 
Dear Readers, thanks to our network
of passionate salsa dancers, we have created this newly revamped Dear
TOsalsa section to meet the growing needs of our readership...
For Beginners to Salsa... don't forget we have this great new Guide to Salsa which has lots of answers! It's impossible for us to know all the answers to many of these questions/discussions, so please feel free to add your own response at any time via email or on our feedback form. |
| Dear
TOsalsa! -- What's New! |
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| July
11, 2005 -- Response to Alissa July
11, 2005 -- Organized Salsa Classes July
11, 2005 -- looking for location July 11, 2005 -- Response to Papacito from Chincub Papacito, Well, your personal and unfounded attacks have made me write in again. And for your information, this is my first message on TOsalsa since my supposedly last posting. I am not Guarachero. I am sure either he can write in or Rose can tell you that I am not him. And again you chose to attack me rather than add something to the conversation and debate about salsa music and dancing. You should read something other than my postings, papacito. Of course, what you said that I wrote were exaggerated or sometimes out right disortions. I SAID 1) salsa is really a style of Afro-Cuban music developed in New York. There are really great salsa music and musicians from other countries, but it doesn't change this fact. It is Afro-Cuban music. 2) Cuban salsa dancing for ME really expresses the music better than other styles although I respect other styles and dancers. 3) It is rueda de casino or casino rueda. Casino is a dance. You should dance casino in casino rueda. Why can you accept the fact many people think like me? I would say most people people in Latin America think like me (not Latinos in North America where salsa is part of their self-identity). I would also say most Latin people who grew up in Latin America are not big fans of LA style salsa dancing. In this last batch of postings in TOsalsa (I did not write any of these postings), 2 inquiries about Cuban music or nightclubs (Chris and Fabiola). I read in the previous e-mails last year, many more inquiries about Cuban music and testmonials from people who went to Cuba. 1 person who thinks the salsa dance professionals here are not so good. (un cubano) 2 (3 if including Rose) people that wrote rave reviews about live Cuban music in Toronto (Patricio about Son Ache and the others about Omara P.) 3 people who said bascially salsa is from Cuba (Maria, Ryan and Guarachero) 3 people who they don't like LA style salsa dancing (Cubano, Hortencia and E-Lo) 3 people who wrote about the way some salsa dancers here step, hit and crash into others dancers here (Rose, Hortencia, Mike), which in my opinion comes from the popularity of more trick, spin orientated salsa dance styles (show salsa dancing) as opposed to dancing to the music and enjoying yourself social salsa dancing. Papacito, you tried to protray me as some kind of loner and crazy person. But as you can see, many people think like me. Or if they don't think exactly like me, they appreciate Cuban dancing and music. -- Chincub July 9, 2005 -- Dear TOsalsa My thoughts about the salsa dancing here: Well is a little bit weird, you guys dance so funny, like robots. Some of the social dancers here dance better (by far), than the "salsa stars here" or the people who represent the salsa dance here. Some of the guys they have more moves, timing, better shines, speed, improvisation, etc. In Cuba, Miami, NY or LA, you do not have to be part of a salsa school, perform, or be part of the "salsa elite" to be the best. Some of the best dancers I have ever seen are from Toronto, and they are not no Giovanni, Orville, Oscar, Teddy, Trione, Rene, Bong, Jennifer etc. Is a muscular guy with his girlfriend and a guy from the red violin who looked like Samuel L Jackson, they just made my jaw dropped, they are incredible dancers. Sorry Rose none of your friends. Un Cubano que vino a Toronto Dear Juan, No offense taken, everyone has a right to an opinion to like or dislike certain styles of salsa... even styles of music -- that's called freedom of speech. July 8, 2005 -- I'm looking for a salsa song.. HELP! I'm trying to find the name of a song... The chorus goes like this porque dios te iso tan vieja eres un eres un estrella te amo de masiado te tengo a mi lado ama me la vidaaaaaa something like that please get back tome -- George July 7, 2005 -- Dear TOsalsa Hey guys I like the website, keep up the good work. I was reading the discussion forums about the origins of salsa and it's dancing and it was pretty funny. If anything it just confused me a bunch more. I have Cuban friends and I also am Puerto Rican. I always notice my family and their families dancing salsa. I notice that when Cubans dance it they do alot of spins and are a little more straight. I also notice my family, especially my mom and dad who actually danced at concerts with El Gran Combo, Fania All Stars, you name it and they were there. Roberto Roena actually got up to dance with my mom (Awesome!). Well my family dances salsa with their shoulders a little more loose and dance better to quicker tempos. I do not know If this helps or confuses me. I know for sure that my favorite aspect of Salsa is the percussion, Whether Cuban or Rican. I am pretty sure that salsa has origins from mambo and all that other stuff , Cuban or Puerto Rican its still danceable. I was just wondering why people do not have latin American folkloric dance competitions and then they will really see how our music is pretty much connected. People know that there are about three or more variations of Rumba, what they dont know is that there are 6 or more variations of Bomba and Plena (not put together). Everyone thinks it's just the Sica rhythm with Bomba which is pretty much off base. Anyway all of this crap that I am writing is to let you know that I do enjoy your website and maybe you know some really good references for salsa history and folkloric music from the carribean. If you do please let me know. -- Marcos July 7, 2005 -- More Salsa Clubs I see in your club listings that you only mention about four or 5 clubs but there are at least two more worth mentioning... On Friday nights Cervejeria (on College just west of Ossington) has a Cuban night with a great live show by Alberto Alberto and Son Ache. The people there are extremely friendly and the mood is the best in Toronto. On Saturday nights, there is a beatiful new club in Ajax called "Havana Nights" where the band Cassava plays to a great crowd of Latinos and Canadians alike. This place is located at 85 Kingston Rd (just west of Salem and just north of 401) -- Patricio July 7, 2005 -- Spanish Lyrics Hi, I am looking for a song were he discovers she has been going to hotel rooms with different guys, and he surprises her by waiting for her in the hotel room. He sings - al me el amor como a todo esos amantes. Do you know which song this is. I know it is sals. If you know I would appreciate the name of the song, and the artist. Berta July 4, 2005 -- Lyrics Hi.. there is a song that i love but do not know who sings it or the title.. I was hoping you could help me out.. one of the main verses of the chorus says...... "cuando va parar la lluvia en mi corazon" if you know, please get back to me... just the artist and the title... thank you so much. Lennise Garcia July 4, 2005 -- new latin/salsa cantina in toronto Hi, I'm writing to let you know about the opening of a new place that's called Fellini's Shoe (EX TAPAS BAR). Located at 226 Carlton Street. It's open only on thursday nights from 9:30 pm. It's a great place to live a latin experience. Features: Live DJ - Juan Cano from Colombia, Outdoor patio, tapas menu, kitchen open until 1pm, dancing, great martini and cocktail selection, Open untill 2pm. It's opened three weeks ago and it's been very busy. I'd like to invite you all to come visit as and I'd also like to ofer a drink to every girl that mention TOsalsa.com. My name is Damian Molina. The address is 226, Carlton Street - 1 block west of parliament on the north side. See you on thursdays. Thanks Damian Molina July 3, 2005 -- Dear Rose, I just came from the most amazing concert: The Buena Vista Social Club presenting Omara Portuondo. It was a a real treat, I was charmed by the vitality, the talent and the sensibility of the Cuban Diva and her musicians. I felt lucky when I found out I won the tickets but I realized how lucky I really was while enjoying this exquisite performance. Thank you! Cristina PS: I would have bought tickets for this concert :)! July 1, 2005 -- Love Your Site Hi Rose, Your site is such a great advocate to the wonderful world of "SALSA" Daniel Brown, NYC June 30, 2005 -- Discussion Forum Okay, salsa is truly "son" from Cuba. Como dijo Celia, "El son sigue alli!" It doesn't matter if you call it salsa, but it is really "son" what you are listening to. I'm not saying that other people from other countries don't sing it good, I'm just saying salsa or "son" is from Cuba. "Son" is know all over the world, NY really didn't make it famous, maybe in the U.S. but not all over the world. Artists like Benny More, Celia Cruz, Perez Prado, Willy Chirino, Isaac Delgado are voices from Cuba that are known pretty well throughout the world. I think that P.R. does a great job at singing salsa, but something is missing! Though Cuba, P.R., or whoever, as long as they keep "salsa" living and sounding good, and making people dance, it's all good. Maria June 28, 2005 -- regarding surviving in the jungle I am glad Rose brought up this very important topic. More Latin American style dancers have been complaining about this for years. I would say to bring up a few points. They are related to the fact the show salsa dancing has taken over more social salsa dancing. This has always taken place with Tango dancing in North America as well. I don't care what style or how people dance salsa. Only care when it affects me. These dancers that Rose are talking about take up all the room on the dancefloor, and sometimes put you into the hospital. But they probably think it is our fault for getting in the way of their fabulous show. 1) Most beginners or non salsa dancers are more impressioned with the more apparently more eye catching aspects of salsa dancing like hard spins, dips, rather than the subtle movements of body, hips, or feet. Hence, the popularity of LA style dancing. 2) These dancers will perform spins, dips and flips even though they really can dance the basic step to the music. 3) It is a problem with how people are taught. Almost most classes never teach people to dance smaller. One thing you have to do when you are dancing in a crowded night club. When you dance with smaller steps, you can see behind your partner, you can open up your hips and body. 4) People think because they were taught a specific spin they have the right to preform that spin in a crowded nightclub even though you learned it in empty dance studio. 5) People associate dips with Latin sexiness. Nobody in Latin America do dips in a nightclub, maybe only in a show. 6) You have to look around. I am sure the waiters at Babalu can tell you stories. I saw one incidient. One of the waiters was bringing the chairs to the back to give more room for the dancers. He had stacked the one chairs on top of one another, but the second chair was upside down with the legs in the air. He was waiting a good 2 meters away from a couple who were dancing waiting for them to take notice. The guy dipped the girl into the legs of the chair. We were horrified. The girl couldn't continue dancing. 7) Accidents happen in nightclub. One can expect maybe someone steps on your feet. And I guess small bumps or small steps on your feet can be expected. But I have gotten in elbow in the back, an elbow in the cheek, steps with heavy Doc Marten shoes on my ankles and these people never said sorry. These people probably don't even know they are stepping on someone. Or they think it is our fault, because we are too close to them. 8) Dancing means being light on your feet. If I step on someone I know it. Making your basic step one meter long and them blaming other people when you step on them is not very nice. 9) You know you are spinning a girl too fast if the movement of the girl causes displacement of air. Some girls spin so fast that they create a breeze on other people nearby. Maybe some people think that it is cool. But what music are listening to when you are spinning a girl so hard? 10) Receiving an elbow of a person who is spinning that hard is equal to receiving a punch and should be treated as such. 11) Current salsa dance instruction teaches dancers to keep the same rectangular box on the dancefloor (a pretty big rectangle if you ask me). Spins are done the same spot. This has no relationship to a real nightclub atmosphere. Waiters and people dart in and out, people start dancing beside you. How can you keep your large rectangle on the dancefloor? Teachers should instruct dancers to dance smaller, curve cross body leads, or move spins as to avoid and not hit other people. 12) If you are stepped on or hit and it is not a simple bump or stepping on toes and they refuse to say sorry, communicate your displeasure. You can stop and stare at them. I always put a finger to my eye, which means "look where you are dancing." If you are really angry, step on their feet and pretend it is mistake and continue dancing as if you are as uncoordinated as them. If they continue to bump into you, have your male partner push them back with this butt. They will get the message and a butt push is nothing compared to an elbow in the back or face. 13) Salsa dancing is about dancing. It is not salsa spinning. Most of these men are doing this million spins do not dance !! They just do a couple of mistimed basic steps and spin the girl while putting the legs in the air for style. I would just like to say that professional dancers like Oscar and Teddy never hit anyone while they are dancing and they would be very polite if they did. They dance crazily , but respect other people on the dancefloor. -- Hortencia June 28, 2005 -- Spiked -- Ouch! hi rose, mike .. SalsaTO here... i'm so
sorry that you got spiked last week at ba ba luu.... hope it is one time
at ba ba luu, sharon got spiked twice within 10 minutes on the one night,
i took a heel down the inside of my calf that actually i was stepping
back perhaps a half beat ahead of her...i felt her leg i'm not
planning any features on dance floor etiquette, you are the i sit in
on a number of lessons and workshops around toronto, and very paying
close attention to the couples around you is rarely discussed... in fact,
if the floor is crowded, i only occasionally make deep eye salsa's
style has changed a lot in the last few years, mambo, open hold, sharon
was lucky that night - no broken bones in her foot. you were you can use this anonomyously if you wish... regards, mike b June 27, 2005 -- I'm with you, Rose The other day I was asked to dance by a huge hunk of a guy at El Rancho. He was quite a handsome fellow, but very quickly he decided to hold me next to his swampy torso and grab me tight. Even if he wasn't completely soaked with sweat, that would have been uncomfortable for me. Where did this guy leave his brain? At home? What girl would want to be clutched tightly by a sweat-covered stranger? I had to push away from him in the middle of the dance, something I rarely ever do -- Revolted June 27 , 2005 -- Spanish Lyrics Do you happen to know the name of a song that goes like this.....yo me casare contigo porque yo te quiero tanto.....its a salsa song that has been killing my head for days now. If you happen to know it and the lyrics please post. Thank you June 27 , 2005 -- Is there any salsa group out there that sings "Fly Me to the Moon"? June 27, 2005 -- Spanish Lyrics Hi I’m looking for a song that I heard on the radio. I’m looking for the name of the song end the band. It’s
a meringue style and the only words I remember from the chorus Can you help ??? Thanks, Or June 26 , 2005 -- Song Lyrics Hi!! There is a tune playing in my mind. A song I've heard in the past but dont know who it's by or the title. I'm vaguely remembering the lyrics and they go something like this: "es que yo no se vivir sin ti... entregarlo todo, entregarlo todo?..." that's all I'm remembering!! Does it ring a bell for anybody? Feedback is much appreciated! Thanx Carolina June 26 , 2005 -- Scarborough clubs? Hi, I live near Scarborough. Is any salsa club around this area? Or at the East side fo Toronto (Pickering, Ajax, Oshawa)? Thanks, Hope to hear from you soon. Anthony June 25 , 2005 -- update Hamilton Up Lounge no longer has salsa on Wednesday, Copper Lounge is the salsa bar on Wednesday. Yanni's closed down. Las Brisas on Main has Salsa on Saturdays June 24 , 2005 -- Spanish Lyrics Hey, I'm looking for this song; if you could tell me who sings it or the name of it, that would be great. I think it goes something like "en las nubes o en los suenos, donde quieres gritare que te quiero". Send me an email and let me know. Thanks a lot. ~Ed June 24 2005 -- Spanish Lyrics Hi. My boyfriend is forever singing a song that goes' ella es, el amor que duele cuando no se tiene cerca de su piel' Do you know which song he is singing and who sings it. I think I have heard it before in Salsa but am not sure. Can you help? -- Nina June 22, 2005 -- Salsa Songs Dear Rose, I was interested to read your list of top salsa songs. I have just returned from Madrid, where I visited the Tropical House club, and one of the popular merengues is a version of Del Shannon's 1961 pop record 'Runaway'. Do you have any idea who recorded it, as I would like to track down a copy? Thank you Best wishes Neil Watson June 22, 2005 -- Disliking the La style I am not Latin but I grew up listening to salsa. I love it so much, I literally breath, and sleep salsa, I have also been dancing salsa since he age of 10. What I would like to say to those who attend spanish clubs in Toronto is that, I dont see people feeling the music. The way most Canadians dance is too sturctured, they dont feel the beat (no offence). Salsa is all about passion, and feeling free to do what you want, moving your body to the beat. Instead you go to places like Bablu or Allety cats and see people doing each step as if it was practised 100 times . I have been to Cuba many times, and when you see them dancing salsa, you could see that they are dancing for the love of salsa. Please people, the La style is so boring, I dont even have much fun when I go dancing anymore, please learn to feel the music. Thank you E-lo June 22, 2005 -- Havana on Enfield Hey we are starting a night and we are wondering if you can post it on your events listing This Sunday June 26th Havana on Enfield Every Sunday Evening Light Acoustic Cuban Dinner Accompaniment Billy Bryans spinning the best in Son,Salsa and other Cuban Flavas! Salsa Lessons Cuban Cigar Rolling @ The Enfield Fox 285 Enfield Place Mississauga Ontario reservations 905.566.1355 (Location) From 403 - exit off Hurontario south to Burnahamthorpe turn west(right) first set of lights turn south(left) From QEW -exit off Hurontario North turn west (left) on Burnhamthorpe first set of lights turn south (left) June 21 , 2005 -- Absurd Cover Charges at Clubs Hello folks, I find this to be interesting. Dancers must understand that a night club is a BUSINESS. It is SUPPOSED to make money. Now as a dancer, generally you don't drink but water or juice or some other non-alcoholic beverage. This is not good for the business owner. The business owner makes most of his/her profit from alcoholic beverages. Some clubs will raise the entrance fee knowing the simple fact that DANCERS HARDLY DRINK ALCOHOL. If you want your local SALSA club to survive you will need to support it! It is that simple. Support the one that you like. If no one supports the club it will either shut down or turn into a different club. You do not have to support ALL of the clubs. If you do not have the means to go clubing, have your own little gathering at home. Work some overtime then go SALSA DANCING!!!!! Salseroblanko! June 21 , 2005 -- What makes a good Salsa Club? Hi there everyone!!! If you are a salsa addict, I am sure you have been to a lot of SALSA clubs in your town, country and around the world. Salsa clubs come and go. Have you wondered why some SALSA clubs don't make it? 1. I would like to know why you think these SALSA clubs fail? 2. Also, if you were to open your own SALSA club, what would be the things you would do to make it a successful? This will definitely require some thought from the club setting to what kind of profit you would want to have. Please share your thoughts on these two items. Salseroblanko June 21, 2005 -- Hi, 'm learning to dance salsa.. but I would to learn it right.. with the attitude. But today a lot of the girls are dancing and practising with sport shoes like poema etc.. I would like to now to dance it right with are the best to learn to dance with high heals are not.. Thanks for answering Greats Anouk June 16, 2005 -- Salsa Song HI mi name is agustin and i wanna know if you can send me the name of song that i like a lot and i don't know thw name, it say so: dime que es lo que tu tienes siempre estas acompañada mira que he tratado de hablarte cariño y no te he podido encontrar, las mas linda de la fiesta... y cuando me va a tocar si siempre estas acompañada... y ese novio que tu tienes sera celoso que no te deja... if you know please send me the name of song and singer. thanks agustin IP June 14, 2005 -- Salsa Dance Styles Who cares ? Dancing is meant to be an enjoyable pastime and should not be treated to a thesis type discussion - purists of particular Salsa styles have lost the plot. -- George June 11, 2005 -- Clubs Revolution nightclub in Waterloo has latin nights on thursday. Also, Orale Lounge and Bar in Toronto no longer exists. -- Craig June 11, 2005 -- Salsa Song Hello! I am an salsa addict and I'm dying to know what a songs name is. The song I refere to is on the Frankie Martinez social dancing clip. I saw that you also wanted to know the songs name.. :) Please help me by sharing information! Love! An salsa addict from Sweden / Stockholm. June 11, 2005 -- New salsa CLub in Downtown Toronto!! Hi Rose and Ziv, I just love this site, it keeps the whole salsa community up to date on events happening in Toronto. Anyways I just wanted to inform u that there will be a new club opening up this month on the 23 of june. We are sending out personal invitations to the salsa community, so we will keep u posted. The website for this new place is www.oneup.ca!!! Hopefully we can c u there. Take care and thank you for taking the time to read this e-mail. Your Truly Tony--- Head Promoter for Oneup June 9, 2005 -- Alphonso Gomez dance Hi! I watched the reality boxing tv series, the contender, where one of the participant, alphonso gomez, was dancing a very smooth, sexy dance. i hav been looking for the name of the dance since......pls help! Leanne June 7, 2005 -- Looking for a Song i heard this song...the singer says suarez mentez it is upbeat latin song...cant find the artist or title to buy the cd...any suggestions would help Corey June 4, 2005 -- Hi I was jsut wandering if you could help me out? A while ago my friend had this song playing in her car which I loved, but had no details about, I have now found out that I'm pretty sure it was in Spainish and there is an English version of the song now, called Obsession by Baby Bash. I wanted to get my hands on the original or the Spainish version, do you know anything about it? Thanking you in advance. -- Cherry June 4, 2005 -- Spanish Lyrics hi!i´m a german girl and i love spanish music.now i´m searching for the song gasolina from papa a.p. or gazolina from daddy yankee.have you one of these songs? thousend thanks if it is possible.sorry for my terrible english.greetings from katja June 2, 2005 -- Hiya Rose I've been skimming through TOsalsa, what a source! Without needless flattery, best source on Toronto Salsa I've come across. With that being said, I am hopelessly lost and clueless when it comes to dancing. I've read through the guides, through the posts by other members, very cool stuff, but there are so many instructors, so many classes, so many levels. You've most likely heard this a thousand times before. What would the magic pill solution for a young guy of nearly 19 years of age be. I am located around Finch station, have no clue what I am doing but seriously interested spinning that 180 degrees round. Are there group clases I should take or start off with a few private beforehand? Which instructors do *you* personally recommend? Money is not a problem but quality of teaching and location (the closer the better, since I don't drive) is. I have no dancing experience at all, no partner either, but I do have 2 legs and a slim body so I guess that should save the situation a little. Your help
is appreciated beyond words, right in advance like that,Truly, Alex. May 27 , 2005 -- Hello, I am an active Latin dancer in the Tallahasse, FL area but I am finding myself hard-pressed to find any dance studios that give lesson so that I may one day compete. Do you by chance have any input on that or do I just happen to go to college where Latin Dancing hasn't taken such a hold. But for godsakes we're in Florida and the capital no less and that's really depressing should it be true.(Thanks to Atlantis I at least can dance every Saturday night!) --LeTeisha May 27, 2005 -- Looking for Places to Dance Me and my dance partner have been looking for a place to go out dancing, and we live in the brantford area. I was wondering if you could give me a list of local places to dance (preferably hamilton, kitchener, cambridge area) or direct me to a place that would have this info. it would be greatly appreciated Sincerely Logan May 24, 2005 -- Hey I wanted to know what "La Negra Tiene TUmbao" means in english. I was also told that in native country (Cuba) its slang for a woman's rear end. Please contact me asap with the translation of that title. I checked free translation but it did not give me a translation. -- Dionne May 23, 2005 -- Salsa Lessons in Seattle Hi, I would like some info on taking salsa lessons in Seattle, WA. I have danced and know the basics but I would like to take it a bit farther, so if you could please give me info I would really appreciate it. Hi Lidia, please do a search in google.com for seattle salsa dancing lessons -- our site is based in Toronto Canada. Rose May 23, 2005 -- Music Contest Hello, I am wondering if anyone has Salsa singing contests? My wife, Stella is a Colombian girl from Cali and she loves to sing Salsa. She has a sort of warble to her voice that I think is unique and lovely to listen to. She says that she tries to prevent her voice from doing this but I tell her No! No! you must cultivate that part. I would love someone to hear her sing. Thanks for any assistance. Regards, Ted May 22, 2005 -- Spanish Lyrics I have a really nice song, that says something about "mi chaparrita respondame a mi amor" but don't know the lyrics to the song, or even know who is the artist to the song. I would love to know the lyrics. Please help me out. May 22, 2005 -- Hello We just returned from Mexico and I found out that I love dancing salsa and merengue. I took the dance lessons during the day and was fortunate enough to have people to dance with at night. My husband did not take part there but is willing to take lessons with me. We live in Barrie and are wondering if you have any suggestions on where we should go to learn and practice our dancing. We are very limited here but are willing to go to Toronto. I look forward to your response. Thanks K Dear K, 1. We don't recommend salsa instructors because there's too many to choose from and everyone has their personal preferences on the style of dancing or how they prefer to take lessons. 2. We do however, list all the instructors we know of in Toronto in our Instructors section. 3. As a beginner, I also highly recommend you read our Beginner's Guide to Salsa Dancing. May 21, 2005 -- Salsa 2005 Have a question? Would you know where on the web would I be able to find the top 20 or 40 salsa hits of 2005? I had gone through different websites, but did not find what I’m looking for. Thanks. Felix May 21, 2005 -- Music Hi! I am not a connoisseur in salsa music so i am searching for the songs an group than play in the Eddie and Al "Beatle juice" routine. Could you help me? Thanks, regards. Jean May 20, 2005 -- Hi, I visited your site I was looking for name of salsa song but I don't know who sing it and what make it worst I don't know spanish. I think it's for a Band thay start singing in first half " c c c " and in second half they sing " no no no " it's relly beautiful song and I will be grateful if you help me and send to me the song name and I wish this will be easy for you. thank you for time -- sosal May 20, 2005 -- Salsa Clubs Hi, I'm visiting from London for 3 months and staying in downtown Toronto. I would like to know please of the Salsa clubs to visit. The ones where you can really dance to Salsa. If there are other rooms, that's a bonus. I looked on some reviews but some are over 4 years old. I noticed there seems to be a small trend over here as in London where popular Latin places are playing fewer Salsa tracks and more dance and house etc. I love that music but if you are paying to go dance Salsa, it can be very dissapointing. I was hoping to avoid this and have a great time and meet lots of great new people and dancers. Hope you can help. Thanks, Melissa Hi Melissa, when you go to the Toronto clubs page, I list which clubs are the favouriate 7 nights of the week... Rose May 19, 2005 -- Spanish Lyrics hey guy whats going on I was just wondering if you could help me out with something. There's this song I heard a while back I'm not sure of the actual lyrics but there something like: Oye que te canto, Oye vagabundo, oye que te canto, Vero!. Thats a part man like I said I'm not sure but my friend recognize those lyrics but no one knows the name or the name of the artist. Could you please let me know who the artist is and what the name of the song is. Many Thanks JaY- May 16 , 2005 -- Single by Rudy D called Lovely Day I attend a salsa class and danced to a track called Lovely day by Rudy D. Do you know if I can still buy it and if so where from? Regards, Linda from UK May 15, 2005 -- Salsa Song Hi there, I'm wondering if you can please give me the artist of the salsa/reggae song that is played frequently at Babaluu's..The DJ told me the title was "Hay mama"not the song from the Black Eyed Peas Thank-you May 14, 2005 -- Search for a Song I'm searching for a song, a merengue that I used to dance when I was in holiday... I remember it was like " te vas, si te ne vas, como parte de mi...". I know it's hard to find but maybe you'll be able to! Thanks for helping me... Kisses Martina from Italy May 13, 2005 -- song in the movie Godfather2 I haven't had much luck finding this, and I apologize if this is a little too specific. But there is this great Cuban song you hear in the movie Godfather 2 when Michael Corleone arrives in CUba. It's while he's being driven along the coast and then into Habana. It's playing in the background. I'm trying to find out the artist and song title. Any ideas? Thank You Chris May 12 , 2005 -- DTO Music hola, he visto que tienen unas excelentes listas de salsa, aunque no he podido escuchas todas las canciones que están en la lista las pocas que he escuchado son muy buenas, pero ahora estoy pidiendo su ayuda porque quisiera conseguir una canción pero no tengo el nombre ni el conjunto, únicamente una parte de la letra "que me saquen los cueros, que repique el timbal que la rumba caliente yo ya quiero bailar, con un .. sabroso que sepa repicar con mi buen tumbador que si sabe marcar, venga mi gente, vamo a cantar, canten sabroso para gozar, saca tu bailadora y te pone a gritar que no me paren la rumba pa poder guarachar, toquen la rumba sabrosa para poder guarachar..." - Humberto May 11 , 2005 -- Latin Father-Daughter Slow Song Hi. I have been looking for a latin father-daugther slow song to dance to with my dad at my wedding in a month. We are Puerto Rican and I thought it would be nice to dance to a latin slow song with him. I've been searching every where and asking everyone but no one has any ideas. I saw your web page. I was wondering if you had any ideas? I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you so much in advance, Jen Dear Jen, unfortunately I can't help you as I'm not familiar with spanish lyrics. Rose May 11 , 2005 -- who sings it? can you please tell me who sings no me pege a la negra and what cd is it on? -- Angelica May 11 , 2005 -- Top 100 List Hello Rose, you have a fine website with great infos about Salsa and specially for citizens of your town with infos about the scene - very nice, my congratulations. The reason why I found your site is that I googled for a (in Germany) rare CD: Ray Barretto - Descarga Criolla. And the second hit was your actual "Top 100 List" :-) Like you
I love dancing to Salsa because I love this music and about two Always
searching for good dancable Salsa-Music I scrolled through your list
and got frustrated. Nearly every song in this list is unkwown to me,
I I think I have to check all songs of your list. What a wonderful task! salsaludos from Germany, Jürgen PS: What's
about "Si Te Dijeron" fron Gilberto Santa Rosa or "Indestructible"
from Ray Barrretto? May 9, 2005 -- Montreal Salsa Convention First of all I would like to say Sonia & Moris did a good job putting together this event. The shows were enjoyable and the turn out was great. The show on Saturday was quite long, although this would have been tolerable if the venue didn't shut down at 3am (1 hour after the 2nd Show set ended). The venue on most of the nights were okay, although on Sunday it was quite ridiculous. It was too small, and the floor was made of rubber so there was no hope for social dancing. The show on Sunday was amazing, the best night I think, although due to the lack of dance floor space we couldn't enjoy it completely. Overall, it was okay. Next year... please choose better venues! -- Anon May 8, 2005 -- Dancing Lessons Dear TOSalsa, My name is John and I am extremely interested in learning how to dance the salsa, the cha cha, the merengue and other various forms of latin dancing. However, I am extremely lost in finding a school that can teach me and my friend. I was hoping that you can help me out by sugessting a school. My goals are to reach a level that is closed to advanced or even advanced. Can you please send me some contact information of some schools that can help me reach these goals. Thank youin advance, John Dear John, the cardinal rules of TOsalsa.com 1. We don't recommend salsa instructors because there's too many to choose from and everyone has their personal preferences on the style of dancing or how they prefer to take lessons. 2. We do however, list all the instructors we know of in Toronto in our Instructors section. 3. As a beginner, I also highly recommend you read our Beginner's Guide to Salsa Dancing. May 4 , 2005 -- Salsero de Cuna, a.k.a. "Guarachero" I respect a great deal of what you said. I myself have been to Havana, Matanzas and other places and cannot help but agree that there is something intrinsically cuban about salsa that is difficult to mimic or reproduce. At the same time, I'd be careful about some of your own statements. New York may not be Havana, but that's certainly not to say that its own style has no relevance to the discourse. It would be just as extreme to say that jazz is exclusively "black music" and that the contributions of white musicians are sterile and insignificant. Still, I agree with you that historical accuracy is not something to toy around with. Salsa's roots are undeniably Cuban, but its reach is nearly cosmic by now. I'd dissuade you from being too patriotic and conservative about it, since all artistic disciplines are bound to change and evolve in spite of what anyone believes. -- Ryan May 1, 2005 -- Bachata Song hi i've been searching for a bachata song but i don't know the name nor the artists. i do know that part of the song goes "llorando me la tengo que pasar". i was wondering if by any chance you would know what song i'm talking about and who sings it. thanx a lot. bye. April 28, 2005 -- Spanish Lyrics Hi. My son takes a salsa class (and he's quite good!). Anyway, I'm trying to find a recording of his recital music. It's called Merecumbe, but I don't know who the artist is. I have seen that there is a Johnny Colon version, but I'm not sure about the artist on the version they're dancing to. Anyway, I do know this. It was recorded about 10 years ago. Can you help? Thanks, Daniela Ortiz Hi, maybe on the DJ's can help you out, but it might be the only version. Rose April 27, 2005 -- Absolutely GREAT WEBSITE Hello Rose and Ziv, I just want to congratulate you folks on creating such an informative website. I have learned so much from your site that I feel guilty in not being able to repay your generosity. My name is Danny Hadida. I am a High School Teacher by profession, but currently living and teaching in Cartagena, Colombia. My contract ends here in June of 2007. Cartagena is probaly the worst major city in Colombia to be a salsa fanatic, but on the other hand, I can go to the beach any day of the year. The popular dance here is Vallenato, Reggaetone, and Champeta. The Salsa here is very close, with very few turns and spins. I have been dancing on and off for the last 9 years. A few friends taught me a few turns, took a few lessons at clubs in Toronto, as well as in Tokyo, Japan (lived and taught there last year). Would you like a Colombian Correspondent, who will work for free, for your website (trying to repay your generousity)? I am travelling through Cali, and Medillin this summer to check out the salsa scence over there. I have been using your website now for about 3 days. I haven't noticed any user fees. Are there any? Thanks again, Danny Hadida Hi Danny, it's always nice to hear that you love our site, and no, we don't charge user fees. Would love it if you wrote in and sent in some pics about your experiences salsa dancing in Colombia... Rose April 25, 2005 -- Question about Cuban clubs!!! Hello, I'm desperetely looking for a Cuban place where to dance. I'm from Mexico and there, there's a place I love called "Mama Rumba". They have live music with cuban musicians, bar and food as Cubans do and so is the music played... have youever been there? Well, my question is... where do I find something similar here ? I live inMississauga but I'm willing to go A-NY-WHERE, i love dancing. So, what do you suggest? I'll appreciate forever your help... C ya!! Fabiola Hi Fabiola, you can check out Lula Lounge on Fridays and Saturdays for cuban music. Rose April 20, 2005 -- Information Dear TOsalsa My name is Ashley, I am a mexican Canadian adn I am currently working with a disabled Mexican teen here in Toronto. This teen is in a weelchair, but he is infatuated with his spanish roots, fluent in spanish and loves latin music. I am trying to get him more involved in the communiuty adn give him an opportunity to enjoy some of the things Toronto may offer him. If there is anything you think he could participate in that you may offer (events, clubs,etc., even just as a spectator, I would appreciate if you could contact me by email and let me know. Thanks for your time Ashley Dear Ashley, he could pretty much go to any club or any outside latin festival in this city. There's nothing to stop him from learning from his latin roots. Rose April 19, 2005 -- Musicians I´d love to know who sings AVE MARIA MORENA, in the movie DANCE WITH ME (CHAYANNE), PLEASE. NOBODY KNOWS, NEITHER MY SALSA TRAINNER!!! THANKS A LOT. Judith Did you try checking the "Dance with Me" Soundtrack? Rose April 16, 2005 -- Salsa Lessons in Manhattan Hi, I'd like to take salsa lessons in manhattan. Who do you recommend? Thanks! Patricia Dear Patricia, the cardinal rules of TOsalsa.com 1. We don't recommend salsa instructors because there's too many to choose from and everyone has their personal preferences on the style of dancing or how they prefer to take lessons. 2. We do however, recommend other websites that have instructor listings, in your case, I suggest going to www.salsanewyork.com and check out their complete NY listing of dance instructors. 3. As a beginner, I also highly recommend you read our Beginner's Guide to Salsa Dancing. April 15, 2005 -- Berlin Salsa Competition 1999 1st Place Winners, Professional: Teria and Hector Can i get the name of this song that Teria and Hector are daning to? Also the name of the song that the cuban acapella group sings April 15, 2005 Envidia tengo envidia del panuelo que una vez seco tu llanto... Hey "cubanitos" stop hating us BORICUAS so much. If you guys were so damn good you wouln't have to be so rude to us , who have always been supportive of your artistas. Y Wanda tien mucha razon. La Boricua April 14, 2005 -- Rose & Ziv --Kids Social Dancing -- A Must See! Puerto Rico Salsa Congress Any
chance you know the artist and track playing on this video clip? its
a really mad track. kind regards, keam April 11, 2005 -- Top Salsa CD's Hi, Rose. You must really love salsa! I just got the "bug" lately. Do you have a list of the best salsa CD's to dance to? Do you have a compilation of your favorites? Thanks! p.s. are you a Filipina? -- Ray DeBosch Dear Ray, in answer to your questions.... 1 - Yes I really do love salsa. 2 - just go to my music link section and you can see all the CD's and songs I recommend. 3 - No, I'm not filipina, but Chinese. Rose April 11, 2005 -- Salsero de Cuna Dear Rose: Thanks for your reply. I understand insights to be feeling related, things uttered through emotions and beliefs. But when someone makes statement of facts, it fall outside a mere exercise of personal opinion. In my view, if you are an instructor of Salsa you should have a better control on distorted information shining out in your website. Otherwise, your page is going to be just like any other among the millions in the internet. What experts look for is reputation. It is not the same reading an article out of a "legal" webpage writen by an inexpert than an article out of www.westlaw.com. Salsa loving does not make one an expert on its history. Thanks, Guarachero April 11, 2005 -- Salsa/Latin Clubs Add to your list of clubs: 1. Mermaid Lounge at the Valhalla Hotel. They have Latin night on Wed. No salsa lessons. (Very popular. I was there last week.)Cover $5.00 The next ones are ones I received advertizing for but have not been there. 2. Hacienda, 794 Bathurst St. 416-536-0346 Latin Friday 3.Latin Fever, 2220 Hwy. 7 at Keele St., Concord. 905-761-5651 April 11, 2005 -- La Pollera Colorá To Sharon, Texas: La Pollera Colorá was a hit by La Sonora Dinamita, which it has a different name today. It is an old Colombian song, possibly from the late 1940. It was played with limited instrumentation, but Sonora put more speed and percution on its arrangement to modernize it. One of the greates authentic Cumbias of all times. Guarachero April 10, 2005 -- Dear Rose Knows Hi Rose, I have a question, which I hope you can give me some guidance in ! I'm a fourth year York University dance student. I'm pursuing an independent study, for which I am planning to go away to Mexico, or Brasil, or Costa Rica etc. to experience the culture and the dancing. I have a lot of salsa background and Latin and Ballroom dancing in general, but I wan tto experience the real, cultural dancing!!! I am looking to go for some kind of a workshop in Latin dancing and mingle with the people from wherever I will go. It's not easy to find a place without having the contacts, so if you could help me in any way I would greatly appriciate it. Even if it's just a school that you know has a high reputation that would be wonderful. Thank You very much in advance margaret Hi Margaret, that's a tough question and one I can't answer as I've never researched it myself. Although the first place I'd start is by talking to other dancers or searching via the web. Although if you're looking for real cultural dancing, I've heard lots of great things about Havana Cuba. Rose April 10, 2005 -- All Ages Salsa Club? Greeting Ms. Knows My
name is Ronald Davis from caribbean country of Belize in Central America April 6, 2005 -- Salsa Near Brampton Dear Rose & Ziv, Your site is great and I'm glad I found it. I'm new to Toronto - Canada even - and I'm living in Bramtpon and wondering where the nearest place to learn Salsa is. Just to let you know I have been dancing back in Australia for about a year. Do you know of anything in Brampton or even Woodbridge (which I know isn't too far away)? I look forward to your response. Many thanks, Anna :) Hi Anna, please go to our Club pages which will give you a listing of most of the clubs in the city. Rose April 9, 2005 -- Racist expressions towards Americans Rose & Ziv, can you please edit out the words "Gringo" or "Gringa" as they are racist hate words towards White American people? That is the same as calling a Latin person a "Spic" or a Black person a "Nigger". The word originated during the Mexican and American war. The Mexicans wanted the American soldiers to go so they would say "Green go" over and over because they HATED them and wanted them out. It has been turned into a hate word by all Latin people who HATE White Americans. It would be a good idea not to have a Racist forum, from what I see here there is enough anger already. -- Alissa Hi Aliisa, appreciate the advice, but I don't have hours to spend to help bring about world peace. This forum is a hobby and is done in my spare time, so hopefully everyone viewing our pages are mature adults able to make constructive decisions on their own behalf. Rose April 9 2005 -- Salsa in Miami? Not if you are a Blonde American woman Hello, I learned Salsa for fun. You DO have to get into the music but anyone can learn if they want to. But being a White, Blonde American woman living in Miami, I have encountered alot of hatred from Cubans in clubs when they see me dancing it. Most Cubans to begin with do not like American women, its some sort of unexplainable hatred, but anyway me and my date (a Puerto Rican male) were really having a blast and it was a good workout. I just don't suggest doing it in Miami in a Cuban club if you are an American woman who is light-skinned and Blonde or you will get alot of dirty looks and glaring. If I ever feel like dancing Salsa again I will make sure it is while I am on vacation elsewhere, not in Miami unless I buy a wig! April 6, 2005 -- All Ages Salsa Club? I just recently learned to salsa on a long cuba trip, and i have friends who love to salsa, do you know any clubs for 17 year olds? lol thank you!!!!!!! April 6, 2005 -- Thank you for your wonderful site! Thanks for all your hard work. Your site has been very helpful to me. I have a question: I would like to find a website where I can download individual salsa tunes. I am willing to pay for them, but I don’t know which site is the best. Do you have a suggestion? Thanking you in advance, Stephen Tyler, Williamsburg, Virginia April 5, 2005 -- Puerto Rican Power I came across your site while searching for Frankie Marcos - I'd like to know if you could recommend a site where you can find out about future performances by a particular group. My husband loves Puerto Rican Power and I would like to take him to a concert or show to see them but I have had no luck on getting the info. Thanks Millie Hi Millie, unfortunately it's not easy finding a site that would list all these concerts from all over the world. I suggest doing a search in Google.com or Yahoo.com using Puerto Rican Power Concerts on a regular basis and maybe you'll find a site that announces it OR try contacting their manager via the web. Rose April 5, 2005 -- Sigh... cant believe that you guys can argue over that. you guys don have the right to judge other people anyway unless you are the best dancer in the world. -- chey April 5, 2005 -- Guarachero is Chin-cub !!! Don’t let Chin-cub fool you, he came back with a new name“ Guarachero”, different name same old arguments: 1. Salsa was invented in Cuba 2. Unnecessary explanation of the” rueda” terminology 3. Salsa was invented in Cuba again 4. Deeply love for the “ beautiful Cuban dancers” 5. Making his points with Pizza and Martial arts examples (see Latin vs. Non Latin dancers) 6. People are ought to know just Cuban music and dancing What he missed this time: 1. Attack to LA dancing 2. Oh…that night at Babalu’s where people dance improperly Cuban style 3. Learned outside Cuba = not salsa, or legitimate Papacito April 4, 2005 -- Hey rose... Paul was right Hey Paul and Raj. Paul was correct about the song. I was actually talking about another clip from the same event. The group featured in this particular clip is Conjunto Libre - no critiques March 29,
2005 -- April 4, 2005 -- Mechy's response to Antonio Antonio, My golden rule is : speak sincerely of what you know is true. Or you have you heard this one : The Truth will sent you free. Your attitude is so politically correct, but it hinders real learning and cultural understanding. You don't get the point of my arguments. I love the fact that people are dancing salsa. What I have a problem is the way salsa dancing is taught in North America. From your e-mail I would gather you think like many other Latin people do that salsa is from Cuba. Well, Antonio, surprise, surprise, many people do not think this way. The way salsa is taught in North America emphasizes the show, tricks, and spins, which is really far from enjoying the music and its rhythm. Antonio, the world is far more complicated than you imagine. Culture like salsa dancing changes when it is transmitted to another culture, depending who has the power to control and shape it. The Cubans you know may like the fact people are trying to learn to dance salsa. But ask them what they think about LA style dancing, or North American salsa dancing in general and if it is an improvement on Cuban salsa dancing. Antonio, I am a woman. And actually, I forget to tell Roman that I am actually married to a Mexican. And Gael Garcia Bernal is a fine actor. But you see, he went and learned and trained hard from people who knew their craft. He went to Spain to learn the accent and different mannerisms for Bad Education. He learned from Argentineans to capture Guevara's accent. He didn't learn the Spanish or Argentinean accent with an American teacher with 2 years of Spanish in a community college who has never been to a Latin country (not that an American who is educated, intelligent, motivated, and trained in Argentina or Spain can't do it). This describes many salsa teachers in North America. Salsa teachers in North America do not have the respect for truth, history and culture that Gael Garcia Bernal has. As another writer to TOsalsa pointed out The Motorcycle Diaries has truth. The movie shows the real way mambo is danced, not holding on to your partner. North American New York salseros will tell you mambo is real way to dance salsa. Mambo is a distinct music and dance from salsa. And oh, yeah, Cumbia is from Colombia. -- Mechy April
2, 2005 -- hey i was wondering April 3, 2005 -- Spanish Lyrics Do you have any reggaeton lyrics - Gonzalez Hi, no we don't as I only post what gets sent to me, plus we are mainly a salsa dance site... Rose
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