After warming up in 'Reds' (from 12:10 pm - 1:00 pm) I ventured over to the Centre Stage ready for the evening's dancing. The band hand not started playing yet but as soon as I went in they were about to
Salsa Celtica’s remarkable success story began in 1995 in the bars and clubs of Scotland’s Edinburgh and Glasgow. They saved up their pennies and headed off to Cuba to hang out with salsa groups, including Son14 and Sonora La Calle, and to generally soak up Afro-Cuban sounds in Havana and Santiago de Cuba.
They took their unique fusion of Latin and Celtic sounds on tour in England for the first time in 2004. The nineteen date tour highlight was a sold out headline performance at the UK’s premier World Music venue, Queen Elizabeth Hall on London’s South Bank as part of the La Linea Festival.
During the tour the band were featured on BBC Radio 2’s flagship folk programme The Mike Harding Show. The same month The Andy Kershaw Show on BBC Radio 3 also broadcast a session and interview with the band, specially recorded at the BBC’s Maida Vale Studios in London.
In 2005 tours of the UK and Canada followed as well as one off shows in Germany, Belgium, Greece, Italy, Scotland and more.
I must admit I have never heard of this band but they were rather good.
I danced all night. I had to stop to have a hot dog as I did not have dinner that evening and was rather hungry but in general I was dancing all the time. No chance of it thinning out tonight. Every body was here and lots of people to dance with.
I left about 5:30 am in the morning very pleased with the evening's entertainment and dancing.
5. Coming next time - My morning workshops and the afternoon competitions.
Aubrey
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02-10-2006 8:47 pm - UK Salsa Congress. Day 3. Part 1!!
Hi Folks,
I'm back with more on the UK Salsa Congress 2006.
1. My Afro Cuban Workshop with Osbanis and Iris DeBrito.
I got up about 8:00 am, had a nice bath and a large English Breakfast. I was looking forward to the day's events.
I decided to do another class with Oliver Pineda and Luda Kroitor. I also decided to try an Afro-Cuban workshop with Osbanis and Iris DeBrito.
I have been dancing for 11 years now and have danced both "On1" and "On2". My first lessons were with Ramiro Zapata dancing "On 1". He is from Bolivia and his styling was more NY "On 1". My "On 2" which I started about 7 years ago was New York/Mambo Style.
I have never done any Afro-Cuban lessons or workshops. I have seen the good dancers mix up New York and LA Styling with Cuban Styling and it looks pretty good, especially when the music is appropriate.
I looked at the morning's programs once again and that workshop was at 10:45 am with the class by Oliver Pineda and Luda Kroitor following at 12:00 pm. However I noticed there was another Afro-Cuban workshop by U-Tribe at 12:00 pm, so I decided to do that instead as it was more appropriate.
Iris and Osbanis' class started of with a warm up. Then Iris explained a bit about the history of Afro-Cuban dance and why certain dances are danced that way including the Rumba.
They decided to teach us the Rumba and we then split into two groups of men and women with Osbanis teaching us our moves and Iris teaching the women. Osbanis taught more moves apart from the Rumba which we were going to use in the routine that was to follow.
I must say Rumba is one of the moves I would like to include in my dancing. I'm not sure of the other moves (I do not even know what they are) but I'll see if I like them as I go along.
After Osbanis taught us our moves we then faced the women and the music started for the routine. We learnt a lot more moves than the women who just learnt the Rumba (I think Osbanis was trying to impress).
However they did the routine with us (I was looking at him all the time. I said I was not a quick learner) and the women seemed to be very impressed wit us (more likely Osbanis).
Osbanis and Iris then did the routine on their own (and a lot more besides).
I quite enjoyed this workshop. It was a good aerobic workout (like Salsa dancing in general).
I like trying different things. In my Salsa lifetime I have danced "On1", La Rueda La Casino NY Style and Cuban Style, "On2" NY Style/Mambo and, oh yes, Bachata. And now Afro-Cuban. I will most probably start some Afro-Cuban workshops/classes soon.
By the way I did go to the other Afro-Cuban by U-Tribe. However about 5 minutes into the class I realised I forgot my dance shoes in my hotel room (I had 3 pairs). I was wearing trainers.
Funny how I did not notice in the previous Afro-Cuban class. However those moves was not pertinent to turning and spinning etc. The moves in this class (a partner work class) were. So I noticed immediately.
I decided to go for a coffee as that seemed a better option than having my trainers screech like tyres in a Grand Prix race every time I attempt to turn.
Anyway at 1:00 pm I had a competition to look forward to. So I decided to relax with my coffee instead.
2. Lunchtime Competition.
It was the final day of the UK Salsa Congress and I wanted to make the most of the final evening, i.e I wanted to watch all the competitions, the shows and to dance until late. Therefore I decided to do no classes this afternoon. All that I was going to do was to watch the semifinal of the Dance Competition and then relax a bit before have about 3 hours nap to prepare myself for the evening activities.
It was the Semi Finals of the European Open competition and there was also the heats of the Teams competition. Remember the UK had 3 couples in the Semi Finals. We (UK) also had 3 teams participating this afternoon for the chance to go through to the Teams Final in the early evening.
The Couples Semi Finals had 10 couples which included 2 couples from Australia (including Jamie Jesus and Little Liz), and couples from India, Bulgaria, Netherlands, and Sweden. They danced altogether, in groups of 5 and then altogether again.
It was difficult to see who stood out unless you were standing or sitting close. Of course the three UK couples, especially Shelly and Lee got the loudest cheers.
Eventually however the finalists were the Dutch, 2 Australian, Bulgarian and one other couple (I cannot remember which), and Lee and Shelly from the UK.
There were 8 couples in the Team competition including 4 from the UK, and teams from Holland, Spain, Bulgaria and Italy (with Tony Lara no less).
The team that stood out for me was the UK group Diablo Dance Company led by Laith Sami. There were about 5 couple and I was impressed by how synchronised there moves were despite being a team of 5 couples. I have seen shows with 2 couples and they did not synch as close.
Seraphim, the sexy all girl group led by Angelique Sinclair wee also good but Laith and his team stood out as their moves were more complex.
The Serial Dancers with Tony Lara was as inventive as ever doing a Superman (Super Hero) and there were also creditable performances from the Dutch, Bulgarian, Spanish (with a very original Flintstone routine - I liked that) and the other 2 UK groups including Irene Miguel's MamboLifestyle student group.
Six groups went through to the evening's finals and did not include the 2 UK Teams MambiLifestyle and the unnamed other UK group.
That was it. The end of the afternoon's activity for me. I got some good video footage of Osbanis and Irene and also the dance competitions. I milled around a bit, went back to my hotel room and decided to have a nap before preparing for the marathon final evening.
3. Coming tomorrow - Winners of the European Open competitions, a surprise and the evening's dancing.
Aubrey
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03-10-2006 8:13 pm - UK Salsa Congress. Day 3 Part 2!!
Hi Folks,
We have now reached the home stretch of the UK Salsa Congress 2006. I can see the finish and so far so good. Everything is working out just fine.
1. My Dinner Dilemma.
I got up from my nap and felt very hungry. I wanted to watch the Salsa competition which started at 8:30 pm so after having a bath I decided to eat at the restaurant.
Just I quick snack I thought.
I went there about 7:45 pm. 'The restaurant is full and you have to book', I was told. 'You can book at 8:00 pm'. I did so hoping to grab a quick snack and then walk the 2 minutes or less that it took to go to the Centre Stage, the main activity area.
At 8:00 pm I went to the restaurant and was led to my table. I got up to get my small snack (I thought it was self service as the breakfast was). However a menu was plunked in front of me.
'Isn't this self service?' I asked. 'No', I was told. 'This is table service'. 'How long would the meal take after ordering it?' 'About 15 minutes or so'.
I thought if I ordered the quickest meal I could finish it very quickly and head off to the competition, However after taking less than a minute to choose my meal the waiter was nowhere in sight to take my order. It took over 5 minutes for someone to come to my table.
This was not working. 20 minutes or so before the competition starts and no meal yet. But I had to eat as I was starving and I knew I would be sitting for over 3 hours watching the competition and the shows.
To cut a long story short I decided to have an appetising starter which took only 2 - 3 minutes to arrive. I was out of the restaurant after about 20 minutes went back to my room and I think I got to the Centre Stage at about 8:30 pm. However the competition had not started yet.
Phew!! That was close.
2. The Evening Competition.
I looked for a suitable seat on entering the building. As usual the best seats were taken with the reserve seats and the pillarless view seats gone as well. However I managed to get a seat just behind the pillars and had a good view of the stage.
Apart from the Team and Couples Salsa Open Finals there was also a Bachata Competition with only 2 contestants (I think 1 or 2 contestants could not compete for some reason).
I think the Bachata competition was first, then the Team Competition then the Couples Competition.
The Bachata Competitors consisted of Brian Streuli & Jessica Maylan from Switzerland and Tony Lara & Daniela from Italy. Tony and partner gave a competent performance but I thought the Swiss couple's routine had more passion.
The Team competition was very competitive. The Diablo Dance Company from the UK continued where they left off from the afternoon show and so did Seraphim from the UK.
Salsa Caliente from Bulgaria put up a spirited performance and Baila Contigo from Spain amused me with their Flintstone routine. The other contestants were Serial Dancers from Italy and Pura Salsa Productions from The Netherlands (who didn't really do it for me).
The couples competition had six exceptional dancers and you had to have that extra special quality to win this.
There were talented dancers such as Jamie Jesus and Little Liz from Australia and Shelly and Lee from the UK. The other dancers I did not know before today but I did not need to know them to know they were special.
They were Simeon Stefanov & Elena Kardseva from Bulgaria, Ibirocay Regueira & Marina Prada from Sweden and Susit Dey & Mary Grace Brown from Australia (I thought they were exceptional).
But the couple who did it for me (and they eventually won) were Brian Hibier & Mechtelo Sterk fromThe Netherlands. Brian performed some of his moves which had certain amount of difficulty with consummate ease. He did it time and time again during his routine which drew applause from the audience.
Yes Shelly and Lee were brilliant as always and got the biggest applause being on home soil but Lee did not execute his moves as Brian did.
That did it for me. Even though the couple from the Netherlands came on first, nothing that followed could beat their performance in my opinion.
The results were:
- Couples: 1. Brian Hibier & Mechtelo Sterk (The Netherlands), 2. Lee Wright & Shelley Cook (UK), 3. Susit Dey & Mary Grace Brown (Australia), 4. Jaime Jesus & Liz Riciti (Australia), 5. Simeon Stefanov & Elena Kardseva (Bulgaria) and 6. Ibirocay Regueira & Marina Prada (Sweden).
- Teams: 1. The Diablo Dance Company (UK), 2. Salsa Caliente (Bulgaria), 3. Seraphim (UK), 4. Pura Salsa Productions (The Netherlands) and 5. Baila Contigo (Spain)
- Bachata: 1. Brian Streuli & Jessica Maylan (Switzerland) and 2. Tony Lara & Daniela (Italy).
3. Evening Shows.
This is where the surprise came. Paul Young announced that for this year they would try to present the shows in a different format. They had taken on a Director to take on the Project but apparently he dropped out 3 weeks before the Salsa Congress leaving them in the lurch. The Choreographers from Salsa Dance Squad took over the reins and worked tirelessly over that time to pick up the pieces.
What was different was that they were putting together the evening shows as if it was a West End Theatre type production.
The whole evening's show had a theme/a story and the performers were part of that theme instead of them dancing individually as themselves. The Theme as far as I could recall was the History of Dance (including Slavery and it's abolition) with Video screen explanation between and after the dancing.
It paid off handsomely. The performers on the night as far as I could recall were Tropical Gem, Salsa Dance Squad, Tito and Tamara (depicting the Palladium era), Swing Guys (depicting of course the Swing era), Osbanis, Juan Matos and group, U-Tribe, Ruby Karen and David Nieto and The Leon Rose Project with Leon depicting James Brown.
It was splendid and refreshing and got a round of applause at the end.
I'll tell you what it did also. You were not shifting in your seat wondering 'When are these shows going to end so we can dance?'. You were so enthralled by the story and its interpretation by the dancers that you did not notice how long it took. (I sat down at about 8:30 pm to watch the competition and it was I think nearly midnight when I got up after the 'Surprise' showcase.) Thank goodness I ate beforehand.
So well done Paul. I wonder if they will do the same next year (or at The Brit Salsafest in February 2007)?
4. Social Dancing and Close.
This was more of the same. We vacated the Centre Stage for them to remove the chairs and I debunked to 'Reds' where they play Cuban Salsa. Local UK Salsa band Palenke took to the stage and took us through our paces. After warming up with a few dances, I left again for the Centre Stage where I normally spend the rest of the night.
I cannot remember much detail only that I danced all night (from 1:00 am to 5:00 am) after 1 hour in Reds. I ca dance non stop for a long time.
I did stop briefly to take some video shots of social dancing (especially in the Showoff's corner).
David Nieto (partner of Ruby Karen) of whom I have I have video footage while I was in LA at the West Coast Salsa Congress in May 2006 this year features prominently especially dancing with a French girl (I have seen her many times bit do not quite know who she is. She did a cameo appearance in U-Tribe's Saturday night performance as a gangster).
However all in all the evening's dancing rounded off the whole day and UK Salsa Congress 2006 splendidly.
5. Conclusion.
So there you have it. The end of another UK Salsa Congress 2006 splendidly. I hope you learnt something of this if you have not tried Salsa Congress before.
If you have never been to a salsa Congress and want to know more please see Why should I go to a Salsa Congress?
Anyway I hope you enjoyed these articles and I will see you tomorrow continuing with more Salsa News.
Aubrey
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05-10-2006 1:02 am - Club Nights This Week Worldwide!!
1. London, UK.
MamboCity, Friday 6th October 2006.
Join the weekly Friday night club at MamboCity with Robert and Jean White. This is one of the best places to be for Salsa on a Friday night in London.
Before the club, there are classes at all levels:
- Beginners Level 1 & 2, with Susan & Jason.
- Improvers with Trevor Layne.
- Intermediate with Robert & Maria.
- Advance with Alexandre & Katarina.
After the club there is dancing to Music by DJs Julian "The Duke" and Lorenzo.
For Birthdays, Hen/Stag Night or anniversary, book a table for a group of 6 or more and receive a Bottle of bubbly for details.
Time: - Friday. Doors open at 8pm. Class starts 8:30pm followed by dancing until 1:00 am.
Location: - Ealing Town Hall, New Broadway, Uxbridge Road Ealing W5 2BY, UK. Free Car parking at rear.
Admission: - £8 Members/£6 NUS.
2. San Francisco, USA.
Hot Salsa Friday with Pretty Boys and Girls Productions, Friday 6th October 2006.
Join Ricardo and Michelle on 6th October 2006 which is the next Hot Salsa Friday! Voted the bay Area's No.1 Social! it is hosted every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month.
This Friday is the 3rd week of competitions. So all the dancers will be there.
However there are classes beforehand.
- 7pm: Beginners Lesson.
- 8pm: Intermediate Footwork/Sexy Ladies Styling & Pattern.
Dinner is served at 9:00 pm followed by dancing to DJ Fab Fred.
Dance to the hottest salsa music on a 3000 square foot maplewood dance floor, enjoy floor to ceiling mirrors to practice your moves, unlimited free parking, free water, and free dinner buffet.
The Dance Competition starts at 11:00 pm.
Time: - 7:00 pm: Beginners Lesson. 8:00 pm: Intermediate Class. 9:00 pm: Dinner Followed by dancing til late to music by Fab Fred. 11:00 pm: Competition.
Location: - Dance Spectrum, 1707d South Bascom Avenue, Campbell, CA 95008.
Admission: - $10.00 all night.
See you tomorrow with more Salsa News.
Aubrey
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06-10-2006 12:10 am - Club Nights Weekend Worldwide!!
1. London, UK.
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 month 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). Bar Rez is on this Saturday.
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.
Time: - Saturdays (except last Saturday of the month). Doors open at 9:00 pm. Class starts at 9:45 pm. Club until 3:00 am.
Location: - 1 Nine Elms Lane Vauxhall, London, SW8, UK.
Admission: - £8.00 (£6.00 NUS).
2. Australia.
Sydney.
- Saturday Salsalicious Party @ Mosman RSL. Salsa class from 7:30pm. Live Band plays every Sat from 8:30 pm to 12.30am. Club Havana - every 1st Saturday of the month. Mambo Asi - every 3rd Saturday. Other Bands (Latin Breeze-Bandolero-Chirimoya) are be rotated.
Location: - 719 Military Rd, Mosman. Telephone: (02) 9960 2888 or see The Mosman Club.
Admission: - Chevy Mario: Phone: 0418 435 183 for details.
- Amigos Salseros@ LDA Dance Studio. 9pm till late.
Location: - Suite A 263 Broadway Rd. Broadway (Close to Glebe Point Rd.).
Admission: - $10.
- Vivaz. Salsa Dance Club Restaurant. 6:30 pm - 2:00 am. Latin American style Buffet.
Location: - 80 George St The Rocks.
Admission: - For more info phone 9251 4467.
See you next time with more Salsa News.
Aubrey
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09-10-2006 4:44 am - Salsa Lessons on Monday - Worldwide!!!
1. London, UK.
i. Bar Salsa, Monday 9th October 2006.
Go to this evening of classes and club run by Super Mario and Susan Montero. This is an evening of beginners to advanced classes and the most popular weekday club in London.
So if you want to start off your week with a bang, see Susanna and Mario's Classes and Club - Bar Salsa. for more details.
ii. Salsa Fusion, Monday 9th October 2006.
NEW Salsa Club Night every Monday. FREE Entrance. Salsa in Notting Hill Gate.
Salsa Class at 7:30 pm and 8:30 pm by the Salsa-Fusion team. Then Club 9:30 pm to 1:30 pm. Music by Dj Ara.
Time: - 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm Beginners class. 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm Improvers Class.
Location: - The Gate, Bar & Restaurant. 87 Notting Hill Gate, London W11, UK. Nearest Tube: Notting Hill Gate, Next to Gate Cinema.
Admission: - Classes: £4 per hour. £6 per 2 hours.
For more details of this and other club nights please go to Salsa Fusion 1 or Salsa Fusion 2 or ring 07786534055 or 020 7837 3752.
2. Sydney, Australia.
i. Picante, Monday 9th October 2006.
Not Salsa, but a superb alternative. Bachata Classes by Picante Latin Dance.
Bachata is a beautiful romantic partner dance from the Dominican Republic. Come and learn this smooth & sensual dance.
Beginners Welcome!
Time: - 7.30 pm.
Location: - La Cita, City. 9 Lime Street, King Street Wharf, Sydney, Australia.
Admission: - $20 a class includes a free drink.
For this and other Salsa Classes, please see Picante for more details.
ii. 2Salsa Dance.
Intermediate/advanced "On 2" classes from 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm and Intermediate "On 1" class from 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm. If you are looking for a fun, relaxed environment where you can practise all your moves with dancers of all levels, this is the place for you.
Also 2Salsa Dance School Social is every fortnight from 7:30 pm - 11:45 pm on Thursdays.
Time: - 7.30 pm first class starts.
Location: - Location: - Bronte Bowling Club, Wallace, St Bronte, Sydney, Australia.
Admission: - $5.00.
That's all for now. See you tomorrow.
Aubrey
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10-10-2006 6:15 am - Salsa Lessons on Tuesday - Worldwide!!!
1. London, UK.
Salsoteca, Tuesday 10th October 2006.
- The Rise.
This event is promoted by the Salsoteca Dance School owned by Elder Sanchez.
Elder one of the Doyens of the UK Salsa Scene has a crew of 11 qualified dance teachers to make sure that your lessons will be a professional, rewarding, interesting and enjoyable experience.
There are 4 Salsa Classes of all levels. No partner is required.
Time:
Tuesdays. From 7:30 pm.
Location:
The Rise, 49 Lavender Gardens, SW11 1DJ, London, UK.
How to get there? Train: Clapham Junction (a few mins walk from Clapham Junction) Buses: 35, 37, 49, 156, 170, 219, 239, 295, 319, 337, 344, 345, 670, 77A, C3, N19, N31, N77.
Heavens, 1 train and 18 buses? No excuses for not getting there then!
Admission:
£8.00 per class.
- Bar Rumba.
Beginners, Improvers and Intermediate Classes. Beginners Classes are now free.
Teachers are Cliff, Silvia, Eric and Elder. Club from 9.00 pm -3.00 am.
Time:
Tuesdays. From 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Classes.Then Club until 3:00 am.
Location:
36 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1.(Tube Station: Piccadilly Circus)
Admission:
£8.00 per class. £4.00 Club only.
- The Tereza Joanne.
Class: 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Teacher is Tim Rowe. Music played afterwards.
Time:
Tuesdays. From 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm Classes. Music after.
Location:
Gate 14 King George V Dock, Woolwich Manor Way, London E16 2NJ.
Admission:
£7.00.
2. Sydney, Australia.
- i. SalsaPassion (LA and Cuban style). Tuesday 10th October 2006.
This event is promoted by SalsaPassion run by Klaus. He has trained and taught Salsa since 1996 while living in London, San Francisco and Buenos Aires. Since 2001 he has been a UKA (United Kingdom Alliance of Professional Teachers of Dancing, Club Dance Division) certified teacher of dance.
Klaus’ dance style, technique and teaching methods have been influenced by various British and US champions, such as Leon Rose, Susan Montero, Joseph Koniak, Edie Lewis (the "salsa freak") and Super Mario.
This is a drop in class. No booking is necessary. There is free practicing afterwards.
Location:
Newtown Neighbourhood Center. Corner of King St and Australia St (opposite Newtown train station), Sydney, Australia. Buses: 352, 355, 370, 422 ,423, 426, 428. Trains: Inner West and South Lines; 6 min from Central.
Time:
Tuesdays. 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Beginners & Improvers. 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm. Intermediate & Advanced.10:00 pm - 11:00 pm. Practice & Dancing afterwards.
Admission:
One class $15 (students $12). Both classes: $20 ($15). Pack of 5 classes for $60 (students $50) Practice included or $3.
- ii. Latin Motion, Tuesday 10th October 2006.
Latin Motion owned by Oliver Pineda runs Salsa Class on a Tuesdays at two different locations. You can also catch a Tango class or a Bachata class.
Please see Latin Motion Venues, Classes and Times for more details.
See you tomorrow with more Salsa News.
Aubrey
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11-10-2006 6:19 am - Salsa Lessons on Wednesday - Worldwide!!!
1. London, UK.
Manhattan Mambo 'On 2' Classes, Wednesday 11th October 2006.
Jason and Amanda of Manhattan Mambo teach different styles of salsa in London UK, tropical blend of Cuban, LA, NY style with a dash of Colombian (on1).
However on Wednesday they teach NY/Mambo EddieTorres 'On 2' style for which they are especially well known for.
There are 3 levels of classes from beginners to advanced.
For more details please see Jason, Amanda and Manhattan Mambo.
Time:
Wednesdays. From 8:00 pm.
Location:
The Gymbox, 100 High Holborn (opposite Holborn Tube), London, UK.
Admission:
£7.00 per class.
2. Sydney, Australia.
- Salsa Warriors, Wednesday 11th October 2006.
Salsa Warriors which was formerly known as Club Tropical Salsa is run by Roberto Carlos.
Roberto is a combat instructor turned salsa teacher who was born in Sri Lanka. As a kid he has won numerous dance competitions. When he dances he does so with a real passion and says Salsa is "the ultimate expression of the human soul on fire". This is reflected in his classes.
On this particular night, there are 3 level of classes from 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Location:
The Alpha Park Centre Corner Of Alpha Street & Patrick St Blacktown NSW 2148, Australia.
Times:
Level II (Intermediate) Class: 7:15 pm - 8:15 pm.
Level I (Beginners) Class: 8:15 pm - 9:15 pm.
Level III (Advanced Level) Class: 9:30 pm - 10:30 pm.
Admission:
Call Carlos on 0431 115 943 or 98960115.
Also see Salsa Warriors for more info.
- Latin Motion, Wednesday 11th October 2006.
Latin Motion owned by Oliver Pineda runs Salsa Class on a Wednesdayss at two different locations.
You can also catch Fitness class if you are up to it.
Please see Latin Motion Venues, Classes and Times
Or Sydney Salsa Scene, Wednesday Classes for more details.
See you tomorrow with more Salsa News.
Aubrey
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11-10-2006 8:09 pm - Salsa Lessons on Thursday - Worldwide!!!
Thursdays Salsa Lessons!!
1. London, UK.
Mambo City - There are 2 different venues.
i. Bootsy Brogan's, Wembley, UK.
Beginners and Improvers from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Dancing after class until 11:30 pm.
Time: - Classes 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Dancing until 11:30 pm.
Location. - Bootsy Brogan's, (Shoe Box entrance), 86 East Lane, Wembley, HA0 3NJ, UK. Bus: 245. Trains: Bakerloo line and BR: North Wembley Stn.
Admission: - £6.00 class. Free dancing after class.
ii. Gallery, Hendon.
There are dance classes for all levels, from complete Beginners to Advanced with The MamboCity Team. This is followed by dancing to music by DJ Cruz and Guest until 11:30 pm.
Time: Doors open @7:00pm. Class starts @7:30 pm. Free club dancing until 11:30 pm.
Location. - Gallery, 407 - 411 Hendon Way, London, NW4 3LH, UK.
Admission: - Price £7.00 Class/Club.
The MamboCity is owned and run by Robert and Jean White. For more on MamboCity clubs, classes and events, please see MamboCity.
2. Sydney, Australia.
i. Salsa Suave.
Salsa Suave, one of Sydney's leading Latin dance groups, offers the very best in Latin Dance entertainment and classes including; Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Merengue and Bachata.
This is run by Fernando Providel and Becky Lee who have a combined 10 years of teaching, performing and competing in Latin dance, were winners of the Sydney Salsa Competition in 2003 and in 2004 they were the first Australian couple to be finalists at the Mayan World Salsa Competition in Los Angeles.
Location:
Various. (The City, Alexandria, Bondi Junction & Maroubra). Check Salsa Sauve for the location of each class.
Time:
Check Salsa Sauve for times of each class.
Admission:
Check Salsa Sauve for price of each class.
ii. iLatinDance.
Salsa Class. From complete beginners to performance level, you will be taught a combination of the most popular styles so you can dance with anyone, anywhere in the world with confidence.
Run by Tamer Ozer Head instructor and Director, and Ricky Ro DJ and Marketing, also a Director, iLatinDance formerly known as Just Salsa Dance has been teaching Salsa in Sydney at Club Marconi since 1998, and has grown to become one of Australia's biggest Latin dance schools.
Location:
Club Marconi. See iLatinDance Classes for exact location.
Time:
Salsa Intermediate & Advanced Class 7.30 pm - 8.30 pm.
Salsa Beginners 1 & 2 from 8.30 pm - 9.30 pm.
Social dancing from 9.30 pm till late.
Admission:
Casual Classes $12. However see iLatinDance Classes for prices and all other up-to-date details.
More news for you again tomorrow.
Aubrey
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12-10-2006 10:39 pm - Salsa Lessons on Friday - Woldwide!!!
1. LA, USA. Friday 13th October 2006.
Century Club @Century City.
This event is promoted by Albert Torres of Albert Torres Productions.
The instructor is Alex Da' Silva. The band on the night is Henry Mora and His Orchestra.
The music will be supplied by DJ Frank "Mr. Swing".
Celebrate Your Birthday Party here every Friday. Mention Albert Torres Productions and all your guests are FREE until 10:00 pm.
Free cake. Free patio seating. Free drink for everyone in your party arriving before 10:00 pm.
Time:
8:00 pm - 2:00 am
Location:
Century Club, Century City, 10131 Constellation Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90067, USA.
Admission:
Gents pay $10 till 10:00 pm. $15 After 10:00 pm. Everyone pays $20 after 11.00 pm.
2. Sydney, Australia.
Salsa Warriors. Friday 13th October 2006.
Salsa Warriors which was formerly known as Club Tropical Salsa is run by Roberto Carlos.
Roberto is a combat instructor turned salsa teacher who was born in Sri Lanka. As a kid he has won numerous dance competitions. When he dances he does so with a real passion and says Salsa is "the ultimate expression of the human soul on fire". This is reflected in his classes.
There is an Intermediate Class at 7:00 pm and a Beginners Class at 8:00 pm. This is followed by a club afterwards with DJ and Live music.
Location:
Vivaz Restaurant @ Nightclub, 80 George Street, The Rocks Sydney 2000, Australia.
Time:
Fridays. 7:00 pm Classes. 9:00 pm onwards Club.
Admission:
Call Carlos on 0431 115 943 or 98960115.
3. London, UK.
Ealing Town Hall with MamboCity. Friday 13th October 2006.
This event is promoted by the MamboCity which is run by Robert and Jean White.
There are classes for all Levels i.e. Beginners and Improvers with Susan, Jean and Trevor, Intermediate with Robert and Advanced with "Alex".
However this week the guests advanced instructors are Shelly and Lee. This is followed by dancing to Music by DJs Cruz & Lorenzo until 1:00 am.
Time:
Fridays. Doors open 8:00 pm. Classes start at 8:30 pm then club until 1:00 am.
Location:
Ealing Town Hall, New Broadway, Uxbridge Road Ealing W5 2BY, UK. Free Car parking at rear of the Town Hall.
Admission:
£7/£5 Members/NUS.
See you tomorrow.
Aubrey
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13-10-2006 9:41 pm - Salsa Events. This Saturday!!!
1. USA. Friday 13th October 2006.
i. LA. Salsa central@ The Granada - Alhambra. Saturday 14th October 2006.
This event is promoted by Albert Torres of Albert Torres Productions.The instructor is Enio Cordoba. The band on the night is Salsa Caliente.
The music will be supplied by DJ Frank "Mr. Swing" & Super DJ Robby until 2:00 a . Then until 4:00 am by DJ Saoco (music will vary).
Large dance floor. All ages welcome.
Time: - Doors open at 8:00 pm. (Open earlier for dinner) Salsa Class: 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Then Club until 4:00 am. (Band comes on at 10:00 pm)
Location: - 17 S. First St, Alhambra, CA 91801, USA. Free parking.
Admission: - $15 at the door.
ii. Miami. Bachata Workshop. Saturday 14th October 2006.
Monster Vision Productions along with Salsa Lover Dance Studio are happy to present Jorge Elizondo World Bachata Boot Camp Tour. Do not miss this great opportunity to learn Bachata with one of the best Instructors in the country, Jorge Elizondo.
Jorge has taught all over the United States, Mexico and soon in Europe. Don't miss this opportunity to learn some fun and sexy Bachata body movements and turns patterns. These 3 hour Progressive workshops are perfect for all level dancers.
Bachata, the dance, is characterised by its close, intimate hold and smooth, flowing movements accented by a naughty hip movement. It is both a sensual and romantic yet fun dance that is simple to learn and enjoy.
Time: - Saturday 14th October 14, 2006. 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Location: - Salsa Lovers Studio. 9843 SW 40th St, Miami, USA
Admission: - See Miami Bachata Workshop for more details.
2. London, UK. Salsa Fusion on Saturday 14th October 2006.
Salsa Fusion is back this weekend. This is the only date in October. So do not miss it.
FREE Salsa Class with Nelson Batista (aka as the Godfather of Salsa). DJ Ara in the Salsa Room with 100% authentic Salsa for real Salseros and DJ Luis (El Pana) from Panama in the Fusion Room.
Both rooms are fully air conditioned.
Time: - Saturday 14th October 14, 2006. 9:00 pm to 2:00 am.
Location: - 229 Great Portland Street, London, W1, UK.
Admission: - £8.
For more details please see Salsa Fusion.
See you later with more Salsa News.
Aubrey
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15-10-2006 7:19 pm - Salsa Events!!!
1. UK.
London. The Scala Latina Bank All-Nighter. Now Monthly.
The World Famous Scala Latina which has been running on the UK Bank Holidays very successfully for many years, is going to be running monthly. This is the biggest Latin night in the UK and regularly attracts well over 1000 Salseros from all over the UK, even breaking attendance records at the last event in August 2006.
This first night will be this weekend and will follow the normal format as the Bank Holiday specials with a few enhancements.
I'm not sure how successful this will go as the Bank Holiday events were more infrequent (it happened only 4 times a year) and was always on a Bank holiday Sunday (therefore a long holiday weekend) which meant you could stay until 6:00 am and did not have to go work the following day.
However these monthly ones are on a Saturday and once a month is not that frequent, so I suppose it does not make that much difference.
Classes start at 9:30 pm at all levels then club dancing in four rooms of dance which are:
- SalsaMax
- Viva Cuba
- Brazillian Beach Bums
- Urban Latino
There will be 2 fantastic dance showcases at this and all the coming events.
With over 7,500 sq foot of wooden dance floor, superb acoustics, full air-conditioning, 3 late Bars plus 4 room format and over 100 dancers expected, advanced booking is recommended.
Time: - Saturday 21st October 2006. 9:30 pm - 6:00 am
Venue: - Scala, 275 Pentonville Road, London, N1. (Tubes: Kings Cross or Kings Cross Thameslink)
Cost: - £12.00 (non members). £9:00 (members). £6:00 (NUS).
2. USA.
i. Miami. Born To Salsa Socials (BTS).
BTS socials are held on the third Saturday of the month and is therefore on this Saturday. There will be a special Promo-Performance by International Belly Dance artist Nathalie for her upcoming Gala "Dreams Belly Dance 2006".
Nathalie will also be holding a workshop on before the BTS Social this Saturday. So ladies don't miss this.
The location is Karibe Dance Studios, 10370 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 330174. Time is 1:00 pm start. Cost: $20.
The BTS Monthly Socials, a non-stop night of Salsa Heaven. If you like to dance then you don't want to miss this one. All the best and friendliest dancers under one roof. As always Casino, "On 2", "On 1". No limits.
Time: Saturday 21st October 2006.
Venue: - Canadian Club, 211 SE 1st Ave, Hallandale Beach 33009.
Cost: $12.00 per person.
For more on the BTS Social please see Born to Salsa.
ii. LA. Tribute to Johnny Pacheco.
The Fania All-Stars reunite at the Theater-Madison Square Garden in a tribute to Johnny Pacheco's 50th anniversary in music. The once in a lifetime concert will capture three eras of Latin music: Charanga, Tumbao and Salsa, in which Pacheco has excelled at different times during his incredible musical career.
A galaxy of stars of the category of Bobby Valentín, Roberto Roena, Papo Lucca, Ismael Miranda, Adalberto Santiago, Yomo Toro, Nicky Marrero, Eddie Montalvo, Hector 'Bomberito' Zarzuela, Pupi Lagarreta, Lepoldo Pineda, Reynaldo Jorge and Jimmy Bosch will relive the Golden Era of Salsa that, led by Johnny Pacheco and the Fania All-Stars took the world by storm almost 40 years ago.
Fania´s lineup will be joined by a world-class group that includes Eddie Zervigon and Jose Fajardo Jr., along with Hector Casanova, Ray Viera and Pacheco's own 'Tumbao Añejo.' In addition, guest artists such as 'The Queen of Merengue' Milly Quezada and 'The World's Sonero' Oscar D'Leon guarantee that the tribute will be the musical celebration of a lifetime indeed.
Tickets for the concert are now on sale! For more information you can contact Ticketmaster outlets, or go online at Ticketmaster and MSG.
Time: Friday 20th October 2006. 8:00 pm.
Venue: Theater At Madison Square Garden. New York, USA.
Cost: Go to Ticketmaster.
16-10-2006 6:53 pm - More Salsa Events!!
1. London UK.
i. Salsa Sunrise. Saturday 21st October 2006.
Jose Salsa, Lord of Pachanga and Boogaloo and Mina (Queen Salsa) invite you to Salsa Sunrise. These are new fabulous Dance Party Nights on Saturdays from 10:30 pm until 6:00 am the next morning.
DJ's Ara (who DJs at Salsa Fusion), and San Miguel will be playing a mixture of Salsa, Merengue, Cha Cha Cha, Reggaeton and much more. Light meals are available until the wee hours of the morning.
Time: - Saturday 21st October 14, 2006. 10:30 pm to 6:00 am.
Location: - La Piragua, Cocktail Bar and Restaurant. 176 Upper Street, London. (Opposite Islington Town Hall).
Admission: - Free before 12:00pm. £5.00 thereafter.
For more details ring Jose. Tel: 07878 366079/ 07878 366079 or Mina. Tel: 07958 578962.
ii. Irene Miguel's Mambo Lifestyle. From November 2006.
Irene Miguel, Salsa champion and world renowned teacher and performer is launching a revolutionary new way of learning Salsa/Mambo in the UK. Over the course of 10 weeks Irene will use her own Mambo Lifestyle teaching system to take your dancing to a new level of movement and styling with sabor that most dancers would die for.
Mambo Lifestyle is a new holistic training method that uses 5 elements to train dancers in all aspects of their movement and dance potential. It includes techniques from Pilates and Yoga to improve fitness, breathing and posture.
Mambo Lifestyle covers:
- Spirit of the Music.
- Freedom of Styling.
- Jamming with Shines.
- Tornado like Spinning.
- Union of Partner Work.
This 10 week course starts in November 2006.
Location: - Expressions Dance Studios. Linton House, 39 - 55 Highgate Road, Kentish Town, London, NW5.
Time: - November, 2006. For more details please see Irene Miguel.
Admission: - £10.00 per 2 hour session.
For more details please see Irene Miguel.
2. New York, USA. More on Tribute to Johnny Pacheco.
For more than six decades, Johnny Pacheco has been a foundation of the Latin music world. The creator of a 1950´s dance craze known as the Pachanga, Johnny Pacheco has been a gifted musician since his childhood. Under his father's (Rafael Azarias Pacheco) watchful eye Johnny was soon playing a variety of instruments and after moving into New York City at 11, he continued his musical experience assimilating the musical cultural expression that has made the city of New York into the world's cultural centre.
Soon Pacheco was playing the accordion, violin, saxophone and clarinet. Moving into the renowned Xavier Cugat´s Orchestra he became an integral part of the band and further polished his skills under the tutelage of one of the most important band leaders of all time. His desire to learn took him to a new instrument, the flute, and it was this instrument that made him an icon amongst Latin music lovers.
With the Fania All-Stars, Pacheco found his mark and became the sun of the Latin music universe. His pioneering spirit made him a respected band leader and his partnership with Jerry Masucci brought Salsa to every corner of the
planet.
As co-founder of FANIA Records, Johnny Pacheco launched the careers of many of the young stars that became fixtures on the label, such as Ruben Blades, Hector Lavoe, Cheo Feliciano, Willie Colon, and Pete 'El Conde' Rodriguez amongst many others. Furthermore, his capacity as a great musician was instrumental in turning Celia Cruz into 'The queen of Salsa.'
A true legend, Pacheco has nine Grammy nominations, ten Gold records and numerous awards that have recognized his talent and serve as an everlasting tribute to his creative talent as composer, arranger, bandleader, and producer. In addition, Johnny Pacheco has received many awards for his extraordinary genius.
As a founder of the Fania All-Stars era, Johnny Pacheco has secured a place as one of the most important Latin musicians of all time.
Tickets for the concert are now on sale! For more information you can contact Ticketmaster outlets, or go online at Ticketmaster and MSG.
Time: Friday 20th October 2006. 8:00 pm.
Venue: Theater At Madison Square Garden. New York, USA.
Cost: Go to Ticketmaster.
That's all for now. See you tomorrow.
Aubrey
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17-10-2006 9:21 pm - More Salsa News, Salsa News, Salsa News!!
1. London UK.
i. Scala Latina upcoming dates.
These are the future dates for the Scala Latina upcoming Salsa events.
Saturday 4th November 2006 (Firework Special).
There will be showcases from Lula and Patricia, The Alchemy Dance Company (to be confirmed) and The Duende Dance Company. Plus more to be announced.
Saturday 23rd December 2006.
(The Latin Collective Xmas Party). Showcases from Diablo Dance Company (winners of the European Team Dance competition at the recent UK Salsa Congress 2006) and more to be announced.
Watch this space.
ii. More on Irene Miguel of MamboLifestyle.
Irene Miguel, salsa champion, fitness instructor, professional dancer, teacher, choreographer and performer combines a lifetime’s experience of dance and fitness with a profound desire to help individuals to reach their goals and improve their lives. She is ideally qualified to have co-created a training programme that does more than just help you to dance better.
She began her dance training at the age of six in her homeland of Argentina. She studied ballet, jazz and contemporary dance and both performed and taught from a young age. She moved to the UK in 1991 and danced for prestigious companies such as Sadlers Wells in London.
She began dancing salsa in 1993 and was asked to teach for top Latin promoters such as Elder Sanchez. She formed two performance groups La Linamica ('the dynamic') and Ahora Si ('right now') with a range of top dancers from the capital’s growing scene. During this time she worked with Robert Charlemagne, Homero Gonzalez, Leon Rose, Tamambo, Susana Montero, SuperMario, Laith Sami and a host of others.
In 1998 she discovered New York "On 2" style mambo when Descarga Latina first performed in the UK. She studied with leading New York teachers such as Nelson Flores and Eddie Torres and found that mambo brought together the professional side of dancing the lines, beauty and elegance with the flavour of salsa, in a way that she craved and had never experienced before.
In New York she met Edgard Del Rosario in 2000 and they became dance partners and began teaching and performing all over the world. They spent four years developing the MamboLifestyle system and Irene has led the launch of the training system and DVD in London in 2006.
More on Irene Miguel tomorrow.
2. Sydney, Australia. Fiesta Latina.
Direct from Brazil and for the first time in Australia. Brazilian dance sensation Kadu Piris and Larissa Thayane will perform at Fiesta Latina kicking off their first Australian tour.
There will be seven hours of dancing to the rhythms of two of the best Latino bands (TNT Latinoz and Armandito Y Su Travason,) four of the hottest DJs (Williesabor, AV El Cubano, Ronnie 100% Latino and DJ Dwight "Chocolate" Escobar), two of the sexiest MCs (MC Carlos Velazquez and Rebecca Tapia) and six Spectacular shows featuring some of the best Latino Dance Schools in town (with Suave Latin Productions, Ruedisima Latin Dance Co. including Jaime Jesus, Latin Dance Australia, Latin Motion Dance Academy with Oliver Pineda, Salsa Republic and Picante Latin Dance).
Location: - Petersham RSL, 7 Regent Street Petersham, Sydney, Australia.
Time: - Saturday 21st October 2006. 8:00 pm -3:00 pm.
Admission: For more info see Fiesta Latina 21st October 2006 or Fiesta Latina web site.
See you tomorrow.
Aubrey
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18-10-2006 7:10 pm - And even more Salsa News!!
1.UK.
i. Manchester. Salsology's new Salsa Event Night.
The latest Salsa event by Salsology, Manchester's premier Salsa event organiser run by the talented Emma Moore, will be in association with the Circle Club every Wednesday from 7pm until midnight. There will be FREE Club Dancing. Launch night was last night but do not worry. This event is weekly so they will be back next week and every week thereafter.
There will be an 8 week Salsa course for complete beginners starting 1st November introducing you to the fun and fiery world of the Latin dance and a drop in Improvers class for those already dancing Salsa.
Taking place every Wednesday at the Circle, the course will guide you through the essentials to get you dancing with confidence followed by Salsa club dancing until midnight to the latest and greatest of Salsa, Cha Cha Cha & Bachata.
Features from next week 25th October 2006 for 2 weeks only:
- For the first 2 weeks of Salsology @ the Circle we will be providing free Beginners Salsa classes for all. No need to book. Class will start at 7:00pm.
To purchase a beginners course please Click Here. Members of the Circle Club please select the Members button, you will need to show your membership card on arrival at the front desk and non-members please select the non-members button.
- Classes for both Complete Beginners and Improvers On2 .
- FREE Club Dancing 9pm - Midnight.
- No partner required.
- Meet new people in a friendly, relaxed environment.
- Two-left-footed (or right-footed) welcome!
DJs are Emma Moore and Mambomagic. The teachers are Mushi and Katie Nicolau.
Time: - Every Wednesday. 7:00 pm to midnight.
Location: - Circle Club, 13 Barton Arcade, Barton Square, Manchester, M3 2BB. Tel: - 0161 839 9767
(The Circle is behind Cafe Nero and inside St Anne's Sq).
Admission: - Beginner Class 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm - 8 week course = £40. Improvers On2 Class. 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm - £5 per class. FREE club dancing from 9:00 pm until midnight.
For more on Salsology's next event please see Salsology
ii. London. More on Irene Miguel.
Irene began studying dance at the age of six in her native Argentina. Despite teaching and performing at salsa events across the globe with some of the most famous names in the business and now launching her own system of dance training, she is a down to earth Buddhist, whose driving force is to make people happy at root level through their dancing.
Irene was destined to be a professional dancer, having trained from childhood in ballet, jazz and contemporary dance and working with revered companies such as Sadlers Wells when she first arrived in London in 1991. She also trained in fitness instruction and her interest in health grew as she strove to heal herself and others. This understanding of the need for a healthy approach to both body and mind began to form the basis for her personal approach to teaching.
She fell into teaching salsa almost by accident, having been asked by Jackson’s Lane Community Centre, in North London, to take their salsa classes whilst she was pitching for professional dance teaching work. It was during a rumba show with Homero Gonzalez whose dance company she worked for that Irene was spotted by Elder Sanchez, who asked her to teach for him.
Irene formed two dance companies in London. A group called La Linamica and another called Ahorasi. It was a breeding ground for today’s big salsa names. Among her dancers was a young Laith Sami and Leon Rose.
As well as travelling to New York to train in on2, Irene’s international reputation was growing and she was regularly teaching workshops in countries including Spain, Holland, Switzerland and Sweden. Puerto Rican salsa congress organiser Eli Irrizary spotted Irene dancing when she was on holiday in her homeland in 1999 and asked her to perform the following year – a group choreography that featured Tamambo, Leon and Susana Montero. It was also in 2000 that she won the European Salsa Championship with Tamambo.
She and Leon then went to New York, originally to perform and it was there that she met Edgard Del Rosario, a dancer and bodybuilder who was to become her partner in creating the dance training system she runs today.
Edgard left the Eddie Torres company who he danced for and he and Irene headed off to the Mediterranean to teach. Irene and Edgard set about developing this revolutionary training approach in London, calling it MamboLifestyle (to avoid confusion with Leon’s ‘salsalife’ web brand name). The pair brought complementary skills to the mix.
But disaster struck in 2002 when Edgard went home to New York to visit his parents and on his return was denied entrance to the UK. Irene and Edgard moved to Miami and then Argentina and spent four years putting together the MamboLifestyle concept in sunnier climes.
With the MamboLifestyle system complete, Edgard returned to New York and Irene moved to London at the beginning of 2006, where she is determined to show anyone who is interested that they can dance. Salsa UK invited Irene to showcase her new system in a workshop at the Brit Salsa Fest in Blackpool in February, which received enormous positive feedback.
Irene chose London as the launchpad for MamboLifestyle because she feels indebted to the city that gave her more opportunities as a dancer and teacher than anywhere else.
She ran a weekly course which culminated in a performance slot at the recent 2006 UK Salsa Congress in September. Irene will be bringing over some of her dancers from Argentina to assist with the training programme and as examples of the system’s success.
Details of her MamboLifestyle Course:
Location: - Expressions Dance Studios. Linton House, 39 - 55 Highgate Road, Kentish Town, London, NW5.
Time: - November, 2006. For more details please see Irene Miguel.
Admission: - £10.00 per 2 hour session.
For more details please see Irene Miguel.
See you tomorrow.
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.
19-10-2006 9:28 pm - Upcoming Salsa Events!!
1.UK.
i. Hertfordshire. SalsaQ on Saturday 21st October 2006.
SalsaQ is here again. There are 3 1-hour classes:
- 7:00 pm - 7:40 pm. Styling for men and women. Have fun with salsa styling and movements.
- 7:50 pm - 8:35 pm. Rueda. 3 levels. Beginners, Intermediate and S Advanced.
- 8:45 pm - 9:45 pm. Turn-pattern partnerwork. L1 through L5 including Absolute Beginners to Advanced.
Then partying, food, licensed bar from 9:45 pm - 1:00 pm.
Cheap bar and home cooked food in a superb venue with separate bar. Dance to sizzling salsa beats from the hot DJ Duo 2Vibrant (Ben & Basil) on a fantastic sprung dance floor. Room for 400 dancers.
Get a free ticket. Many of you got a free ticket last time by booking on line. It's simply, easy and secure.
Go to the Ticket Shop Online for details. Book up 10 paid people, and receive a free ticket.
Time: - Saturday 21st October, 2006. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Classes 7:00 pm - 9:45 pm. Then club until 1:00 am.
Location: - Hitchin Town Hall, Brand St, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 1HX.
Admission: - £10 includes 3 hours of workshops. £7.00 after 9:30 pm.
ii. London. The Best of The Cuban Music Awards on Sunday 29th October 2006.
Enjoy a Cocktail of Class & Sabor. Habana Club presents some of the most exciting acts from this year's Cubadisco, the island's most prestigious music event. This year's Cuban Music Awards presents direct from Cuba:
- Yoruba Andabo - 15 piece Grammy Award Winners make their debut in London with a performance of traditional Afro-Cuban percussion, vocals and dance.
- Changui Santiago - One of Cuba's finest Changui Ensembles, bringing Cuban dance party music to life with an array of traditional Cuban instruments.
- Papo Record - Winner of 'Best Newcomer' from the Cuban Music Awards, Papo Record is the new Cuban hip-hop and reggaeton sensation.
For tickets please go to Cuban Music Awards or TicketWeb.
Time: - Sunday 29th October, 2006. Doors open at 6:00 pm. First band on at 7:00 pm.
Location: - Floridita, 100 Wardour Street, Soho, London W1.
Admission: - £15 includes a complimentary Havana Club Cocktail.
2. USA.
Los Angeles. Mama Juana's on Sunday 22nd October 2006.
Live. - The "Mariachiks" Mariachi Dinner Show. Hosted by Cazadores
Cazadores & Mama Juana's bring you a special evening. "The Mariachiks" Mariachi Dinner Show with a 10 piece Female Mariachi Group.
Mariachi is a type of musical group, originally from Mexico. Usually a mariachi group consists of at least two violins, two trumpets, one Spanish guitar, one vihuela (a high-pitched, five-string guitar) and one guitarrón (a small-scaled acoustic bass), but sometimes featuring more than twenty musicians.
Indulge yourself, friends and family to an exclusive evening filled with great entertainment, exquisite food, and drink specials all in one place.
Make your reservations Today!
Tel: Studio City 818 - 505 - 8636.
Email: karla@mamajuanas.com.
Website.
Time: - Sunday 22nd October, 2006. 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm.
Location: - Mama Juana's Latin Lounge, 3707 Cahuenga Boulevard, Studio City, CA 91604.
Admission: - $10.
More news for you again tomorrow.
Aubrey
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20-10-2006 9:37 pm - Weekend Salsa Clubs!!!
Salsa Clubs on This Weekend.
1. UK.
- Bar Rez. London.This happens every Saturday except the last Saturday of the month when it hosts Salsa Republic next door at the Colesseum.
Please see Bar Rez 1 and Bar Rez 2.
- Scala. London. Now on monthly. This is the first event.
Please see Scala.
- SalsaQ. Hertfordshire.
Please see SalsaQ.
2. Australia.
- Vivaz. Salsa Dance Club Restaurant - Sydney. Saturday 21st October.
Please see Vivaz.
- Amigos Salseros@ LDA Dance Studio. Suite A, 263 Broadway Rd, Broadway (Close to Glebe Point Rd.)
Dancing 9:00 pm till late. Cost $10.
Please see Amigos Salseros.
3. USA.
- LA. La Granada. Saturday 21st October 2006.
This is run by Albert Torres in association with Enio Cordoba.
Please see La Granada
- Miami. Born to Salsa Social. Saturday 21st October.
This is on the 3rd Saturday of every month.
Please see Born to Salsa Social for more details.
See you soon.
Aubrey
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22-10-2006 4:52 pm - What's coming on the Salsa Scene!!!
1.UK.
i. MamboCity.
MamboCity are hosting a series of Saturday Specials.
- Ealing Town Hall. Saturday 28th October 2006.
This features new dance group Alchemy Dance Company (led by Marchant Birch) who will be giving a special dance performance.
- MamboCity @the Crown Moran Hotel. Saturday 18th November 2006.
DJ's Julian the Duke and Cruz.
- Prodigal. Christmas Party. Saturday 9th December 2006.
MamboCity's yearly Christmas Party will be held at the Prodigal. Wear something red.
See MamboCity Saturdays for more details.
ii. Scala Latina. Future upcoming dates.
These are the future dates for the Scala Latina upcoming Salsa events.
- Saturday 4th November 2006 (Firework Special).
There will be showcases from Lula and Patricia, The Alchemy Dance Company (to be confirmed) and The Duende Dance Company. Plus more to be announced.
- Saturday 23rd December 2006.
(The Latin Collective Xmas Party).
Showcases from Diablo Dance Company (winners of the European Team Dance competition at the recent UK Salsa Congress 2006), Shelly and Lee, The Samba Girls plus Guest Bachatta Class with Tony and Daniella and guest DJ Tony Lara.
- Saturday 6th January 2007.
3 stunning showcases, guest DJs plus the stunning SuziQ Fashion Show featuring the Salsa Scenes hottest models.
Watch this space for more dates.
2. USA.
Oscar D'Leon. California.
Albert Torres Productions and Salsarengue present Oscar D'Leon in concert. There are two different dates on Wednesday 22nd November and Saturday 25th November 2006.
Please see Albert Torres Events for more details and Ticket Fiesta to purchase a ticket.
See you tomorrow.
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.
24-10-2006 5:16 am - More upcoming Events on the Salsa Scene!!
1.UK.
i. Salsa Fusion.
Salsa Fusion's next event will be on Saturday 4th November 2006. There will be a free class with Mina (Queen Salsa).
Please see Salsa Fusion for more details.
ii. Mambo City. 5 Star London Congress.
This event, run by Jean and Robert White will be held at the Radisson Hotel, Heathrow, on 27th 30th April 2006.
On show will be Eddie Torres and the Eddie Torres Dancers (USA), Tito and Tamara (Puerto Rico), Marchant Birch with his Alchemy dance Company and many more.
Please see 5 Star London Congress for more details.
iii. BritSalsafest.
This, the 2nd such event, run by Paul Young and Salsasology (Emma Moore and company) will be held on 2nd - 4th February 2006.
The first event this year was a roaring success and the future events can only get better.
On show will be Edie the Salsa Freak (LA), Hacha Y Machete (Boston, USA), Swing Guys (Italy), Leon Rose and Susan Montero (UK) and many more.
For more details please see BritSalsafest.
2. USA. Las Vegas
The 2nd Annual World Salsa Championship organised by Albert Torres and the Salsa Seven will be held in Las Vegas on 13th - 16th December 2006 @ South Coast Point Hotel & Casino.
Las Vegas Welcomes the best Salsa Dancers competing in the TV Dance Show of the year for over $20,000 In Cash & Prizes.
See 2nd World Salsa Championships for more details.
3. Japan.
Japan Salsa Congress 2006
This the 8th Japan Salsa Congress will be held on 27th - 29th Oct 2006.
On show will be Junior and Emily, Swing Guys, Yumalee Dance Company and more.
Please see Japan Salsa Congress 1 or Japan Salsa Congress 2 for more details.
That's all for now. See you tomorrow.
Aubrey
P. S. Would you like to get these Salsa updates sent to you automatically?
Then please subscribe as shown at the top of this page or go to Subscribe Me where a full explanation is given.
24-10-2006 9:21 pm - The latest Salsa Congress News!!
1. USA.
San Francisco.
The 5th Annual San Francisco Bay Area Salsa Congress will be on 16th - 19th November 2006 and is produced by Albert Torres in association with Pretty Boys and Girls.
It starts with a Pre-Congress party featuring SF's hottest band, Avance.
Dance until 4 AM in the morning! All events held at the Oakland Marriott City Convention Center.
Performers and instructors include Hacha Y Machete (Boston), Al & Karla Espinoza (LA), Ruby Karen (LA), Junior and Emily (SF), Swing Guys (Italy) and many more.
Please see SF Bay Salsa Congress 2006 for more details.
2. Central America.
Acapulco, Mexico.
The 2nd Annual Acapulco Mexico Salsa Congress takes place on 30th November - 3rd December 2006. This is organised by Albert Torres in association with Victor and Gaby.
Performers include Josie Neglia and Jose Valencia (LA), Jayson Molina (Puerto Rico), Alex DeSilva (LA) and many more.
Please see Acapulco Mexico Salsa Congress 2006 for more details.
More news for you again tomorrow.
Aubrey
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26-10-2006 12:43 am - More Salsa News!!
1.UK.
Blackpool. BritSalsafest.
i. Get Your Tickets Now.
Tickets prices go up on 1st November 2006. So get your tickets at this low price NOW.
Please go to Buy BritSalsafest Tickets and Ticket Prices.
ii. Volunteers Needed.
Dedicated, reliable volunteers based in the North West are needed, to work over the weekend. In return for your work during the weekend, you will have access to all workshops, shows and parties at the Brit Salsafest when you are not working, plus you will gain valuable work experience at one of the UK’s largest salsa events.
Priority would be given to people who can drive and would be happy to pick up artists from airports on the way to and from the event. In addition, people to help with registration, workshop stewarding, backstage and on the Help Desk are needed.
Volunteers will need to attend an informal interview session and a training session between now and the event.
If you are interested, please send your contact details to: info@britsalsafest.com.
2. Australia.
Melbourne.
i. Salsa In The City @ The Park Hyatt returns this Friday 27th October 2006.
After 2 months this popular Salsa venue returns. So go along this Friday otherwise you'll miss out for another month.
The featured Latin Big Band is 'Grupo Bahia' and Melbourne's favourite Salsa Dura DJ Rafael.
A new entry fee of $20 now applies (includes a $7 Drink Card).
Doors 10:00 pm -2:00 am.
Dress code: Sharp and sexy.
Location: Park Hyatt Melbourne, 1 Parliament Sq Melb MEL REF 2GA2.
ii. Melbourne Eve Cup - Monday 6th November 2006.
This will be another massive Latin dance party you cannot miss. So if you're not leaving the city this weekend, the Melbourne Salsa birthday bash will be the place to be!
Featuring:
- Grupo Bahia - The original Latin Big Band. 20 years on still packing the Salsa Halls!
- The Amazing Eluga - A Professional Dance Show.
- Mr Percussion - Michael Carmona. Supported by Melbourne's favourite Salsa DJ Rafael and Friends.
Only 400 tickets are available. Book your group now! Telephone: 0414446794. Tickets are available this Friday from The Park Hyatt.
Tickets $25 (includes one standard drink).
Doors 9:00 pm - 1:00 am.
Location: Ormond Hall, 557 St Kilda Rd Melbourne. (Adjacent to Belgium Beer Cafe, enter via Moubray St).
That's all for now. See you tomorrow.
Aubrey
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27-10-2006 6:43 am - Salsa This Weekend!!!
1.UK.
i. MamboCity.
Mambo City start a series of Saturday night clubs at various venues. The first one is at the Ealing Town Hall with special guest instructor and Performance by Marchant Birch and his Alchemy Dance Company.
Please see Mambo City Saturday for more details.
ii. Cuban Salsa Congress.
The first of the Cuban Salsa Congresses by Cubamemucho starts this Friday 27th October to Sunday 29th October 2006. This is as opposed to the other Cuban Salsa Congress run by Havana Nights which is on next weekend from 3rd - 6th November 2006.
Choices eh? Perhaps they should pool their resources and have just one Cuban Salsa Congress. However it means you can choose. One is in London this weekend and the other is in Wales next weekend.
For more details on Cubamemucho Salsa Congress, please see Cubamemucho Cuban Salsa Congress, London.
For Havana Nights Salsa Congress please see Havana Nights Cuban Salsa Congress, Wales for more details.
iii.Colesseum.
However if you want something that is tried and tested, then the monthly Salsa Republic at the Colosseum is on this weekend.
Time: - Saturday 28th October, 2006. Doors open at 9:00 pm. Class starts at 9:45 pm. Club until 3:00 am.
Location: - 1 Nine Elms Lane Vauxhall, London, SW8, UK.
Admission: - £10.00 (£8.00 NUS with ID).
See Club Colosseum 1, Club Colosseum 2 or El Grande for more details.
See you soon.
Aubrey
P. S. Would you like to get these Salsa updates sent to you automatically?
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30-10-2006 5:15 am - More Salsa Congress News!!
1. UK.
i. London.
Paul Young the UK's No. 1 Salsa Congress Promoter will be travelling around the world to give his opinion on some of the many Salsa Congresses. He will review them and give news on any new Salsa talents that arise.
His first stops are the Lion Congress in Geneva (which happened this weekend just gone) and SF Salsa Congress in the city which is rivaling Los Angeles for new Salsa talent. He will scouting these and other Salsa Congress's for any new talent around.
ii. Blackpool.
The next big Salsa Congress in the UK is the BritSalsafest on 2nd - 4th February 2006. Tickets prices go up on 1st November 2006. So get your tickets at this low price here.
2. USA.
i. San Francisco.
The SF Salsa Congress promoted by Albert Torres and Pretty Boys and Girls will be from 16th November - 19th November 2006.
ii. Las Vegas.
The 2nd World Salsa Cha |
