I’m looking for a practice CD. My teacher keeps telling me she’s gonna give me a copy of hers, but still hasn’t. No one knows where it comes from. It’s a good clean salsa beat with this guy speaking 1,2,3 5,6,7. The steps are strong. It’s very good for practicing hard moves. Anyone have a clue what I’m talking about?
Updates from donv69 RSS
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Eh all, I’m heading to Acapulco for the November Salsa Congress. I’m currently taking Spanish lessons, so that’s my reward. Anyone here going? I don’t know what the dates are, but I’m assuming it’s around the same time.
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Anyone know of any salsa songs with the eurodance feel? Most of the eurodance songs are either too fast or too slow depending on which beats you use. Yet a lot of them have a very strong 1 and 3.
For example:
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Anyone here been on a salsa cruise? Been thinking about it and maybe do it sometime in the near future.
Marco
No, but I will be hitting my first salsa congress in Chicago (Feb.)!!! (Just thought I would mention that.)
Don Vaillancourt
Oh cool. If you go to workshops you have to tell us which ones. I think my school, San Tropez, will be performing.
Marco
Tell you…I’ll post video (Just have to rememer to buy a whole bunch more SDHC cards. =d
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Went to Denver two weeks ago and had a chance to go to a La Rumba on a Thursday night and was a little disappointed that the dancers weren’t that great. I’m hoping that it was just a bad night, but the place was packed, so I don’t know.
Everyone says that Montreal is one of the top dance cities in North America, so maybe I’m just spoiled.
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For anyone who started on On1, how much training was required to go to On2? I’m thinking about taking On2 lessons in the fall. But am unsure if it’s sure a question of being able to say with the On2 steps throughout a song, And of cource adjusting CBL for On2. Or is it a bit more complex than that?
Madsalsa
the amount of training/practice depends on each person. if you’re heavily reliant on muscle memory, then it may take a bit to ‘unlearn’ enough On1 to be comfortable with On2. i’m not aware of any moves being different when dancing On2, but there isn’t much On2 in my city.
lonbluster
I wouldn’t say muscle memory is very relevant dancing On2. It is more a mental muscle memory due to a great enmeshing with the music. Dancing On2 requires you to adjust continuosly your timing focusing on different instruments continuosly.
Of course muscles memory has its part, but it can be sometimes more an hidrance than helpful. Dancing on2 requires to unbalance your body a lot more than on1 using therefore more and different muscles than on1.
If you can really dance on2 (see clave, conga in this forum) you won’t have any trouble switching to on1 whenever you want. And On1 dancing seen from and on2 perspective is much more good.
lonbluster
It took me moooore than few months to really say I could dance on2-onClave.
Unlike Cuban style where I was productive after 2 months, on NY Style on2, I though many times during 1 year, I knew how to dance it, but I obviously was wrong many times. Now I know I can dance it because I feel it, no doubt about it, even if some on2 beginner(let’s say 6 months) is telling me I don’t dance it properly. The problem here is to find good teachers, and change many of them.
On2 is about entering into the music, and for this you have to have a basic understanding of how the salsa music is composed; something not necessary on1 and and Cuban.
On2 is the freedom of salsa! Enjoy!
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Just had my Balo salsa shoes resoled. I needed a black pair of salsa shoes for competition and so had my first pair resoled by a cobbler (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/cobbler). The guy put a thicker piece of suede than there was originally, but it worked out pretty well. Cost me about 1/3 the cost of the shoes themselves.
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I mentioned a while back that I bought 20 hours of private lessons after having completed my 1 year salsa course. Wow, you wouldn’t believe the stuff that I learnt on posture and weight transfer.
I have noticed that with Salsa you really learn how to use your body effectively. I was watching Buffy the vampire slayer the other day and noticed how she does one of this martial arts spinning-kick ( I think its called round-house kick). I managed to do one using my salsa spot turns. It wasn’t perfect, but it shows how learning to use your body is the root of great salsa dancing.
So now my teacher has asked me to do a competition with her. Well this requires super advanced private lessons where she really drills me on posture and nitpicks every little detail, but mind you this is only for my school’s summer ball and nowhere near the big times, but it’s a start. Learning to dance never stops. It’s fun.
Marie-B
I’ve done 15 years of ballet before thinking of salsa and even though both styles are very different, weight transfer is a recurrent thing in dance… For me, when I dance with a guy if he transfers his weight properly, he won’t have to pull on me to lead I just feel his weight shifting and it makes the dance way smoother…
Where have you been taking classes?
Don Vaillancourt
San Tropez. My private lessons teacher is Kassandra, a real cutie. She too has 7 years of ballet and 2 years of salsa. For a girl with only 2 years of salsa she knows a lot.
I have been meaning to ask her if she has carried any of her knowledge from ballet to salsa. Maybe you can answer that?
Marie-B
When it comes to salsa, Liz and John from LA once told me something that I believe is very true: « The way you become better in salsa is by cross-training: by studying all kinds of other styles: Flamenco, hip-hop, ballet, tango, etc… and being able to mix all of them up
As a ballet dancer, it was almost natural for me to spin. Also, alot of my arm styling seems alot smoother than other salsa dancers because ballet teaches you how to be smooth, sensual and girly… It helped on the flexibility for the dips and lifts. Also ballet is very precise 45 degrees means 45 degrees not less not more…
So in a way it did help. What is the hardest thing is breaking what they call the ballet corset so basically getting the hip motion and my afro-cuban.One other thing is that if you put too much ballet in your salsa, it looses it’s essence and it becomes difficult for the guy to guide you because the following part is really existant in ballet and too much styling is like not enough : BORING!
it’s all about nuancing things.
Btw, try taking a couple of classes with Corinne, she’s incredible: she’ll teach you so much!Hope I answered your question well
Don Vaillancourt
I have seen Corinne dance once at Salsateque for fun and another time at Academy showing off their pro-competition routine. Really amazing.
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Here are two good videos of one of Salsa’s dance couples, Oliver y Luda, of Australia. Someone posted a video a while back on their 720 move. Good inside stuff on choreo and making a life of salsa.
I like: 2:15; it’s funny.
Marco
Even though I’ve seen this a couple of times it still stays fresh somehow.
My favorite part is on Part 2 @ 4:40-4:47.
IncaPie
In my mind, Oliver and Luda have been and continue to be the best dance couple out there. Oliver’s moves are done with such precision, but not at the expense of their smoothness. Also he has a great mix of intermediate and advanced patterns throughout his dances.
Wil
Don-
thanks for the videos!!!!…these two are amazing!
Don Vaillancourt
Oh crap, oh crap, oh crap. I just checked out the website to Summer Salsa Festival in Laval (http://www.summer-salsafestival.com); two islands over; and Oliver y Luda will be there. Gotta get tickets!!! Gotta go see them.
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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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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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Well I just started taking private lessons, bought 20 hours worth, and I’m getting drilled for my “hunchback of notre damn” posture. And I thought I had salsa down solid. I’m a little disappointed that I’m not as good as I thought. But at the same time thrilled that my teacher thinks I can still improve a lot.
Marco
Yeah I suffer from the same malady. One of my class instructors said to pretend like a giant is pulling the juncture where your neck and skull meet up and out.
Kind of an abrupt and clear way to put it -I thought.
He also told me I whip my head around too much and it looks awkward. I thought I was head styling pretty well…the video tape confims his opinion. Curse that brutal video!
Don Vaillancourt
LOL!! I caught a video of myself, yesterday, dancing at a club. I wish I had never seen it. I am now ashamed to show my face at clubs.
tommrod
same here. bad posture is just horrible
and about video, i fear that when i see myself i’m just going to quit dancing that’s why i’m procrastinating about it…that and i don’t have a camera… still at least this time procrastinating migh be of some use…
jovi
maybe you guys should put the camera in a different angle? I would not judge myself based only on one single video.
Marco
Thanks for the vote of confidence Jovi (Ever been called “By Jove” as a nick name? -I digress)
You are correct to not judge too harshly. No one is a harsher critic then one’s self. You just always picture yourself as something and what you really are is something…”else.” Never as good as you think, but yet never near as bad either.
Luckily for me my confidence in life doesn’t come from any single one thing, but rather an amalgamation of people, pursuits, and activities.
Lastly, I will try your new camera angle…perhaps while I am at it I can add “deep fog” FXs, some strobe lighting, and perhaps a director’s cut with altenate ending. Look for that to be “in the can”/post production in late 2010!
Love this thread.
Don Vaillancourt
I’m too scared…
laura
i haven’t ever seen myself on video. you guys gave me an idea to record myself tonight at home w/ my camera! i hope i don’t regret it because i thik i’m a pretty good dancer. wish me luck!
Don Vaillancourt
Ok, I am stating this right now, I will not be held responsible for a mass exodus of salsa dancers.
Andy
I’ve always wanted to see myself dance and had the chance after the filming of our rueda performance. What a horrible sight, lol. Nah I think I did okay for a 8month beginner
.hooknc
Video doesn’t lie. Unfortunately.
Luckily I’ve been able to correct several of my bad habits because I’ve watched film of myself.
It’s always painful to watch yourself, but embarrassment is a pretty good motivator.
hooknc
And 20 hours of privates? Holy cow! That is a lot of private time. I normally only recommend getting a private lesson about every 6 months for two or three hours.
Are you preparing for a performance or competition?
Don Vaillancourt
Aiming for competition; that’s what drives me. I want to be better than those other guys.
On my first private lesson this is what she pointed out:
- Stand up straight, be as tall as possible
- always be on the ball of your feet
- keep arms in framing position at all times, not dangling
- feet forward
- eyes ahead, not down.
- proper hip shift during cross body lead
- no hip movementsMind you she is undoing bad habits to prep me for proper styling.
So lot of work to do. If there is any time left, then merengue and/or bachata. Or maybe ballet since that is her background. She’s a little lovable hitler.
hooknc
All of those are EXCELLENT tips.
I would also throw in doing one finger leads every once and a while. Pick one finger from each hand (I use my middle finger) and only use those fingers to lead. Really teaches you how to lead a direct, smooth lead.
Don Vaillancourt
One finger leads I already do, but you are correct.
Yesterday she taught me proper leg work so I don’t look like a gorilla dancing. This one will take lots of practice off the dance floor.
Marco
Hmm, gorilla style eh. Her kung fu is strong!
I’d like to see what she’s up to with this one.
Don Vaillancourt
Well my problem is that I lift my feet too high and my knees go outbound.
What she taught me was to land on the ball of my feet, making sure to shift my weight onto that foot and also bending the knee. By the end of the one-hour session things were moving fairly well to a moderate beat.
tommrod
i wanna develop my own style… i’ll call it slacker style…
btw
can all you guys who’ve filmed themselves post your videos… this all makes me so curious.
Don Vaillancourt
Here ya go. I’m at 1:02 at the bottom left, both of us are dressed in black. I was dancing with a beginner, so this isn’t me in all my glory.
I like the guy at 0:26. That’s the kind of style I want to have.
Marco
What was the occasion Donny-V?
Looks like you are in a nicely talented venue.
I thought you looked good, or was is the girls in the intro???
Don Vaillancourt
No occasion. This club has schools coming regularly to do quick one song shows at midnight. Plus to compete againsts this other Thursday night salsa club, they started filming. So every week they post a new video.
The girls in the intro were really hot. This school, http://www.chilital.com, is coming back this Thursday.
Cheb Ali
anyone know the name of the song for this video please?
tommrod
pretty cool though not a long view of yourself, well if anybody else has a nice video they wanna post about themselves (salsaing of course…) … go ahead don’t be shy.
laura
Don V., I don’t think I saw you. Were you the one in :57? If not, I couldn’t see you in 1:02. It was too dark.
I actually recorded myself the other day. And, I’m working on improving my spins and hand/arm styling!Don Vaillancourt
At 1:02 you see a woman doing a spin at the bottom left. I am right above that with my partner between 1:02 until 1:10.
Marco
Well, this other couple and my wife and I had our first practice for our proposed Salsa demo. We’ve gotten only about the first 30-40 seconds mapped out.
I video recorded it….now I have to figure out how to upload the AVCHD format onto Youtube…a google-ing I will go!
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How does everyone prepare themselves before going out dancing when it comes to supplying themselves with enough energy to last the night? Is anyone here conscious of what they put into their bodies, or is everyone just Red Bulling it or drinking their share of alcohol.
SalseroWannaBe
Usually, I get little of alcohol while dancing – it’s easy to overdose and start loosing coordination (remember, the border is just “one drink more”). But if you do, rather beware of beer, cause it makes you sleepy. Rather a shot or two of vodka gives you a “kick” and coolness. My best dancing although was after two glasses of French wine earlier at my friend’s cafe
. Also redbulls are not making me feel good when dancing. I get disconcentrated and bad mood. Isotonics like Powerade are much better – gives you rehydration (and refreshes you also if you’re tired: you’re brain needs water and muscles need B6 and Mg)Don Vaillancourt
I had a Red Bull yesterday and I crashed after an hour. Plus I was making some mistakes, maybe it does as you suggest. I’ve stopped drinking beer, simply cause I’m trying to be healthier.
What I used to do which I haven’t done in a while and think will restart is having a bowl of couscous with raisins, nuts and either shrimp or scallops. This used to work pretty well as I recall.
SalseroWannaBe
Exactly – glucose. Redbulls kill me too while dancing. I forgot to add in previous post that it’s all about hydration, Mg, and GLUCOSE (sugar). Your couscous is an energy bomb. Still, a one shot of vodka is proven to work great for your mind, revives you and gives you also lot of energy. Two shots make you smooth, after another one you start to have a drinking, not dancing night
Marco
Usually just water and if there is any candy lying around I’ll knock those out. I have’nt been to any events that go past two in the morning though.
jovi
If i am amused and not hungry then everything is fine, i can go party for days
.Bevore i go dancing i eat something. But some food makes me feel heavy and slow. Most italian meals works great for me
.If i feel bored or not good then i prefer my bed. I dance like i feel so there is no winner when i stay in effort.
tommrod
pure unadultered shot of good ‘ol stamina
as my nephew points out before he goes tracking…meals 18 hours before will have an effect on performance.
so there make sure you had eaten enough carbs to keep you trhough it… 18 (or so) hours before.tommrod
forgot about the water too, dehydration and high body heat might cause later on to have to enjoy the pains of a kidney stone or so.
so yeah always have to have water no matter what…juliewebster
Ok are you ready for a real healthy answer?
First it is important to hydrate ahead of time as this will keep your energy up. Drink a lot of water (around 60 to 80 ounces) over the 24 hour period before going out to dance.
Second, have a nutritious meal including some healthy protein like fish or chicken (not beef as it can make you too aggressive!). Along with the protein have a bunch of green vegetables or a big salad. AVOID too many refined carbohydrates like pasta or bread as it will make you crash early. Instead have a small portion of healthy carbohydrates like whole grain brown rice or lentils or beans as they will give you a longer lasting energy. Just remember to not eat too much carbs or you will get sleepy!!!
Hope you try this. Believe me it will help!!!
http://www.julie-webster.com
http://healthandnutritionexperts.wordpress.comDon Vaillancourt
Eh, good one Julie. Lots of good info there. Thanks.
juliewebster
Glad you found this helpful. Have you tried it yet?
Don Vaillancourt
This week…most likely tomorrow and Thursday, my salsa nights.
ami
I can never dance on an empty stomach, but I always eat 1 – 2 hours before going to the party/practice
I usually drink water or Coca-Cola (it’s not healthy, but works for me). I never drink alcohol when going dancing, because I get dizzy and I develop the “two left feet” condition
When I’m going to salsa congresses, where lack of sleep is involved, I drink red bull and coffee too
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I have reached a new high. I have finally reached the point where I have girls dancing with me for 2 or more songs and I don’t even have to chain them to me. I even have some girls coming to me for dances. This is way too cool.
Next step, styling. Mind you, I’m still learning new moves and patterns.
The next step after that, learning to flip a quarter with my thumb and land back on it.
Marco
That is no small feat…the big question is now that you have arrived, how do you reward yourself?
Don Vaillancourt
Dunno. All I know is I keep my drive by aiming for competition. Doubt I’ll do it. But if I get that good, who knows what I’ll end up doing.
tommrod
how about just being the best?
Miguel
DV, how long have you been salsaing?
Don Vaillancourt
Not that long, maybe a year and 4 months. But I really started practicing really hard when a beautiful girl from class approached me and then told me I sucked.
So for three months, 3 nights a week I was dancing my butt off until learning became easier and salsa made more sense. Now another three months later, here I am.
Mind you, I still have a long way to go still.
As for being the best, that’s all relative. I don’t often see the competitive types in clubs.
Julie
Ahhh you are at the optimal point to travel! (Kung Fu Master voice). Pick a city that has a thriving salsa scene (like New York, or San Diego so you can visit Addicted2Salsa headquarters). It will boost you even further, and will provide more challenge for you.
BTW-congrats! Maybe you should share some of your secrets, start a thread with some pointers on how to progress to where you’re at now
Marco
I really hope that this gal let you know that you sucked in a better way then how you wrote it.
That would have the potential for two outcomes, luckily you chose the more constructive of the two choices.
I would probably be a vagrant panhandling the streets of Seattle if she told me that.
Perhaps pretty girls are overrated…
Don Vaillancourt
@Marco: LOL!! We were out practicing one night and she told me that I had no rhythm. And she was the only girl who told me that I was a little rough.
@Julie: I’ve been thinking of putting something together for a little while while I still have it fresh in memory. I was going to go to another school at the end of the month when my lessons were finished. But I am technically teaching myself. So once I exhaust that, will go to another school.
In the mean time, I will take private lessons to learn some styling.
I’m thinking of going to either L.A. Congress (May) or San Diego Convention (September).
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What do you guys think of dance sneakers?
I’ve had dance shoes since September and I’ve worn them so much that they’re becoming impossible to brush and extremely slippery.
Plus I will need something to dance with when the outdoor dance floor opens up in the spring at the Old Port in Montreal.
http://www.ekclothing.com/details.php?id=cvfsn&file=tab_details/dance_sneaker_details.txt&cat=SH
Marco
I have a pair of Capizzio dance sneakers that basically look like the same thing.
I wear them to dance classes and practice on the kitchen floor with them.
For whatever reason, I still always wear my black dress shoes (leather soled) when I go out dancing.
I think that the dance sneakers look funny with the cutout middle. When I feel like I have “arrived” with my footwork -as in I no longer would be embarrassed if someone were focusing on my feet- I will then treat myself with some white dance shoes. Those “flys” look pretty nice. Don’t know about that “Sancho” shoe, it may be a little too fashion forward for me.
(PS Go Wings!)
Anthony Persaud
I would recommend against them. I used to wear them (BLOCH), and I realize they screwed up my spins. On further analysis (since I’m an engineer), it is mainly caused by two things:
1) The higher elevation of your foot, affects your center of balance. Think of the difference between a top heavy Jeep compared to a low-level Civic (or Porche). Also, the additional height may cause you to trip on the tips of your shoes more often compared to other types of dance shoes (ex. Jazz Shoes)
2) The rubbery sole adds too much friction on the floor, when doing footwork and spinning compared to other types of shoes. You want something on the bottom that is suede. Also, spinning with rubber shoes will cause more long term damage on your knees than using suede.
I would HIGHLY recommend giving the Gabellini shoes a try – they are fantastic! I really love the white-leather shoe with the black stripe. Always goes well with my blue or black jeans. You can contact him about the return policy incase you don’t like them – but really give them a try. (No, this is not a shameless plug).
Lastly, if you are not planning on doing a lot of footwork, are willing to spend a little more and want to look a lot more styled with your clothing (like someone from the LA salsa scene) – you might want to consider a pair of Aldos shoes (though this is for advanced dancers only).
http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/men/shoes/dress-fashion/71574837-elrod
Daniel Ellis
I agree with Anthony about the disadvantages of sneakers. However, on most occasions, I don’t use suede shoes: I use a jazz shoe with an EVA sole (which is a plastic like material). This gives just a little more grip than suede, but still allows you to turn easily, and it is not damaged by bad floors like a suede bottom is.
Example here: http://zeta.zappos.com/product/7251906/color/3
donv69
I already have a nice pair of Ecco shoes with leather bottom.
http://www.eccocanada.com/montreal.html
The problem is that I keep tripping over them because of the long toe. Plus it really hurts the ladies on a crowded floor. What I like about salsa shoes and runner is that they fit tighter around the feet and the toe is rounded.
But I know what you’re talking about. I’ll see about finding something with a shorter toe.
Thanks
hooknc
http://www.dancestore.com/MENS-SHOES/products/4/
I’ve bought several pairs of the retro-sneaker above and have loved them. I have even worn them outside for dancing. HOWEVER, the sole will be eatten up quickly. Also, the suede bottom doesn’t last long on these shoes either. But the swing dancers I guess like this trait and for me I’ve never really seen the difference before or after the suede is gone.
I also own a pair of the Captoe shoes. Best shoes I’ve ever bought for dancing.
PS: The raised dance sneakers look effeminate.
tommrod
have you guys tried out the converse all stars or the classic adidas?
once the sole is a little worn they’re pretty good… adn they look awesome with jeans.hooknc
I forgot to mention with the dance sneakers from Aris Allen you’ll need some insoles.
I bought these:
http://www.rei.com/product/724381And absolutely love them.
donv69
I think these are the ones you are referring to.
http://www.shopadidas.ca/catalogservlet?categoryId=2276353&productId=457949
I thought about that, too.
tommrod
@donv69:
i actually had these in mindhttp://www.shopadidas.ca/catalogservlet?categoryId=2283265&productId=653689
80′s flavor
Gerard
well when i dance im usually wearing my diesel or puma they are comfortable and i have no problem with them lol.
Tina
they suck!
Don Vaillancourt
Took me a while to find this post. whew. Anyway, I recently bought a pair of Jinga shoes. They’re the best shoes I have ever had. Super thin sole. I find them much more comfortable and responsive than the Balos and I can wear them outside and in.
Gdlead
I wore the dance sneakers for 4 years . My teacher had advised not to as it handicaps your dancing
I was not convinced until one night I wore them to dance in as opposed to lessons .Forget it . You care not connected or grounded to the floor and you can only spin on one part of the sneaker . Spend the money get a expensive pair of Italian dance shoes . THey are the best and you can resole them after the soles wear out . I am a gold level international dancer .
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What kind of non-latin dance styles have people integrated into salsa. Like hip hop or ballet.
Anthony Persaud
Hip-Hop and Swing. For footwork stuff, I like to take a few moves from my hip-hop classes and for a few different styled partnerwork, I take it from Lindyhop.
donv69
I’m waiting on this girl to get back to me on Raggaeton lessons. I took some already. I use some of it for styling, very subtle though.
Julie
A couple Jazz classes (that also covered some ballet basics) helped me quite a bit with posture and spinning, and African and Afro-Cuban with the spirit (symbolism) of dance and body movement, respectively.
donv69
Jazz; I need to look that up on YouTube to see what it’s about.
Leif
Thanks for a great service. Keep up the good work!
Leif from NorwayDaniel Ellis
Baila Society (NY) has a lot of ballroom and ballet in their routines.
Masacote (Boston) has a routine (called Afterlife if you want to see it on youtube) that is a very integrated mix of salsa with modern/contemporary.
As far as the social dance scene, I’m with Anthony…swing influence is most common in partnerwork, and hip hop and jazz are most common in footwork.
donv69
I remember that one of the moves that we were taught in class was the jazz pointed star or pointed tip. That move where the guy is on stage, props himself up against a cane and tip-toes from left to right.
tommrod
hola a to’s
i’m probbly gonna sound like a prick but… i don’t know i think is my o/c disturbed ego.
i think that one of the core building blocks of salsa dancing is a non latin one (of course i’m speaking latin as in the word’s real meaning)
and that mainstream would be african dances, but of course not really african . instead afro-caribbean.
after that it’s been mentioned, jazz, hip hop lately, even some travolta-esque (reminds me of certain anthony’s video) disco, there’s a youtube video about a guy that seems pretty much inspired but flamenco dancers (but of course that WOULD BE latin)… but i can’t find it
good luck
Don Vaillancourt
My private lessons teacher’s background is Ballet. She is big on posture. I think it’s good to not have a latin background. That way you are more aware of the differences between the dances.
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How big is salsa in your city? I keep getting impressed at how big the salsa scene in Montreal is when compared to the population. Here are the dance schools in the Montreal downtown core teaching salsa for anyone interested.
- Caroline Paré
- San Tropez
- Saltimambo
- 2 Step Productions
- Tapie Rouge
- Salsa Etc.
- Salsa Xtaze
- Chilital Latin Dance Company
- Comomango
- Ritmo Picante
- SalsaOnclave
- Dance Conmigo
- Baila ProductionsI’m sure there’s some I’m missing. But these are the ones I know of. My school San Tropez has sent troupes to L.A. and all over to compete.
Julie
San Diego has:
- Majesty in Motion
- Mamboleo
- Amicitia
- Son y Pasos
- Deseo
- Sakara
- Cosabellas
- Hot Tamales
- Positive Energy
- Salsa Divas
- Alma Latina (from Tijuana, but also have a San Diego branch)I know I am forgetting a couple… someone help me out
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Is the way you dance written in your DNA?
Just read this article about male dancers and what females dancers may find attractive about them. Some pretty cool stuff that may help some of you be more conscious of the way you dance. Certainly clicked with me.
Marco
Nice find Donnie-V.
I think that most of the posters here would be considered statistical anomolies.
BTW, is a kick butt shine considered just “complex coordination” or does it crank up the dial to “random coordination?”
donv69
Sometimes I wonder if I should measure myself according to couples dance or solo. Solo I’m simple, but obviously in Salsa it’s complex. He didn’t explain.
But the small step stuff makes sense. Girls seem to like the intimate stuff more.
Anthony Persaud
I agree with Marco about us being outliers. The study seemed to measure individual dance, not dance overall. In salsa dancing we might be medium and complex coordinated ( partner work), but then when we breakdance we might be large and simply coordinated ( since arms are helping us do floor moves). Each dance is different which makes it difficult to assess how each of us are. I danced disco last night and found out that I was randomly coordinated.
Marco
lol, we are all waiting with baited breath for the upcoming Addicted2Disco.com craze.
Some suggested videos/articles;
>Chest Hair…is there such a thing as too much?
>Medallions…Which is the best choice to get your mojo workin’
>The Disco Duck: How to properly execute this vintage move…complete with ladies ‘arm flapping’ styling.
>The ‘Jovan Musk’ effect; how this scent is better then Aqua Velva, Brut (by Fabrege), and original Old Spice all put together (comlete with specially written olifactory program for proof).-that’s all the funny I have for now.
Julie
@ Marco:
LOL you are hilarious!
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Does anyone know of a good player to play YouTube videos at half speed and maybe offer book marks? I’m essentially want to be able to watch moves in slow motion and be able to repeat the same portion over and over to understand the mechanics of a dance move.
The YouTube player as is isn’t that great.
hooknc
Try this link:
http://tinyurl.com/7td5bfSeriously though, you should be able to find some tools that will download the movies for you and then convert them to something you can watch on your local machine.
If you have firefox I’m sure there is a Greasemonkey add on that will do what you’re looking for:
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/748I would then use a player on your local machine to watch the video.
Anthony Persaud
Do you have a Mac? You can download Perian (http://www.perian.org/) for Quicktime which will let you play FLVs and then you can skim on the Quicktime player bar. You know, when I have time (for non-salsa work), I can see if I can write a Flash app that would play the videos in slow motion.
donv69
Sorry Anthony, I’m taking the 5th on your comment.
But yes, I have thought several times that it would be great if your videos only played if I had the mouse button down. Or be able to loop the same section over and over.
I have been downloading YouTube videos to my Computer -> iTunes -> iPod Touch for a while.
I guess I was looking for something a bit more accessible online.
wmdzign
Hey I tried the perian plugin for the mac…and it works GREAT!…if you have a mac…download the app….once you have it installed you can easily download the youtube videos using Safari….perian has it on their site on how to do it…then once you have it opened in quicktime go to
Window>>Show a/v controls>> then adjust the playback speeds…to HALF THE SPEED!!!!!
AWESOME!
Nayan Choudhary
If you use VLC, it helps you the same way you like… maybe not so cool for FLV, but its a great start!
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Some darn sexy salsa; I’m trying this tomorrow at the club.
Julie, since you seem to be the only participating lady; what do you think?
Anthony Persaud
You know, I always wonder what women consider sexy dance in salsa dancing? The girl is good, but I’m not a fan of the lead in this video. Too many dips and stops in this video, but that could have been Mark Anthony’s fault….. too many breaks and pauses in the song.
[Update] Ha! After watching the video several times, I realize that what ‘bothers’ me with the lead in this video is that he hardly moves his feet when dancing with her. It is more like several poses and dips chained together – but that is just my humble opinion.
Julie
The lady is very sexy, and I believe the reason is that her body movement is fluid and her arm/hand styling is feminine and accented.
I have to agree with Anthony about the style–I’m not a fan of too many pauses and dips, and what is sexy for us ladies to watch is the guy dancing. I love watching the guy do footwork (as opposed to a masculine type pose).
Also, don’t underestimate the importance of establishing a connection with your partner, making eye contact now and then to check in usually ends up in smiles and both parties feel like they are having more fun (no eye contact at all makes me think the guy is bored with me). That mainly contributes to the sexiness of this video, because the way the guy looks at the lady reveals passion…or at least that he really likes dancing with her!
What does everyone else think? Any other ladies out there?
donv69
I like how she has the chance to show off her skills, be her own dancer, but still comes back to him. It’s more freestyle and interpretive.
These are my favorite parts.
0:34 – He waits for her to come back.
0:52 – he holds her close for 16 steps.
1:34 – The two dips – 8 steps.
2:21 – He gives her plenty of chances to do styling; so cool.
2:28 – Stroking of her arm.
2:40 – This makes me hot, I hope her too.
4:04 – He takes his time with her.Can you tell I’ve been watching lots of dancing movies lately.
Oh yes, eye contact. I use this for distancing. But I keep forgetting about the sensuality of it.
Wil
An opinion?! I love to give those! LOL! Grant it I’m still a rookie but given I’ve been studying numerous videos on “the tube” this is my take on it. Off the bat I feel like the dancing and the music are not in sync even though it’s obvious there’s been some choregraphy.
Is it because they’re dancing On1? or is it On2? Like I said I’m still a rookie
I agree with Anthony on the Lead, he doesn’t move his feet much (which btw is a habit I need to break myself..just needed to put that out there). Also I feel like his shines are kinda simple and his double/triple/quadtruple turns are kinda done earlier than the should be.
With the Follow I think she was great…though she could have played with the instruments more …moving those shoulders with the conga beats!
that’s a from a rookie’s point of view.
Susan
I’ve been taking Salsa classes for about 5 months now and Anthony’s videos have been the most resourceful vids I have found online. Thanks, Anthony!
My question is in regards to balance. Being new to dancing in general, I find that I have a hard time keeping my balance, especially when I am being constantly turned and if the lead isn’t a very firm lead for me to stabilize myself off of. What tips or pointers can you give me or videos that would focus on proper turns and keeping balance? Sometimes I feel like I have a bad problem with it but am hoping that as I get better, I will overcome it….Thanks,
Susiedonv69
Hi Susan,
From myself taking salsa lessons and hearing the teacher talking to the girls, it seems that the balance issue is usually because the girl does not put on weight on the proper foot and also should be on the ball of the foot.
I’m sure Julie or Anthony will comment.
Julie
Hi Susie,
Definitely as donv69 said, once you are really comfortable with timing and correct footwork, balance improves. There are a couple techniques you can work on meanwhile: make sure your knees are bent slightly so that you stay centered and lower to the ground. Do lots of practicing on your own to establish your own balance- you really don’t want to have to depend on the guy, since the guys are all different (and they don’t like it when we hang on them). Do spin drills and practice footwork on your own, and with time balance will improve.
Sidenote: I have noticed lately that I have these bumps under/in front of both ankles, and I recently realized what they are: muscles! From all of the stabilizing that followers have to do, I have developed those stabilizer muscles in my feet. In sum, practice and some time and you’ll get those muscles too!
donv69
Yup, dancing seems to help a lot in those life situations where you need to be able to stay on your feet.
Julie
@Susan
You inspired an article on balance, it will be posted soon! I know this is something we all struggle with at the beginning (and even as we become more advanced). Hopefully it is helpful!Susan
Hi everyone and thanks for the comments on helping me find my balance
I really look forward to watching any videos that can help. I notice, too, that it really makes a difference when I am looking at my partner and visually spotting him as I turn. But I also noticed that as I am rotating around the class dancing with mostly beginner and low intermediate dancers, they are such newbies that I feel like they are literally spinning me out of control and I have to work harder to maintain my own balance.
I also noticed that in the many classes and variety of instructors that I have experienced over these last five months, a lot of them teachers are teaching patterns and dance moves but not focusing on a foundation of fundamentals. As I have become more experienced, I notice things that would have been helpful to learn right from the beginning and not have focused on learning a certain pattern or movement. In fact, I was doing the basic step so wrong that I would have a horrendous pain in both knees for three days that I could hardly climb my stairs. Determined to get through it, I sought out another instructor to show me what am I doing wrong in my step and that solved the problem immediately. So I feel that learning core fundamentals would have been better than just diving into the dance movements. And this relates to the basic instinct of keeping our balance. Often, after we begin to practice something we have (partially) learned, we develop bad habits that need correcting. How much easier it would’ve been for me if I had learned those proper techniques from the beginning!
So, another idea for a video (if there isn’t one already) = The Core Fundamentals of Salsa Dancing.
This is a great site! Looking forward to watching more videos, too!donv69
I had the same problem as you, Susan. I thought I was doing good, but in intermediate a girl finally said something which I am very thankful for.
The thing with group classes is that teachers need to keep everyone at the same level as much as possible and not go too fast for the fast learners and not too slow from the slow learners.
Having said that, not all teachers teach the same way and not all students learn the same way. Which is why I sought out private lessons to fix a few things. Now I’m rocking.
At least you took it upon yourself to improve as opposed to me where I had to be told that I sucked. LOL!!!
gnss
In my opinion it would be great to do more fundamental stuff in classes. But I also realize that in most cases it takes time till some point in an intermidiate class where you speak about these things – in beginner classes many teachers (not all I don’t want to speak about everyone) would love to do these things to improve everyone from the first moment.
But beside the fact that not every student is able to use his own body properly to avoid these mistakes, there is also another fact that you have to face – people want to learn how to do all the cool stuff they maybe saw in a club or so on, many stop taking classes after only one lesson that was only about “doing your basic properly” – I see this behaviour all the time.
So I think there is no other chance to get better in this situation than asking your teacher after the lesson or private, taking other lessons too – or whatever you are doing to improve.
Jenny
just another view on the balance topic…we just started a pilates class for salsa dancers!
It directly deals with core strength and how to identify placement of your feet to stay centered and it is really amazing!We actually teach our salsa classes in a pilates studio and then..weird, we got to be friends with the woman Pat Guyton who owns the studio, and we put two and two together and came up with this class.
Julie was talking about the muscles in her feet – well we were doing specific exercises to develop those muscles without being in heals – it was really cool. This may be another way for follows to get better balance.
Julie
That is awesome!! I love pilates…for a while (when I had more time on my hands) I was going to pilates 3 days a week and yoga for the other two, and it was great for my dancing. Plus, I just felt better- more toned, healthy, and it did improve my balance in salsa as well. Great idea, Jenny!
pam
I thought the dance was just thier style with the pauses etc.. the thing that stuck out in my sight.. was the pulling up of her top.. how unsightly .. wearing clothing that stays where its supposed to is certainly a plus to people who are watchin! How many times did she pull up her top?
shappywaigism
продам Форд-Фокус 2008 года за 200 тр. торг возможет. срочно!!!
+7 960 200 9209Don Vaillancourt
BTW, what’s the song? Anyone know. I know it’s Marc Anthony, but that’s it.
laura
The song is called Celos! I love Marc’s songs. Even though, they rarely play them at socials.
Next Page »
cold.salsero 8:14 pm on February 25, 2010Permalink |
Yeah, I’ve heard this song too, but no one’s been able to tell me what it is either.
Abraham 12:45 am on February 26, 2010Permalink |
Eddie Torres timing CD ?
Don Vaillancourt 6:24 am on February 26, 2010Permalink |
Maybe it’s Eddie Torres. I know there is an On1 and On2 version. And it’s not just the drums, I think there’s some other light instrumentation to it as well. But it is a full song.
Abraham 3:11 am on February 28, 2010Permalink |
Well theres also the Alex Wilson songs… Maybe you’ll find it under that name?
palinaurus 3:17 pm on March 1, 2010Permalink |
It’s Alex Wilson
Salsa con soul timing workout
Tom 10:24 am on March 23, 2010Permalink |
Have you tried the addicted2salsa track? http://addicted2salsa.com/videos/lesson/how-to-find-the-beat-in-salsa-music-part-1