 
Dear Readers, thanks to our network
of passionate salsa dancers, we have created this newly revamped Dear
TOsalsa section to meet the growing needs of our readership...
For Beginners to Salsa... don't forget we have this great new Guide to Salsa which has lots of answers! It's impossible for us to know all the answers to many of these questions/discussions, so please feel free to add your own response at any time via email or on our feedback form. |
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Dear
TOsalsa! -- Dance Shoes and Clothing
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March 9, 2004 -- Hello well my name is Maria and I just watched Dirty Dancing Havana Nights and knowing that a lot of their inspiration came from latin dancing icluding the cha cha, tango, salsa, and what not, I'd just like to ask what it was that made the dresses fluff up. Was it a petticoat or was it the way it was made? If it's they way it's made well where could I find a pattern like that? I love to dance alot and I'd like to get a dress either made or buy one like that. Please give me some advice/HELP! Thank You! Dear Maria, you are right, it was probably net petticoats that made the one of the dresses fluff up. But if you mean what made it flare while dancing, then it could have been a more circular skirt with lots of gathers so that when you twirl, the skirt flares out. To find either pattern, you would have to go to a sewing store that sells patterns, unless you can find a seamstress who might still have one of those patterns lying around. To buy a dress like that, you might find it in a vintage clothing store, or maybe it might spark a trend to bring those types of dresses back... Good luck, Rose September 11, 2003 -- Ballroom shoes Does anyone else think ballroom shoes look stupid? Especially, men who wear ballroom shoes with high heels. For me, it makes them look effeminate. Men with ballroom and shoes and tight black muscle shirts. Yuck !! -- Alex July 5, 2003 -- Shoes in Tallahassee? Hi there! My guy friend and I are actively involved in Salsa classes
and attend a latin night at a local club. We are looking for a place
around here (Tallahassee, Florida) that sells good Salsa shoes for both
men and women. Or, is there a website you can direct us to? Thanks so
much!! -- Coreen May 17, 2003 -- Can you tell me where in Toronto I can buy Dance Sneakers? Thanks, Kelly Dear Kelly, the most popular store in Toronto is Malabar Dancewear downtown. Rose May 5, 2003 -- Dancing shoes Will you give me some tips, how to chose a dancing shose. I am female and in intermediate amature categori. I also need adress, where I can find dancing shoes in Toronto. Thank you -- Noush Dear Noush, please check my Dear TOsalsa - Shoes and Clothing section. When I get more time, I will be writing an article about Dance Shoes. RoseApril 4, 2003 -- Attention: people who are going to buy dancing shoes Please be aware that there is a store in Mississauga called Arabesque. Watch it! Whatever you buy is a final sale. You will never return anything back even with the label. I did not see the sign "non-refundable" and it cost me $150.00... Do not slip because nobody will tell you there is no refund! -- Lena March 17, 2003 -- Dance Costumes Hi! I'm looking for a (lady's) dance costume for my rumba, cha cha, and salsa performance and am wondering if you could please tell me where I can buy/rent a nice one in Toronto(preferbebly in downtown). Could you please let me know? Your response will be much appreciated!! Sincerely, Ikko December 3, 2002 -- Dance Shoes Dear Rose, I wonder if you can help with the issue of finding decent
dance shoes? I find it really tough to comfortably dance for hours in
regular shoes. Are there any specialized places that you would recommend
in Toronto? I would greatly appreciate your help and thank you in advance.
Fabienne November 4, 2002 -- Help First of all I love you guys. I am learning how to dance on 2 and I need some links for dancing shoes in Toronto, do you guys know some good ones? I am looking for the sneakers type. I would really appreciate. Thank you, your number one fan Chico Salsero -- Michel Dear Michel, if I recall correctly most of the male dancers go to Malabar Dancewear on Queen St. downtwon to pick up a pair of sneakers -- Bloch and Capezio being the most popular. Still not sure, why not ask some of the dancers who wear the type of sneakers you're looking for -- that has always helped me find the right shoes I'm looking for -- from another dancer's experiences with what shoes are comfortable for them and why. In turn I use that knowledge and decide for myself what shoes are best for me -- because in the end if you don't feel comfortable in them, you won't use them. Rose October 9, 2002 -- Shoes I was wondering if you guys could tell me a couple of stores that I can buy dance shoes for salsa in T.O. Can you guys get back to me? Thank you very much you guys ROCK!!!!! Anon. Dear Anon, here we go again... I have a dance shoe link on the Dear TOsalsa page, which lists some of the stores where you can buy "salsa shoes", such as Malabar Dance Centre, Dance Plus and Stardust Dance Shoes. -- Rose September 17, 2002 Rose - where in Toronto can one purchase GOOD ladies dancing shoes? And, where can one get the suede on the bottom replaced when it wears out? Thank you. Amelia Dear Amelia, I have a listing of some the GOOD dance shoe locations in my Dance Shoes link and probably any ballroom shoe store will also sell the suede bottom soles. Rose July 16, 2002 Hi Rose, I know that you've had to answer a lot of questions regarding shoes, but I think mine may be a little different. Do you know of a cobbler or shoe repair place where they can replace the inner soles of ballroom shoes? Mine are wearing out and a replacement for the outer suede soles may not be a bad idea either. Thanks, Sarita Dear Sarita, yes, finally a slightly different question, but valid. Not sure who would fix the inner soles, but I do know that most ballroom shoe distributors, such as Dance Plus, will carry the outer suede soles which you "glue" onto the bottom of your shoes (and may be able to give you advice regarding the inner soles). To save $, you can glue it yourself or take them to a shoe repair outlet. May 30, 2002 -- Sore feet Hello, My name is Vanessa Hidalgo, and I recently began taking up Salsa lessons and am practicing regulary at dance clubs. I bought a pair of Capezio dance shoes, with a heel about 2 inches in length, not too high, for dancing and practice. They were very comfortable in the store, and that's why I bought them. After I broke them in at my dance lesson, my feet began to hurt very badly. I feel pain in the middle of my arch and under the bottom of my toe bones. What do you suggest I do. I can't get enough of dancing, because I want to learn Salsa very badly, but after about 2 hours of dancing, my feet kill me, and are so inflammed. Are there any shoes you recommend I could purchase, and how would you go about solving or correcting this dilema. I'd appreciate any advice you could give me. Yours truly, Vanessa Hidalgo Dear Vanessa, shoes are a very personal thing. If you're not used to dancing on your feet for an extended length of time, then your feet will hurt until you get used to being on your feet. I suggest possibly that you may want to get a lower heel, one inch maybe and then your feet may not hurt as much or try a pair of dance sneakers. They won't look as pretty on your feet if you're wearing a skirt, but you may findthem more comfortable. Also, if you're in that much pain from your arch, maybe you should check with your doctor regarding the type of shoes you should be wearing in case you have a special problem with your feet that is only showing up now that you are dancing and standing for hours. Or maybe you didn't buy the right type of dance shoes -- I prefer ballroom shoes as they keep your feet really stable and are very durable versus regular leather street shoes. For myself personally, I can wear high heels for the whole night, but I've been wearing high heels since I was a teenager and my feet have grown accustomed to high heels of 2-1/2" to 3". Also, I'm very light on my feet, I don't "pound" the floor while I'm dancing -- which also could be the other cause of why your feet hurt -- maybe you're dancing on the floor too hard? Hope this helps, Rose. May 14, 2002 -- dance shoes I need
information about any dance shoe stores you cantell me. I would appreciate
it. Thanks in advance... April 11, 2002 -- Dance Attire I have a question that I hope someone will be able to answer: I am doing a group research project on salsa dancing. We are writing & will be presenting on the history, instruments, clothing, etc. My part is to report on the clothing, but it has been difficult for me to find a lot of different resources. Can you give me any ideas of resources (books or websites) or even give my your own ideas of the clothing for men, for women, traditional, and modern, how it has changed and why. Any help that you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank You, Angelina Dear Angelina, that is a tough question. You are right, there is very little information out there, I would suggest surfing through my photo gallery to see the types of clothing many dancers are wearing today, depending on whether you're talking about general social dancing or performance level dancing. For the past, unfortunately I can't really help you, you may want to try and contact Eddie Torres or Angel Rodriguez in NYC, along with Izzy Sanabria who may be able to help answer that question as they are some of the pioneers of the New York Salsa Scene. March 27, 2002 -- Dance/Salsa shoes Hi Rose, I've really started getting into the salsa scene in the last few months and would like to purchase some salsa shoes. I'm dancing 2-4 times a week, and only have a few pairs of dress shoes with leather soles that I like to use for salsa (spinning is too difficult in rubber soles!). Do you have any suggestions? Thanks, Steve Dear Steve, if you find you're wearing out your leather shoes the way I used to from spinning, then I suggest getting a pair of ballroom shoes with a suede sole (from Danceplus or Stardust) or some jazz slippers in white or black. More than likely you'll prefer the jazz slippers which I believe are sold at Malabar Dancewear downtown as they are easier to carry around as you need to change from your street shoes into your dance shoes. February 14, 2002 -- Salsa dance shoes Hi TOSalsa, My friend and I have been taking lessons and would like to invest in the proper shoes to dance Salsa and Merengue. Can anyone suggest any places we can find the shoes? Thanks, Nives P.S. I love this site, I just entered it and will definitely bookmark it. Dear Nives, I knew I should have written the shoe article... this has been asked so many times. There are some good dance shoe stores in suburban Toronto. The places where you can try on and buy dance shoes are Kleen Air at Yonge & Wellesley, Dance Plus or Stardust Dance Shoes (you'll probably need a car to get there). If you are interested in dance sneakers, then try Malabar Dance Supplies downtown. They are located at 14 McCaul St. (just north of Queen, west of University Ave.), 416-598-2581. The more popular styles are by Blochs and Capezio. Another store is Toronto Dancewear Centre near Hwy. 401 and Wilson. February 8, 2002 -- Latin Dance Class HI, my name is Tony, I run a singles network in toronto. I am looking for a dance studio in toronto that can teach my adult members on recreational latin dances? Do you know any places in toronto? Thanks Dear Tony, we have an instructors' listing with all the instructors who teach latin dancing -- Rose Knows January 22, 2002 -- Rosa, do you have any tips for Asian women who enjoy salsa dancing? I find that I'm a shy person and that it's difficult to find time to go out late at night and then go to work the next day. How do you do it? What's your professional background? I'm working full-time and taking 1 or 2 night classes... Lately I'm in a rut when it comes to salsa dancing. I've taken classes in the past but now it feels like I'm so rusty. What do you suggest? Thanks, Christina Dear Christina, what a loaded question and here's a lengthy, but hopefully helpful response. To begin with, any dancer of any nationality, male or female, have gone through the same dilemma you talk about, including me. I started in the club scene not knowing anyone who danced until I made a few friends from my dance classes who went to the club regularly. At the beginning I was shy too, but once my "friends" weren't interested in going dancing anymore, I had to make the effort to ask guys to dance and be able to handle rejection if I wanted to get in a full night of dancing. I figured if guys could do it, so could I. It took some courage, preserverance and practice. I made a point to ask at least one good dancer a night for a dance, would make some new dance friends and then would get introduced to other good dancers. It was well worth it in the end as I got to meet lots of potential dance partners and some great friends along the way, including my web partner, Ziv. Without our passion for salsa dancing, we probably would never have started this website. The other bonus from dancing with so many different partners is being able to learn to adjust your connection and reaction time to your partner(s). That is an art that takes lots of practice for men as well as women. If you aren't out there practicing/dancing regularly, you lose your "edge" on the dance floor and have to start almost over again. Even some of the best male dancers start to lose some of their skills at leading when they stick to one partner for practice/competition. I can always tell when my friends dance with alot of not-so-good followers as their lead becomes really rough or strong, compared to my usual dances with them. They forget to adjust their connection for the more experienced dancers who know how to follow and don't require such a strong or rough lead. Regarding the late nights and working during the day. Well, I'm probably not the best example to go by as many of my friends comment about how I find all the time, stamina and energy to do almost everything I set my mind on. When I started this website about 2 years ago, I worked full-time during the day (5 days a week), worked out at least 3 times a week, went dancing about 3-5 nights a week, was taking a ballroom class, just launched the website and was practicing for the Berlin competition at the same time. How did I manage it? Well, a really jam-packed, rigid but organized time schedule 7 days a week; although eventually, you can burn out if you don't get any rest. I'm lucky that I can handle this type of schedule for months before I have a burn-out, but you have to know what works for you and how badly you want the "salsa lifestyle". For myself personally, I was able to train my mind to function on about 4-5 hours sleep per night during the week, but would always have one night of 12 hours sleep on the weekend to catch up. I also had to train myself to get used to catnaps if I was really tired during the week before I went out and had to have 2-3 cups of coffee in the morning to stay alert at work as I wasn't a morning person. This didn't happen overnight -- before I got into salsa, I was used to about 6-7 hours per night, and then started cutting back on sleep gradually as I started to go out dancing later and later, and/or worked late hours on the website. If you're determined to dance during the week, you start the late nights slowly. When I started going out at night at the beginning, I wasn't used to the late nights anymore. You take it one night at a time and get your body used to the unusual hours; plus I believe alot in mind over matter. If you think you're going to be tired, you are; but it also helps if you really don't like sleep much and are a night owl. Also, my regular workouts helped to keep me alert at work. The other alternative is to pick nights where the club starts a bit earlier, and vow to leave no later than midnight. On those nights, the only way to get a good dance fix is to ensure that you're dancing non-stop for 2-3 hours. Hope this helps, Rose Knows September 7, 2001 -- What to Wear? Okay, I've been out of the dance scene for a looonng time! Now I've just finished a Latin dance course and want to learn the salsa by going to clubs. The question is: what do I wear? Skirts, pants, casual, elegant, smart/casual and what shoes? Everyone is reasonably casual at the lessons, but I don't want to turn up at a club and look like last decade's leftovers? Any advice/hints would be really appreciated, especially some pictures! PS. for mid-30's? Thanks so much for your page, I look forward to your response so I can get going! -- Irene 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. |