The Windmill Combo with Ladies’ Styling

In this episode of Addicted2Salsa salsa dance video lessons, we will show you how to perform a basic salsa windmill combination into what we call the hourglass copa. The Windmill is very similar to other moves you have done that require an cross-body lead with an outside turn, except this is just a variation in styling of that basic move. The hourglass copa is based off of basic copa move (a.k.a in-and-out), except that the lead requires the use of two points of contact on the ladies shoulder blades. At the end, Julie will break down some basic ladies styling techniques when performing this move. Finally having a womans voice in the video is refreshing! More videos at: http://videos.addicted2salsa.com

The best salsa dance site is now finished!

Well, we have used wordpress for a while, but we have finally finished the new website which will contain all the latest information, including salsa video podcasts, the salsa youtube gallery, our salsa dance forums and much, much more….

So, please change your bookmarks to

addicted2salsa.com

Apple TV IPod Latin Ad : Mi Swing Es Tropical [UPDATED]

Now, I’m a big Apple fan. It is not that i’m a “fanboy” about their computers – it is just that I appreciate (and addicted) to good design, quality products and effect user interfaces. I also admire Steve Jobs.

Now, with that disclaimer and biased opinion of mine out of the way – I’m very glad they are putting more Latin music in their marketing. They just finished releasing a new IPod advertisement that features some Latin musicians and dancers with a bit more Latin feel to it than most of their previous commercials. If you did not know about Apple Inc, they are the ones that made that amazing little device that all of us salsero(a)s enjoy: the iPod .

With that said, you can spot a couple of salsa dancer silhouettes in the commercial. I am really digging the colors they also chose for the atmosphere.

You can view the full commercial here. This is my favorite IPod commercial to date! Thanks Steve! 🙂

Featuring Mi Swing Es Tropical by Nickodemus & Quantic featuring Tempo

Download

[UPDATED]: Posted the video from YouTbe (since Apple replaced with a Beatles ad). Also found the original music video of the full song.
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Salsa Tag Team : All about teamwork..

If you haven't seen this video, well you are in for a treat. The guys from Salsa y Control (at least one of them) were dancing with Magna at the 2007 DC Salsa Congress. It's pretty impressive because she ends up being lead by both of them at the same time. Now, I've seen this type of thing done before (where they switch off), but this time, it's truly at the same time. This is a good definition of team work because some of these moves are pretty intricate and therefore hard to coordinate with two different styled dancers. Anyways, enjoy!

More Random Stuff : Might Morphin’ Salsa Ranger.. [Updated]

As you know, we ended up going to Los Angeles (2007) West Coast Salsa Congress a couple of weeks ago. To my surprise, I ended up meeting someone that I 'knew' from my childhood. As you can already tell, I used to watch this show called the Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers – old kid's tv show where these teenagers had special powers to do some ninja butt-kicking. Anyways, to my surprise at the salsa congress – the Black Power Ranger now does salsa! His name is Walter Jones (known as Zack in the MMPR). I got a chance to meet him and talk to him for a bit on the saturday night event.

Who would have imagined? Well after doing a little more research, it ends up being he is pretty big in the LA Salsa scene. Even so – they were the 2004 Mayan World Salsa Champions! Impressive! I have a deep respect for people who support salsa. And for an actor (celebrity) to also be very supportive of the salsa scene requires great praise from all of us. It more than what most do.

[Updated] You can see his mad ranger skills (aerials) here:

Addicted2Salsa on Facebook..

Well, you know it was going to arrive at some point. A lot of people are in myspace. Now a lot of people are on facebook. Well, to make it fair for everyone on facebook to show some Addicted2Salsa group love – I created a world group for the website on Facebook. If you have an account you can sign up to the group and upload your photos and say hi. Have fun with it. But regardless of whether you use MySpace or Facebook, we are all addicted2salsa.

 

Salsa Vintage : Our Latin Thing..

I have come to realize that the videos that I have come to enjoy the most are the ones that provide me an emotional connection to the past of salsa. Sometimes I wonder if this is my 'second' life since somehow watching these vintage videos makes me flashback to a time I was never born.

This video shows you a little more about the history of salsa. Selling Puerto Rican food cooked by the community. No big stage for the band. The crowd is all on the streets listening and feeling the music. The performers are playing on the small steps to a church. This is part of the old essence of the culture of salsa. The People's Salsa. Not commercialized. Powerful lyrics. The singers are still human, while iconic. In a time when Latino immigrants came to New York to find a better life, there always remained a sense of 'no matter what, we still have each other'. 

Nice Tribute : Hector Lavoe iTunes Essentials

Browsing through iTunes on this Sunday afternoon – behold what I find. The nice people at Apple/iTunes made a great compilation of all the Hector Lavoe music that is available for purchase. I guess all my mass emailing and complaining paid off!

Now, I'm very happy for this because this means either two things: they have someone who is thinking about salsa music as separate to regular Alternative Latino Rock music, or they know that the new Hector Lavoe Movie is coming out and hence want to capitalize on people wanting to purchase his music.

Now of course I know it's the second reason, but hey – you can't complain when you are getting more Hector Lavoe Music.  Enjoy!

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 🙂 ).