This summer I’m planning on having several ‘fun’ contests for our visitors. What would you guys think would be good prizes? Music? Tickets? Clothing? Shoes?… give me your suggestions here (http://social.addicted2salsa.com)
Updates from April, 2009
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Anthony Persaud
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Salsero92
I agree with what Devilofdarkness said, I’m a guy and I like to do some styling too but there’s not too much in the videos. Mabye sometime could there be a video on some simple hand or foot tricks we can do while dancing? Would be greatly appreciated :]
DEVILOFDARKNESS
Of course, the guys don’t do a lot of styling, and maybe we cannot wait long for videos of the guys styling. I suggest that we should be creative.
OK, so follow these solutions:
1. When you hold the girl with one hand, you can raise the other hand up, or you can spread it out,or you can put it on your heart, or you can put its pointer finger on the forehead.
2. If you dance on 1, you can lightly kick your right foot forward on 7 instead of stepping it forward. If you dance on 2, you can also lightly kick your right foot forward on 3 instead of stepping it forward.These are my ideas (of course, I’ve tested them already).However, I think guys need more stylings to be equal to the gals. Therefore, please test the above solutions and try to find out something new to tell us. Have fun and be creative!
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DEVILOFDARKNESS
When should I lead my partner to do single-spin, double-spins or triple-spins? What does the number of the spin depend on?
Don Vaillancourt
My bet is how she reacts to doing one spin. I think that girls who can do multiple spins will.
DEVILOFDARKNESS
So how will she react? (please tell me if the reaction is like base + acid, acid + salt, base + salt; oh, sorry! That’s because I’m keen on chemistry.)
Mmm, if I dance with someone who smiles all the time (like Julie), how can I know if she reacts?Marie-B
Okay guys… here is a woman’s point of view of the spinning question. Way to many guys think that it’s all about the spinning. Which I partly agree with, I mean a good dancer can spin smoothly without pulling on the guy.
But here’s my problem… When guys see I could spin… they use and abuse of the spinning and it just becomes annoying after a while… I think the number of spins depends on the music… And once again I’m bringing this back to being M.U.S.I.C.A.L ( playing with the music) part of dancing is feeling the music. and way to many dancers forget to do this. Devil let me expalin. When it’s romantic song, spinning multiple times doesn’t look or feel romantic at all so it might not be the right time. As for if you make the girl turn once but the girl does this sensually and romantically it will be nice…
GIRLS NEED BREAKS: WE ARE NOT SPINNING MACHINES!!! and we like other moves as well
Julie
I second Marie-B, but to add:
Ability of the follow – start with a double to see how her speed and balance are
Timing – in a fast song, you may not have time for a triple spin. You have to make sure the follow is done spinning (yes, it is your job to give her a cue to stop) so that she is ready to break back either on 1 or if you dance on2, then on 6.@Devilofdarkness – If she smiles all the time, she may let you know in more obvious ways, like stumbling
Basically, you first have to consider her ability. You then have to consider timing and musicality. In terms of keeping the follow happy, we generally like a good variety…too much of any one thing does get old.
DEVILOFDARKNESS
Thanks for your reply!
I’ll always remember your sentences, such as:
“We are not spinning machines!!!” (from Marie-B)
“Too much of any one thing does get old.” (from Julie)
And finally I hope all of the leaders remember those sentences ,too.
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valvare6
Iphone Users:
Under the App Store search option, type salsa.
Have you guys downloaded any? Do you have a favorite and useful salsa app you might want to share?
Andy
Hello, yes I’ve bought myself the LIVA album from the band El Desayuno. The live music performed in at a bar is great.
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Don Vaillancourt
In the past couple of months hustle has made a big appearance in Montreal. It seems that every school and a few night clubs are giving hustle lessons for salsa dancers.
Also On2 has really taken off lately. I think next year Montreal is going to be a big On2 spot.
Has anyone else noticed a similar trend in their area.
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chiarusya
Hello there,
I am a complete newbie to Salsa, just finishing my first month of classes, and love every mintute of it! I came across your website while browsing for anything salsa-related that could help me. This website is extremely useful and encouraging! Thanks a ton, and I hope I’ll be able to move on to more recent videos eventually
Anthony Persaud
Yay! We like getting thank yous! Makes my Monday’s more tolerable at work
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DEVILOFDARKNESS
According to me, Anthony has been dancing with 3 women: Stephanie, Melanie and Julie. My partner said that they have different stylings. Therefore, whose styling should she imitate?
Anthony Persaud
I’ve danced with many follows, however I think you mean just in the videos correct?
She should find her own styling by mixing in parts of the styling she likes ( a mixture of the many great dancers in the salsa scene).
jovi
copy from one is called plagiarism, copy from two is called research
DEVILOFDARKNESS
Thanks, after reading 2 comments, I suggest her that she combines Melanie’s styling (her favourite styling) with the … cobra’s action (her favourite animal) and it looks nice.
However, I also like to do some styling, but the videos seem not to show us styling for men.
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salsarookie
Hi,
I came across your videos on Youtube and found them to be very useful. I am totally new to this Salsa dancing and I have never danced before.
So, my questions are…
What is this ON1 and ON2?Which should I go for?
Is there some link where you have all the Salsa videos put in some sorted manner like starting with very basic beginner steps and slowly progressing to turns and more complicated stuff?
Thanks.
DEVILOFDARKNESS
In my opinion, when you dance on1, you start moving on 1.
1: Step left foot forward. 2: Step right foot in spot. 3: Step left foot backward.
5. Step fight foot backward. 6. Step left foot in spot. 7. Step right foot backward.When you dance on2, you start moving on 2.
2. Step right foot backward. 3.Step left foot in spot.
5. Step right foot forward. 6. Step left foot forward. 7. Step right foot in spot
1. Step left foot backward.I don’t think you should attach so much importance to on1 or on2.Don’t count. It’s just the numbers (See?).
Anthony Persaud
Adding to @DevilOfDarkness, dancing on1 or on2 are really about on which rhythm and timing you dance on. I recommend using the timing that is most popular to the clubs you frequent.
The order of our salsa videos are in chronological order. We like to mix beginner/intermediate dance videos to keep everyone interested. I recommend starting with the oldest ones and working your way to the newer ones. In some videos, I state whether it is an advanced move. Whether it is advanced or beginner, you are more than welcomed to try them since these levels are subjective.
salsarookie
Thanks a lot for all the comments. Let me give those videos a try and I will be back soon with more rookie questions.
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lonbluster
I would like to attend a Salsa congress…what’s better?
Miami
NY
San Francisco
Puerto RicoI am attracted by the San Francisco’s one..
mafeyjoo
If you want the original, PR, Dancing with Gran Combo in your ear . . . .ahhh .. . beautiful
NY is a great one also. Never heard much about San fran though
Wil
NEW YORK, NEW YORK the city so nice they name it twice!….If you want to be dancing all weekend long NYC is the place
Anthony Persaud
It depends your dance style, the dancers that attend (instructors), the specific salsa scene culture (attitudes) and who’s hosting the congresses. (Ex, lately I have heard bad reviews about ATP Congresses).
As for the San Francisco congress, I think it is great and I have no doubt you would have fun there.
Ivonne
What do you mean by ATP?
lonbluster
yes, right what’s ATP?
Don Vaillancourt
ATP = Albert Torres Productions
Would answer the question as to why the world salsa championship was cancelled.
Anthony Persaud
Thanks. I forget to not use acronyms
. By the way, I would recommend the San Diego Salsa Congress – so you can visit us!
Ivonne
Thanks for clarifying, still, never heard of it but I’ll google it LOL.
Anthony, Where can I get a tee with the addicted 2 salsa logo???
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Saro
Hello,
I’ve found this video of Felipe Polanco, dancing “en clave”
I dont really get how he’s dancing “en clave”. He says he doesn’t dance on counts, which means he counts 1,2,3,4,5 and 6. I can agree with that, it’s just another way of counting (he still stops on the 4th and 8th counts). When he starts dancing, he goes forward on 2 and back on 6…What about the clave ?
Anthony Persaud
I would disagree with him saying that there is “no perfect basic, just different styles”. I would say the perfect basic is the one where your partner can follow without thought regardless of what style may that may be. If your basic step is the one described above, but your partner dances the NY mambo basic – the lead’s steps may not be a synchronized with the follow’s steps – which will cause a breakdown in communication. Similar to languages, the perfect language is the one which can be most easily understood by your listeners.
lonbluster
I totally agree with keeping the heel up for a more perfect basic.
The count is quite weird anyway due to the fact that it doesn’t correspond with the basic timing of the music. By the way I agree with him that the tipical NY-on2 style counting 123-567 is not completely correct, like it is for dancing the on1 style. I can say it is correct as much as 235-671 is correct.
The clave is a good reference for placing our basic but shouldn’t be the only reference to be used…
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Anthony Persaud
Awesome Popping/Hip-Hop/Salsa performance by “Lucky Spin” at the Hawaii Salsa Festival
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfBs41fHydk
Saw this video, and while it doesn’t have a lot of salsa, it is just fun to see salsa beats and rhythms being used in hip-hop fashion. The song name for those interested is ‘Merecumbe’.
Drew
Bit of a crazy idea, but in your videos, it might be helpful, particularly for the full-speed sequences, if you and your partner were wearing something that more easily distinguished your right leg/foot from your left. With mirrors and spins always changing the perspective, it’s sometimes hard for an amateur to keep track of which feet are moving when on top of all of the other stuff going on.
I’m thinking like side-coded colored leggings or at least two different colored shoes (like white for left, black for right). Might look a little less dignified, but I think it would really help for instructional purposes.
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wmdzign
My first NYC Salsa Social Experience…
Well after 8 months of salsa On2 lessons I finally had enough nerve to attend the world famous Jimmy’s Anton Social yesterday and I wanted to share that with you all.My first NYC Salsa Social was an exciting, fun and humbling experience.
How I did it: After attending nearly 8 months of salsa classes I finally felt I had enough training to hold my own on the dance floor. I did hold my own just a bit though. I still have a lot to learn and was very optimistic when I spoke to some amazing dancers who had been dancing for only two years. It was a bit of a mess on my part when dancing with very experience followers. I was rushing them and not giving them enough time to do their styling and enjoy the music. That I know will come with my more practice.
Lessons and tips: If you can attend a social with people from your salsa class do it! It kills the nerves a bit knowing you’ll always have someone you can dance with. Don’t get discourage when females turn you down for a dance, move on to the next one there’s always a female waiting. When dancing in NYC always give the woman a chance to style if they’d like, if you don’t they will work it in some how, trust me and that may make it an unpleasant experience for you. Being that it was my first social I was very hesitant in asking a woman to dance but a lot of them were asking me to dance…which was great. But I also saw alot of guys getting turned down by females only wanting to dance with great dancers…it made me think that I will never turn down a dance from any woman no matter how good I get.
Some advice for those still too nervous to attend a social….just go! It is so true what everyone says your dancing will improve greatly…The quicker you get out there the quicker you’ll improve your dance.
Lastly, I think for most salsa lovers attending a big time social is a milestone we all shoot for and I think it would be great to hear your stories of how it went and what you learned. So please share your stories.
Marco
Man what a great post to read. I am very happy for your first experiance and a little jealous at the same time. I can’t wait for the day to come where I attend my first social. There is one that occurs about 5 times a year in Detroit (about 2 hours away.) One day I will make the trip.
IncaPie
Marco,
Where exactly are you located? Detroit has more than 5 socials a year. There will be a YA Salsa! social this weekend (April 26th) there. I was just in Detroit this weekend for a work conference and saw a salsa party at a warehouse district jazz nightclub. Check out for socials in the Detroit and greater area (including Cleveland). You could also see if Windsor, Canada has any separate salsa groups than Detroit, or if they just cross the tunnel to the US side.Marco
OK now you have my attention-thanks for chiming in!
I’m actually a City of Detroit transplant now living in the greater Lansing area. Do you know of anything this far West. (I hope to one day attend the Cogress in Chicago.)
I actually reached out to the “YA Salsa!” email contact, but my email must have been lost/forgotten.
Thanks again!
hooknc
Check out Salsa Power:
http://www.salsapower.com/cities/us/michigan.htmI don’t know if you’re interested, but from my understanding Michigan has a large rueda community.
Don Vaillancourt
Is On2 your first salsa experience, or are you coming from On1? I have a year-and-a-half of On1 experience and thinking of learning On2 this summer/fall.
wmdzign
I began On1…but I learned from just watching family members at parties and it was more cuban style, not in the slot. So no actual official training. And honestly I had no clue what On2 was until I walked into the salsa studio to take lessons 8 months ago. At the studio the instructor explain the difference and I was still skeptical, of the differences. I thought it would be an easy transition but for me it was very difficult. But once you learn the On2 style you can totally see and FEEL the difference.
Don Vaillancourt
I did an On2 beginner workshop last weekend and was surprised at how much smoother it is than On1. Now I know why people prefer On2.
me
You will NOT regret it. Keep going with it. On2 just feels so good!
Marie-B
I find people should decide to dance on1 or on2 dependingly on the salsa. There are two kinds of claves 3/2 and 2/3. Dependingly on the clave dancing on two can seem smoother but sometimes it doesn’t work right and you don’t have a choice but to dance on1 to make it feel right and doesn’t feel smooth at all. I think it is a necessity to know both. Even though it is hard to be good at both without getting mixed up at the beginning
LBSources
On2 is the only way to go In my opinion of course
LBSources
Great post!
Guess I’ll help others and share my experience.. I attended the last NYC Salsa Congress after only a little over a year of dancing and boy .. My Fiance and I were intimidated. It really took some guts to get out there and dance. But we did it, and danced a few songs! Most of all we had fun!
Our instructors and friends constantly told us that when you’re out there dancing, no one is looking at you and laughing or making fun of you. Of course out of normal fear we wouldn’t believe them, but they were right! Everyone is out there to have a good time. From beginners to very very advanced dancers. There aren’t that many people standing on the side lines either – they are off to the next dance.
Having just a year under in the shoes
– we obviously lacked the ability to really have lots of fun dancing and shining the skills. We had more fun about the act of dancing and ME trying to remember my turns and blending them in as much as possible so it didn’t look like we did the same thing over and over .. LOLThe congress is what got me serious about wanting to dance and thriving on learning more. After watching many people I knew and others that I felt that I knew just by watching them dance – it gave me you the inspiration! I’ve become a Salsa-holic! Every chance I get – I want to dance!
I frequent the internet (how I found Anthony and this great site and members) and socials like wmdzign recommends and YES that is what helps! If you want to become more confident; dance at your school socials and dance with your instructors and peers. This gets the fear out of you and helps you practice more often. Be sure to look around at other styles though – the last thing you want to do is get stuck in a particular cadence of dancing which makes you inflexible on the floor. Experiment!
I have over 2 years dancing now and I’ll be sooo ready for the NYC Congress this year! I’m attending the CT Salsa Fest in May – wish I could go to the LA congress, maybe next year. I also plan to attend the Punta Cana salsa congress, lets see!
Hope my experience helps others in confidence! Wishing everyone a great dance!
Cheers!
Lenny
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NY0OLY qxcgnqtfuzay, [url=http://iyzoaimjilrv.com/]iyzoaimjilrv[/url], [link=http://tbywrfxlazfr.com/]tbywrfxlazfr[/link], http://smmxfhnubtyn.com/
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Marco
Looking pretty polished in here..I was too afraid to ask for a nav bar like on the homepage. The blogroll, recent comments, and tag RSS’ are all nice “additions to addicted.”
Anthony Persaud
Working on it.
I had to finish editing Julie’s spinning advice for ladies video that is due out this Wednesday.Anthony Persaud
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but also any post that is posted on social.addicted2salsa.com will show up on our Facebook fan page automagically. Hopefully this will get our Facebook fans to interact here as well.
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aegarcia
During a recent lesson, the instructor briefly covered the dip. However, I think that I’ve forgetten something, because I feel myself going off balance and am concerned about throwing my back out. Are there any videos out there that show the proper dip, or can a future A2S episode cover it? Thanks.
jovi
where i live, there are no lessons about diping. so i figured it out myselve by watching social dancing videos mostly on youtube(used pause button a lot
) and by talking to people at social dancing.
here is a nice one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhWYJbE8fAs&NR=1
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Don Vaillancourt
How many of you have taken workshops with any popular or foreign salsa dancers?
This weekend at the Montreal Salsa Convention I have a whole Saturday of workshops. There’s a one hour workshop for On2 with Eddie Torres and another, dance patterns I think, with Albert Torres. And I’m taking one with this Portuguese couple on sensual dancing that I’m looking forward to.
What are your experiences like?
hooknc
I took a workshop class that David Huo taught. It might be the best class I ever attended. Which is saying a lot since David did not speak much English or Spanish. But, he was able to quickly and cleanly break down his style and move into understandable chunks. I’ve been thinking about traveling to China just to take classes from him. He’s that good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBQGoSShv54&fmt=18
I can’t quite seem to find his website anymore, but my experience was quite positive.
Don Vaillancourt
One thing I have always wondered about non-western countries; are their salsa style different.
For example, would indians infuse some indian dancing in to their salsa.
The video above, I think I saw some Jackie Chan in there, maybe from same chinese manerisms.
tommrod
i think that’s the beauty of salsa, you can make it your own to the point where it shows all your sides… your chinese side, your agresive side, your romantic side.
Don Vaillancourt
Well I gotta say I really enjoyed my salsa workshops.
I had one with these guys; it was fun and funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzXZmQ9pYmc
And has a beginner workshop with Montreal’s own Caroline Paré:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0nb_NRXMT8
I have to say that On2 is a lot easier to learn that I thought. I was going to wait a year, but I may start them this fall.
tommrod
i like that flow. really nice
Martin
Anyone know what the song in the first video is? Love this one …
Martin
Found it by Googling the lyrics – Playa No More, Crystal Sierra
Don Vaillancourt
Cool, thanks.
D-C
I went to the Montreal Salsa Convention as well and ended my day blown away by what I experienced. I have been dancing for less than a year so don’t have much experience but being able to take classes from all these famous people was an amazing thing.
Did 5 different workshops and with these groups/people: Rumba y Timbal, Ana & Joel, 2 hours of shine with Eddie Torres himself, Santo Rico and Nuno y Vanda.
Finished these back to back workshops completely tired out (didn’t mind because I unfortunately couldn’t go to the social dance later that night) but with a new enthusiasm to keep dancing and improving.
Oh and Don V, having never danced on2 either before taking the Eddie Torres and Santo Rico workshops (both on2), I think that learning patterns and/or shines on2 isn’t too hard in itself. After all it’s just pretty much the same steps you do with the same upper body movements. What is much harder is trying to suppress your on1 reflexes when social dancing. It doesn’t come naturally right away (at least for me trying to dance 1 song on2) and I found myself stepping forward a few too many times on the 1 out of pure habit for example.
Don Vaillancourt
Audibly, Salsa On2 is super easy. With all these discussions going on about On2 and syncopated, and all that, I thought I’d need super bat hearing to dance On2. But it’s the exact same beat except that you step back with the left foot on the first beat.
Looking forward to the upcoming Ottawa Salsa Festival in July.
BTW, as a side note, May 31st, the dancing floor opens up at the Old Port, now this year it’s at the Peel Basin. Dancing outside is fun.
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alex
I expect everyone’s probably seen this by now, but this couple do some fantastic tricks and flips, especially with some body rolling. Not entirely sure what to call it, really!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DQ_blmp4b4
(around 1 minute in)
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b2995
I guess this is the male g-string! Too funny! I was wondering if the dancers on TV were wearing anything underneath! But, I agree…”Mushroom”? And “Extra Small”? Hilarious!
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Marco
While looking up dance belts I saw the term pas de deux. That led me to this amazing clip. I know it’s non salsa but my goodness what a show (who knows maybe my wife could manage a pirouette on my back.)
Oh and apparently women wear dance belts as well.
alex
Good lord…that was insane…
Anthony Persaud
Wow…. I’m speechless. Not what I expected and very impressive. A bit of “cirque du soleil” kind of style.
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Julie
Salsa Kitties!
jovi
Marco
My 5 year old boy liked the “Salsa dancing kittie kats.” He is now singing the “meow-meow” salsa song chasing our cat around the house.
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lonbluster
http://social.addicted2salsa.com/2009/04/13/id-like-to-share-a-simple-but-rich/salsa_drum/
I’d like to share this “simple but rich” salsa composition of percussion made with RhythmRascal, very useful for whoever interested in the various instruments in Salsa and their role in a song.
RhythmRascal will need to be installed in order to appreciate the job:
Anthony Persaud
Booo… it doesn’t run on a Mac. I guess I’ll stick to Garageband.
jovi
8beats only?
which buttons do i have to press for more???lonbluster
Well…I am sorry if it’s too simple…for me 8 beats in a loop are enough…but you can clone the pattern and apport variations on your salsa taste!!
Next Page »
Loneken79 9:59 am on April 30, 2009Permalink |
Hey Anthony,
I’m french so please forgive my mistake.
I found your website your itunes podcast a few months ago, for prizes I think the best is clothing or music cause tickets can be hard to use if it’s too far (US are a big place ^^) and shoes are generally brought with feelings.
Great works !! Please keep doing this way
CU Next
Don Vaillancourt 10:44 am on May 1, 2009Permalink |
Where are the freaking t-shirts. How ’bout those. Waiting……. :-p
Marco 10:22 am on April 30, 2009Permalink |
In all seriosity (i know not a real word, but it should be) I have to agree with my fellow French poster Loneken- With the caveat that I would take shoes along with clothing, music, or any of your used but well treated on1 DVD’s.
or if Loneken can donate any quality cheeses or perhaps a one month stay at his Chateau on the Riviera-I would take that…
Oh and I’ll take your old Journey/Foriegner CD’s too.
Marco 10:24 am on April 30, 2009Permalink |
I forgot to mention that I will not, under any circumstances, take any more used, mushroom colored, extra SMALL, dance thong thingies….well maybe if you have some in pink.
Eddie-london 10:26 am on April 30, 2009Permalink |
id have to say .. Cool Hats for clubbin, and shoes. i dont really mind how they look as long as they good for salsa
Tikka 12:25 pm on April 30, 2009Permalink |
Maybe a dance with Julie? (a)
Mark 12:40 pm on April 30, 2009Permalink |
Although the logistics would be difficult for anyone not in So Cal, a great prize would be a dinner & dance date with Julie or Anthony (depending on which way the winner swings).
But seriously, clothes, shoes… but not the thongie thingies…
Anthony Persaud 1:03 pm on April 30, 2009Permalink |
“dance date with Julie ”
I don’t know if Julie’s boyfriend would like that too much
Gerrit Lemmens 2:49 pm on April 30, 2009Permalink |
I was going to suggest 1st prize a dance with Julie and 2nd prize a dance with Anthony but that is just sexist and unoriginal. (See above) As you have truly international appeal and sharing a dance floor with either of you might be difficult I suggest that an addicted 2 salsa T shirt will be most suitable, advertising your website and adding some advice about consulting a doctor first.
Don Vaillancourt 10:47 am on May 1, 2009Permalink |
I don’t want to dance with Anthony.
IncaPie 4:37 pm on April 30, 2009Permalink |
How about a cameo in an addicted2salsa video podcast? Of course, this is limited to locals and those willing to fly out to SD.
Don Vaillancourt 10:46 am on May 1, 2009Permalink |
Where are the freaking t-shirts. How ’bout those. Waiting……. :-p
Or your videos on CD.
Or a date with Julie. Oh, wait. That would be a no-no.
alex 8:32 am on May 4, 2009Permalink |
I vote for some A2S branded teacups.
But if that’s not possible: t-shirts, signed DVDs/CDs or shoes would be great.
gnss 5:29 am on May 5, 2009Permalink |
So Anthony doesn’t know what her boyfriend would say about the date… but maybe we should also think about what she might say about it – maybe she don’t wants to have a dance date with the winner either.
And what about a woman wins? I think women would rather take Anthony for a dance date – so many questions and no answers
Julie 4:13 pm on May 7, 2009Permalink |
But what would Anthony’s girlfriend say about that?
gnss 4:09 am on May 8, 2009Permalink |
This my dear Julie was the question I was intended to ask with my post
Maybe the prize has to be a dance date with Julie and Anthony – but please don’t ask me how this works in a good way, I just had a solution for this