March 27, 2004 -- hotspots

Hey, I was wondering what are your recommendations for dinner and salsa hotspots for intermediatly experienced dancers? If you could include addresses and phone numbers, that would be great, thx. Jade

Dear Jade, I suggest just going through our club section and trying out different clubs that have restaurants also, such as El Rancho, Babaluu, Lula Lounge, Red Violin, etc. Everyone has their own version of a hotspot -- it depends on what you're looking for. Rose

March 23, 2004 -- New Latin Nights

Hi Rose, a quick note about the new latin nights at Cafe Tu Tu Tango (Winston Churchill and QEW). This opportunity is specially for those people living in the areas of Missisagua, Burlington and Oakville since I've heard and read questions about latin places outside of Toronto in the forums. It's located right at the division of Missisagua and Oakville besides an AMC theater. Every wednesday a band would be playin and every thursday a different dj will be dj'ing. This wednesday, March the 24th Ache will be there, first set at 9:30pm, no cover charge. For more info on how to get there the website is cafetututango.ca. The place has been change a bit(lighting,space,stage) to give it more of a nightclub look and will eventually become the hot spot. So for those of you living out there, take this opportunity to go and check it out -- Adilia

It's a pleasant surprised that you took the effort to type up a quick email to check up on me! How nice of you. :-)

I really like toronto. I'm actually asking the local TO branch of my company if there are any openings as I wouldn't mind living & working in TO for up to a year.

So, maybe that sums up how much fun I had and the extent to which I want to see if it's for real. I may potentially want to move to TO.

I checked out 2 clubs on a friday night (27th dec). Babaluu's & El Rancho.

In summary I had a good time at Babaluu's, but didn't really get to salsa that much. El Rancho had more salsa music, but I had less fun there.

If you got time, here's a breakdown of how my night went.

------------
My night out
============
I should have taken heed of the comments on your site about the clubs. Babaluu's had really friendly people, but it was too crowded to really dance properly. I ended up doing more 'body movement' type stuff than turn patterns. Also, TO is different to Sydney in that the clubs cater to other latin styles. They even resorted to playing standard R&B, so I left around midnight. I did have a good time there and someone taught me batacha - but I was looking for more salsa (and more room).

I checked out the other salsa clubs on Yorkeville Ave, but they weren't playing much salsa music either.

I then made up my mind to check out El Rancho that same night. There was more salsa music there, but same problem - no room to dance. Since I arrived late (around 1am), I think the social dancers left by then and most people left there were "cliquey", so I only had about 3 dances. Most people were couples or close friends by then.

So, I unfortunately didn't get to dance salsa as much as I would have liked. It's great to see such a big salsa scene though, but I also didn't get any fair idea of how the dancers really dance because there was no room to dance I suppose.

------------------------
Shoulda done Lula Lounge
==========================
Believe it or not, Lula lounge was my first pick, but when my uncle took me on a tour of downtown I ruled it out cos it was so out of the way of downtown and other clubs and didn't look like a nice area.

As it turns out, that's the place to be for salsa regulars where there's decent room, music, and regular dancers according to the Star newspaper.

So I picked the wrong clubs for a friday night it seems. I didn't have another opportunity to salsa in TO.

Oh well... I have to be grateful for the listings on your site anyway. Without them I wouldn't have been able to get any kind of salsa fix. I guess it is tough to evaluate which place is the actual pick from so many choices.

Well, Sydney's scene is smaller, so despite sydney's muliple listings for each night, there are actually very few places to "really go to" anyway. If you ever make it out to Sydney, I could give you the list for each day of the week.

www.geocities.com/sydneysalsascene is the best sydney guide out there, but there's no ratings on which place to be in.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm back in the US now and it's cold here too - though not like TO. I heard it's minus 30 there. Thanks very much once again. regards, Cedric

December 23, 2003 -- Courthouse no longer does salsa night

I just called the Courthouse yesterday and found out they are no longer doing salsa night on Fridays (or any nights anymore) since being bought out/reorganised by someone else. Really sad! Only been there once during one of my visits to Toronto but it was a great place for salseros! And great atmosphere too! -- Brent (visiting from Davis, California)

December 11, 2003 -- Salsa in Toronto

Hi Rose, Firstly I would like to compliment you and your fellow who created the Web tosalsa.com. It's a nice Site and genuinely for Salsa and not just for commercial promotion "Gaeg".

Since it's my first time and my family does not know anything about the Salsa scene, I wonder if you could please guide me a little of where to go.

I am going to be there for 10 days from the 25th of December till the 2nd of Jan 04. Did check your Event Calendar, but it has nothing during that time, (which I found it hard to believe!!??)

I was hoping to check out the scene every night and join some big Even, perhaps a NY EVE party or so. Could you please be so kind to advise me where to go during that time, I prefer to dance on "2", but also dance on "1". I heard lots of good things about Salsa in Toronto, can't wait to be there and experience it myself.

Your kind attention is deeply appreciated!! a Millions!! Best regards, Win : )

Dear Win... unfortunately it's alot of work to always keep our Events Calendar up-to-date, but the events on the home page will have most of the holiday parties.... I suggest checking the Club pages to see which nights the clubs are open and phone the club to make sure.

And if I was staying in Toronto over the holidays... here's where I would probably go dancing any night of the week...

Monday - Alley Catz, Tuesday - Seven, Wednesday and Thursday at Babaluu's, Friday at Acrobat or El Rancho, Saturday - Lula Lounge and Sunday at Left Bank and/or Babaluu's. Hope this helps, Rose

I've been dancing salsa for 2 years. My teacher is Oren Shoshan who claims to know you... anyway, he recommends your website for news and also recommends you personally to find out where the best place is to club in Toronto.

Will there be any salsa clubs open between these dates? Are there any special christmas or new year's salsa parties in Toronto? Maybe with my rotten luck you won't be in Toronto at that time.

You're kind of famous, so it would be really cool to meet you. See what the internet does? You can brag that people know you in Australia.
:-)
Hope to hear from you! Let me know if there's anything on. The scene appears to be really good over there, and I would really love to dance with some toronto salseros. regards, Cedric

Dear Cedric... sorry, it will be your rotten luck as I will be out-of-town in Sao Paolo, Brazil... while everyone is freezing, I will be getting a suntan, sight-seeing and doing some dancing in Brazil. And yes, Oren doesn't have to claim to know me -- he and I hung out alot together in the Year 2000 going to the Toronto, Montreal and LA Salsa Congresses when I just started to travel for the love of salsa (and that year we were also one of the only regulars out on Christmas Day dancing at El Rancho's)... In my books, he is never-to-be-forgotten as one of my favourite dancers to hang out with when he was in Toronto or while travelling as he had a strong, passionate love for the dance, always made me smile or laugh; and thanks to his patience, I was able to do neck drops when I was in LA learning mode..

Yes, there will be lots of salsa around Christmas and New Year's and all the events are posted on my home page. That will be up-to-date until the day I leave, and then everyone's going to have to deal with my web partner, Ziv! I'm hoping I'll have January updates before I go... Rose

October 29, 2003 -- What's New?

The reason why Berlin (Manhattan Fuel) killed off their salsa Tuesday was simply because they had the WRONG people promoting it. When management let go of "Joe" (I liked the way HE ran things) and decided to throw in other "promoters" from the latin community, thats when promotion actually stopped. We went through Myrna Kahan who DID do some promotion for the club at first but then started bringing in some wack elements to name a few:

Juan Miguel: This guy can't sing and a half rehearsed band was obviously going to run the crowd out of there.

Dominicanada: A band that has has the SAME repertoire for like 7 years. Not a good band ever since that guy who sang "My All" left them. Now their band was obviously making alot of mistakes on stage during their recent shows.

DJ Efren Dinamita: This guy has been there for like 9 or 10 years and STILL hasn't updated HIS music!

Obviously it's things like this that turned away the latin crowd at least. The "gringos" that showed up there to do their 'thang by taking lessons and strutting their stuff is what maintained the patronage to a good amount for the last couple years. But they should've changed DJ's and they SHOULD NOT have let promoter Roberto Sanchez run things there. And definately they should've brought back good bands like Quimica Perfecta and Fantasia. The only great band I've seen in recent days there was the Ricky Franco and the P-Crew Orchestra. They are really good. But someone on the inside told me that management cut the pay for the musicians too. Which is the MAIN reason that the big bands left. And also that's why in the last dying weeks we've had little bachata bands in there helping the dust "settle" on the dancefloor. And to close of the final Tuesday with a rapper?!?!?!?!?! WOW!! It's so clear to see that management did not give a crap about Tuesday nights. Well I guess it's back to just trying to find a place to dance on weekends... -- disappointed salsero

October 27, 2003 -- is salsa dying?

Berlin (Mahattan Fuel) has closed down and Courthouse doesn't have anymore Latin nights. The salsa congress in Toronto had no impact on the mainstream media. Could the popularity of salsa be dying in Toronto? -- Chincub

Hello, I am DJ Alonso
Just to let you know that THursdays are a Latin Vibe night at Club Menage (333 king st w.) and it is no cover all night long. We have a full heated patio. The format is Latin Pop, Rock House, Brazilian Samba, Axe, Funk, House, Salsa, Merengue, Top 40 Club Anthemns and R&B Hip Hop.

Hope to see you there. Cheers Alonso

It's funny how when people say that cuban style salsa comes from within - they're absolutely right!!! I started dancing a few years back - and i could NEVER begin to like all the styles that are most commonly seen on the dance floors of the most popular latin clubs here in toronto.
My brother and I got into it at the same time, yet we've developed such different styles - he doesn't understand my style, and i don't get his! Anybody that sees me dance ask me where i've learned - and, truth is, i didn't! it's exactly how people say - cuban style is natural - it comes to you by just feeling the music! i can't explain nor can i describe it - it's just how my body moves...it comes naturally!!! i've gone to cuba and had the opportunity to dance with cuban men and talk to cuban women - they all ask me where i picked it up, since they know i come from Canada. and i answer truthfully - i didn't even know the style i was dancing was cuban until un cubano pointed it out! lol isn't that funny? and once i realized that it was cuban style salsa which i was dancing to - i'm determined to find others which share the same passion and finally find somebody who i can keep learning from. I have been searching, and searching and searching for SOMEBODY to continue learning cuban-style salsa from...WHERE ARE YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU??? .. i'm open to getting a group together to dance...

anybody who's interested PLEASE get in touch with me and let me know! Mariela la_che_loquita@hotmail.com -- Mariela

Hi. I have a cousin from Austrailia who is currently in LA for a conference regarding salsa. He has his own school in Australia (www.salsawarriors.com) and will be visiting Toronto for a few weeks in early November. He has asked me to find out the hot spots for salsa lovers and if possible, places where he may watch or participate in some classes. His purpose is to simply find out what is going on in the salsa sceen in TO, promote himself further and hopefully, establish some connections here in TO. Can you direct me as to who I might be able to contact. Thanks, Abi

Dear Abi, just tell him to check out my salsa clubs page and instructor page.

I will be in Toronto October 9 and 10. I saw a listing that said: Oct. 10 "Last night of salsa at the courthouse". What does that mean and where is the courthouse?? I probably won't be able to go to the congress,but would like to dance somewhere on the 9th and/or 10th. Thanks, Ann

Dear Ann, on Thursday, you can go to Babaluu's or check out the Congress party at Acrobat. On Friday, you can go either to Courthouse (new style salsa similar to New York and LA) or El Rancho's for the older style of salsa. Rose

The Guvernment I would say is a really good club to go to. It has many different rooms to go in and it even has a skybar on the roof! Try it out guys, it's fun! -- Crystal

Dear TOSalsa, I'd just like to request that the website be updated with the information regarding Fregatta Salsa nights on Thursdays. I have been going there once in a while on Thursdays for the past year. I just called the club and they said that they still have the latin night. It would be great for more people to come out that live in the Mississauga area.

I see that the club listings have a remark that it may be closed -- this is not the case. Could you please update this :). Thanks, Andre

Gentlemen, I love dancing Salsa and I know what a workout it can be. You perform wonderfully on the dance floor. However, if you are one that literally sweats through your shirt quickly, then please bring a change of clothing and more deodorant. I can't tell you enought how it affects the ladies. I feel awkward telling you in person, because I would think that you should already know this!
Keep Smiling, From a regular Salsera at Left Bank

Sonido Cubano will be playing their final public performances in August at the following venues. David Chala, the musical director of Sonido Cubano will be pursuing his musical career in Hong Kong. Look for Yosvany and Picolino in new bands which will surely welcome their talent. Best wishes to all who have enjoyed our music over these few years in Toronto. Carole and David Chala and Sonido Cubano

Saturday, August 2, 2003 - Sereno Lounge, 1256 St. Clair W. Band begins at 9:00 pm on the patio. No cover. Reservations and more information call 416 654-6363.

Sunday August 10,2003-The Toronto Zoo on the main stage 5pm-6pm.

Hey you people. I was just surfing on the net (as usual) for all ages night clubs, I was wondering if you know any and if so, please list all of them, but only the ones in Toronto. I already know that Elements and Club108 are all ages but they are too far away like in another city far a way (lol). So please e-mail back as soon as possible. Bye. Teresa

Dear TO Salsa,

Greetings!!

I am an avid salsa dancer in Winnipeg. Our city has a very small salsa
community, and unfortunately to say, has too much politics going on, has one latin club that plays only cumbia, has a salsa band that plays once a year, and does not have any female salsa instructors. I find it difficult sometimes being in a club dancing when a group of people are watching and critiquing your every move. It is sad to say that the Winnipeg Salsa scene is based on who is the better instructor/dancer and who has more students. But I try to enjoy and be as passionate and dedicated to the dance despite these frustrations.

I have been dancing for 2 years and 1 year now with my partner.
There are no female dance instructors. I have learned on my own and through the help of some videos, to define my own style. This last March, my partner and I traveled to Edmonton to take workshops with the wonderful and very, very talented Liz Lira. It was a great experience but I found that many of the girls from Edmonton and Calgary were unwelcoming and almost rude to me, being that I was from somewhere else. However, it was a great experience, and it showed me that
I have a lot to learn.

My partner and I decided that the best place to take dance instructions would be in Toronto. Last summer, I went to Bubalu's for an evening and had a BLAST. I danced with about 8 different men (which is very rare here). I really, really, appreciate your Dance Forum on "wHO'S YOUR
FAVORITE DANCE INSTRUCTOR." My partner and I will have a basis on what to follow on. As well, I also appreciate your forum on, "CUBAN AND LA" as I will be living in Cuba for 3 and 1/2 months. I will be able to respond to that forum once I get back.

My Partner and I will be visiting from July 24th to Aug 1st. I found a
couple events over the internet and was wondering if it would be worth
checking out.

-The Beaches International Jazz Festival - Thursday, Jul. 24,25, 26, 27
-Hot Latin Boat Cruise
Where: River Gambler
600 Queens Quay W
When: 5:00 pm Sunday, Jul. 27, 2003
Apparently, there is a latin band playing at the jazz festival (we, salsa
wpgers live on jazz festivals as it is one of the few events that our
salsa bands play at).

Rose -- Yes, you will enjoy both events... I will be in Puerto Rico while
you're here in TO, but I could put you in touch with some dance
instructors who hang out in the clubs alot and they will tell you where the "gang" is hanging out... let me know if you'd like to do that...

Regarding good nights to dance....
Monday - Alley Catz
Tuesday - Tequila (United Salseros multi-lesson) then Manhattan Fuel with live band
Wed - Bar One
Thurs - Babaluu
Fri - Courthouse and/or El Rancho
Sat -- check with the gang or my site, Lula Lounge possible as it's more
cuban with live band
Sun - Left Bank first, then Babaluu in Yorkville

Please let me know if you have any other ideas/events/places that we
should check out. Thanks for your time in reading this email!

Looking forward to hearing from you,
Anonymous

Karine, The hot spot now for Cuban salsa music and dancing is Orale
on Yorkville Ave near Bay subway station. You can see Vladimir, Juan Carlos and other Cubans dancing there. And they do Cuban Rumba there every Saturday outside. We used to go to Lula Lounge when it was empty. But now the students from various Ballroom/LA style and New York style dance schools crowd there. But of these dancers wouldn't venture to go a more Cuban place.

But be warned the place is not too big and there aren't many people there. But if you want to hear the best salsa music in town and see the best salsa dancing you should go there. $5 cover -- Rosmary

Hi , My name is Karine and I'm French. I learn to dance Salsa in Cuba at Santiago and it became my life. I move from Paris to Toronto this year and I'm desperatly trying to find in Toronto places to dance Salsa cubana and Rueda Casino ...Until now I couldn't find any, It's like it does not exist, anywere I go it's only puertoricain salsa . I Don't really know were to look , Could anybody help me ?. Is there anygroup anywhere in Toronto to join? Thanks by advance -- Karine

Hi, Please note that la Fregatta is NOT closed on Thursday. I was there last week. Your website indicates it is closed. Thanks Mary

I just phoned and asked about Monday night salsa. They said "not any more". So I said, is that temp or permanent. The guy said, "permanent".

So you guys might as well remove them from the list. cheers. Hal

There is a club that is opened Fridays and Saturdays on the University of Waterloo but I hear it doesn't get that good -- Beersheba

Helo! Help me ,please ! I'm looking for classes of Columbian (Venezuelian) style of Salsa with characteristic "tap" on the non-weight changing steps. Please give me advise ,where I could learn this style,here in Toronto. Thanks for your time! Yours truly. Michael

I just saw Valentin y los de Caribe at the Street Festival. It was the most amazing salsa concert I have ever seen in Canada (even better than the Celia Cruz concert). I think people were amazed at the quality, showmanship, energy of this group. This group shows the quality of music that is produced in Cuba. They is not even one of the best or well known groups in Cuba. Cuban music is amazing. Hopefully people will open their eyes more to it. -- Chincub

Dear Rose, Thanks for the great website. Please include in you listings a new saturday SALSA night AT ORALE 111 Yorkville avenue.
RUMBA on the pation from 9pm with percussionists and singer open microphone for others who want to join. and then Salsa downstairs with DJ Billy Bryans and DJ Alexis. There will be alot of TIMBA played as you can tell from our choice of DJs but we will be happy to vary according to the crowd. Thank you Sophie

Do you know of any places in Toronto that have Rueda dancing? I'm a native of Toronto, but living in Boston and have recently discovered this delightful style of Salsa. I'd love to hook up with Rueda dancers in Toronto when I come home for visits, etc.... JC

Dear JC, unfortunately it's not a popular dance in the clubs unless you have a bunch of regulars who know many casino moves... Rose

Mucha Gracias :) -- Anat

Dear Anat, the only club that I know of with weekly classes in a non-smoking environment is Tuesdays at Tequila for $8... unless other dancers have another weekly night I don't know about with no smoking... check out our Toronto Clubs section for more info. Rose

Hello, Just wondering if any of you know of anyone in scarborough who LOVES to dance Salsa and would be willing to give a girl a lift to and from the downtown latin clubs. I would pitch in for the gas money.

I don't have access to a vehicle and going downtown and worrying about how to get home at the end of the night is very stressful. Every time I go out dancing I ask the men I dance with where they are from: downtown, Mississauga, North York ... Does no one dance in Scarborough?

I used to go to school at the University of Waterloo where I would dance Swing and Latin at least 3 or 4 times a week. And now that I'm supposedly closer to all the clubs, I have noone to go dancing with (my dance friends are still in Waterloo, or Mississauga).

I have a real passion for Salsa and would dance every night if I could!! So please, if you know of any Salsa lovers in Scarborough, PLEASE ask them to contact me at email address.

Thanks SO much,
Nefeli - who's itchin' to dance

where to dance Cuban style salsa in Toronto?
I am looking for Cuban style classes, rueda etc.
Where to go for live bands?
I have been dancin for about 6 yrs and coming over in the middle of June. Any info is highly appreciated :)

Gracias, Trinidad

Dear Trinidad, there's very few clubs that have alot of cuban dancers, one club you will want to check out on Saturdays is Lula Lounge. For live bands, check out my home page under "What's Happening" as we list all the live bands playing on which day in the city. Rose

Hello! I'm from the boogie down NYC, I jkusr moved to Toronot and would like to have more information about you and the Latin community and events available here!!! Thanks!!! -- Kristina

Welcome to Toronto Kristina, I suggest joining our Mailing List for monthly updates or check back frequently for updates on Toronto events on the home page. Rose

Just wondering if there exists a dance club in Toronto which is non smoking. Do people realize the damage they are doing to their health while breathing in all that smoke while exercising. I went to danceclubs in CA which are all smoke free. -- Leslie-Ann

All the dancers are so focused on bringing different costumes to stage, i.e. puppets, pinocchio, etc, on choreography and incorporating other types of music in their routines such as hip hop that they are forgetting the basics such as 'feeling the music', the sexiness that is expressed between a couple sharing a Salsa dance and the hot vibes of the music.

Such as everything in life, you must go back to the basics to truly enjoy and appreciate what Salsa is all about. Do we really want to become like Celtic dancing where they are focused on the steps and not the feeling of the music? Ok bad comparison but really people...the feeling is being lost! Sophia

Hello there, We're looking for a place to go this Thursday (bar or club) where you can take a lesson for an hour and then dance...any suggestions. Thanks Jessica

I was wondering who started the Salsa Night at Phantom Lounge in Etobicoke? I live in the area, but haven't yet checked it out. Is there a lesson? Has it been very busy? ETC,etc,etc! Tell me all you know! Thanks! Jenn

Dear TOsalsa, I’m a big fan of your site, I’m emailing from London city UK, and I’m coming to your city soon. Just want to fill you in with the salsa scene here in London, people use to love NY style salsa her (on the 1 or 2), but we had a theatre show called Lady Salsa (www.ladysalsa.com), it about Cuban salsa. When the show went on tour, some of the dancers stayed in the UK and started teaching, and know Cuban salsa is the craze. And know we have our own London style (more Cuban then NY). Can you put on the site some info about Cuban salsa clubs (Timba music) in Toronto please!! Thank you, E From the UK

Dear Toronto Salseras/salseros, I'm coming to Toronto, June 7-13. I'd like to know the best places to dance and best area to stay in for access to the clubs. I'm in my 40's and prefer a crowd that will dance with anyone. I'm origionally from NJ, but live in Austin, TX now. HELP! I'm told Toronto is a great place to visit. I'll be coming alone. T. Domingues

Dear T, for a hotel, Howard Johnson's on Avenue Road near Bloor is fairly reasonable in price and centrally located. For the days you're here, I suggest: Saturday - El Rancho, Sunday - Left Bank or Babaluu, Monday - Alley Catz, Tuesday - Tequila Lounge or Manhattan Lounge, Wednesday - Bar One, Thursday - Babaluu, Friday - El Rancho or Courthouse -- Rose

I REALLY RECOMMEND TO ANYONE LOOKING FOR GOOD LATIN MUSIC LIKE JUANES, BACILOS , MERENGUE ETC (AGES 25 AND UP ) TO GO TO ORALE AT AROUND 10:30PM /THE STAFF IS SO PROFESIONAL AND FRIENDLY / WE HAD THE BEST TIME FRIDAY NIGHT AND WE DEFINETELY GO BACK // -- S

I never said that Ana doesn't teach Afro-Cuban dance. I said that she doesn't teach Cuban style salsa dancing. Get your facts straight. She is an excellent teacher and dancer. She can teach both Cuban style and the commerical styles of salsa dancing. But perhaps there is a lack of interest in Cuban style salsa because people have never seen it. After Mana closed, I don't even think she has a regular casino class now.

By the way, do you work for United Salseros? It seems like an advertisement for them when you praise them for their attention to detail and technique. I don't doubt that, but I doubt your motives.

I find it very interesting that United Salseros only offer classes in Afro-Cuban body movements. Apparently, United Salseros already everything about salsa dancing and they just need to add in the Afro-Cuban body movements to make their dancing more Cuban. If they were really serious, they would let Ana teach Cuban style salsa dancing. But
of course, that would make them look bad. Apparently, Cuban style salsa dancing is only different in its body movements. Apparently, all the spins, footwork and partner work is the same as regular salsa dancing.

Duh, I think not. -- Chincub

Chincub, you are incorrect about Ana not teaching Afro-Cuban. She is currently teaching Afro-Cuban Styling classes. If you or anyone want any more information you can check out the following links: http://www.ana-salsa.com http://www.unitedsalseros.com

This is a workshop series and unfortunately not of the other websites in TO would post them as they feel they are regular classes. I don't see how that is possible as this is something that is not offered by anyone else. In addition she is in collaboration with UnitedSalseros, who are meticulous to detail and technique.

Rose
if you and other websites will not post this as a workshop at least post this on your feedback forum.

Hi, Rose, none of the local websites seem to be covering the competition at Bar One. I heard about it, and I'm interested in competing, and I noticed that both TOSalsa and Salsa Spot covered the Berlin competition extensively from beginning to end. I know you guys are probably busy and may only cover big or international events, so if you can't do so, if you could lead me to the proper direction it would be great. Anyway, I need a couple of things (please):

1. Who is organizing the event?
2. What are the competition rules?
3. How many categories are there?
4. Is this a ballroom organized event (if not, I would not want to compete)?

- Anthony

In fact, Davin, and his partner, Akilla, both taught right here in Toronto. They had (have?) a dance company called somthing like "salsa philantropia". I was shocked to see that they were competing in the Amateur division myself! -- S

Hi Rose, Thanks for listing out various places which offer free nights. I will be sure to check them out. I'm just emailing to let you and others know that Plaza Flamingo also has some special going on where you can get in free before 10:30pm on Friday nights. You can go onto their site and print off the coupon which is required to take advantage of this deal. Since I don't know the exact url for Plaza Flamingo, I have accessed their site through www.toronto.com and just typed in Plaza Flamingo to get to their site. -- Starving Student

My friend recently moved from Vancouver and is quite shocked to see Davin competing in the amateur division. Is an instructor, who taught lessons outside of Ontario, permitted to compete in the amateur division? Do those rules apply only to those who taught lessons within Ontario? -- Mike

First, let me say thank you to DJ Salsero, you were right on the money with my query. I have since purchased Edwin Bonilla's CD, and I can't stop listening to it. . .

Well, I guess it goes without saying that I have yet another query. I was dancing @ a local joint here in AZ once again, and I heard this nice salsa with the recurrent theme of. . . "Bon Bon bidi bi Bon Bon?" Now, English is my first language, then comes Japanese, so I'm making an honest attempt @ listing what I thought I heard from the song. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!! Thank you in advance!! :) Rob

I'm new to the salsa scene and would like to know if there are any clubs out there that do one of those free before a certain time type of deals, eg. free before 11pm -- Starving Student

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 artciles, tidbits, etc that one can spend hours and hours and you'd still be asking for more. KEEP UP THE GREAT JOB- ROSE!!!!!!

that guy Jubert should take a hike and find another hobby who does he think he is- sending you nasty emails. I applaud you big time in firing away at his comments. That should shut him up, and he'll crawl back into his shell.

Rose my salsa crew is heading to Toronto this summer. Off the top of your head can you or your readers inform us on the top 2 clubs and socials to try out on Friday and Saturday nites!!!!!

Looking forward to your response, keep firing away Rose -- Anthony

Dear Anthony, we love it when Nuyawkers make it up to Toronto... when it gets closer to the time you're arriving -- email us again and we'll hook you up with all the on2 dancers here in Toronto! And thanks for the positive feedback, it's always nice to know what the Readers think... Rose

I think the Toronto Star article was mostly correct about the origins of Salsa !! But who was the person who told her the Cuban Style salsa was side to side ? Cuban salsa dancing is CROSS BODY LEADS !! How do you think people changed partners in Casino Rueda !! Casino style or Cuban style dancing is the most complete form of dancing because it consists of the spins in old "Toronto" or "Colombian" styles with ALL the spins of the New York "mambo" and LA "style" forms of dancing. How can people talk about Cuban style dancing if they have never even seen it? -- Chincub

“Although Orville and Ana danced on 1, they brought the whole house down with their Blade routine and got a huge standing ovation... I think what got the audience going was the crowd-pleasing tricks that were so unexpected, their high energy and their "attitude" -- just as Caribbean Soul puts their heart and energy into their dance, so do Ana & Orville. To the point where you get drawn into dance. Pawel & Dora closed the performances with their clown routine on 2. All the on 2 dancers loved their routine also as it was very playful and inventive. Their routine is not a screaming crowd-pleaser, but more appreciative from an artistic standpoint.”

What may I ask is so bad in your mind about dancing on one? You maintain that dancing is dancing and that it should be enjoyed for it’s pure beauty - and for awhile there I believed you and your stance. But then, you insinuate that only “on 2 dancers” can appreciate the artistry of the “on 2” step - does this suggest that the average layman is out of luck and lacking in the artistic department? I find your views on dancing elitist, snobby and self-serving. It is irresponsible and biased reporting such as these that draw lines of division within a once thriving and rich salsa community.

Dear Jubert, you must be very new to our site, because I'm not dissing dancing on 1 -- I'm just commenting on the fact that the New York Social is predominantly on 2 and it was nice to see that they could appreciate a performance on 1. I've always heard that the New York dance crowd is very particular about their dancestyle and many of them wouldn't be caught dead dancing on 1. And oh my goodness, I just might start offending some Nuyawkers if they read this... even though there are also lots of social dancers who apparently know how to dance on 1 in New York. In Toronto, 99.9% of us having started out dancing on 1 and I still enjoy it and don't plan to ever forget it... it amazes me how some readers can read "too much" into what I write... when I'm just telling it as I experienced it; and from what I've heard.

And your observation that I believe "dancing is dancing and that it should be enjoyed for its pure beauty" still stands... I was at Babaluu's tonight and when I wasn't dancing, I watched my friends and other dancers dance. In fact, I actually loved watching the cuban ladies from D'Talle and Ana Machado doing what they do best, their cuban style of movement which looks very sexy and has lots of attitude...

Regarding the insinuation that the average layman cannot appreciate the artistry of the on 2 step... I don't know where you got that from... maybe you need some reading glasses. It just happened we were in New York City where it was a predominant on 2 crowd and I just recounted the comments from various dancers about the various performances.

Whether dancers dance on 1 or on 2 or any other beat they so wish, it's everyone's own personal preferences about dance and artistry and which style they prefer; and that's why this criticism of what style is better is so ridiculous. If you get to the heart of dance, it's not what style is better, but what style you prefer to dance to express your own feelings to this wonderful music.

Without going into a huge amount of detail, in terms of dance styles of various couples, if you start comparing the various couples that create hype and watch audience reaction, you'll find that most on 1 dance groups (because of the drama of the style), can cause more frenzy in a crowd than pure on 2 dance groups. On 2 dancing has much less dramatic tricks and is centered more on styling, grace and/or playfulness-- which is usually appreciated in a less frenzied manner; but is just as powerful depending on whether you prefer drama or artistry.

And your final remarks about "elitist, snobby and self-serving. It is irresponsible and biased reporting such as these that draw lines of division within a once thriving and rich salsa community." Are you implying that the Rose Knows column and my site as so much influence that we're drawing lines of division in salsa? With all the salsa sites around the world, I don't believe that we have such power to influence the ebb and flow of salsa. Biased reporting, for anyone who was at the New York Social -- you'd see I was reporting it as it was (and possibly too honestly)... And if I decide to take the time to possibly put up the clips in my spare time for your enjoyment, you'd see it for yourself.

And on another note, I guess I should consider this a compliment that you were so incensed by your own interpretation of what I wrote that you would take the time to write in... I'm sure if I wrote how wonderful everyone was, what amazing dancers everyone is, and how perfect the world of salsa dancing is -- would you believe it or would you think I was living in dreamland? And based on that fact, we'd have a worldful of very happy people dancing salsa on 1, on 2, cuban style and whatever else is out there... And to keep the negativity away from the salsa scene, I guess no one should ever write "nasty" emails, and I shouldn't publish them... but if I didn't, then possibly "someone" out there would go around saying I didn't have the guts to post them... and on top of that, I'm the one posting (in my so-called spare time) what all the negative and positive people are writing out there instead of just going out and dancing... go figure... Rose

Hello, First of all...I LOVE your website and second of all I am wondering if you could help me out with some information. I am looking to join a dance studio or a dance team in order to practice my Salsa. I'm only amateur (at a advanced skill level) but I would like to get into pro as soon as possible.

I live in the Brampton/Mississauga area, so it would be great if I could find a studio close by but if there is nothing in the immediate area I Don't mind driving down. I would really appreciate any help or suggestions. Thank you for your time!!! Sincerely, Eva

Dear Eva, your best bet would be to contact the instructors directly and they may be able to help you achieve your goal. Good luck, Rose

Hello TO Salsa. I live in Brampton and have found a virtual drought here in relation to latin music/clubs. I would be happy to go out to Mississauga or elsewhere but am looking for some other gals to join either from Brampton or the Miss. area. I am from Victoria, B.C. and good friends of the band "Kumbia". I used to go out regularly there but of the people I do know here now no one is ready to be so brave. If you know of anyone I would appreciate you letting me or them know. Thank you muchly -- Simone

Dear Simone, why not try our partner search and see if you can find some partners to go dancing with in the clubs... Rose

Hi Rose, Thanks, I am happy to hear that I am not the only one who feels that people complain too much about the the clubs and so on.

I have just one more thing to write about.

Guys what is wrong with you ??? I see men standing around looking for people to dance with but I never see them asking the average girl to dance. You are all looking for the size 4 or 6 small girls but that doen't make them good dancers. I see alot of girls out there who are great dancers but they are alittle bigger. Give them a chance to shine they may surprize you.

We all go to clubs to hear the music, dance, and meet people. So every-one out there ask someone to dance no-matter what the look or size they just might surprize you!!!!!

Some more words for thought- Dawn

I'm from the United States and I'll be moving to Toronto in the Fall. I love to dance salsa and hope to continue after I relocate. Currently I dance with a group that breaks back on 1. I'd like to know if the Toronto style breaks back on 1, 2, or if both styles are popular.

I look forward to enjoying your upcoming Congress. Erin

Dear Erin, You will definitely love the salsa scene here in Toronto... and we are still predominantly on the 1 with a smattering of dancers on 2, but enough to satisfy out-of-town dancers. Rose

Hi Rose, First of all, I would like to congratulate you on the great work you have done to making this an amazing site for salsa lovers. I admit though I don't look at you as the "advanced salsa dancer" you insinuated in couple of past columns you were. From the last time I saw you dancing ( like 5 months ago), it did not seem to me like you were exceptionally endowed with salsa talents.

I admire and respect your hard-work ethic into what you do BUT please stop thinking that dancing to the old Toronto style (colombian, venezuelan, like) is worthless and makes you look bad. If you are a truely good dancer then you should be able to shine regardless style. Whereas L.A. dancing can be very showy and sexy looking, traditional latin style is still a lot of fun, ( does it show I am latin ? :).

I agree with some people that just because someone performs or is able to do some complicated patterns, counting the whole thing through though, does not necessarly mean they are super salsa stars. -- Jorge.

Dear Jorge, advanced salsa dancer doesn't mean you have to be a super-star, but be advanced enough to be able to follow whatever moves an "advanced dancer" can throw at you... that's always been my goal; and unfortunately I don't have the time to spend dancing as I used to. Regarding Toronto-style, I never said it made me look bad, after doing it for 3 years straight when I first started dancing, I got bored of the same turn patterns and tricks and wanted to learn more... As I went to various salsa congresses and saw all the different styles of salsa, that kept my "salsa flame" alive along with the many hours spent on this site which I found also as challenging as learning salsa.

Unfortunately as this site grows, so does the amount of time it takes to update it; and since I can't spend as much time writing and reviewing to ensure that everyone understands what I'm trying to explain -- unfortunately readers such as yourself, read too much into what I've said. It's give and take, spend more time writing and less time on content, OR less time on writing and doing what keeps the site alive, such as posting all the reader's emails manually (such as yours) and doing other projects that I love for this site.

Also, for the record, the style of dancing I prefer now is not the showy LA-style (although it is great for shows), but the more playful New York on 2, and just our new generation Toronto-style. But when I go to El Rancho's or any other club where they dance old Toronto-style, I'll dance that too; and enjoy dancing with friends from the past who only know that style. It's always been my goal to dance every style so that I can dance pretty much with any salsa dancer anywhere in the World. If I had more time, I'd try to go to Cuba and also learn that style also.

Remembering back, when I was in Las Vegas, I went to a latin club there, and danced with an older gentlemen who knew the old Toronto-style dancing. He was so happy to be dancing with me as I could follow his lead and even asked me to join him in a last-minute dance contest at the club that night, but I wasn't interested. Why did he have a smile on his face -- because all the other dancers there that night only knew LA-style; and they wouldn't dance with anyone who didn't know LA-style.

Regarding salsa super-stars as you term it, I don't disagree with your comment; and I wasn't the one to label certain dancers "super salsa stars".

And for all the readers who think negatively of what I say, maybe when you see me in the clubs, you should come up and have a dance to see who I really am; and not as you perceive me from my writings and just because I like hanging around with my dance friends on the one or two nights I can get out socially to have some fun... Rose

Dear TOsalsa, I am a jive dancer coming over to Toronto in a week's time and I am trying to find out if there are any modern jive/ceroc classes I could go along to while I'm visiting... do you know of any or could you put me in touch with anybody who might be able to help ? Thanks, Helen.

Dear Helen, sorry, I wouldn't have any idea, but maybe one of our readers will know... although I've heard of ceroc and it's big in England if I remember correctly, and I would love to check out that dance scene one day... it sounds like it's a lot of fun! Rose

We New Yorkers love a good argument but, d_mn! Canadians arguing P.R. vs Cuba?

Do you Listen to the lyrics? Cuba y Puerto Rico son de un pajaro las dos alas. Eddie

Hi Rose, I found this web site when I was living in England and I am glad I did. I think that this site is great.

I have read a few emails with people complaining about some of the clubs and what they don't like about them. But I have yet to hear what they like about the clubs in Toronto and what they get out of them.

When I first started to go to clubs everyone would have their favorate places and the nights they would attend. I have to admit I was on of those people who would go out everynight of the week and I did it for quite afew years.

I had my favorates back then, Sabor was the place to go on a Friday night aswell as Saturday night. There was always ElRancho on Fridays, Sauturday's and Thursday's as But for me Sabor was the clubon Friday's(that is until they moved locations and then it wasn't the same)When Plaza opened on Saturday's thats where we all were. My friends and I would do Sunday nights at Rumba Night( I know what your thinking but back then it wasn't a bad place to go). Tuesday's well Tuesday's would always be Berlin, the music, dancing and people made it one of my favorate places to be. Wednesday's would be Belmuto's the place was small but the atmosphere and the music well it was a great night out.

Then the other Clubs started, there was:

Wednesday's - Park Ave
Thursday's - Babaloo's , Fregatta,

There are so many that have come and gone that its hard to keep track.

Why am I writing all this you ask, well its because I want to tell you what I have gotten out of Spanish clubs. I have made alot of friends some of which will always be with me, I have learned to dance( something that I never thought I thought I would be able to do after my first night in a club).

I have had many sad and happy experiences, some which have made me cry and some that have made me laugh. But most of all the experience has made me a better person. yes some bad things have happened in the clubs (fights and others) mostly out of sillyness that has gotten out of control.

I just want to thank all the people who have worked in the clubs eather as a DJ, SECURITY, WAITERS & WASITRESSES, BARTENDERS AND THE OWNERS AND MANAGERS.

With out these people we wouldn't have somewhere to go to dance and have a good time.

So I hope that you understand why I get mad when I read that you don't like this that or the other about a club. Its not about what the club gives you it about what you get out of the club.

Just some word for thought. -- Dawn

Dear Dawn, thanks for writing in and it's funny you should say that as I was in the process of writing my own personal thoughts of what was good and/or bad about the clubs I've frequented. One thing people always forget, whether at work or personally, it's always easy to criticize or complain, but does any ever offer constructive feedback or do something to change what they don't like. That's something I've learned over the years -- if you're going to complain about something you don't like, don't forget to also give constructive feedback on how it could be fixed or do something yourself to help make a difference. Most people have no idea as to why something is the way it is or how much effort it takes to do something unless they've experienced first-hand what it's like to do it... and if someone else is already doing it and is successful at it -- it's very easy to sit back and just criticize -- after all, you get to enjoy the fruits of their labour.

For example, it's easy to criticize and say a website should do this or that, and/or why don't they do more... on the other side of the coin, does anyone have any idea of how many manhours it takes to write and/or post to a webpage? If I started counting the hours I spend on this website, it would probably be as much if not more than my day job! Let's not go there... Rose

I have heard of a Cuban bookstore in downtown Toronto. I think it was supposed to be in the Bloor and Bathurst area and was called "Boly's" or something like that.

But that didn't help me find any listing or other information. Does anyone recognize that much, and can fill in the details? thanks, Artie

The ritz is now out of business and is currently in your list. Just thought'd let you know... :) Marcela

Hi there TOsalsa! I have bad news. There is no more Friday night salsa at Palazzo. My friend and I went last Friday and we were very disappointed that there was no one to dance with, or any music to dance to! We checked with the bar tender and she said that they have changed their format and are doing away with Latin nights. We did manage to go to BaBaLu'us and Berlin that week, so those places are still going strong. Thanks for the great website! -- Becky

My dance partner and I are from Winnipeg and are planning to visit the Toronto salsa scene for a weekend in February (20th to 23rd). We are planning to hit different salsa clubs each night. What hotels are within reasonable distance to most clubs? Preferably what area would be ideal to be staying at? We would greatly appreciate for any suggestions. Thanks! Mary Grace

PS- are there any special events going on during that time? any workshops?

On Sat Dec.28 I was at Plaza Flamingo. My dance level is about an early Intermediate. I asked 5 girls to dance. All strangers. Only 1 accepted. This is a 20% success rate.
Now my question, is 1 in 5 considered good, average, or bad? What is the normal success rate(if any) for advanced dancers, Int. dancers? My guess is that the advanced guys have a great rate. Also if a girl says no, then what should a guy do? Just walk away? regards,
Ed.. shall we dance?

Dear Ed, it's always harder to go to a club where you don't know anyone and have to keep asking people to dance. If you don't know anyone, it's just a numbers game... there is no good or bad success rate... and even if you're an advanced dancer and you go to a strange city, you would still get those types of odds. So yes, depending on how they answer, then maybe politely respond back with an "Okay thanks, maybe later", or just walk away and continue the numbers game. I have various articles regarding this subject which you can probably find in the Dance Article section. Also, if you find a club you like, go to it on a regular basis and eventually you'll begin to know who the "regulars" are and/or keep seeing the same people you've danced with before. But much of this advice is covered in the various articles on our site. Hope this helps, Rose

Just a quick question here... We are planning a trip to Toronto. We are originally from Chicago the thing is that there is a lot us who are under 21. We were wondering if the age requirement is different in Canada? Here is Chicago many of the clubs that are going on are age restricted and us youngens' can't get in. If there is such a thing in Toronto please let us know- Thanx Migs

Dear Migs, if I remember correctly the age requirement is 19 in Canada.

hi There, Can you tell me the best Salsa Clubs to go to in Downtown Toronto. I live in the UK and i will be coming over for a holiday next year. I'm looking for good clubs that have New York / La Style. I'd like to avoide cuban if possible.

Many thanks for your help, Rgds Jason Southwell

Dear Jason, it's always better to wait until about a week or two before and you'll see all the events we have in Toronto on our home page or the events calendar. If you want to do a little research now, then here's the clubs I suggest based on the fact you probably want to find dancers that dance NY or LA style...

Monday - Panorama
Tuesday - Tequila and Berlin
Wednesday - Bar One or Babaluu
Thursday - Babaluu or Kascata
Friday - Courthouse or El Rancho's
Saturday - El Rancho or Lula Lounge
Sunday - Left Bank or Babaluu

Hope this helps... Rose

What "salsa" celebrations will be going on New Years Eve?

Jean, Pittsburgh

Dear Jean, most of the December events are posted already on our site, but we update our site regularly when we get new events. The best way to know what's happening in Toronto is by checking out our Events page and the home page under "What's Happening" about a week before you arrive for any special parties.

Regarding New Year's Eve, take a look at our clubs section, and most of the regular latin clubs, such as Babaluu or El Rancho's downtown will definitely be having a New Year's Eve Party. Rose

Hi! I am going from Boston to Toronto in January 2 through January 5,2003. I would like to know which hotels are close to some of the salsa's clubs. Thanks, GLadys

Dear Gladys, one of the hotels I always recommend to dancers that's fairly reasonable for the central downtown area (Avenue and Bloor, near Yorkille) is Howard Johnson's, 89 Avenue Road, 866-665-9330 US Only (approx. $105 Cdn. or $66.50 US), close to the subway and walking distance to some great shopping and Babaluu's. Anything else, I suggest checking in Toronto.com or type into Google.com, "Toronto hotels", and I'm sure you'll come up with a bunch of websites that will offer good rates. Rose

There is a new plase to go out on saturday nights. It's called "Gypsy X" (ex Tapas). Come to have fan, to learn and to dance salsa and merengue every saturday from 10PM to 2AM. Gypsy X: 226, Carlton Street(between Parliament and Ontario) - Cabage Town - Toronto. tel: 416-928-9644 (a few blocks east from young and college). Chau,
Damian

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE ALL THE DOMINICAS ARE AT. POST YOUR RESPONCE -- Lorena

Hola! I did email some time ago but never received a response so I thought I would try again. I am looking to connect with a club/dance hangout that has latin music/dancing in Brampton or Mississauga. I live in Brampton and have so far found nothing here. I moved from Victoria, B.C. a year ago where there is a big latin following and always many dances to go to. I do miss it so. Any insight you can give me in my area or with members from Brampton to connect with would be appreciated. I myself am a Hawaiian dancer and teach here in Brampton as well as have a performing group. My love of latin music started with my friendship with Edgar Acevedo from the bank Kumbia in Victoria. As my husband does not like to dance I had always attended dances with my girlfriends in Victoria but here in Brampton have not found anyone with the same interest. This is why I am asking you if you have any members is my area that I could contact to go out with or any latin clubs in my area. They all seem to be downtown which is a problem because I don't drive on the freeway. Non-freeway I can get to!

Thank you for your time. Simonette

Dear Simonette, sorry if I didn't respond before, but possibly you were caught in the emails that went down with my computer crash sometime ago... I personally am not very familiar with the Brampton area... so maybe one of the readers can provide feedback.

I will be visiting your lovely city on Monday, October 14th. Are there any
good Salsa venues open on Monday evening? I heard "Panorama" is one spot - is it any good? Thanks. - Paul in Vancouver

Dear Paul, Panorama is the only place to go on Monday night, and it maybe hopping as it is the long weekend -- you can never predict which nights the good dancers will show up. Rose

I want to meet people from latin america I recently moved to Toronto -- Antonio

Welcome to Toronto, Antonio, you will find lots of latin people at the following clubs:

Monday - Panorama (lots of Cubans like to go here)
Tuesday - Mana (very popular as Cuban Timba is played here)
Wednesday - possibly Babaluu
Thursday - possibly Babaluu
Friday - El Rancho or Plaza Flamingo maybe, possibly Babaluu
Saturdays - Lula Lounge (cuban hang-out), Babaluu (more a pick-up latin bar scene) and a very young crowd at Plaza Flamingo playing all types of latin music and stays open until 3-4 am!

Hi! I will be visiting beautiful Toronto and would like to go Salsa dancing with my girlfriend on Monday night October 14th. Can you make any suggestions, please? Thank you. - Paul

Dear Paul, there is only one club open on Monday nights and that's Panorama at the rooftop of Manulife Centre at Bay and Bloor with a great view of the Toronto skyline.

I have gone a number of times to Los Brisos on Friday and Saturday nights. THe music is good - a lot of cumbia. My only complaint is the cover. It changes depending on who I go with. It varies from $8-$10 depending on who I"m with (if I'm with Latin friends then I pay $8 and if I go with non-Latin friends its usually $10.00). The guy at the door never smiles and on one occassion I was wearing a cotton cardigan over a tank and the Coatcheck Nazi was hounding me. I find this frustrating but I guess it happens a lot. THanks for letting me vent! Mary

Hi Rose, I'm a NY'er and will be visiting Toronto one weekend in October and am very curious to check out the mambo/salsa scene up there! Any suggestions on where to go?

Thanks so much for your help. Your website is great and really organized and up to date! Great work! Lena

Dear Lena, email me about one week before you come up and I'll hook you up with all the mambo (on2) dancers in Toronto while you're here. In the meantime, check out the club listings page and you'll see which "Club Hangouts" has all the on2 dancers during the week. See you soon! Rose

My dance partner and I will be visiting Toronto this Thursday through Sunday and we'd like to go dancing!! We'll be staying at the Courtyard Marriott on Yonge Street.

Could you give us some recommendations for studio and/or night club dances? (location/time/cover charge)

Since we like to do swing, ballroom, and latin dancing, we'd be happy if you could recommend dances in those dance forms as well!

By the way, you have a wonderful website!!! Thank you!

Terry Horning
Washington, DC

Dear Terry, I suggest you check out the What's Happening Section on the home page, Toronto Events and Club Hangouts and decide what you might be interested in checking out for Salsa. We do have Swing and Ballroom in Toronto, but I'm not familiar with the best "hangouts" anymore. Rose

I just want to suggest other nice places for good Cuban traditional salsa (alive), like Cerveceria (College and Ossington), crowded with good dancers on Fridays, and Cafe Havana (in the Entertainment District in downtown), on Saturdays. Hope you like them. Isabel

My name is Sooknam and I am from New York. I am visiting my fiance who lives near Toronto. I love dancing Salsa on 2 and I go dancing in New York all the time. I have not gone dancing up here and I feel little stranded. Is there a group of people who go out to dance Salsa on 2 together? For example, this weekend, which club would have the most Salsa on 2 dancers? Thanks. Sooknam p.s. your website looks great.

Dear Sooknam, if you look at the club hangouts on our Toronto club listings page at the link on the top, you'll see in red all the clubs where the on 2 dancers are most likely to hang out each night. Toronto is still mostly on 1, but there are certain clubs where you might find a higher no. of on 2 dancers.

I went to Babaluu on the Canada Day weekend (I believe it was on a Saturday). All I got to say is The spot is wicked. It's a little small but everyone was having a good time and the doormen were nice dudes. I had a really great time and I look forward to going back again. I think some of the staff from CityTV go there as well because I met someone from CityTv(I won't mention who it is). I recommend if you go to the spot, go early. Before 11pm is the best time to go. Anyways, I'll probably make Babaluu my personal hotspot to go on Saturday so if you're looking for a good time with lots of Salsa, Babaluu is the hotspot. Holla back. Tyrone

Hello, I see a posting for Sonido Cubano @ El Convento Rico on July 25. Can you provide me with more details? such as where and what time? Great site! Alberto

Dear Alberto, you'll either find the phone number under my club listings. If not, just try www.canada411.com for the address and phone no. or you can also look it up in the phone book and call them for more info.

I want to go to a fairly upscale Latin club. I would like if the club had a
guest list, because, I am interested having a b-day party there [approx 30 people]. When i say upscale, I was looking for a place to dress up [not in a suit] so i don't want it very casual.

Any suggestions are appreciated.....Thx, Sean

Dear Sean, this is a difficult question to answer because it depends on which night you're planning to have the party. If you want to dress up, and stay out late, then I suggest some of the following clubs (please note that these are the more popular ones based on my own opinion and on where I would probably pick for myself): Tuesday - Berlin, Wednesday - Babaluu, Thursday - Babaluu, Friday - Courthouse, Saturday -- that's tough because most of the clubs are super-crowded and it's not my favourite night of dancing, Sunday - Left Bank or Babaluu. Regarding the guest list, you'll just have to talk to the clubs individually.

Take Care
Keep on dancing,
Jenny Ingratta

Dear Jenny, if you're coming in on Friday, then I would suggest Courthouse as a popular alternative for many dancers. On Saturday, that's really tough for me to answer as I don't like going to most of the clubs due to how packed they get, it really depends on what you're looking for. If you're with your own friends, then just pick one to try. Here's a quick "opinion" about each of the clubs you mentioned.

La Classique - is considered to be comfortably crowded for dancing, so is favoured by dancers who are going in groups and want more room to dance.
Latin Fever - is catering mostly to the latin crowd and is not usually frequented by the hardcore dancers.
Plaza Flamingo - also has a young latin crowd, but many hardcore dancers like to frequent this club as an alternative to El Rancho's.
Babaluu - is jam-packed usually of non-dancers, but occasionally they may go there for a "change of pace".

HI I SAW A POSTER, VERY BRIEFLY ON SUNDAY JULY 15, SAYING THAT A CLUB NAMED "JJMUGGS" WAS HAVING A LATIN NIGHT WITH A CUBAN SALSA LESSON. THE TEACHER IS SUPPOSED TO BE VLADIMIR. DO YOU HAVE ANY INFO ABOUT THIS CLUB'S ADDRESS, THE NIGHT IT'S TO HAVE A LATIN NIGHT AND WHAT THE MUSIC IS TO BE PLAYED. ALTHOUGH I'M FROM OUTSIDE TORONTO I KNOW TORONTO FAIRLY WELL IF I'M GIVEN AN ADJOINING STREET. ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED -- KEITH

Hi Keith, this was posted on my home page in the "What's Happening" Section -- that's the place to look for all the parties in the city.

Jul 26 - Latin Fiesta @ JJ Muggs, Woodbine Center, 500 Rexdale Blvd. @ Hwy 27, Etobicoke, No Cover, Sonido Cubano Live 416-674-5450 or 416-457-4969

Hello! First I would like to tell you what a pleasure it is to log on to your website!!! Thank you so much for all the useful information. I'm writing to you to ask about the two Latin Festivals that take place at Mel Lastman Square. I attended both of them for the past two years, and I'm wondering if you could tell me if either of them will be taking place again this year. In the past, one has been held on the long weekend in August, the other on the long weekend in September. Any information that you could give me would be great. Lisa Valera

Hi Lisa, you're most welcome, unfortunately at this time, we don't have any information and nothing's been posted just yet on the City of Toronto website. As always, as soon as we know, we post it, so stay tuned over the coming months.

Hi, I am a french student girl and I will stay in Toronto for 2 month in july and August. I love salsa (especially salsa cubana) and I would like to know the better places to dance salsa in Toronto. Thank you, Amilie

Dear Amilie, I suggest you check out my club hangouts and/or the What's Happening section to see where the parties are being held. It's difficult to tell you as everyone looks for something different in a club, i.e. some want a typical latin night with all types of music and there's others who flock to the clubs that play more salsa and have the best dancers in the City hanging out there. Rose

June 14, 2002 -- Better Places to Dance Salsa
Tumbao at Mana (722 College) on tuesday is a great salsa cubana hangout -- Mona

I am new in Toronto and have tried to hang out in a lot of salsa joints in town but havent come across one that plays timba. I have tried to go with my cds to some club but the djs dont understand the music, can you please recomend a place where i can here the hottest timba (not son,chacha etc.) hope to hear from you soon.thanx in advance -- Anon.

Dear Anon, apparently DJ Billy Bryans plays Timba at Mana Lounge on Tuesdays, so you may want to check it out; and if you bring your own CD's, he may even play some of it! Rose

hi! I just wanna tell you that momentos moved from yorkville! I heard that it is now around eglinton and young, i'm not sure where exactly! bye! Andrea

Let's see, what can I say about Sunday afternoon/night... (feel free to post it if you want!). It was an incredibly fun day.. the workshops were fun, enthusiastic and well taught. We've learned some awesome new moves and can't wait to try them out here in London!!! Watching the dancers (both amateur and professional) was a real treat...wow...can they move!!! We'll be watching your website for any upcoming events, and you can bet we'll be there!! Thanks again!! Talk to you soon Rose!! Susan

We had a great time yesterday and it was amazing to watch some of those dancers!! We'll keep checking your web site, so I'm sure we'll see you again very soon! Thanks again, Susan (and Felix, Ximena and Andrew)--the crew from London!!!

Dear Ann, it's a little early to know everything that's happening in May, so I suggest you check the events and club listings closer to the time you want to visit, along with the home page as we do post many last minute parties under "What's Happening" -- Rose

Dear Readers, Juan asked me to post this and I couldn't resist -- how more "romantic" can a person get... any unique "salsa" suggestions outside of the usual flowers...