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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!
A Weekend in Salsa Dancing : The 2007 West Coast Salsa Congres
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.
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.
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, 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.
As I recover from an injury (dancing casualty) in my apartment, I decided 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…
Omelenko (Silencio) - Larry Harlow
Vamonos de Rumba - Conjunto Clasico
Para Ochun - Hector Lavoe
Devorame Otra Vez - Lalo Rodriguez
Don Anastacio - Javier Vazquez
La Cartera - Larry Harlow
Son Para Un Sonero - Quinto Mayor
Figure it out - hint, it is by Sonora Ponceña I meant it’s NOT by Sonora Ponceña even though they mention ‘Papo Lucca’.
Remember - if you ever want to find out the name of a song - you can always try our forums! Please tell people about these artists and support them by buying their music.
[Update] For those dying to find out what #8 is, it was the LIVE version of Lamento de Concepcion by Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound from the album ‘En Vivo Desde Bellas Artes‘.
Listen to: How to figure out what song is playing at the club
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.
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 .
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).
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 ).
Social Comments
guapitisaguda: steps and turns, movement. the complete package. the whole 9
hooknc: What exactly are you asking? Are you asking about cuban body movement? Or are you asking about straight up...
hooknc: Yes, a form of quappea is the standard basic for cuban/casino partner dancing. Rueda is kind of an off-shoot...
dickda: If you are from the States and have tried the semi-sport of bowling you might know about bowling shoes. These...
Madsalsa: I don’t think anyone’s mentioned converse sneakers. I wear them to clubs (the ones that allow...
Anthony Persaud: You might want to check out the facebook page - lots of good replies to your question...
Italo: I’m sure Gabellini are good–I would reccomend the 18.00 pair from Discount Dance Supply for...
j/k.
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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 "
Social Comments