A Weekend in Salsa : The 2007 West Coast Salsa Congress

So, after taking the rest of the video and editing it, I'm happy to start off a new series (that hopefully will continue). I had watched a DVD called On2005 A Year in Mamboland, and I decided to use it as inspiration on how to show all the nice video clips of social dancing at the 2007 West Coast Salsa Congress in Los Angeles California. I title this series: A Weekend in Salsa. I like the name because that usually when most of us go out for salsa during the week. Additionally, that is when most of the salsa congress events occur. Now, I have no real background in directing/production/editing so I did my best for my first shot. This is mainly for you guys to enjoy the dancing that goes on a salsa congresses during the night events. Again, please enjoy!

Apple Launches iTunes Plus : DRM-Free Salsa Music

This is the day when the salsa-shoe hits the fan. I'm very excited to have gotten an email this morning about how Apple Inc. with record companies have decided to start selling DRM free music on their iTunes Plus music site. This is really exciting because soon, anyone with or without an iPod can buy salsa/latin music from the iTunes store and enjoy it anywhere they are. Not all of the music will be available DRM free, but supposedly by year's end, over 50% will be DRM Free and in higher quality. As far as score goes: Apple 1, RIAA 0.

UPDATE: For those who didn't know – DRM is Digital Rights Management. Basically they are the 'controls' the Record Industry Association of America has put so that people do not freely distribute music and protect against piracy. It's that pesky little thing that they put on the stuff you buy that prevents you from using YOUR music the way you are supposed to use it.

Hacha y Machete Workshop at LA Salsa Congress 2007

Well, in my neverending quest to be the first to bring you the videos from the 2007 West Coast Salsa Congress in Los Angeles, California – here is an awesome workshop given by the famous duo Hacha y Machete . Now, Victor is a very smooth dancer – so I'm not sure whether he's the Hacha (Axe) or the Machete, however, you can see what they taught us. It was a slick and smooth combinations that has subtle flavor of style in regular moves to spice up any combination you currently have. Now, watch the video and pay VERY CLOSE attention to Victor when they do the pattern. He uses his hands to point and look – which causes the observer to look where he's looking causing a more stylish pattern. This is because it draws your attention from his hand switching and when you look back to the pattern – something else has happened. Magicians use this trick all the time. (See time -2:26). You can also see how he uses his subtle leg kicks to flavorize regular simple moves (see -1:41 and -1:35) . Another thing I enjoy is the subtle things – such as when he's starting to do the pattern with music, he drops slightly on his crossbody lead (at -0:53 seconds). See what else you can catch from the pattern – and practice. They are the best in stylized body-movement. 

Here is Victor and Serena Cuevas social dancing at the Congress event:

More 2007 LA Salsa Congress Dance Videos….

So, still editing the HOURS of videos I took from the LA Salsa Congress this past weekend. Now, because of bandwidth limitations, I won't be able to post all the video footage I took, however I will try and make a montage on the best that I took. I have already posted some of the videos of the addicted2salsa members dancing in the forums . Here I present a few more:

First of all, here is some style that is specifically of the city of Los Angeles. Here is the famous Alex Da Silva dancing with his partner at the LA Salsa Congress. While I'm not a big fan of the LA Style – he still makes it look like you want to learn it. Simply incredible.

Next, we have a dancer who I will name 'RuedaMan' becuase I really don't know his name, but I know he's very big into the salsa rueda part of salsa. Here he is testing his cuban-style skills with a pair of girls.

Last but not least, we have one of our very own 'Flare' dancing with the famous Angel Rivera from A Time To Dance Studio . Angel is an awesome dancer, very good smooth style with a lot of simple flavor. His style is amazing to watch because while he adds flavor to the dance, he still remains precise on his patterns and has incredible speed – even on carpet. I'll stop complimenting him there cause I don't want him to think I'm kissing-up. j/k.

Salsa Technicals : Playing with the music … Alex Lima

Well, got back from LA Congress (in one piece). However, more on that story (and its videos later on). However, I'd like to talk about playing with the music – since I finally found some video that someone took of Alex Lima one of my favorite solo dancers that really understand how to choreograph to the music. His solo choreography is amazingly fast, precise and fun to watch. I saw Alex Lima perform at Palm Springs several months ago, but at that time I was without a camera. Regardless, pay attention to the song that is being played as he dances to it. Notice how the footwork and body movements are nicely synchronized to the fluidness of the song. Of course, this is a video – but I remembered watching it live was an amazing experience.

Salsa a-la Cubana – A cuban style look at salsa

Now I found this interesting video on youtube that I really like a lot. We usually talk about Salsa/Mambo NY style salsa on most of these articles, and I thought it might be nice to show a good clip on how other salsa styles look like. Now, I have posted some videos previously on how cuban rueda salsa looks like – however this video is a better representation on how the Cuban-Salsa style partnering dynamic works. Most of the dance is very circular in comparison to regular salsa which is a slot-dance. Additionally the cuban-style of salsa integrates a lot of Casino rueda aspects as well as some cumbia aspects (specifically the back-to-back step). Anyways, since I'm in LA for the congress, I'll keep this article short – so enjoy the video:

Now for something interesting : So You Think You Can Dance?

Now, I do not watch a lot of TV – that is because I'm very picky on the shows I pick. Then again, this is coming from a guy who watches Family Guy and Futurama. Anyways, one of my favorite "Reality" shows will be premiering tomorrow night called So You Think You Can Dance. Now, it could be because I find the ladies who dance (and appear on the show) to be attractive – but of course I have more class than that… I think. I do like this show a lot better than the more adult show 'Dancing With The Stars' which I really do not consider a dance show at all.

This show tends to show the more talented and true side to various dances. You will see people actually dance, and integrate their own unique style in every routine. This is probably the best show that everyone who desires to be a better dancer should watch. Watch the performer's faces. Watch the cleanliness of the choreography (which they learn in a matter of hours). Watch what judges look for when they judge choreography. Watch how the dance partners must work together to perform the routine. Watch how they do all of this and more, and still how you what dancing should be – a visual interpretation of the music.

Well, I could go on and on about this – but we are heading to LA tomorrow for the congress, which should have some great dancers. But for those staying home, I suggest you check this show out. Its the American Idol version for us dance lovers. 

Salsa Episode 27 : Salsa Talk on Pain Killers

Well, it has been a while since I had made a podcast, so I decided that while I am sitting here injured in my apartment, I should sit down and talk about things. I ended up going to a club weeks ago and hearing a song that I really liked. However, finding the song took a little longer than normal (yes, even for me). So, with that information in mind, I decided to share with you some of the techniques that I use to find the salsa song I'm looking for. I tried to make this salsa music episode a little more interactive, so we'll see how you like it. However, one note of caution – I was taking pain killers – which is never a good thing when you have me rambling on about salsa…

2007 West Coast Salsa Congress

Now, while I'm on salsa hiatus (because of my injured hand) – I will still be attending the 2007 West Coast Salsa Congress in Los Angeles, CA (May 24th-27th, 2007). I have never been to the LA Congress (and to be honest, I heard last year a lot of people were dissapointed with the event) – but I'm looking forward to experiencing it first hand. I will be there to hopefully capture great dancers and moments, so I can share them with those of you that will not be attending.

I'm really looking forward to one of my favorite bands playing at the event: La Sonora Ponceña (as seen in the left). I think it will be a great event and hopefully I'll see some of you there.

For more info: http://www.alberttorresevents.com/congress/2007/  

Salsa Music : Salsa at Starbucks (Coffee)

This morning (because I'm running late to work), I decided to stop by at Starbucks coffee to grab some simple breakfast and coffee. To my surprise, I walked in and I started listening to salsa music. I ask myself: "Salsa at Starbucks?". Of course the second question was: "Wow, this is real salsa music not that fake stuff they play on cruises..". After asking some questions to the employees (who always seem very happy), I find out that they are selling a new salsa music CD called "Salsa Explosion The Sound of Fania Records ". So, I looked at the cover and the list of songs, and I was impressed. It is a very good selection of songs (all from FANIA Records). So, for the almost everyday question I get emailed on where I could find salsa music – be surprised: Salsa at Starbucks. If you are just getting started or not – it has a good selection of salsa/mambo style dance music that is worth the price. The best part of it is, they have a website where you can sample some of the songs for that CD. Just check it out here .

Juan Matos dancing with Bruju and Peralta – Same performance.

Found another great performance by another pair of great dancers. This is Yesenia Peralta (a great dancer to learn ladies' styling ) and of course Juan Matos. This is a performance for the Mediterranean Salsa Congress a while back ago. In the second video, it seems to be the same performance (with the same song) except with Bruju from Hacha y Machete dancing with Juan Matos at the Puerto Rican Salsa Congress. Can you spot the difference in style? (It is a subtle one). They both are great, but it is interesting to have two videos of the same song, same performance and with the same lead dancer (even though the second video seems to have a more 'recent' Juan Matos). 

Now for some Ladies’ Salsa Styling…

I get asked a lot about putting more ladies styling videos. So, here we go.

Instead of posting regular social dancing videos, I searched for good 'workshop' clips for ladies' styling. Now, with that stated, the best way to learn styling is to really just sit down and pick your favorite dancers and just watch them dance. Analyze every second and count in the music with every body motion. Take a video that you like and replay it – over and over.. and over again… You should try and break down all the details and nuances of why you enjoy a particular styling.

The main tip I would give you ladies is to start with just a few motions and work your way up. Why? Well, what usually happens is that any female who is starting to add styling to her dance will try (sometimes) to add too much styling at once. The main thing to remember is that styling should never affect your partner and your lead's ability to lead. For example, if coming out of a crossbody lead with turn you raise your left hand in the air and it causes you to be off balance, that will affect your leads ability to perform his next pattern. If you feel that is happening, all you have to do is 'tone' down the styling. In the previous example, instead of lifting your hand high, maybe just lift it half way. After a while, moving that hand and knowing your balance will improve, letting you perform the styling with much more finesse. It all just takes time and practice. (I may have to add 'patience' too).

If you find other great ladies' styling videoclips – please add them to our videoclip library (you are helping me out ).

It’s Official – Jennifer Lopez Loves Salsa too….

I guess Jennifer Lopez (Jlo) does not require an introduction. However, Albert Torres probably does. He is a HUGE salsa promoter around the world. I could almost say that he is in charge of most of the high profile salsa congresses around the world, for example, San Francisco Salsa Congress, LA Salsa Congress (West Coast), Chicago Salsa Congress…etc. Well, anyway, I really like this video because it shows that Jennifer Lopez (while a singer and an actress) can actually dance compared to other performers/singers out there. And to tell you the truth, she is smooth and can shake it. Of course it makes me jealous of her husband Marc Anthony. He has my name and a great salsa dancing wife (I hope they don't split up like the rest of hollywood). Regardless, seeing her dance and have fun makes me look forward to the Hector Lavoe Film much more. Man, hopefully I'll become famous some day and test my skills out with Jennifer too. Oh well, a salsero can still dream…

Eddie Torres Dancers – Tribute to Tito Puente

Well, at some point in your salsa lifetime you will hear something about Eddie Torres dancers. I'm here to give you a taste of that background. For those who didn't know, Eddie Torres was the instructor who popularized On2 (the mambo-style On2) in New York. Additionally, he added a lot of more different styles (like pachanga) to his style of salsa. In this video you will see some older Eddie Torres dancers shaking everything they have. Now, why do I say 'older'? Well, because for some statistical and magical reason, most of Eddie Torres' performers now a days wear less clothing. Enjoy!

Salsa Ruda for Two Couples – it is tougher than it looks.

I can attest that dancing rueda is no easy task – especially when there is no 'rueda' (which means 'wheel', or anything 'circular'). Really, the bigger the rueda, the easier it is because the less you have to travel, but just seeing the beginning of this video and seeing them try to switch partners in a rueda square reminds me of the times I tried to do it in a performance. Yep – the memories. This is a fun video I found of Cuban Style Salsa by Osbanis and Rafael over at a salsa even in Russia. (Yes, I was surpsied as well). I'm assuming they use salsa to stay warm.

Salsa Etiquette: Hey mister, could you dance salsa…. with my friend?

It is not even funny how many times this has happened to me (and probably to most of you out there). It was funnier, that when I brought up this story jokingly to some ladies present at practice, most of them didn't realize that some (most?) guys disliked it.

Now, I don't mind dancing with anyone – don't get me wrong. I do my 'volunteer' work to make sure everyone is dancing at a salsa club. Whether you are new to the scene or just a regular, you will be dancing. However, for some reason, some girls believe that its OUR job to dance with whoever they decide, even if they themselves are complete strangers to us and to the scene.

There have been numerous times where I would be at a club, and notice a female approaching (of course I always do). I see her walking towards me, and I think to myself: "Cool, she wants a dance! Let me get ready..". But then, only to be disappointed by the fact that she says: "Hey, could you dance with my friend?". Maybe I'll get the more 'political' version: "Hey, this is my friend <XYZ>, you guys should dance!".  In the very worst case, I get female's boyfriend coming up to me telling me that their girlfriend wants me to dance with them. I then politely ask: "Well, why doesn't she ask herself?" Is it because I prefer assertive women? I don't know.

Now, why do I dislike this general scenario? Well, the whole thing feels like I'm going to Best Buy to buy a TV, but when I get home and open up the box – I find a toaster. It feels like a blind salsa-dance-date. First of all, the person setting the 'dance-date'  and playing salsa matchmaker is a stranger to me. And of course, add the fact that the person I'm being setup with is also a stranger that might or might not want to dance with me (and is being forced by her extroverted friend). Maybe I think that if anyone was really interested in dancing with me, they themselves would be the one asking and not sending a messenger. 

I guess I find it as a double standard as well. I'm not sure I have seen many guys go up to a lady and say – "Hey, you should dance with my friend." I believe that most ladies would find it the same way I do. All of us guys have to muster up the courage (sometimes even have a couple of drinks) in order to ask some ladies to dance. Why? Because that is the set protocol (not that I agree with it 100%). Now why can those ladies be the ones with courage to ask as well? They could be shy – but then I remember that most guys are still shy, and they still have to go through all the fear of rejection and still give it a try.

Maybe it is late night and I'm not making a valid point in explaining to the ladies why some men dislike this. I'll try to 'Role Play', and maybe Rumnet should write another 'DanceCraft ' episode on this. For example, what if I went up to a lady waiting for a dance and imagine a great song just started playing. She might become excited that I'm actually approaching her THINKING that I will ask her to dance. Who knows, maybe she was waiting for me to ask her the whole night and giving me that googly-eyed-look (not that it happens ). But what if instead, I go up to her and say: "Hi, could you dance with my friend?". Hmmmm… let me rephrase that in Anthony interpretation: "Hi, I came over here, and I know you might think I'm going to ask you, but I'm not really interested in dancing with you tonight as you originally assumed… however, I would like you to do me a free favor and sacrifice this song and dance with my beginner friend who might or might not care if he dances with you or not. I think you would enjoy it very much, even though I didn't even ask your name or talked to you briefly before asking you to do this. Anyway, he is OVER there (pointing to someone on the OTHER side of the room). Oh, I may have to add that you might have to do the walking to get to him cause he sure isn't going to come here. Oh – and by the way: Thanks." It feels like a bait and switch .

Now, with some of that said (I guess I vented), how many of the guys out there agree or disagree? Try the forums for your comments.