I have been asked to put out the word that an organization is requesting opinions on which Salsa DJs in Iowa you like the best! There are new salsa events being created and THEY would like your opinions on who do you think would be the best DJ.

We all have gone to most of the events here in Iowa, and have probably heard most of the DJs play. You can voice your opinions here (comments), or in the forums or as last resort, send us an email at apersaud@gmail.com

The DJs being considered are Henry, Sergio, Raphael and Julian. If you are a DJ and would like to be considered as well, please contact Addicted2Salsa.com using the contact form.

To vote on your favorite DJ, please vote here: http://addicted2salsa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=26#26

The video trailer for Hector Lavoe “El Cantante” Movie can be found here.

Well, Jennifer Lopez appeared on The Tonigth Show, with Jay Leno promoting one of her movies. This movie is basically the life and tragedy of the Puerto Rican salsa singer, Hector Lavoe. For those who are new to the salsa scene and music, Hector Lavoe, known by his nicknames “El Cantante” (The Singer) and “La Voz” (The Voice), was a salsa singer in the 70’s (the golden era of salsa), who sang with a lot of high profile names such as Willie Colon and many others under the Fania brand record label. It was he who really and truly defined the salsa sound that we listen to today.

According to Lopez, Marc Anthony will be playing Hector Lavoe in the movie ‘El Cantante’ (2006), while she will be playing Hector’s wife. In addition, Lopez is now going back to Puerto Rico to finish filiming the film and it might actually be distributed all over the US as a major motion picture. (I personally hope this is true).

For those who might not known, this will probably be the major motion picture version of the play named “Who Killed Hector Lavoe”… but that is not for sure since the movie is named ‘El Cantante’.. but of course, we all know he dies anyways…

It is interesting to note that because of the new movie that is coming out, a new website has been created about the famous singer: http://www.hectorlavoe.com

For more information about the movie: click here

Hotel Fort Des Moines was a great event! It was an amazing night (if you missed it, you missed A LOT!). But, if you went, and it was your first time — not to worry, you can learn more salsa dance moves from us in Ames, IA.

Addicted2Salsa Dance Lessons
Where: 2228 Lincoln Way, Memorial Union, Ames IA (Oak Room)
Time: 7pm Beginner (no experience required, no partner necessary)
8:15pm Intermediate
Cost: $3 per lesson
Instructor: Anthony Persaud

Tell your friends and bring them along!

Since we’ve all been to a few parties by now; there are some things we begin to notice that determine how good a time we will get for our money. This post just deals with characteristics of great DJs. These are just three things that I think great DJs always do at salsa dances.

Playing Music For The Dancers

These guys know that most of the people don’t come to sit. These DJs play the music that keeps the dancefloor packed.

Letting The Songs End Completely

For these types of parties, great DJs know that the songs need to have an end. It can be frustrating when one song gets mixed into another and the couples just keep dancing. Sure…. they can just stop dancing, but a lot of people I’ve talked to find it awkward to stop in the “middle” of a song. I think there is a fear of seeming rude. When the song ends, people can say thank you and part ways, or make a joint decision to stay on the floor. Either way, there is no miscommunication.

Giving The Dancers Variation (fast, slow, etc.)

For me this applies to the salsa selections made by the DJ. Everyone has a different mix of their favorite songs (old school, new school, fast, slow, etc.). Varying the genre and speed of salsa songs during the night gives everyone a chance to enjoy the music in their own way on the floor.

I hope that others will post their opinions about what makes a great party; whether it be DJs, dance space, lighting, etc. I think anybody organizing a latin dance event will either benefit from the feedback and/or see how things that may seem so small can make such a big difference. Thanks for reading and keep dancing.

You can talk, get music recommendations, ask about nightclubs, ask an instructor a dance question…. and much much more. This is to make the salsa community larger — for people who are always trying to find other people to go to places and/or go latin dancing. All these resources are for you, so you can stay engaged and motivated in salsa!

Need a ride to Chicago Salsa Congress? Need to get some El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico songs? Want to know if a nightclub in Iowa is worth driving 35 miles for? Its hopefully all here! The website is: http://forums.addicted2salsa.com

Remember that the new website for addicted2salsa is http://www.addicted2salsa.com

Thank you to all who noted me that the website was down! (I was in Puerto Rico, and the server crashed). Anyways, Happy New Year to all, and I have good feelings about 2006 — expect many great things from us!

If you have events that you would like to be posted on the website, please do so (from our website). This way, new dancers looking for places to dance in Iowa, have an updated list of events!

We will begin hosting lessons here in Ames, IA in a little bit — we will let you know on our website.