December 12, 2003 -- New on the Scene!

Dear Rose -- WOW! Your website is just what I needed. For ages I have been trying to scout out the Latin dance scene in Toronto and always with fail, that is until I came across your site.

A professional ballet and jazz dancer for years, I am enticed by the freedom and sensuality of Salsa. It's gorgeous.

I trained with the Royal Ballet, graduated from Boston Ballet School, and have danced with hiphop and ballet companies all through North America and Europe (Broadway Dance Theatre, Alberta Ballet, English National Ballet...and so on). My technical training is extensive yes, but my experience with Salsa extends as far as my bedroom walls!

I would love to dance in a Latin based company but the first step is to be confident in the atmosphere....that I am not. What do you suggest?

At present I'm home (until my next contract in March) living in Barrie, but would be willing to commute to Toronto for lessons. Excited, Nathalie Marrable

Dear Nathalie, this is definitely not a topic that can be answered in a few small paragraphs... why not start by reading our Beginner's Guide to Salsa which was designed especially for those who are overwhelmed about how and where to start; and by checking out our club and instructor pages for more information. Happy Holidays and check out the club scene one night in Toronto... everyone is in party mode in the clubs right now... Rose

There is an excellent and not too long article on Leading and Following posted on Caribbean Soul's Website. I believe that CS has come out with some of the best followers/female dancers!

Here is the link! http://www.caribbeansouldancers.com/dancetips_link.htm

Hope you enjoy it! Betto

April 24, 2003

Thank god I'm not the only shinenaphobic out there. Rose, you or any of the other readers can feel free to jump in on this one. I REALLY wanna get over this fear as shines look so much fun to do. I will be starting lessons shortly, but the class doesn't cover shines. However, I am aware that I can go to various workshops on shines, but am unsure as to whether they cater to beginners or not. Can anyone help with this part of my post? -- Anon

April 22, 2003 -- Una pregunta

Buenas tardes Rose, I am a dedicated salsera that has been into Cuban style salsa for the past 6 yrs.

I have the impression that Cuban style is not that popular in Canada and as I am travelling your way and always interested in learning I am trying to find a Cuban Style teacher in Toronto for the period of 13.06.03 to 27.06.03.

Muchisimas gracias por contestar, Trinidad

April 19, 2003 --

Dear Rose and Ziv: I'm in my early 50s, fit and I'd like to learn latin dance. Can you suggest any dance places with a clientele of my age group? Thanks A youthful-looking shy person

Dear shy person, sorry, but there is no specific school that I'm aware of that caters to a specific age group, maybe some of the Readers can help you...

April 17, 2003 -- A friend

YES, I WANT TO LEARN TO DANCE SALSA REALLY WELL, I HAVE AROUND A YEAR TAKING SALSA CLASS. BUT I'M IN LAS VEGAS NEVADA AND I'M LOOKING FOR A SALSA PARTNER, BUT I CAN NOT FIND ONE, WHAT CAN I DO TO FIND ONE, AND TO DANCE BETTER. NEED HELP -- Chica

Dear Chica, there's no wrong or right answers for finding a salsa partner... I suggest you read our Guide to Salsa for Beginners and check out our Beginner and Dance Article Section for tips on these questions which I've answered before... Rose

If I am not mistaken, Momentos on Yorkville Ave. in Yorville near Bay and Bloor still has Brazilian nights every Thursday. Mexican nights every Wednesday -- Alex

April 17, 2003 -- For Grace in Dear TOsalsa

Grace, Do you want some information about Cuban salsa places? Just go to the debate of Why Cuban Salsa is popular on this website. We mention some clubs. Or if you want more info, write to me in the partner search. I can give you more info Cuban style instructors. I am a man. Sung Min.

Hello tosalsa: I am new to the scene and have found your site most helpful. I've learned things about salsa I didn't know, or have not covered in classes. The club guide is very helpful as well. So as a rookie - thanks. So
1. I'm discovering I'm enjoying the cuban style of salsa, where would I be most likely to find it, ie which clubs?
2. Are there instructional videos that might give me a better grasp of the various hand and arm things going on?
Thanks so much, Grace.

I have a question that maybe someone might be able to answer, I was wondering if you would know of any Brasilian dance classes? or any Brasilan Night clubs? I love the latin music but just wanted a change. Thanks, Eric

April 13, 2003 -- classes with partner's provided

I plan to buy dance classes for a relative and would like to attend classes with her. Two single gals are trying to Mambo and Merengue and possibly Tango. Are there any instructor's who provide dance partners? -- Simone

April 2, 2003 -- Thanks for dancing with a beginner!

I was at Babaluu's tonight and had the pleasure of meeting Steve of United Salseros. I thought I'd post this to let everyone know what a good sport he was in asking a beginner like myself to dance. Although it was acknowledged that he couldn't do much with me (I even told him I felt bad for "holding him back"), I appreciated the fact that he took the time to teach me. This gives me the hope that just maybe, there are advanced dancers out there who are willing to give beginners a shot and teach them a few things whether it be new moves or simply how to improve on their technique. Thanks, Steve! You helped me in deciding where I'll be going for salsa lessons -- Jazz

February 9, 2002 -- where can I go for classes

I live in the Brampton area and am interested in taking salsa classes for beginners. Where can I go??? -- Julie

Dear Julie, we have an instructors' listing with all the instructors who teach salsa and it lists the regions they teach in -- Rose Knows

January 19, 2002 -- Salsa Classes in Mississauga

Hi, I came across your site accidentally and am very happy I did. I am new to Mississauga and new to Canada so I dont know many places. I am interested in learning Salsa (and other Latin dance moves) but don't know where to start. I am sure that at first I will feel self-conscious but I am an energetic dancer. My father is Cuban and though I have never been to Cuba I feel a certain pull towards the music and dance that is a part of that heritage. My mother is Jamaican and I grew up there for for the most part and I can dance a mean reggae! I am in my late thirties so I wouldnt want to be thrown in amongst a class of teenagers, I would find that quite daunting but please give me any advice you can. Thanks again for being there -- Denise

Dear Denise, welcome to Toronto Canada. You'll be happy to hear that the dance classes listed on our site do not contain teenagers; and you'll find a variety of dancers in the clubs ranging from their 20's and up. I would suggest calling the various teachers in our Instructors section and talk to them to get a feel for what they teach and if it fits in with what you want to learn. If you're looking for an instructor in your area, Mississauga, you may want to check out Eric Angel as he teaches in your area. You may also want to review our Beginner's Guide to Salsa to help you with any other questions you may have. Good luck and have fun on your journey through dance -- Rose Knows

January 10, 2002

Hi there, Thanks for having this great web site on salsa dancing, but I don't seem to find out what I need...I know you are mostly in the TO area, but do you know if there is any clubs or "schools" / Instructors that give salsa lessons in the Hamilton area? I would really appreciate some feedback on this one....Thanks, Yannick

Dear Yannick, this is a tough one as I'm not familiar with the area at all and every once in awhile someone asks... hopefully someone who reads this may be able to help you... the only suggestion I have is check the dance schools and colleges in your area and you may be able to find a class. I also did a quick search in Google and found this website for Dance Line Studios which has a salsa class. Hope this helps... Rose Knows

November 7, 2001 -- Eager to Learn...

hi!! I'm willing to take salsa lessons but I don't know where to go. I live in bayview and sheppard and I work in downtown eaton center. Thank you, sherry

Dear Sherry, there are many instructors around central Toronto. I highly recommend that you check out our Instructors Page and decide for yourself as everyone has different preferences in terms of schedule, location and the type of instructor they prefer learning from. If you're not sure how to start, then check out our new Guide to Salsa for Beginners. Good luck on your search -- Rose Knows.

Dear Irene, basically anything goes in the clubs -- it's whatever you feel most comfortable wearing. What I find most comfortable for dancing is anything made out of stretch lycra in tops, pants, skirts and dresses. Make sure that the skirt or dress gives you enough leg room to move around or to possibly do a dip. If you look at my Photo Gallery of pictures, you'll find lots of variety. If you want to pick up something new, I suggest going to one of my favourite shops for clubwear, Urban Behaviour or Costa Blanca. They have a great selection which changes weekly. For shoes, since you're just starting out, make sure it has a thin leather sole, and it's up to you whether it's closed or open-toe shoes. I prefer closed-toe so there's less chance of being stepped on; and make sure it stays firmly around your foot -- no dainty sandals or you could hurt yourself.

August 31, 2001

Hi, Rose: I heard from a friend that Tequlia lounge offers Salsa dance classes. I went there myself last Tuesday. The classes were great! I just had a little bit intro lessons elsewhere in the community. I had a great review on everything I've just learned. I really wanted to try to dance with partners to try out my skills, so after the two hours classes I droped my shyness to ask a men
over at the bar while he was taping on the floor and looks around(bad
choice), he said he rather wanted to have a beer... I really wanted to find a hole in the floor. I have never done this before, I wanted to go home Right Now!!! but after coming all the way after work from Scarborough, I just cannot give up! So I watched other people dancing and I collected my courage again. I asked an other gentlemen next to me who was also watching the dancing crowd:"Would you like to dance with me? I am still learning. Nobody likes to dance with me." (I think at that moment I really looked liked a little girl.) He did dance with me! I finally overcame my fear (I think). I hope more people will be willing to dance with people who are still learning. I really appreciate that gentleman. Thank you, Hue!

Also, thank you Rose for creating such a site for us to get more information about Salsa in TO -- Lucy

I've been taking classes for a few weeks and finally managed to work up the nerve (and convince a friend) to get out to a club. We went to Plaza Flamigo and had a FANTASTIC time. I would like to recommend it strongly to other timid beginners. It's a really nice space and the crowd was incredibly relaxed, friendly and outgoing. It took less than ten minutes to forget everything I had been worried about. We had no trouble finding partners, danced like mad all night and had a deliriously fun time. Best of all, there are pre-club classes on Friday and Saturday from 8:30-10:00 so you can even bring your non-salsa friends and they won't feel lost. They may even end the evening fully converted! -- Jill>[}

July 16, 2001 -- Best club for Students

Hi Rose, I just read that e-mail by shy salsero and would like to recommend Tequilla Lounge on Tuesday nights. I'm writing for all the newbies that are approaching the intermediate level, since you'll know enough moves to last at least one song. I've been to most of the salsa clubs here in Toronto and the one with the best atmosphere has got to be Tequila Lounge.

First, dancers are'nt snooty, meaning they won't be overly selective in who they dance with and will try dancing with beginners or someone they've never danced with.

Second, people are really easy-going and there to have fun, which is a huge relief for those of us who are shy or just learning. There doesn't even seem to be a dress code. I've seen people wearing jeans and even shorts, it's max relax! (Mind you, the majority of the people do get dressed up, so spare the shorts for golf.) Another thing I've noticed is that I always see new faces as opposed to the same regulars who have their own clique. If you ask a girl to dance, chances are she'll say "Yes!" -- Sam El Newbieo

PS Has anyone noticed there's no bouncers at Tequila Lounge? (either that or they have a very subtle presence). At Babaluu, they have bouncers the size of small buildings that make you wait at the door for no apparent reason, just another detail that adds to the relaxed atmosphere at Tequila's.

PPS Keep up the good work Rose, I luv your site!!!

July 13, 2001 -- Learning Salsa

Dear TO: Great website for those interested in Salsa. I have recently taking group lessons in Hamilton and I can honestly say that if I contin-ued this way, it would probably take me 10 years to become somewhat proficient in Salsa. The instructors that are listed on your site have quoted rates for a number of lessons. I am sure that these are group rates, are they not? If so, I am interested in one-on-one lessons, as I have taken for swing. For myself, I rate at which are learn this way is exponentially higher than in a group and I want to Salsa as quickly as possible. Also, what's the easiest way to find dance partner(s) of the same calibre as yourself? The other problem with these groups is that you get maybe ten times as many new girls as guys as first timers. Then when practice time comes, all of the 'Latin Lovers' come out of the woodwork and take over. How do you compete against that. They become the teachers and the girls love it. I guess the real question is, how do I get there?

Finally, one criticism and is not directly aimed at your website. You mention that you have a new page for beginners, which is great, but wouldn't you agree that if you want to promote Salsa (and I'm sure you do), then the best way would be to maximize your efforts in catering to people like me, beginners. I guess I'm a little disapointed when I go out and see very few people trying to learn, when I know there are alot more wanting to, but the intimidation factor becomes overwhelming. I will learn and become good at it, but that's me. However, the quantity of new talent will make or break anything.

Anyhow, appreciate the opportunity to voice. Thanks, Dale from Hamilton.

Dear Dale: Wow, this could be a very long reply and to give you a little more expert help, I've asked a few new salseros to the scene to provide me some feedback on starting out from their experiences. In the meantime, let me give you some of my own knowledge I've gained along the way.

Regarding one-on-one instruction (privates), you would have to call or email each instructor personally and decide if they would be suited to your needs, budget and timetable.

Regarding finding dance partners of a higher calibre -- if you feel that's how you will improve quickly, it's not. Possibly dancing with more experienced dancers can possibly point out what you're doing wrong; but when they are out social dancing, they don't want to be made into a "teacher". While out social dancing, I used to know beginner students who wanted me to dance with them specifically just so I could tell them what they were doing wrong. That used to bother me alot cause I was out to have a fun night of dancing, I was not there to instruct and "test" their dancing capabilities. The only time I'll give advice now is if my partner is being very forceful with his lead, has given me whiplash from dip, or he's become a good friend and wants some feedback cause we're trying some new moves. From my own experiences and from talking to my male dance partners, the best way to get better is by consistently practicing at least 3-4 nights and with as many female dance partners as possible so you can learn to adjust your lead to your partner and vice-versa. If you can't afford to be out that many nights, then practice what you learned on your own with an imaginary dance partner or by watching yourself in a mirror. Also, although you may find group classes slower, I found it to be one of the better ways to find other dancers who want to practice. Other ways were from workshops or dancers whom you enjoy dancing with that may also be looking for a practice partner -- but you'll never know until you ask; or check out the following links for more tips:

"Overcoming Your Fear of Social Dancing..."
Dancing with others...how to "fit in" and/or become a better dancer...

And finally, your comment about catering to beginners, I'm not sure what you are asking? Is it more content on the site catering to beginners or is it the events we list don't cater to beginners. And yes, it would be nice to cater to beginners (in fact, we're working on a Beginner's Salsa Guide to be released later this year providing more in-depth information), but don't forget this website is for anyone interested in salsa, whether they live in Toronto or somewhere else. The majority of the dancers I know that are addicted to salsa, fall in love with the music, the dance or the atmosphere, and want to learn to dance socially or to the level of the advanced dancers. Yes, I agree it's intimidating to go to the clubs where there's alot of great dancers, but don't you get inspired by watching them and in turn, you want to get to their level. And the only way to get to their level quickly is if you apply yourself to taking classes and practicing at home and in the clubs consistently. And if you really think about it, it's only intimidating for beginners because you feel all eyes will be staring at you knowing you are a beginner by your dancing; when in reality, in a crowded club, most dancers will focus and remember only the advanced dancers amongst all the social and beginner dancers.

And when you say there's very few people out there learning, it depends on where you go, because over the last 6 months, I'm seeing more and more new faces on the dance floor. Anyways, I hope this answered some of your questions-Rose Knows

June 17, 2001

Hi Rose, I got your email from the tosalsa.com website. I was just wondering if you could PLEASE recommend a salsa teacher (preferably FEMALE) in the SCARBOROUGH area that will be teaching THIS SUMMER. I have previously taken salsa lessons (beginner & intermediate) levels. However, the teacher I normally go to is not teaching this summer. Your reply is greatly appreciated!! Thank you for your time in advance, Michelle

Dear Michelle, I'm sorry to say that I personally do not know of any FEMALE salsa instructors in the Scarborough area -- the closest teacher in the Victoria Park & Steeles area is Peter Djakovic of Dancing Thru Life. Was there a particular reason why you wanted a female instructor? Most good male instructors also know the ladies steps and have some basic concepts of ladies styling. Hope this helps, Rose Knows... 

April 18, 2001

Hi Rose! A fellow salsa classmate just put me onto your site and it's great. I'm hoping you and/or contributers might be able to offer some advice: I'd call my dancing skill early intermediate. I've taken 2 six-week classes and make it out to the clubs about twice a month. I'm finding the classes I take are really focusing on teaching new routines, which ultimately focuses on the guys learning new routines to spin us around to. Class is fun but when I get out to the clubs, I'm really no further ahead in terms of being able to follow a good lead where he and I didn't learn the moves together. Could you suggest a class, workshop or instructor that I might turn to (ha ha) to help me follow and brush up on technique generally? Many thanks!!! Elizabeth

Dear Elizabeth: At first I was going to suggest what classes you might want to take to help you with your technique, but I then realized after re-reading your email that you only go out and dance twice a month! To become a good follower, you need to go out dancing at least 2-3 times a week consistently! Like you, when I first started, I took 1-2 classes a week and only went out to the clubs once or twice a week and had a few dances. It wasn't until I started dancing at least 3 nights a week non-stop during the salsa sets that I started to improve. What surprised me the most was the fact that having many different male partners actually helped improve my skills at following as you have to adjust your lead to each one; but also continue taking classes or workshops with different instructors as you will learn something different from each one. Click here for more great tips on dancing-- Rose Knows

March 15, 2002
I'm wanting to take inexpensive salsa lessons, do they offer them at any clubs in downtown Toronto? Thanks, Morgan

Dear Morgan, Stay tuned as I put together an update on the clubs which offer inexpensive salsa lessons. This question has come up many time over the last few months and deserves it's own home. Check out Mondays at Smokey Joe's, Tuesdays at Berlin and Tequila, Wednesdays at Babaluu's and Park Avenue, Thursdays at Babaluu, Fridays at the Courthouse, and Sundays at Left Bank -- Rose Knows

March 12, 2001

Just wanted to say how much I love this site. I am a beginner and I know this site will propel me into the world of salsa much faster than if I was on my own. I am looking forward to your partner search feature. Please add it soon!!! Thank you T.O. Salsa, Raisa

Dear Raisa: Thanks for your feedback and it's great to know that Beginners also find this site useful. The partner search database we want to create is quite program-intensive, so cross your fingers and it will hopefully be ready before the summer! Rose Knows...

PS As a beginner, if there's anything else you would like to see on this site which we aren't already providing, please let us know!

March 4, 2001

Hi, I went to a Latin dance club in another city and saw salsa. I loved it! The problem is I am a woman of size and though I am pretty and a good dancer, no one will ever ask me to dance. So I have no opportunity to learn salsa. Though it might sound impossible to think I can learn salsa without a partner, I want to try so that at least I can dance to the music in my own home. Is there a website that explains the basic moves? Also of the Salsa video's which do you recommend? The area I live in , Mobile, Alabama, has no group salsa instruction and I cannot afford private instruction. I appreciate any advice you can offer. Thank you. Kelly

Dear Kelly, here's some advice from Abbey, the Mambo Mama from New York!

April 1, 2001

Hi Rose, please tell Kelly to check out www.MamboMamas.com just so she'll know she isn't the ONLY big chick out there dancing! Next, she'll just HAVE to move to New York!!! NO group classes in Alabama??? How can you survive in such an environment? I couldn't afford to take privates either! However, until she gains some confidence, I know this might sound weird, but find a gay guy to take lessons with. They're the BEST friends, they don't care if you're fat and they don't want anything from you. Believe it or not I came into the salsa world through hanging at gay Spanish clubs. It was a gay guy who started bringing me to straight clubs 'cuz HE thought I shouldn't ALWAYS be hanging out with just gay guys. For a long time I would ONLY go to a straight club if he was with me. Eventually, he introduced me to all the dancers, made sure I knew everyone and felt comfortable. After that I started taking classes, met a lot of people there and as my dancing got better, my confidence grew. Just be careful not to turn into a bonafide fag hag! I know I would've married my friend Manny in a hot minute if he hadn't died. He was the nicest man I'd ever known and I told him all the time that I didn't care that he was gay. So that's my REAL story of how I started dancing salsa. Now I have my own dance company and perform all over the world. Life's strang

February 19, 2001

Hi there,
Do you have any suggestions for a good Salsa bar to go to as beginners. My friends and I have never been Salsa dancing before, and we would love a night out to learn a little. Thanks for any help you can give
Christy

Dear Christy: There are various clubs that you can go to each night with some salsa lessons included usually in the admission price. Check out our club listing pages.

January 15, 2001

"Can someone please briefly explain the difference between LA styling, Cuban style, New York Style, etc. I've just recently re-entered the dance scene and am a bit confused about all the different styles that have cropped up. Thanks." -- Old-Timer

Dear Reader: We will hopefully have a story in a future article on the different styles of salsa. To give you my best interpretation without getting too technical, I think Cuban style would be similar to the old Toronto style of dancing a few years back called cumbia-style (more side to side with a rock step) and they break on "1". LA style is the forward and backward salsa and breaks on the "1". It's also very flashy with a lot of tricks. Regarding New York style, it's also backward and forward salsa, but breaks on "2". It's a less showy style for men, but gives women more chance to include styling. Another style is Casino-style Salsa from Miami, where couples form a circle, and one dancer calls out different moves and in unison, the dancers execute the moves with the same partner, and/or switches to the next partner in the circle. Hope that helps-- Rose Knows...

January 2, 2001 -- Salsa outside Toronto

Are you aware of any salsa dance courses in the Kitchener/Waterloo area? -- Beverley

Dear Readers -- do you know of any instructors in the Kitchener/ Waterloo area?

December 29, 2002 --

"I live in Oakville. I was recently in Cuba on vacation and learned a few basic steps of Salsa and other Latin dances. The instruction was excellent and I would like to continue.

Do you know of a few very good Latin Dance instructors located in Mississauga, Oakville or Burlington that I could contact?

Also, are there any good nite clubs in this area that you could recommend for Latin dancing.

Thanks in advance, and compliments on your excellent web site.

Dear Readers: Does anyone know of any instructors in Mississauga, Oakville or Burlington and any new or existing clubs in those areas also that you could recommend?