February 2, 2004 --

Hi Rose. I am Monikka from Montreal. I wrote to tou recently regarding commercial Salsa. Thank you so much for the answer you posted on your web site. I may be a beginner but even I know that what Ricky Martin sings is not really Salsa. So in my quest to find out what exactly that guy at the club meant by commercial Salsa, I asked my salsa teacher about the song that was playing at the club.

Turns out the song is called "Con el mismo amor" by Portorican Power and according to my teacher, although not exactly hard-core salsa, to call it commercial is a bit of a stretch.

By the way, pretty much every dancer that heard my story agrees with you: Refusing a dance because the music is "commercial" ranks up there with the lamest excuses ever. Thanks for the reassurance anyway.

Did I tell you I just love your site?

Monikka

August 11, 2003 --

Just wanted to tell you your updates are amazingly just in time and informative to give us a reason to get throught the week. Gracias. Alvaro

August 11, 2003 -- 1.5.1) How long will it take me to become a good dancer?

Can I just tell you guys how happy I am to FINALLY find a site on T.O'scene?!? I was just about to give up when you came up on yahoo and so far I am really impressed just by the extent to which you provide information. Because I have a two year old daughter I haven't been able to dance half as much as I was before. I tried it recently and i was horrified to see how terrible I am and I found myself getting very impatient and wondering why I ever liked dancing in the first place( just by nature I'm very hard on myself and because this is something I absolutely love love love to do I was like, exceptionally upset) but i went again this weekend and experienced the same thing to a lesser degree but this section just encouraged me so much and reminded of how fun just learning was. That's part of the fun; just waking up one day and being able to like bust some wicked ass moves and then think" oh my gosh was that just me?" I know I'm gushing but I'm sure you know there's like little to no info on the latin scene in Toronto and I'm very happy to see that you guys finally brought it. Sorry for rambling. -- Candice

August 3, 2003 -- Nicole DeSilva's article on Casino Rueda

Dear Readers,
I would like to let you know that Nicole DeSilva's article about Casino Rueda might not be entirely her own. Mariela Cuellar Alarcon's article at www.gpuri.com/mariela.html is almost word for word identical to Nicole DeSilva's article. Maybe it was Mariela who copied Nicole's article, but I doubt that.

I don't mean to be malicious. But I think you should acknowledge people who you take information from. Or else it is called plagarism. I think it is bad that you give impression to the public that you have knowledge that you don't obviously have.

If you doubt me, check it out. -- Rosmary

Dear Rosmary, I am very skeptical of your accusation just because we have had Nicole's article for a few years now and the site you mentioned looks fairly new. It wouldn't surprise me if this person read it and copied it to their site and it wouldn't be the first site to use someone else's writing and pass it off as their own. As I am going away shortly, this is all I have time to say at this time. As the salsa world and website world turns... some things just never change or grow up... no different than when we were in high school and some people had cheat notes... Rose

I admire I Cuba they're so original and very creative....hhahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahah. Would thing is what is said, another what it apparently is, and finally the truth. Please Vladimr do not try to act like a maestro and attempt to teach all of us your ignorant "knowledege". If you look at Cuba it IS NOT an original country as opposed to say Mexico for example. Mexico gained its independence with Mexicans while Cuba needed the help of the United States and Spaniards who were against Spain. In Mexico, Mexicans created their flag, in Cuba a Venezuelan general had to create it for them. I get the hell boiled out of my whenever I met such ignorants as Vladimir. If this Had been in the 1916 nobody would know who, what or where the hell Cuba would be. What does this have to do with anything? It can connect with the music. In the 1930's Cuban music became commercial music, PUERTO RICAN MUSIC HAS NEVER BEEN (UP TO THIS DATE) COMMERCIAL MUISC. SO SINCE THE 1930's Cuban music could be heard from Hong Kong to the North Pole. Now the DANZA, you've said you've asked Puerto Ricans? Hmmm you just told me you lied cause your full of crap. ALL Puerto Ricans (I MEAN I'LL BUY IT THAT NUYORICANS WOULDN'T KNOW) KNOW WHAT DANZA IS YOU MONGOLOID----DANZA IS THE NATIONAL DANCE OF PUERTO RICO.....IS JUST FOUND OUT WHAT A PIECE OF.......YOU ARE. Back to the music, the fact that everything from Rumba to Son were commercialized opened interest in record companies....why would they want to record music they were unfamiliar with because it wasn't commerical? Cuban music brough $$$ and that's all they cared about. If salsa is Cuban, why hasn't 1 Cuban artist even been named that this of salsa and the that of salsa? The one was Celia Cruz....and she was crowned the "Queen of Salsa" by Tito Puente. I really don't want to get into insulting Cuban people because of ignorants like you because I've met many good Cubans and their music WHICH IS NOT SALSA is great. But im defending Puerto Rico as True Puerto Rican. I say it's not (REAL CUBAN MUSIC) Salsa because that's where this whole controversy starts. Ignorants like you want to call salsa the music that Ernesto Lecuona or Xavier Cugat and that is not salsa. Take me for example I love Xavier Cugat's music but NONE of his songs sound like salsa-NONE OF THEM. Undoubtley Salsa Has Cuban Roots but it is not a Cuban Creation. I we follow that idiotic theory that only mongoloids such as Vladimir. Then Tango is Not Argentinan it's European, Mariachi is not Mexican because it has Cuban roots also since it evolved from the Son Jarocho which comes from the Cuban son. Then Again is the Son Cuban? If You Ever Travel to Santiago de Los Caballeros, Dominican Republic (AND I HOPE YOU DO SO YOU DON'T THINK I'M MAKING IT UP) 99.9% of the People there claim that They created the Son and then DOminican immmigrants took it to Cuba. Salsa was indeed created MOSTLY by Puerto Ricans altough some other Latin Americans also contributed and it was in New York. I'll Admit Cuba was a musical rhythm producing machine but that all ended in 1959. Why can't Cubans just admit that Salsa is Puerto Rican. WHY HASN'T ANY SONG BY ANY CUBAN ARTIST EVER SOUNDED LIKE NORO MORALES' "PONCE" THAT IS THE CLOSEST YOU'LL EVER GET TO CONTEMPORARY SALSA FROM A SONG THAT WAS RECORDED IN THE 40's. Like I Said I've Met Many Good Cuban People So I Don't Want To Get Into This Whole Feud Thingy. Some of those People Have Been Salsa Artist Like Pedro Jesus who was born in Cuba but lives in New York. Pedro Jesus attened the Puerto Rican parade festivities. He improvised on one of his songs in which he said something like this "En Cuba nacio el guaguanco, nacio el cha cha cha, la guajira......Y En Puerto Rico donde nacio, nacio la salsa caliente". The Super Cuban All Stars Which Featured Artist Like Miles Pena recorded a song "Salsa y Son" Which Said "Baila Puerto Rico El Son, Que Cuba Baila Tu Salsa, Mi Son y Tu Salsa Son Dos Instrumentos del Alma". Most of these artist I mentioned are outside of Miami, so this whole, Salsa is Cuban thing comes from Ultra-Right Wing Miami Cubans A.K.A. "The Miami Cuban Mafia" This Whole Salsa Thing Has a Political Hidden Agenda Behind it. Again answer me this question what do Babalu, Elube Chango, Miami Beach Rhumba, Calientito, El Mondonguero, Mambo at the Waldrof, La Culebra, Bonito y Sabroso, 72 Hachero's Pa' Un Palo (From Arsenio), etc. etc. etc. Have to do with Salsa-----those are Cuban and just Cuban. AND THOSE SONGS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH PUERTO RICAN SALSA. I don't want to offened Cubans but people like you make me speak out the TRUTH. If you say that Cuba is so original? Why are they always saying Momentico, Poquitico, Chiquitico......THEY STOLED THAT FROM THE COSTA RICANS WHICH ARE THE REAL TICOS. This "diminutivos" of the Verbs originated in Costa Rica that's why they call Costa Ricans Ticos. Salsa is nothing more than a blend a rhythms...it DOES have a lot of Cuban to it but that doesn't it making Cuban. What's the difference between Cumbia a songs from La Sonora Matancera. Cumbia has strong Cuban influences as well, so does this mean we should call it Cuban instead of Colombian? Mexico's Band Music Sounds the Same as German Music....Does This Mean We're gonna call it German Now? Salsa was a Puerto Rican creation...NOT a Cuban one, but ignorants like you (WHO WOULD CALL MIGUELITO VALDES' "RUMBA RUMBERO" A SALSA SONG) and politics attempt to make seem as though its Cuban.

*A Little Side Note* I'm well aware that Mongoloids are people of or born in Mongolia, I just used that amusing word that call you what you real are...a retard. So don't bother pointing that out. Have a Nice Vladimir. -- Mikey

July 21, 2003 -- Salsa Lessons

I am going to my first salsa lesson today, it's at a local bar. I am not sure what to wear. Can you or your readers help me out in this issue. All the sites I have seen say "be comfortable" -- Moneta

July 9, 2003 -- salsa on 1 /salsa on 2

I'm not clear on the above terminology. Would you mind explaining to me? Thanks, Debbie

July 4, 2003 -- Dancing

Hi, I've just posted a profile to find someone to practice dancing with. I'm a woman and my question is...where does one practice these dances? It might be a bit weird having a strange man in the house without being able to check out his character. Do people just go to clubs to practice?.
Obviously we could meet at some neutral place but at some point we'll have to dance in confined spot.

Any advice or other people's experiences would be helpful. Also I am older and don't care about an age difference but want to avoid awkward situations. I don't really want a relationship with a younger men and I'm wondering if a lot of them want that. Perhaps you know.
Thank you. -- Martine

Dear Martine, we have an article on Partner Search Dance Tips -- I suggest you read that to give you suggestions and here's my response to your letter:

1. You DO NOT invite the person to your home, meet them in the clubs and see if you even enjoy dancing together. And yes, you can start out by going to the clubs to practice until you are comfortable with each other, then either practice in your home or rent some cheap studio space. The only time I ever had practice partners over were dancers I knew for quite awhile and were friends of friends usually.

2. Regarding relationships, well, I think by conversing by phone and email, and when you meet them, you'd already get a "sense" of what they are all about. If you're not sure, then state it clearly from the beginning that you're looking for a DANCE PARTNER only.

Good luck and hope this helps -- Rose

June 18, 2003

Hi Rose, my name is Gina and I am from the toronto area. I have recently made a committment to somehow engage in learning and dancing Salsa this summer. I was wondering what you would reccomend and what is the audition procedure for the Canada Salsa team? I am a High School Music Director/Performer/Musician and I would love to really get into performing Latin dance. I originally learned how to dance while I was living in Colombia after University and have loved it ever since. I have not been too active lately but I know it will not take me long to get into the same groove. Do you offer lessons anywhere and how would I go about getting a serious partner? What do you recommend? Help! Gina

Dear Gina, please go to www.tosalsa.com/salsateamcanada for more information on Salsa Team Canada auditions. We won't be auditioning until the late Fall, early Winter.

Sorry, I don't offer lessons, but there are many instructors on the top of this page and getting a partner? It's really not necessary for taking lessons as most instructors rotate. Regarding a partner, why not try our partner search on Dance Forum at the top of the page.

June 18, 2003 -- dance partner??

I am looking for a site that would provide a list of person looking for a dance partner, if i am not mistaken you had that before, please tell me where i should look under to find that again, thanks and keep up your great work!!! -- Nadia

Dear Nadia, go to Dance Forum link at the top and click on Partner Search.

Interestingly, I stumbled across this discussion while looking for web sites on accent reduction. I am an English language instructor and found it intriguing to find such a heated debate on 'quality' of Spanish spoken in various countries. In the opinion of linguists, no language is better than any other language and the same is said for dialects. They are each considered to be their own entity, albeit derived from common sources -- Joan

check out this link.... http://www.salsa-uk.com/articles/article196.htm

article title....despite the opening, informative, tongue in cheek with a bite...

Are shines onanistic?

It all starts in the Bible, and goes pretty much downhill from there on.

‘And Onan knew that the shine should not be his; and it came to pass, when he danced with his brother’s wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give the shine unto his brother. And the thing which he did displeased the Lord: wherefore He slew him also.’ (Genesis 38:9)

-- Mike

where on the web can i find the history of the salsa -- Ariel

I would like to know what is the difference between the way the cuban's dance it to the way the puerto rican's dance it. -- Cristina

Dear Cuban Dancers and Readers, as the "experts", maybe you can help answer this question... I've seen Puerto Rican dancers, but I haven't seen enough of the cuban style of salsa to give a proper answer... Rose

I'm a mambo on 2 dancer on Argentina... And... I want more frankie martinez videos... I wanna know if you have more frankie videos... Regards, Alejandro Kapit, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Chinchub
Adam
Davin Supporters
Davin Critics

Cuban Salsa is the best in the world. It has the most advanced turn patterns, spins, and they move their body more than anyone in the universe.

New York Salsa, L.A. Salsa, Colombian Salsa sucks. They are not really Salsa--they are just off-shoots from the great Cuban dance.

Dance to Live sucks
Soles Sucks
Los Salsomanos sucks
UnitedSalseros sucks
MamboTribe sucks
Anything listed in TOSalsa sucks
Anything that's not Cuban sucks
Enrique Iglesia sucks
And anyone who tries to teach Cuban style Salsa that is not Cubans (including the Miami Cubans) suck

Hurray! Fidel Castro won!

Cuban dancing is great...too bad not a lot of people teach it. Those who do spend too much time at TOSalsa bitzin and criticizing...and you wonder why Cuban Salsa is a rarity.

Oooohhh....I can't wait for the response now -- Threadkiller...

Hi, I hope you can help me.
My daughter, Jemma Girling with her then partner, Nicolas Quesnoit, won the above event but sadly we have no photos/videos/press articles etc as a momento. We would dearly love to know if you know what coverage may exist and put us in touch with whomsoever may still have copy. We understand their photographs appeared in a magazine report. If you can help at all please let us know at the above UK email address. Thank you Roger Girling

I have read all the debates and all the threads from the experts and have heard every form of argument. One thing that appears to be sure of is that Salsa has Afro-Cuban roots regardless whether it developed in Puerto Rico or New York or even before it reached the shores of other Latin countries.

Basically, what I am looking for is this:

Historically, what is the most accurate evolution of Salsa, which means documented evidence (video, writings, etc.)? Did Cuba develop Salsa as we know it in international congresses nowadays.

So far this is what I gather from most the argument and the stuff I've read in other websites:

1. Salsa has Cuban roots (Son or something else, perhaps). It does not discount the fact that Cuba could have developed its own Salsa since it obviously had its earliest roots there.

2. Before it became "officially Salsa," it reached the shores of New York or Puerto Rico, and it evolved from there, and so forth in Colombia, etc, etc.

Rose Knows, I think we should have a poll on this and see exactly what readers think. Let the experts present their case. While Salsa roots have always been hotly debated, let's see where all the readers stand.

Anonymous. Thank you.

Thank you so much! :) Kale

Dear Kale, you may want to check out our article regarding the Different Styles of Salsa....

1. What country and culture is this dance forum from?
2. When was it developed?
3. Was there a specific time of year/day/occasion this dance was formed?
4. Was there a specific location that the dance was formed?
5. What was the purpose of the dance?
6. Describe the costumes. How relate to the purpose of the dance.
7. Has the dance changed today? -- Nicole

I couldn't resist answering this one. I won't disclose my height on here, but I can say that I too have had the opportunity to dance with someone who is a foot taller than me and I just want to say that you probably aren't the only one who's worried. That night, I remember being worried that the guy I was dancing with had to bend down a little too low (making him uncomfortable) when he was turning into me while doing the man-turn (I believe that was the move-I'm a beginner so I don't know. But I can say that I as a woman don't feel stupid dancing with guys who are really tall. As long as they can lead, I have no problem. -- Anon

Do you think that the majority of women would perfer to dance with someone their own size, being a really tall man I wondered what a female view would be on dancing with a guy who is taller than 6'6". Does is make most women feel stupid to dance with really tall guys.

Dear Really Tall Guy, not a question I've ever discussed with fellow dancers; but for myself personally, I've danced with guys who are actually a foot taller than me, and it doesn't bother me at all. In fact, many tall guys who know how to lead properly and actually show their partner the same enjoyment for the dance are actually as much fun to dance with as people your own height. So just get out there and don't be intimidated -- after all, everyone who goes dancing in latin clubs are there to dance! Rose

Dear Rose, I just have a simple question to the people out there. If I write something longer, I don't think people will take the time to read it?

If New York style salsa is something completely new, why do they call "Mambo" ? There might be some dispute where salsa comes from. But there is no doubt Mambo comes from Cuba. 100% cubano, my friends.

Dear Chincub, I don't know enough about the history to answer this question myself, but I couldn't resist to comment on "If I write something longer, I don't think people will take the time to read it?" You've got to be joking... look at the 5 pages of "North American versus Cuban Style -- which is better", some of which you contributed and others with lengthy discussions. Wherever did you get that idea... I always wonder where people have time to write such long debates, but then again... when you're passionate about something -- you just can't help it, I guess, Rose

PS When I get a chance I'll forward this to some of the "experts" and see what they say?

Cuban?
Cuban-Miami?
L.A. Style?
Puerto Rican Style?
New York Style?

I have travelled extensively (although a limited amount of time in Cuba, I must admit), and I have to say from observation that New York Style seems to be the most complex choreographically, for a couple of reasons:

1) Every Cuban body movement pattern I have seen almost have a similar variation in New York Style (which also encompases a lot of Puerto Rican patterns and body movements).

2. I have been in Miami a lot, and I find Cuban-Miami turn patterns are more intricate that I've seen in Havana, but I have to say that I have seen turn patterns in New York that I have not seen anywhere else. The arrangements seem so intricate.

3. Also, like all the styles that developed in U.S., New York style is influenced by many dance disciplines that exist in the U.S. that freely intertwine.

I'm not trying to put any style down, I'm just trying to choose a style I'd like to pursue further that I'd get the most out of choreographically.

What are your thoughts? Maria

Dear Maria, I just love it when someone writes in and actually makes people think about the dance... choreographically complex? What a question... It's interesting that you would ask this especially as it sounds like you already have made your choice. Although, I would have to say that I would choose New York-style as they can incorporate many different styles of dance on 2 on many different levels, including shines; and you have more time to "play" with the music. LA style on 1 very athletic and dramatic, but after awhile, I get tired of the "drama" from dips and tricks. With the New York style, it allows you to bring your own personality and playfulness into the dance. If you only want to be challenged choreographically, you can get that from New York or LA; but if you want your own personality and style to shine -- then pick New York styling.

But at the same time, if you can also learn Cuban, Cuban-Miami and Puerto Rican style, then you can go anywhere and dance with anyone in any style -- that's what makes a great dancer. Rose

PS. Would love to hear what other dancers think...

My name is carlo and I started dancing Salsa & Merengue in Montreal on January 1997. I took private classes to better myself as a dancer and I took group class to meet new people. The main reason I started taking Latindancing was to get out and get rid of my shyness. Well it worked. I ended up learning Swing, ChachaCha, Ruba, Rueda, Argentine Tango and Bachata. I am no expert in those dances but if I hear a song and I can dance it, I'm on the dance floor. I focused my dancing in Salsa, Merengue and Rueda Casino. In August 2002, because of work, i got posted in Prince Edward Island. I don't know if you've been there but there aint too much ethnicity (I am being nice, there's none. The only gangs around here are the Protestants and the Catholics.lol.)

What should I do, if I want to better myself as a dancer and become a future instructor? Keep in mind that the closest dance school and club is four hours away by car in Halifax. The second closest one is twelve hours away by car in Montreal. I practice at least 30 minutes in my basement EVERYDAY. I have taken worshops and private (instructor level) classes in Rueda with Renee Gueits in the US. Took salsa workshop classes for a week in Cancun, Mexico (you should check out www.salsacruise.com).

How can I better myself as a dancer from where I am. Are there books that you recommend that will teach me the psychology and philosophy behind dance instructing? Do you know of any instructor who would be willing to give me an intensive course to become an instructor. I know there are course out there but i can't afford to go once a week in Montreal, Halifax or Toronto. I work with the RCMP and they are pretty anal when it comes to junior officer asking for vacation. I spoke with my old dance school about taking classes but they didn't seem too interested. Have any advice for an abandoned salsero? -- Carlo

Dear Carlo, wow, what a loaded question... if I was stuck in the middle of nowhere, then I'd probably think like you and just start teaching just to get some other dancers whom I could dance with on a regular basis. After awhile, although it's good to continuously train on your own -- it's just no fun as it is a very social skill. Therefore, you have the right idea.

Although ideally it would be wonderful if you could get some training to become a teacher, I have to admit that many of the instructors in the salsa scene don't have formal instructor training -- many have gained their experience just from teaching. And whose to say the best teachers are those that are "certified" or trained by another instructor. If you have great social skills, totaly understand all your steps, theory of the lead and know your musical timing -- who can really contest whether you can teach. Many instructors who were great dancers first, "fell" into teaching, were lousy at the beginning due to lack of experience, but over the years, learn to improve how to teach at different level OR find that they forte may only be to teach beginners or advanced students depending on their strengths and weaknesses.

On the other side of the coin, many dancers who see and admire advanced dancers assume they are instructors, especially if you're constantly dancing with known instructors, or have helped demo in a class. I've been asked on and off in the past if I was instructor or because I know the dance and that I should be able to teach them. My very own standards of what I would expect from an Instructor has deterred me from this route, plus the fact with everything else I do -- it leaves very little time to add "another full time" night job to my very boring lifestyle (yeah right!).

I guess what I'm saying is "take what you know" and see where it goes. If you were born to be an Instructor or find you enjoy "giving" knowledge to other inspiring salsa dancers, then you'll actually enjoy the process of teaching and finding out how much you have absorbed over the years of your own class training. Thanks to this website and the various classes and workshops I've taken, I know what I like, don't like, and found that I had a wealth of knowledge all bottled up inside me just waiting to spill out -- maybe you'll find the same thing. OR maybe instead of teaching a class, you may just want to try and get a group of people together and form a group just to social dance with on a regular basis or find yourself a few regular dance partners. Also, since you're in the middle of nowhere, why not get some good instructional videotapes of some instructors you admire to help you in understanding what's involved in teaching. Analyze the tapes and you'll learn for yourself what may work for some students and what won't -- alot is just common sense, being able to see what the student is doing wrong visually and being able to communicate/explain to them in a way they'll understand as everyone's learning curve is different. Hopefully this is enough info to get you started, and good luck! Rose

Dear ToSalsa.com,
I'm the guy that wrote that "You know you're a Salsero/Salsera if..." I wrote that 3 years ago and sent it to my salsa friends in San Diego after I moved away. I cannot believe how many people forwarded that to other salsa people.

I wrote this one because I know that all of us (salseros/salseras) have this in common or can relate to it in some way. Please post it so our other salsa brothers and and sisters can have a good laugh.

Thank you, Alex Labrador

Dear Alex, it's nice to meet the original writer who wrote "You know you're a Salsero/Salsera if..." and I'm sure the Readers will also a get kick out of this one too.... Rose

New! 50 Reasons why Salsa is just like S-E-X

So right! I'm convinced I'm deaf-I cant hear the beat and cant follow. Help! Is there some formula to the beat? HY

I just wanted to ask a question of you. I am a recently converted salsaholic that has been dancing since summer. I've progressed a lot as I have met a lot of nice dancers in my city who have taken the time to dance with me and teach me a few things.....and also due to the fact that I have been going out ALL the time!

I have now reached a point where I can follow just about anything a guy throws out there.....but God forbid that he let me go! Every time he does I feel a sudden rush of adrenaline and then a bit terrified I think to myself "Oh crap!, what ever shall I do?" They let me go mostly during percussion solos, or those vocal improvs at the end of a song which are often so awesome, I just want to bust a move all over the place! But what results instead is very ethusiastic....... (drum roll please...........) basic step. bummer.

Have you ever experienced this? What does it take to start learning footwork... to feel natural on the dance floor when your lead lets you go? Most ladies are delighted to get these few moments to "shine" .....but since I don't know many moves and the ones I do know don't flow from me naturally when I'm on the dance floor.....it's a little unnerving.

I have asked other dancers (guys and girls alike) what to do, and they tell me to do whatever I feel... (to the rhythm and timing of the music) . When I ask how they learned... they said from watching others and picking up some of their moves. I, for one don't, seem to be able to pick up moves just from observation alone.

How did you deal with this (if you've ever experienced it) and do you have any suggestions for learning footwork or getting comfortable with being released for shines? (classes, workshops, video?)

Please help me RELEASE MY FEET. >=) Sincerely, Una salsera del corazon

"I've seen the daylight breaking high above the bough;
I've found my destination and I've made my vow;
So whether you abhor me , deride me or ignore me
mighty mountains loom before me and I won't stop now."
-Naomi Madgett

Dear Una salsera del corazon, oh my goodness, you actually hit on one of my weaknesses too as a dancer... For the longest time and still today, I never-ever really liked shines, and it took ALOT of effort (brain power) to remember them or to even really like dancing solo as I loved salsa because it was a partner dance... But on the other hand, it is cool to have a chance to dance solo, because if you're not dancing with someone your level, and the song just makes you want to move more... then I prefer to have that time to "do my thang" to the music. For the past few years, I've been learning shines on and off, but never practicing and forgetting them all; and literally have the same problem you do... Starting in Puerto Rico, I made a vow to myself to take the shine workshops and try to concentrate and learn and memorize the shine, even if it's for a few hours... and surprisingly, once I changed my mindset -- that helped... I was able to remember a shine for at least 1-1/2 hours later!

Unless you're a complete natural at solo footwork, I suggest taking classes or purchase a tape on shines and start practicing; and just like when you started to learn salsa, it's just a matter of practicing what you learned and dancing it until it feels natural. Once you get comfortable doing the basics, then you can take some of those steps and start adding some of your personality to "shine" on the dance floor. Also, once you know a few steps, it's amazing how you can feed off the energy of your dance partner and just do some fun body movement, sometimes without always having to do a basic... something I learned from watching the best from around the world... It's not always about footwork but using your whole body... their feet could be doing something so basic, but are using their body to accentuate they rhythm differently.

Another tip from my own experiences in the past... you'll notice that many shines taught today are actually a series of various shines put together. If you can find a class that gives you the shines actually broken down into their basics -- that might help too... along with a cardio salsa class that uses shines which will help you practice moving your feet in various combinations along with a good workout at the same time. But the key to all of this is practice, if you just memorize the shines without practicing to see where you can just throw it in, you'll still be in the same boat... as the rhythm of the song may throw you off from actually using the moves you know. Hope this helps, Rose

PS If any other dancers and/or instructors would like to add their advice for those "who want to release their feet", please don't hesitate to send us an email or fill out the feedback form...

I've heard that Casino started in the 1950's and is actually much older. I've seen footage of 1940's and 1930's bands like arzenio rodriguez and sexteto nacional ignacio piqeiro and the dancers dance casino style. my grandfather was a great casino dancer and he would be around 90 years old now if he was alive. Casino has been around as long as son has been around. some of its steps come from danzon and others from rumba. the story goes that the name originated after one of the most famous clubs of the time, casino deportivo. -- Orisha

what are the other ways to find a partner apart from the one on the web site 'cause the profiles on the website are just few and seem to be old.

I took few classes on salsa and i dance on level 2. looking forward to meet a potential dance partner who could part some time at least once a week for social dancing. thanx. Randy

Dear Randy, sometime ago I wrote an article about Dancing with Others and Fitting In, and there's some other articles that might help with meeting other dancers. Once you find someone you're comfortable dancing with and become friendly with, you can then ask them if they are interested in practicing new steps -- that's usually how I used to meet my practice partners; or how about asking one of your fellow classmates; or just going out to the clubs regularly and dance non-stop with as many dancers as you can. Nothing improves your dancing better than practice with or without a dance partner. How do you dance without a dance partner? Well, when you first learned the steps, you were standing and learning the steps by yourself, weren't you? Then visualize and practice the moves at home. When I first started to dance, the only way I could remember all the new moves was to practice by myself at home. If you don't know your own footwork and arm movements, how can you ever expect to lead your partner. Here are some other articles that you might find helpful... and if this isn't enough, just check out all our articles on salsa, click here!

Overcoming Social Dancing Fears
Why are you sitting here and not on the floor dancing

Toronto dancers are very much influenced by NY style on 2 (where men break back on 2). However many on2 lady dancers can switch to what we would call "Puerto Rican Style" on2 where men break forward on 2. Leaders (men) with a strong sense of timing are also quite comfortable to switch to this form. We also have a growing movement from cuban-style/rueda salsa (also on 2). We are not too picky - we just want to be able to dance any style anywhere in the world!

While it is easier to switch from breaking forward on 1 to the Puerto rican style on 2, having the emphasis on 6 in the NY Style salsa does give the dance a totally different feel. Given that music accents (& dips) are usually on 1 or 5, I think it all balances out in the end....

Remember true musicality comes not from which beat your break on but rather how you make the best use of the music.... there a different types of claves and different instruments you can dance to. -- On2 Salsera

December 10, 2002 -- cuban salsa dancing clips

To counter balance the LA, New York and Ballroom styles videos clips. I am sending links for people to see Cuban Salsa dancing. These are websites to sell videos, but you can video clips for free. These NEW VIDEOS -- chincub

www.boogalu.com/generic94.html

www.salsaville.com/salsa_a_la_cubana_new.htm

I loved it!! I wish every guy & girl out there would read this. I can't tell you have many times I've danced with men where I have to guess at their leading, were dancing off beat, experimented their complicated turn patterns on me at high speed, and who had killer breath &/or bad b.o., I just can't see myself dancing with these guys again. I've also experienced guys who were in the same dance classes w/ me who didn't mind dancing w/me in class but totally ignore me on the dance floor.

I am a good dancer I know my timing, I can do several shines, I look & smell good but I cannot put up w/ arrogant, conceited behavior. Some guys & girls learn a few moves & they think they're IT & become very choosy about who they dance with. I don't pretend to be the best, there are so many great dancers out there but I do know my stuff & I can access who is & is not dancing on time & on 2.

I remember dancing withe this guy dozens of times but his timing was off at times especially after making a turn he would complete it on the wrong foot. After knowing him for several months I thought it would be ok to mention it so I told him he was a good dancer but that he could do a little work on his timing & he would become great---5 yrs later he's still angry & refuses to dance with me! According my girlfriend, who he does dance with,--his timing is still off! I decided to it's best keep my mouth shut & just make excuses to those guys w/weak egos & poor timing who want to dance with me. I do take constructive input because I do want to improve each & every time I dance, but many people believe they have become the best by their own accessment & refuse to even look into building on their skills.

I another guys I know has great moves---he comes out of hip-hop dancing--he's think's he's doing mambo but he has no idea about timing. At times he falls into step briefly but then he goes off. I see great potential in him but when I asked him to join me & my friends at a free dance class for fun his reaction was, Are you telling me I'm a bad dancer? I tried to be diplomatic & said no but it's also good to practice because you might pick up some new moves. He responsed, I don't need to practice I can dance. I said even Eddie Torres saids he still practices after over 30yrs of dancing & if he can practice so can the rest of us!!! But like I said some people just think they're IT--punto final. - Elba

Hi. I am writing because I am doing my senior project on salsa dancing, and I need more information. Actually my project is on learning how-to salsa dance. I am really excited! I live in a small town, and we have no dance studios or classes availible. Any information on the culture, style, history, or steps, would be greatly appreciated. PLEASE WRITE BACK!
Thanks so much, Lee Robertson, Lassen High School

Dear Lee, this could be aLOT of reserach... here's some links for you to check out on our site, and some others. I also suggest you use the google search engine and type in key phrases for specific subjects you're looking for more research... hope this helps you out... Rose

The Beginner's Guide to Salsa
The Different Styles of Salsa
Salsa and Merengue Site from the UK
Cuban Music Info on Mamborama

Hi! First of all, great site, and great exchanges on the site! Second, something rather bizarre happened to me last weekend. I live in Berlin, Germany, and was at a club called Havanna. There wasn't too much action, so I was naturally thrilled to be asked to dance at all (yup, I'm female). At one point, I was standing and conversing with an acquaintance when she was asked to dance. I watched her dancing with this guy, who I quickly realized was pretty drunk. She danced one number with him, and he then turned to me and said, "Come on, let's dance." I smiled, said, "No, thank you" and thought that would be the end of it; indeed, not. This person then grabbed my arm and said "Oh, what, you're the Salsa Queen? You're too good to dance with me?!?" I was so shocked...I could only say "Excuse me, I just said I don't want to dance, please except that" and extricate my arm from his grip (trying not to make it look as if I were struggling with the guy), after which point he grabs his drink and stomps away. Now, I am one of those women who, generally and as a rule of politeness, dances with anyone who asks me; my only exceptions are guys who are quite obviously out of control of themselves, i.e. drunk. What I'd like to know is, did I handle this situation appropriately? Should I have given this guy one dance (completely against my inclination), and then bowed out? And has something similar happened to any other women (or men) out there? I hardly ever turn down dances, so it was a pretty big stunner to find out that there are people out there who get really offended (and offensive) when they're turned down. I'd be grateful for any feedback! Sandy

Dear Sandy, it wouldn't be the first time this has ever happened to any dancer, and if he was drunk, then you did the right thing and refused politely. If he wasn't drunk, he probably wouldn't have been so rude or obnoxious and he's definitely the one in the wrong! What surprises me at times is how women in general, probably because of our upbringing, usually feels bad even though it was the right thing to do. Sometime ago in one of our clubs, I said yes to someone who was tipsy dancing to a bachata and the floor was almost empty. He held me at a respectable distance, but he somehow managed to ensure that I bumped into every couple that was dancing around us, and there was only about 3-4 couples there! I tried to steer him away, but he just kept on going, and I got so ticked off from being stepped on, bumped into and apologizing on his behalf that in the middle of the bachata, I said "Thank You" and walked off. In my case, he was too tipsy to really protest too much. And should you have given him one dance? My answer is "No", there is still freedom of choice in this World. My two cents worth, Rose

A little over a year and a half ago, I entered the Salsa world from ground zero. I have come across different kinds of dancers. Some stand by the sidelines, thinking about if they should take lessons, a year and a half later, they are still thinking. Then there are some dancers, they took some lessons, perhaps from a professional or from friends, they began to dance occasionally, on weekends, perhaps once in while during the week. They are happy doing simple steps, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 5, 6, 7, 8, 1, 2, 3, 4. There are also dancers, you see them in workshops, classes, two three times a week, they seem to be everywhere. First they look mechanical, stiff, ballroom salsa dancers, weekend girls or boys laugh at them as it makes them feel superior. These dancers persist, they begin to develop body rhythm, and then musicality. As music pulsates into a fierce torrent, as does their movement, when the music ebbs and wain into a dreamlike trance, the steps change, 1, 3, 5 and 7. The texture of the dance changes.. Girls and boys, those that understand, begin to ask them for a dance. What kind of a dancer are you? Do you really understand or are you a close minded dancer happy in your ignorant bliss! The ballroom salsa dancer dances on into a world that you wouldn't understand as your vision is blurred by negativity and a lack of fire and passion for excellence. Be happy with your 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8...

You wouldn't understand it! Richard

I have been dancing now for a while and have read your article on dancing. I do like social dancing but find it lots of work after all this time. No matter how well you dance, it is never enough especially if your are older.

Let's take Mr. S. Shaw who is known by many and is NOT 20. I see him at many clubs. A while back he wrote an article about what women should do and not do to get a dance. I find that the older dancer, the one with lots more experience and connected to the rhythm gets the cold shoulder from most of the men. Mind you not all and I truly respect those young men out there who dance with us and enjoy it. Getting back to Mr. S. Shaw he rarely says hello even if he's danced with you and most certainly overlooks you unless your are 20. Is he shy or just a _____. All that talk about dance ethics what a lot of bull. So what does one do when you have men like him out there. Take the guy who is not on time and his timing is off with each turn pattern he does, then looks at you like you're doing something wrong. Worst of all he tells other guys then how many times do you get to dance. You see guys don't dance with guys so they wouldn't know about his buddies being off timing. If the ladies say anything them she doesn't know what she talking about.
I wish you would do any article on the older dancers, women and what they feel especially in today's dance community. A lot of us take classes and enjoy them. We may not spin, spin, spin but we can dance. -- Carmen See See

Steve Shaw of www.salsanewyork.com's response:

If she were to re-read my article, The Art of Social Dancing, it addresses her issues & complaints, especially in the 2nd & 3rd paragraphs, which I've copied below

WHO DANCES WITH WHOM? - HUMAN NATURE AT WORK

Most people most of the time choose their partners for 2 reasons: 1)
ability to dance at their level and in their style, 2) and friendship. And
within the dance community, these two often go together: one's dancer
friends usually dance at a similar level and in a similar style. By the
way, this is also true in other dances like hustle and swing, and in sports
and many activities where a skill is involved. If you play basketball or
tennis, you usually play and hangout with friends of a similar level of
ability. Whether this is right or wrong, fair or unfair, the fact is that it's just human nature. Generally, it's not "cliquish or stuck-up", it's just people naturally congregating together who enjoy and share a similar level and style of dancing, and a friendship involving shared views.

For those who feel excluded, I would simply say that if you work your way up in terms of your dancing skills and style, and you hold similar views and make friends, most of these so-called "cliques" can eventually become the groups you congregate in, if that's what you wish. You can also find out what studio they go to or come from, and then go take classes there. This way, you become friends with them in classes and learn their particular style, and hang out with them at the socials or clubs. My point here is that they are not really "cliques" in the sense of being exclusionary, but rather people congregating together around shared skills and interests which, incidentally, is called "The Right To Free Association" in our U.S. Constitution. -- Steve Shaw

I think it's a very important article. I see more and more new dancers in Toronto trying to acheive the "NY pinnacle", while ignoring all other forms of salsa, which I feel is quite foolish considering the diversity inherent in TO.

I think comments made against Timba stem from the NY attitude against anything non-NY. Thanks again! Josue

2. So many girls think Cumbia is Salsa. Bless their innocent hearts, but I wish I had a dollar for every girl that told me she danced Salsa, then I was locked into 4 minutes of swing dancing. I would be investing alot of money....

3. also... in regards to LA/NYC styles and Chicago. I have had the pleasure of studying with top dancers from all of the cities mentioned. My answer to comments by many who critisize LA or west coast style, etc. is... let's see you dance like that... I try to dance different styles. Forcing oneself to do so opens up your dance acumen, and allows you change with the music. You want emotion, you want heart, you want street dancing, take the blinders off and dance your ass off in whatever style you choose, but don't critisize unless you something to back it all up. Too many critics and not enough good people to promote a wonderful avocation and eclectic music like Salsa is bad period. Unless someone is teaching something that is way off the mark, and none of his or her students know how to dance with anyone else, well...... ? It is a great social activity, and the Europeans, with all their passion for life, have really embraced the sport. I think that all Americans, and if you pay taxes here you qualify, should take a look the Latin explosion in Europe. When I have women from Spain and Italy tell me how much they love dancing with me, well, I feel pretty damn good. I am not a professional dancer, but I never stop trying to dance like one. :)

Hi Rose, I read your comments about The Star's editorial on salsa for the Sunday edition. I was really pissed off at their lack of attention to detail and I wanted to share with you the letter that I wrote to them.
.......................................
Dear Staff,
This type of blunder is unacceptable and it disgusts me that Koehl's comments were published on a paper as widely read as the Toronto Star. I have not read the article and I would like a copy of it if you can e-mail it back to me.

Albert Koehl, whoever he is and your publishing of this article affects the salsa community much more profoundly than you realize. If you want to do an article on salsa in the city I suggest your people do the legwork take some classes themselves and really invest some time and money on understanding the craft themselves, before having a sub-standard writer make comments about subject matter he has obviously not enough background in.
One of your staff members should take classes for at least a year,
go to clubs at least 4 nights a week, and take some workshops with out of town salsa instructors that come here as special event classes.

By publishing that piece you perpetuate the idea that salsa is just some ghetto street dance, that really doesn't require a lot of effort to learn. After *4* lessons you let Koehl make 'very' public comments about a craft he has no idea about. I have personally been dancing for more than a year and I would never venture my pen on a piece of paper to make a comment about the salsa scene. There's just too much to know. The fact that a sub-standard novice publishes that kind of writing illustrates how the STAR views the latin-dance scene. You guys obviously didn't send your best people for this job...?!

Did no one read over that piece - or did the myriad of staff members at THE STAR place the column with the crossword and lottery results. The amount of attention or the lack thereof shows a great disrespect to the salsa community and I'm pissed off at the level of professionalism, and attention given to that piece.

Give me a break.... Anne Hewitt didn't notice the embargo label on the picture? Well, I guess not it's just an article about salsa anyways... I guess if i watch a couple hours on that crappy Parliament Hill channel you'll let me write some articles on politics too?

Please reply with an email where I can apply for a position as a journalist at the Star -- Erik