March 24, 2004 -- just a thank you note
I'm a salsa dancer also instructor have my own studio and always like to travel all over the continent with my dancers and my partner. looking for some more of the good energy produce by salsa dancers. I run across this page and I just want to thank you all for making the salsa world bigger and bigger. san jose/san francisco. CA

March 2, 2004
Hi Rose, Again and again - Great site!! :) I don't know when I will ever finish going through your entire site!! I feel like I'm mining gold! I see something interesting everyday!! :)

February 18, 2004
Hello from Greece.I want to congratulate you for your site, which I think is a complete portal with almost all information a salsero needs, good articles and useful links -- Legakis Ioannis

February 3, 2004 -- Thanks for keeping it real !!
Thanks for keeping it real. Thanks for keeping the debates about salsa.

Your competition, another website devoted to salsa in Toronto, is for people who have read too much Cosmopolitian magazine. They have such interesting salsa related topics like. Should you choose a salsa teacher who has had cosmetic surgery? How should you compliment a man? Should you sleep with your salsa teacher? The photos that accompany these articles are from fashion magazines. They are not salsa dancers. They are models. And you don't know who writes for this website. They forgot to mention their names. How convenient !! -- Heidy

January 25, 2004
Hi there Now getting into your "dance styles" discussion... intense stuff, and I admit I have to skip through some... but the link to part 6, sept 2003 - present doesn't work, so I can't read the fascinating conclusion Great site btw, but you know that :-) --Aliste (Alibaba Sereno)

January 19, 2004 -- just want to say hello from Seoul Korea
Im a Peruvian guy who lives in Korea for long time and i do play music in 2 latin bars in the capital city...for me this site is really fantastic because i can got alot information about what kind of salsa or latin musci play another djs and radios around the world...i will send to this site my list of salsa hits who poeple do like in our bars .koreans and foreigners choices

warms reagard from here Segundo De los Rios (Dj Segundo) Latin Habana Salsa Bar Panchos Mexican Pub Restaurant Seoul Korea

January 10, 2004 -- about this site
Hi all, I have heard about ToSalsa from the SalsaFix site, but never had the chance to click the banner. I love it! I like the idea of people from all over the world exchanging ideas.

ToSalsa had been doing great for covering the salsa congresses i.e., videos and pics. I don't think I have met Rose in the flesh yet. Rose, I hope to meet you in LA Congress 2004.
http://www.salsagang.com/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=180 If you have heard of http://www.salsagang.com, that is where I hang out most of the time, staying in the chatroom and exchanging ideas on the Forum. When you guys get a chance, do sign up and check it and post your ideas. -- Rodney

January 8, 2004 --

Hi how are you? I just finish looking at the pictures and everything look great. I've been taking salsas lesson for about a year and I'm doing good, when I go out dancing people thing I've been dancing for years, my brother gets lessons for years from eddie torres but any way I love you page and I think you are beautiful. And hope to meet you some day and have the chance to dance together.
Chao! Jayro Alvarado, MTV Network

December 18, 2003 -- great site
I cannot say this enough: this site is the best salsa site out there! It makes salsa dancing look so fun! Great job, guys. -- DE

December 12, 2003 -- Thank You!
Hi Rose, My name is Angela and I am a student in Columbia, South Carolina and I was completing some work on the web and happened to come across your site. I would like to commend you and you team on for how great you all look and how hard you all work together.

I had an opportunity to read some of the testimonies and I would also like to thank you for inspiring me to dance again. All of my life I have desired to Salsa. I only danced once at the club, after 5 lessons, and did not pursue it any further. Maybe one day I will get to visit Toronto and take a class under your care. May God bless you to keep smiling and keep "Doin Ya Thang!" I am excited about what the future holds! How do I get started seriously about dancing?

Dear Angela, it's always nice to hear from readers who get inspired by us because that's why I wanted to create this site -- to share my love and passion for this dance; and it's great when that message gets across to readers such as yourself. I would do a search in Google to see if there's any salsa schools or clubs in Columbia and/or possibly find out from the local latin community. If not, then why not buy some salsa tapes and possibly find a partner who might be interested in learning with you. If not, there's nothing to stop you from learning and practicing on your own until you can find a way to practice what you're learned... Rose

Besides, I don't mean to scare you but there's always a threat of terrorism and mechanical problem with the plane--we love you, so don't take a chance!

Me and my friends are addicts of your site! -- Vanessa

Dear Vanessa, don't tell me you stay in front of you computer during the Christmas holidays! And sorry, yes, I am going to Brazil for 3 weeks, starting Boxing Day until about mid-January... and if I have internet access; trust me, you can be sure I'll still find time to write an article or two... especially if I get to dance with some gorgeous Brazilian men! And regarding planes, I hope you're not jinxing me as I fly at least 2-3 times a year with the worst problem being the line-ups. Rose

October 23, 2003 -- una cancion que me encanta
Una cancion que e tratado de buscar por mucho tiempo que me facina " Amargura sñores que haveces me da " va asi pero no se como se llama ni quien la canta , si me podrian alludar se los agradeceria mucho, siempre visito esta pagina me encanta esta pagina dedicada a la salsa :-) -- Luis M

September 26, 2003 -- felicitaciones
quiero felicitarlos por crear esta pagina en el web pues la salsa es lindo ,bueno yo soy peruana pero resido en corea ,pero aqui tambien disfrutan el ritmo y lo hacen estupendamente ,bueno chicos espero que tambien le dentren en el ritmo ,bye .bye -- maribel

September 10, 2003 -- just a note to Rose and Ziv
I think you have done an AWESOME job with this webpage. I will miss reading new things every two or three days. I am sure there are many just like me who truly appreciate allyour hard work -- Carmen

June 16, 2003 -- Salsa Safari
Hello Rose, Just wanted to let you and Tricia Meikle know that I had a good laugh when I read Salsa Safari! It was fun to read! I think I'm a chameleon, and have experienced dancing with pretty much all of the other animals in the safari!! Thanks Tricia! FROM: Salsa addict

June 2, 2003 -- Dear TOsalsa
Saludos desde el Brasil para los salseros del mundo!!!!!
Mario "Speedy" Gonzales, Brazil

May 28, 2003 -- Saludos from Brasil !!
I've been looking for some salsa videos and i found your website. I want to let you know I liked very much all the things on it. Specially the videos. I would like to join you on your discussions, know about any news and sometimes bringing salsa news from Brasil. How can I do it?
Un abrazo salsero, Andre, El Gato Volador!!

May 28, 2003 --
Hi Rose! I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your column and review of your first night at the West Coast Congress. I can't believe you got that much work done already!! I'm still exhausted and came back home Monday morning with an awful chest cold. Anyway, just wanted to let you know that I'm looking forward to the follow up photos and video posts. Have a great week and if you ever come to the San Diego area, please let me know. I'd love to be your host in our fair city.

Josie Velasco
Co-Director
Salsa Y Fuego Dance Company

March 28, 2003
Hi Rose, I'm a nyc salsero, and your site R.O.C.K.S !!!!
Of all the sites out there in salsa land - yours contains so many articles, tidbits, etc that one can spend hours and hours and you'd still be asking for more. KEEP UP THE GREAT JOB- ROSE!!!!!! -- Anthony, NYC

March 8, 2003
I'm so hooked on your site. Reminds me of the time I was fixed on this Spanish Soap opera... - Eddie, NYC

February 23, 2003
You're very welcome Rose - being fairly new to the salsa world (about a year and a half now) it never ceases to amaze me in terms of the level of passion that people have for this dance and for the community. You should get a medal for your dedication to information sharing regarding salsa - so thank you, thank you, thank you! Your web site rules.

I think I am totally addicted to the site - and I have written in a number of times to answer peoples questions if I do have the answers because I have been the one asking the questions in the past so it is my way of paying back the favour.

Thanks again Rose - and again, congratulations on an amazing job. Christine

February 14, 2003 --
Hello Rose, I have read that negative e-mail about your web site and I totally disagree. I have been dancing Salsa for 8 years and I always refer new dancers to check out your website. I bet if you include a counter at the bottom of your website people can see for themselves the number of hits your site receives. -- Richard H, Keep up the good work!

February 11, 2003 -- Great Site
Hi Rose, Wanted to tell you that ToSalsa.com is a great site and I appreciate the huge amount of content you have up there! I'm a transplanted canadian living in the USA (oregon), but I look forward to visiting toronto & montreal some time in the summer, hopefully, and I know I'll depend on your site for salsa club guidance.

Thanks for a great site! Josh

December 31, 2002
Rose, Thank you very much for the quick response on being turned down 4 in 5 times with a 20% success rate. You are right, being familiar with a club is one of the keys to more dances.
In dancing , the reverse from the old saying of familiarity breeds contempt seems to work. The new saying should be, familiarity breeds more dances. How does this sound?? Regards Wanna-dance Ed

December 30, 2002
Hi Rose: I've written to you before to thank you for all of the fabulous videos you've posted online but I've never introduced myself! Anyway, I'm a salsera from Seattle who really appreciates your wonderful site! Karen, Seattle

December 30, 2002 --
Dear Rosie:I would like to begin by thanking you for all that you have done for me as a dancer. Although I have never spoken to you (though I have had the distinct pleasure to watch you dance countless times at the Toronto Clubs) your website has been a source of inspiration as well as a wealth of wisdom and outstanding advice. I appreciate all your efforts and log on to the site every couple of days to see what is new and exciting in Toronto and around the world. You dedication and commitment to excellence is unmatched and I would like to let you know that your efforts are greatly appreciated by myself and all my salsa-going friends. Sincerely, Michael

December 16, 2002 -- Thank you for the pix
Dear TOSalsa, My name is Steven Vargas and I dance for Salsa Brava Dance Company here in Los Angeles. I would just like to send a huge thank you from myself and everyone in the dance company for the amazing pictures that were taken at the Puerto Rico Congress.

I can't begin to tell you how excited I was when I started viewing your photo gallery and came across your pictures of our two shows. Many times performers are so caught up with last minute rehersing and the performance itself that we forget to give cameras to our friends to take pictures. I immediately sent out an email notifying all our members to check out the site. I will also email many of the other groups shown like Tropical Gem, Ababkua and Salsabor y Cache to make sure the know how awesome your pictures are. Thank you again.

Keep up the great work and continue to share our passion for salsa. Take care and God bless.

Your friend,
Steven Michael Vargas
Salsa Brava Dance Company

November 30, 2002 -- Interview with Eliades Ochoa
Good morning from the birthplace of Mississippi Delta blues. Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading your interview with Eliades Ochoa on the Internet. As a writer/photographer who visited Cuba in March 2002 and plan to return soon, I have been researching traditional Cuban music from Santiago with particular interest in linking its African influence to the African/influenced blues here. The great blues harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite is a personal friend of mine; he has high praise for Eliades, and I notice from your interview that Eliades returns the sentiment.

As a journalist, I have written, photographed and documented the blues scene in Mississippi and the South for nearly two decades. Thanks, Panny M., Clarksdale, Miss. USA

November 27, 2002 -- Great Website!
Thanks for always putting up new videos! It's great to watch and pick up new moves from time to time. Also, it's inspiring to know that awesome dancers don't just come from nyc (eg the guy from North Carolina...he rocks!~) I noticed that some of dancer's in the "On2" competition were dancing on one. Great website, I'm gonna tell all my friends about it! Regards, Ian

November 5, 2002
Rose truly knows !!! Amen baby. Nuff said -- El Lapiz.

Hi Rose, your always welcome here! I was responding to your Tosalsa article. Some of those people think they know it all. But i love your interpretation of what salsa is all about. What amazes me is that you are not a latina but, your love for this music is evident. I truly admire that. All those "wannabe know it all", those who wrote books and those who study it, still sometimes fall a little short. For there is no better experience than those who live it. Trust me you guys in Toronto are making your own history.

You guys are "True Salseros" (that's the attitude that true NY Salsaeros have).

I'm born and raised from NYC (Boricua/Nuyorican) from Spanish Harlem/El Barrio. I'm just like you, a Salsero from the heart!!! A special shout to all the "True Salseros" of Toronta. Like the Great Sonero Ismael Rivera once said: pa' lante Puertorro que no te tumba nadie!!!(in a song titled "Mi jaragual"). I say to you & everyone in Toronto: pa'lante Toronto que no te tumba nadie!!!. Which means keep going Toronto and don't let anyone keep you down!!! Cogelo Suave, El Lapiz

November 4, 2002 -- Huey's Videoclips
I would just like to commend your site on the awesome high quality videos that you have posted on your site. They were very well edited and, it was a pleasure to find a site where not only do they offer salsa dance competition videos, but performances of popular artists as well.

GREAT JOB!! QuickTime really does beat all of that pixelly RealPlayer crap doesn't it? :) I commend you on your JOB WELL DONE. -- JB

October 16, 2002
Dear To Salsa, I would like to congratulate you for the job well done! You guys have put together a comprehensive and informative web site; not only for Canada but for the whole Salsa World population to enjoy. Great Job! Bravo! Excelente! Hullung Hesoyo! -- DJ Ramos, Korea

October 9, 2002 -- Thanks
Hi Rose, Just want to thank you for the information on your site. I read some articles in your site last night, The more I read, the more impress I get. It is my goal to visit every link you have; hopefully by the end of the month... I spoke with some of the Korean Salsa instructors and also send the links to as many as I could last night. To my surprise some of them answered back and showed interest in some of the events.

Canada is a very popular country and for the Korean Salsa communities much more. I believe them when they are willing to travel or show interest in participating in some of the events you posted on your site.

Great web site and lots of good information. I hope to get mine up to
speed by the end of the month if everything goes well. Until then Take Care and Thanks again! DJ Ramos, Korea

October 7, 2002
Rose, Your website is so extensive and informative, also well organized and easy to navigate. Louise C, NYC

October 3, 2002
Hello Rose, I love the look and feel of your site. It has solid content and appearance. It is great, keep up the good work. I am going to forward this email to Ito, my music partner, and tell him to check it out. Lots of luck to you and keep in touch -- Julio, Salsastream.com

September 18, 2002
I am a latin dj from Sicily. More notice from the salsa world, please!
New Music, new cd etc... Sorry, my english is small. Tank you, very much. Piero Nicastro Dj

September 18, 2002
Love your website! Thanks, DR - Washington, DC

September 10, 2002 -- Great Site!
HEY GIRL, I just wanted to congratulate you on your great site. I love it. I was actually looking for music and i somehow came across tosalsa. Im a frequent salsaclub goer. I go to strictly dance and for the atmosphere...and i find that your site is amazing for people just like me.......that enjoy the music...and who love to dance. I would love to see a review on PLAZA FLAMINGO. But any way....just wanted to say....keep up the excellent work,,,honestly,,,,,AMAZING STUFF! VIVA LA SALSA! patricia-20-etobicoke

June 19, 2002
Hello Rose, I have been living the dance competitions and Salsa "congressos" vicariously through the TOsalsa website. I'm getting inspired to get out and dance more but when I see all the fancy moves, I sometimes would rather just watch, not from any embarassment, just because it really is entertaining. Well, Summer is here and maybe we'll get out more. I am excited by all the new live music venues. I also like reading the e-mail too! The timba music conversation is particularly interesting for us. Thanks for keeping us posted as to what's going on. Sincerely, Carole and David Chala

June 10, 2002
It will be a pleasure and honor to have your wonderful web site in our links' page. Frankie also loves your web site. Take care. Irma Martinez, Administrator (mom of Frankie Martinez)

"A must visit web site. This web site, hosted by "Rose Knows" has become one of the best sources of information for the dance community. Rose writes with a fluent tone of honesty that grabs your attention. She posts articles based on her own interviews, travels and experience and other articles which are of mutual interest to all of us. Her travel itinerary is extensive and full of facts. This is, in my view, the place to go to keep informed and to learn about past, present and future events in our dance community. This is a Toronto-based web site". -- Quoted from Abakuadancers.com

April 26, 2002
Hi, I just want to say that your website is one of the best out there anywhere! Keep the good work up! Sincerely, Danny T

April 19, 2002 -- New to the Site
Hi Rose, Visited the TOSalsa site this week for the very first time.
The site is awesome. An excellent resource and very informative. Keep up the good work. Carl

March 28, 2002
Hey Rose, It's been awhile, I think you know who it is, I'm not out as much anymore but I get my updates through your site. Anyways I like the way you keep your comment section real, allowing everyone to voice their opinions. Keep, keeping it real. Un Besito, Daveyboy

March 20, 2002 -- Great Web Site...
I'll have to give it to you girl, you got one HOT web site up here for the "salseros." I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and I ran across your web site and love it. The details that you put into it are great. We have a similar web site here called latinbayarea.com, but that site hits more topics than just salsa. If you ever get a chance to come to San Francisco stop by Roccapulco on Mission St. and you'll dance the night away. Anyway, I just wanted to say that you have a good thing going here so keep up the good work!!! Pa'lante! -- Omar Gonzalez


March 19, 2002

We made the pages of Marketing Magazine!

Just before I hit Berlin, I received a call from a friend who happened to be reading Marketing Magazine which had a section on page 10, called "Digital Snapshot", and Isabelle Hemond of Yahoo Canada named TOsalsa.com her favourite site! "Latin dancing is a passion of mine and stress reliever. This site allows me to stay in touch with the latin community and discover new places to dance in Toronto!" Thank you, Isabelle, it was a nice surprise after a long stressful day at work...


March 3, 2002 -- Nice city guide
Congratulations on putting together an attractive, comprehensive and very informative website for Toronto's salsa scene. It should be a model for other city guides. It definately makes it easier to plan my trips to Toronto from Pittsburgh, PA. Thanks, Sheldon

February 4, 2002
I love your site and the array of information you provide. Thanks and keep up the excellent work -- Arte Flamenco

January 1, 2002
Hi Rose! Happy New Year and continued success with the website in 2002! I just read your article "How to get your salsa groove back" and it truly motivated me and reminded me that perfection should not be the main objective on the dance floor.

I started salsa lessons in May 2001 but I have not had much practice outside of the classroom so on the rare occasion that I went dancing at the clubs, I felt like I was the only person making "noticeable" mistakes. Now I realize that error is indeed an integral part of the learning process. Now, rather than focusing on my strive for professional dancing attainment (which may very well occur some day!), I will simply enjoy the art dancing to Latin music enjoying the sweet sounds of salsa! PA'GOZAR!!

Thanks Rose, your words of encouragement have lifted my "dancing" spirits. I can hardly wait for the upcoming worldwide salsa workshops and conferences. Saludos, Monifa

November 27, 2001
Hello Rose and all the good people at TOsalsa.com
You have a great website jam packed with information on the Toronto Salsa scene. We have appreciated your listing our new band and we are sure that our exposure on your website has contributed to our continued success. Thank you sincerely, Sonido Cubano

November 24, 2001
Hi Rose, absolutely love your website, I read it almost daily, and it keeps getting better and better. Keep up the great work and remember you can't please constant complainers, let the positive people lead your way in making this the place to go for all our salsa needs -- Tony

November 14, 2001
Dear Rose, I want to express my appreciation for the work that TOsalsa.com is doing in promoting Latin music, dance and culture. I love the website. It's GREAT! I know that you put much work and Love to make it happen. And I just want you to know that is shows. This site is informative in a creative and entertaining way. I enjoy surfing through your articles, seeing the pictures, and exploring the club pages and instructor listings -- Fernando Lamadrid, justsalsa.com

October 30, 2001
hello! como estan? just want to say GREAT WEB SITE!
Wilson Avecedo of Grupo Mora

August 3, 2001
Excellent site! The salseros in Toronto needed such one for long time. Thank you, George

June 25, 2001
Compliments to your site!
I just found this site, and you guys are awesome! Very informative without being 'overbearing' to somebody who really knows nothing about Salsa - but is interested to learn! I think that you can tell by a person's work when they are really doing something that they love - which I definately see in your site. Karolina

June 18, 2001
Dear TOsalsa, I was looking around for some info about salsa in Toronto ... and I find out your beautiful site !!! Really many compliments, the pages are so good ... a nice site indeed -- Stefano from Italy

May 11, 2001
WOW, Hey Rose, I had free time to surf today and checked out TOsalsa. What a great website you have. It really got me thinking more about salsa music and dancing. Great debates (I read all of the posts on the dance style debate!) Great work. Congrats. Dragi

April 4, 2001
Rose, I can't thank you enough for your contribution to this dance.The list of songs you sent me are great, I will play them this week at the club. I'm developing a newsletter here in Jamaica and trying to keep Salsa alive & hot, so far so good. I will keep you informed about what's going on down here. Thanks again, Keith from Jamaica

April 2, 2001
Thanks for giving us budding salseras/salseros such a wonderful website. I've checked out other Toronto sites, but TOsalsa remains the best looking (easy navigation) and most informative. Especially, I like your column. :) Keep up the good work. ciao jenn!4

February 9, 2001
Hello guys ! This is to inform you that your site is so nice and so informative regarding the salsa scene here in Toronto. I'm so happy surfing around your site 'coz of the various information that's happening regarding about salsa. It's so nice to know that this people working in this site has put up some of their effort in sharing their knowledge to those people who needs some advice, information or some tips. Well, this is the site for you guys when you want to ask some question... ask Rose... she knows the answer.....Anyway, I would like to thanks to my friend Rose, Frank and Ziv for their involvement in this column. Enjoy dancing...! -- Anon.

January 7, 2001
Just wanted to drop you guys a quick feedback email on your web site. Although I have admired and enjoyed listening to Latin music for sometime now I am only now getting out there and wanting to learn how to dance. I would love to learn how to dance Salsa (to start off with) and the many other forms of Latin dance. As an avid web surfer I can tell you that I have found your web site to be very informative, complete, clear and focused in a non-commercialized format. Keep up the great work because your site is one of the best one's out there -- Papichulo

January 4, 2001
Hi Rose, You're website seems to be getting better and better. Lots of info! Thanks for putting in the top 100 Salsa songs. It is invaluable. Now if only I can get a hold of all these songs. :=) Keep it up!!!!!! -- Roy from Ottawa

August 22, 2000 2:30 AM
Hi TOsalsa Team! First of all, congratulations on the wonderful site! It's very up to date and informative, and even if I don't live in Toronto, I feel like I'm as up to date as a Toronto salsera would be. I used to live in Toronto and moved back to Vancouver (my original home) in Aug 1998, and I sure do miss Toronto, particularly for the salsa!!

I've only been back 3 times since, but whenever I'm there I'm sure to go to Babaluús, Berlin, Park Avenue, etc. In fact, I was there for the April 2000 Salsaweb Convention. I had an awesome time. I'll be back in October and I'm already planning my salsa week!

As for the salsa scene in Vancouver, BC...it's growing. We don't have too many places to go dancing (definitely nowhere near the amount in Toronto) but we do have a couple of good bands and DJs. And because of the lack of good dance teachers here, the existing dance teachers have a bit of a snobby attitude. (Not all, but some.)

Good luck with the site and keep up the great work! You have motivated me to make a site for Vancouver, which I will be working on soon. I need to get these Vancouverites more worldly in the salsa scene! To make up for the lack of salsa in Vancouver, I make it a point to salsa wherever I travel: London, Madrid, LA, Seattle, even Quito and Lima! I can't wait to go for my visit in Toronto this October! You will likely see me on the dance floor! Yours truly, Valerie

August 21, 2000 7:18 PM
Greetings, Allow me to congratulate you for your efforts in keeping the fans informed on the latin scene in Toronto. I travel to TO occasionally and I used to check Salsaweb for info. Though Salsaweb is still a great site, yours is obviously more in-depth and kept current. André

April 18, 2000
Great web site, with interesting articles. Keep up the good work, and thank you for promoting Salsa (the best dance in the world) in Toronto (the best city in the world).

I would be happy to contribute the following quote to your web site:
"Except for the point, the still point, there would be no DANCE, and there is only the DANCE." T.S.Elliot.

bashar amer, Toronto

April 12, 2000
Hey Rose, Ziv and Frank,
The site looks great - now that I see it, I'm thinking, of course, Toronto should have it's own salsa web site! Good for you guys to get on that, and make it happen. The site is really nice on the eyes and easy to navigate, which is very important. You done good - and the Toronto salsa scene will thank you.!
I'll keep checking in and see you on the dance floor... Sophie Luxton

April 12, 2000 7:48 AM
Rose, This is an excellent site! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. From: Mona Ki