Friday, September 20, 2013
Aventura Dance Cruise!!!! Don't Miss It!!!
Monday, September 16, 2013
Tendonitis – Be Careful With That Spin
Tendonitis, or Achilles Tendonitis, is one of the most common injuries that occurs when dancing. It is when the tendon becomes inflamed due to overuse, or excessive pronation (the arch remains flat, and the ankle rolls too far inward as the toes begin to push off. This places increased stress on the muscles and ligaments of the foot).
The most common cause of tendonitis is improper technique. So when you are spinning, or jumping during dancing, be sure to be diligent in your technique. If a song is too fast and you can’t do this, wait for a slower song. When prepping for spins, you want to make sure that you toes are pointed out. In Salsa dancing, it is especially important to dance with your toes pointed outward, as there are many turns that can be done during a dance.
Also, make sure you are wearing proper-fitting dance shoes, no rubber bottoms as these can make it especially difficult to turn or spin, and can increase damage to the tendons.
And, last but not least, always warm up prior to dancing.
Avocado and Tomato Salad
5 Salsa Dance Tips For New Dancers
Every time we are new to something, we are at our highest level of anxiety because we are at our lowest level of knowledge. Just like in anything in life to get better, one must practice a mixture of learn knowledge and activity knowledge. The two work together, not separate.
Tip #1: Find a dance studio that teaches the type and style of Salsa you are interested in learning. As you attend your dance classes, remember that the only way to get better is by being persistent and consistent in our actions. Meaning if you learn something during week one, but don’t show up for week two or three, then come back in week four trying to catch up with everybody else is not going to help your learning. Most dancers get frustrated and start blaming the teacher for not spending time with them, not teaching properly etc… or blame other students for being snobby, rude, with an attitude or whatever else…. This is like going to school but only show up whenever we feel like it.
Tip #2: This is what I call the modeling phase. Find a dancer who you believe has the type and style of dance you wish to have and emulate him/her. Today with the existence of video sites such as www.youtube.com or www.vimeo.com we can find libraries of instructional videos along with performances and Social Dance videos. Use these videos as a learning tool and don’t be shy to ghost dance alone, maybe in front of a mirror or at a Social dance to practice the style you are interested in. It is okay to be a copycat as long as you copy the right cat LOL.
Tip #3: Practice anywhere, anytime, all the time. Let’s be realistic, if the only time you dance is during class or at a Social Dance, it will take us longer to become like those people we see showing off on the dance floor. If we make practicing a single move a part of our daily routine, for example a double or triple spin, body roll or maybe a shine move, and we execute this multiple times throughout the day, we would have increased our amount of practice, experience in that move, which will result in mastering that move faster. The important thing is to focus only on one aspect of the dance and do it over and over at any available opportunity.
Tip #4: Videotape yourself dancing. Usually the camera doesn’t lie to us. It lets us know exactly what we are doing wrong or right. Self-criticism is sometimes the worst type of criticism because it slaps us harder on the face. Don’t worry too much about what you see but rather spend that time figuring out how to fix your posture, style, timing, footwork etc. There are few ways to do so; schedule a private dance with an instructor; practice the right way of what you lack of over and over; watch videos posted by other people in the area you need help with or simply ask question to other dancers or instructors.
Tip #5: Don’t be in a rush to jump class. Here is a big issue in our learning. Many time dancers like to rush from beginner to intermediate and from intermediate to advanced without really mastering the skills within that level. Everyone needs to get back into the basics in order to better perform in our own dance category. The danger behind rushing through dance levels is that not only we have not mastered all skills necessary, but by jumping to the next level we interfere with their progression because we are still fumbling with the lower range level. This makes students at higher levels angry and may lead to some form of alienation. Let’s stay within our dance level and only move to the next higher level once we are fully knowledgeable and confident.
If all we do is go to dance classes but never attend a Social dance to put what we have learned into action, then it will take us longer to master certain skills; at the same time if all we do is go the Social dances without any formal learning from a teacher or a class environment, it will take us longer to master certain skills. These are some tips that are guaranteed to take your dance skills from where it is today to the next level, depending on your learning abilities and commitment.
Want2Salsa Happenings
It has been sometime since we gave u a report from W2S home station in Fayetteville NC. It has been a very busy dancing Salsa time. During this month we have been supporting our local Salsa venues: Hellas Night Club (Friday nights), Big Apple Sports bar (Wednesday nights), and Zero Degree night Club (Saturday Nights). We have two DJ’s that cover these three establishments: DJ Pete el Rey del Mambo and DJ Eric el Chileno; they bring in quest DJs that come and show their skills to the loving Salsa dancers of our city. In a feel good story for our Salsa community DJ Pete was nominated as one of the best DJ’s in the state of NC. The Salsa scene in our city is starting to blossom and mature thanks to these two fantastic DJ’s that make every Salsa night the place to be for all Salsa lovers that want to dance or listen to good music. During this time we also went out and supported our fellow Salsa brothers and sisters in the cities of Wilmington, Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill.
Want2Salsa also attended the Compare Foods Music and Games day, which was held on the grocery chain's parking lot. It was a family-oriented affair, with activities for children and adults alike. The event featured two Mexican bands, who played a variety of Banda and Cumbia. There was also a DJ who played a spin of Salsa and Bachata. There was plenty of food, and plenty of games for the children. In all, it was a nice and relaxing event for the Latin community.
Wilmington: We at W2S decided to enjoy the good weather we been having in NC and took a trip to visit our Salsa family in Wilmington, the Wilmington Latin Dance Studio have their monthly social. It was an incredible weekend of Salsa dancing and spending time at the beach; “that is what we call a fun Salsa weekend”.
Durham: This is one of the best places to go Salsa dancing on a Thursday night. We at W2S and our Salsa brothers and sisters from Baile con Sazon decided to take a weekday Salsa trip to Cuban Revolution Salsa meet up night sponsored by the Cobo Brothers. This was a fun night of Salsa dancing with some of the best dancers of the area in this beautiful restaurant/club. We danced the night away and had a great time, but W2S family if you ever in the area on a Thursday night this is the place to go for Salsa dancing, the only thing don’t get there too late because it gets really full and it is difficult to dance later on in the night.
Raleigh: We also went to one of our favorite locations to dance Salsa in North Carolina “Carmen’s Cuban Café”. This is one of the locations with the most space to dance and enjoy yourself with dancers of all levels and a welcoming atmosphere. The music was fantastic and lively we just could not stop dancing all night; DJ Mike from Triangle Dance Studio was on fire all night long and all the dancers were having the time of their lives.
Chapel Hill: We finished the month by going to one of the Sunday socials at the Triangle Dance Studio. This social always provides a good a relaxing time with some really nice people that enjoy a good dance on a Sunday night. The dancers that were there that night were from beginners to intermediate and a few advanced dancers.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Quick Meatloaf with Cheese
Prep Time/Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
1 egg, slightly beaten
3/4 cup soft rye bread crumbs
3/4 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
3 tablespoons beer, milk, or water
2 tablespoons purchased pesto
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 pound ground beef
Sliced provolone or mozzarella cheese (optional)
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine egg, bread crumbs, cheese, beer, milk, or water, pesto, nutmeg, and pepper. Add ground beef and mix everything well. Place in an 8x4x3-inch loaf pan.
2.Bake in a 350-degree oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until meat is done.
3. Remove from oven. Transfer to a plate. If desired, diagonally halve slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese. Place three cheese triangles on top of meat loaf. Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing. Makes 4 servings.
Want2Salsa Happenings
Last month, Want2Salsa had the opportunity to travel to St. Louis Missouri, and check out the big city’s Salsa scene. There is a lively Salsa scene there. Want2Salsa visited Club Viva on Friday and Saturday nights. Friday night was very good; a nice mixture of Bachata, Salsa, Merengue, and Kizomba was played. There were plenty of good dancers there. Saturday night was also awesome. There was an hour class for beginners, 30 minutes for Salsa, and 30 minutes for Bachata. A large group of students thoroughly enjoyed what they were learning. So next time you visit St. Louis, be sure to check out Club Viva. They play Latin music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
Musical Dancer vs. Non-Musical Dancers
One can be a good Salsa dancer but not necessarily a musical dancer. Put a musical dancer next to a non-musical dancer side-by-side and the differences are apparent.
Musical dancers stay attuned to the rhythm, melody and mood of a song; while a non-musical dancer is unable to transmit the musical emotions or paint a colorful image of what the Salsa son is about.
A musical dancer reacts to the story being told by the song and emphasizes on each up-beat and down-beat; non musical dancers just dance and are incapable of recognizing any nuance in the song.
A musical dancer focuses on the music and each instrument being played and morph his/her moves and pattern to embrace the music; a non-musical dancer focuses on his/her partner and execute random moves and pattern, many time off the beat.
A musical dancer is like a gymnast competing with music; a non-musical dancer is like a gymnast performing without music.
A musical dancer let his/her partner shine and style at the right time by establishing a common understanding, which is based on a mutual respect; a non-musical dancer focuses on his/her self, interrupts their partner in the middle of a shine or styling move, does not communicate with their partner and at times violates their partner’s personal space.
Becoming a musical dancer takes time and effort. Many advanced dancers get frustrated when a song is wasted with someone perhaps who does not understand the foreign language of Salsa. Getting to know and understand each instrument in the music is fundamental in becoming a musical dancer because each instrument brings a different feel and mood to the music. The more we understand the musical language the better musical dancer we become and the more fun we will have dancing.http://youtu.be/nDQXbMHoGYQ
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Arroz Con Pollo (Chicken with Rice)
A famous Latin recipe. Here is a simpler version
Prep Time/Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 chicken breasts, cut into strips so the chicken will cook quicker
1/2 cup flour
salt and pepper
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups instant rice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (14 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon hot paprika
1 pinch saffron thread
salt and pepper
Directions
1. In a shallow bowl or plate, mix flour, salt, pepper and paprika. Dredge the chicken in the flour mix. In a large skillet, heat oil and brown chicken on both sides for about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oil and keep warm.
2. In a mixing bowl combine stock, tomatoes, salt and pepper to taste, saffron and oregano.
3. Brown rice in the left over oil in the skillet. Add onion and garlic, and saute until the onions are clear. Place the chicken back in the skillet and add the stock mixture.
4. Bring to a boil and then let simmer for 10-15 minutes or until rice is fluffy and chicken is done.
Dance Injuries – To Dance or Not to Dance
We know that in the world of Salsa, everyone wants to dance--interrupted and non-stop. However, what should you do if you get injured out on the dance floor, or you incur an injury doing something non-dance related? That might seem like a difficult question for the Salsa-lover addict, but the answer boils down to this: REST and RECUPERATE! The dance floor will still be there after your injuries are healed!
Staying On Time While Dancing
As we continue into our Salsa dance learning journey and have mastered our basic steps; another aspect of the dance is timing. Timing is what separates a total novice dancer from an intermediate dancer and has a lot to do with how you feel the music.
Many dancers like to think that feeling the music is limited to closing your eyes and just moving your feet to the music.
Well, that is not quite so true. Reality is that Salsa follows the universal timing principal, which divides its beats into eight major counts. It is important to obey this universal rule so you can look like a seasoned dancer instead of a novice dancer. Dancers who fail to follow this universal musical rule are often labeled as rogue or rough dancers, because they simply turn randomly and make it impossible for their partner to follow them or enjoy the dance.
No matter which style of Salsa you are dancing (on 1, on 2, on Clave or Rueda) recognizing the one, two or three is crucial. There are few options to use to recognize the proper Salsa beat. Option one is to use an instrument within the music as a reference and dance to its beat. While using this technique concentrate on instruments such as the Conga or the Clave. Option two is to use the musical cycle of the eight major counts as a reference. Here is a great video which illustrates what we are talking about (http://youtu.be/xVJ0416rzrE ).
We hope this was useful and let us know of any topic you would like to talk about.
Monday, May 13, 2013
What's Happening With Want2Salsa?
Hello, again Salsa lovers!
Here at W2S we had another exciting month of Salsa dancing and partying. We started the month in Richmond, VA at the Latin Vintage Studio. This studio hosts the best monthly socials in VA. We had an awesome dancing experience. All in attendance were advanced individual dancers. This made for an opportunity to dance with various dancers even though you did not bring your own dance partner. This Salsa family received us with warm friendly smiles and open arms. We had a great time dancing the night away. The night concluded with a Latin village performing Salsa couples and group routines. We had such a good time; we will be back for future gathering.
The party continued in Wilmington, NC for their monthly social. The Wilmington Studio family also received us with a warm welcome. The Myrtle Beach, SC Studio family joined us at this monthly gathering. The Wilmington Female Latin Team entertained the crowd with a few choreographed dances. Overall, the dancing environment was extremely conducive for all level of dancers.
The month of partying was not over yet. It continued in Austin, TX. W2S visited two clubs while in Austin. We had a great time on a Wednesday night at Pedro’s Place. The club had a very intimate dancing environment. The women there had their choice of dance partners because they were extremely outnumbered by men. A very good live band performed and entertained the crowd with live music.
That same week we visited the Dallas Night Club. A novice DJ was on the turntables in this spacious club, which allowed the music to resonate throughout the club. The hard wood dance floor was centrally located and made it easy to move. It seemed as if people were gliding on this dance floor. There were many beautiful women present and they looked like angels flowing effortlessly on the dance floor.
Flowjo, in Chapel Hill, NC was a down to earth, peaceful ambiance Salsa club. They had a diverse crowd age ranging from 18-70 years old. The style of dancing ranged from old school type to the new contemporary dancing styles either way it was a good time had by all. It has a nice cozy layout and setup to the studio very favorable to meeting and holding conversations with others. There are free lessons held prior to the dancing. The evening ended with a various presentations and sessions of Rueda Casino. It was a very entertaining and relaxing dancing atmosphere.
The month ended in our own hometown of Fayetteville, NC at our local nightclub Lidos. The new improved Latin scene at Lidos has been rejuvenated by the well-known and liked “DJ Pete”. The focus of this evening was international night. It was held in celebration for the Dogwood Festival held every year in this part on NC. With the new look and feel of Lidos, it has brought out the energetic crowd of Fayetteville and the surrounding areas.
Well, fellow Salseras and Salseros that concludes our very entertaining month of April. No matter what level dancer you are, your location or atmosphere preference, there is a club near you guaranteeing a good time to be had by all. Go out there and “get your Salsa on”. Until next time, continue Salsa dancing.
Taco Salad Wraps
These flavorful southwestern wraps will provide you with a quick and tasty snack or meal!
Prep Time/Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 2
Ingredients:
• 1/4 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons salsa, divided
• 1/4 cup chili beans, drained
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pepper to taste
• 2 flour tortillas (8 inches), warmed
• 1/3 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 plum tomato, chopped
• 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 baked tortilla chip scoops, coarsely crushed
Directions:
In a small nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in 1/3 cup salsa, beans, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, chili powder, garlic powder and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
Spoon meat mixture onto each tortilla. Layer with lettuce, tomato, cheese, crushed tortilla chips and remaining salsa; roll up. Yield: 2 servings.
Dance in Happy Feet
We all love to dance. In order to have an enjoyable dance, we have to ensure that our feet are happy to dance too. Here are some tips to keep your feet in top dancing form:
1. Make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes. Shoes should not be worn too tight, and ladies should ensure that they can walk comfortably in high heel dance shoes. Men’s and women’s shoes should also have comfortable padding. Want2Salsa endorses and sells only Very Fine Dance Shoes because of the high quality of dance shoes that Very Fine puts into each pair manufactured.
2. A good foot soak. This can be done before or after a long night of dancing. Always use warm water, not hot, and use your favorite oils or Epsom salts.
3. Give yourself a quick pedicure. You don’t have to go to a fancy salon. A basic pedicure consists of washing and drying feet, clipping nails, and moisturizing.
This is all you need to have happy dancing feet. Not only will they feel good, they will also look good!
The Social Benefits of Salsa Dancing
Salsa is a great way to relieve stress and deal with the everyday life situations. Dancing has a natural way of magically making people forget about most things that went wrong that day or week. From the second we step onto the dance floor to the moment we leave your Salsa class or practice, the main thing that most dancers recall is their good time.
Immediately after your first few lessons, you will notice an up-rise in your confidence, a development in your motor skills, and an unprecedented increase in your social skills. Many people at first may not feel comfortable stepping onto the dance floor to make a fool out of themselves while dancing, or worst, enjoy a dance; but after a few lessons, people simply can’t wait for the next Salsa lesson or social, to rush to the dance floor. It is not uncommon to see dancers within only few weeks of lessons develop into amazing social dancers, competitors and event instructors.
As you develop into a more seasoned dancer, you will notice that most dancers have a great sense of situational awareness while on the dance floor. Ladies are extremely aware of their surroundings, even while executing some really complex moves. Gentlemen are indisputably conscious of the space between them, their partner and other dancers. Some have actually saved their partner from crashing into other dancers, mainly while their partner spins or go into dips.
After so much interaction during class, practices and other social dancing events, it is safe to say that most dancers usually develop a great sense of camaraderie and tend to move as a group. Therefore, whenever you attend a special event, you will notice small groups of Salsa dancers gathered, sometimes by ability groups, in different parts of the dance floor. Salsa gives people an excuse to meet other dancers, become friends and share memorable moments.
Even if for some people, in the beginning they arrive at the dance studio with “two left feet” and very little to no coordination, Salsa dancing has its special ways, mainly if you have a patient instructor, of helping everyone identify their personality, individual learning methods and bring out the best dancer in all of us.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Final Aventura Dance Cruise
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How To Become a Better Lead?
As we progress through our Salsa learning, it is important to keep in mind how we make our partner feel. Many novice or inexperienced dancers believe that dancing Salsa requires moving, turning or spinning your partner around; or, simply that all they need to do is get through a dance by any means necessary. Dancing is fun to do and watch, but it can be dangerous if not mastered properly. Here are few gentlemen tips, which I am sure can help anyone become a better lead.
Establish your control: This starts from the very first eight counts you execute with your partner. Make sure that you have good eye to eye contact and clearly maneuver the follower through a cross body lead. This can also be the time when the lead evaluates the follower’s level of experience. Many times gentlemen go into a dance blind, without taking the time to get to know their partner; what style of dance they do or how to handle their new partner. A good way to establish control is to always ask the lady “do you dance on one or on two?” Doing so will avoid missteps, drop in confidence and make the lady feel important, because it is all about them.
Avoid using your thumb: Forcing your partner through a move is not enjoyable to experience or to watch. Ladies don’t enjoy being thrown around, handled like a toy while trying to dance. Remember there is a difference between “dancing with your partner” and “dancing your partner”. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes when dancing with a novice follower, we may need to use a bit more effort, but it should never be to the point where it becomes an eye sore. Our lead should be subtle, clear and precise.
Stay macho: A gentlemen who stays on the beat, owns his ground, spread his arms during certain move (such as a right turn), keeps his elbows at 45 to 90 degrees and body fully engaged is so much more enjoyable then one who bumps into other dancers all the time, is off beat, keeps his arms soft or along his body (noodle hands) and bends forwards to lead his partner. Staying macho also means keeping a good posture; your chest should be pumped, stomach tucked in, knees slightly bent, hands at tray level, chin up and eyes on your partner. This is not to be confused with being an arrogant dancer! Always be courteous and act like gentlemen. Next month we will write an article about how to become a better follower.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Drink Up!
Many ask the question, when it comes to dancing, which is better to drink, water, sports or energy drinks?
When a person sweats during your dance classes, their body is losing valuable water and electrolytes. Electrolytes are essential minerals such as salt, potassium and chloride. The electrolytes we lose can easily be replaced with our next meal, but it’s vital that we keep ourselves well-hydrated. Why? Left unchecked, dehydration can lead to fatigue, poor performance, and possible injury.
Sports drinks are really for people who will be exercising long term. So it is great for marathon runners and professional athletes (and dancers) who spend several hours a day working out.
The main key is to not get dehydrated.
Quick and Easy Spanish Rice
This is a great side dish to go with beef or pork, or as a quick snack.
Ingredients:
1 (15 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
1 1/4 cups rice
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
2 teaspoons chili powder
3/4 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon cumin
Preparation:
In medium saucepan, combine all ingredients (mash tomatoes with potato masher or give them a quick spin in food processor if desired). Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer 25 minutes or until rice is done. (Unless you like sticky, gooey rice, don't take off the lid and stir at all until it is done). Garnish with green onions and/or cheddar cheese. Serves 8.
Ingredients:
1 (15 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
1 1/4 cups rice
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
2 teaspoons chili powder
3/4 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon cumin
Preparation:
In medium saucepan, combine all ingredients (mash tomatoes with potato masher or give them a quick spin in food processor if desired). Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer 25 minutes or until rice is done. (Unless you like sticky, gooey rice, don't take off the lid and stir at all until it is done). Garnish with green onions and/or cheddar cheese. Serves 8.
What's Happening With Want2Salsa?
Hello again W2S Friends and Family! Hope that the month of February was as exciting for you as it was for all of us here at W2S.
North Carolina: We started the month supporting our local clubs, Hellas and Via 216 Bar and Grill, in Fayetteville, NC. Thanks to Via 216, we got to enjoy the music from the Nueva Era Bachata band, who performed all of their best songs for Bachata lovers in this All-American city. For all of you Salsa lovers, if you are ever on this side of the country, stop by Fayetteville, NC, during your travels and we will show you a good Salsa time.
We took the W2S energy on a road trip to our sister city of Charlotte NC, to celebrate, dance, learn new moves, and party at the Charlotte Salsa invitational 2013. We partied and took workshops for two nights and three days, with some of the best dancers in the USA and around the world like the "Mambo King" Eddie Torres, Francisco Vasquez, the creator of LA Style Salsa, and Nery Garcia , the creator of Salsa Elegante, and lots of other fantastic dancers. The W2S crew also enjoyed watching performances from out-of-state performers, like Ingrid La Gringa Buxbaum. A highlight was also watching some of the Charlotte home-grown dance groups perform.
We also took our new W2S t-shirt (Chillax I've got this Salsa) to the invitational and Eddie Torres became an instant fan of it! Don't forget to get your very own and join the growing group of Salsa lovers that are sporting the W2S look.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Salsa in a Nutshell
Salsa music is a general term referring to what is essentially Cuban popular dance music, which was internationalized outside Cuba. The term "Salsa" was initially recorded, promoted and marketed in New York City during the 1970s. The various musical genres comprising Salsa include the Cuban son montuno, guaracha, chachachá, mambo, bolero and, to a lesser degree, non-Cuban genres such as the Puerto Rican bomba and plena, the Dominican merengue, and the Colombian cumbia. Latin jazz, which was also developed in New York City, has had a significant influence on salsa arrangers, piano guajeos, and instrumental soloists. Salsa occasionally incorporates elements from North American rock, R&B, and funk. All of these non-Cuban elements are inserted onto the basic Cuban son montuno template when performed within the context of salsa.
The first salsa bands were predominantly "Nuyorican" (New Yorkers of Puerto Rican descent). The music eventually spread throughout the Western Hemisphere. Ultimately, Salsa's popularity spread globally. Some of the founding Salsa artists include Johnny Pacheco (the creator of the Fania All-Stars), Ray Barretto, Willie Colón, Larry Harlow, Roberto Roena, Bobby Valentín, and Eddie Palmieri.
http://www.answers.com/topic/salsa-dance#ixzz2KwXMN7FY
What's Happening With Want2Salsa?
Hello Salsa Lover!
Welcome back and hopefully you had a fantastic time with the family and friends here at W2S. January 2013 had a slow start, mainly because we were recovering from all the eating, drinking and partying that we did with our families and friends during the holiday break. Here is what’s been going on in the different places where W2S has spread its wings.
North Carolina - We started the New Year supporting or local Salsa clubs Via 216 Nightclub and Hellas Restaurant & Sport Bar.
Via 216: It was a pleasant and surprising direction that it has taken this New Year. Thanks to the influence of the W2S group and our home base studio Baile con Sazon, Via 216 has become more of Salsa Club than what is has traditionally been; a Latin/ hip hop club.
Hellas Sports Bar: We are happy that a new location has been open on Friday nights, which is an exciting, fun, and beautiful place to go out and have a great night. This is not a pure Salsa club or anything close to it is more of a Latin/ hip hop dance club with a clear club feel to it, but it is great news that we have a new location to go to on Friday nights.
Wilmington NC: Part of the W2S group went and supported our friends in the beautiful city of Wilmington. We had a fantastic time with the dancers of the city and Wilmington dance group. These are some of the happiest, funniest, and nicest people you will ever meet! They are 100% Salsa lovers and we can't wait to go back next month to party with them. The location is at a Mexican restaurant where we started the night with the special they were offering a $1 taco. After that, we joined the free Salsa lesson given by our beautiful friend and head instructor of Wilmington Latin dance studio “Summer”, and after the class was over the real dancing started!
Bachata Sensual: This was the highlight of the month for us here at W2S. On Jan 24th Fifth Star Ent., in association with W2S, and Via 216 had two work shops with “Christian Sola” teaching his world renowned Bachata Sensual style of dancing. This event was a total success and we had dancers from all over NC and SC. The dancers and W2S had a fantastic time with Sola and his partner. There was an additional event that day, the local female dance group “Las Fieras” in association with dancers from W2S and Baile con Sazon who put together a Bachata routine for the dancers attending the work shop.
Want2Salsa took a road trip to Charlotte to attend a workshop given by Antonio Doza-Williams, a well-known ladies spinning and styling and men’s body movement and styling instructor. Antonio taught three workshops, turning and spinning On2, footwork, body movement, and cha cha. We were able to learn some nice routines incorporating a lot of body movement and styling. Want2Salsa is looking forward to learning from Antonio again in the near future.
Want2Salsa also produced and showcased their new limited edition t-shirts, "Chillax, I've got this Salsa" at the Sensual Bachata Workshop given by Christian Sola and Marina Orlova at Via 216. The new t-shirts were well received by those who attended the workshop. Want2Salsa will be coming out with new limited edition t-shirts in the future. So be on the watch.
Arizona - This month Want2Salsa Arizona had a very exciting time at the Salsa Sunday Social held at the Arizona Ballroom Company 5536 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85712 by Gerardo Armendariz (https://www.facebook.com/garmendariz), founder of Tucson Salsa (www.tucsonsalsa.com). This is the premier Salsa Social in Tucson and it is held every 2nd and 4th Sunday in an environment free of alcohol, smoke and drama. All ages are welcome!
If you just want to hang out with friends or meet new ones, the Salsa Sunday Social is the perfect place to start. This event starts with a Salsa Class from 5pm until 6pm then a Social dance from 6pm to 11pm. On top of the outstanding crowd and great dancers, who religiously show up, the modest cover charge of only $7.00, which includes the Salsa Class and Social dance makes it even more attractive.
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/312352_520303304680516_1645492447_n.jpg
Easy Enchilada Casserole with Doritos
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Here is a nice quick snack or meal when you don’t want anything heavy before you go out dancing. In honor of the Doritos goat.
Ingredients:
1 (15 ounce) can chili with beans
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 (14 ounce) bag plain Doritos (pick your flavor)
10-15 ounces enchilada sauce
8 ounces tomato sauce
2 tablespoons diced onions
1 cup sour cream
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Crumble 2/3 of bag of Doritos into mixing bowl. Mix in the onion, chili, 1 1/2 C cheese, enchilada sauce and tomato sauce. Place into an 8 1/2 x 11-inch casserole dish. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and spread on sour cream, remaining Doritos and 1/2 C cheese. Bake for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Serve.
Serves 6
Get That Stretch In
Many times we as dancers will get dressed, head on out to the club, get a drink, and get out on the dance floor. Some say they need that first dance to get warmed up and ready for more dancing. But if you are not warmed up before that first dance, how will you make it look flowing and graceful? Stretching before is the key. You can do it before leaving home, or in the club restroom. Here are some benefits:
It is the best warmup for dance;
It strengthens your muscles and help with balance;
It gives you increased flexibility, helping you to turn faster, and have more focus;
It will help prevent injuries.
What kind of stretching exercises are good for dancers? Any kind of stretching exercises are good. The Internet has a wide variety of websites with tons of information. So next time you come to the club, you will be ready to show off at the first dance.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
What's happening with Want2Salsa?
Hello W2S family! The month of December was an interesting and fun month for us here at W2S. It was also a happy and sad month for us. One of the founding members of W2S relocated to the beautiful state of Arizona. It was a sad month because he is no longer here in North Carolina; but, at the same time, a happy occasion because we have sent W2S to the state of Arizona. This is the first step in making W2S a nationally known brand. We have been seeing a lot of new members of the W2S family from Arizona, so our brand of Salsa is being well received in "The Grand Canyon State."
The Big event that we attended during the month of December was the Christmas Party/ Show case of one of the biggest Salsa companies in the state of NC, "Mambo Dinamico." This was a fantastic night where they performed different dance routines. Their various dance teams performed throughout the night. To finish the night, the Pro-team from the CoboBrothers Dance Company stole the show. Their performance was breathtaking and full of energy. This event was one of the best Salsa parties/ showcases of the year. There were dancers from every city of the state of NC, and lots of dancers from neighboring states as well. We cannot wait to see what they are going to put together for the 2013 Christmas party/showcase. If you have the opportunity to attend this party, you should.
One of our founding members took the W2S Salsa brand to Latin America, to the beautiful country of Panama for a few weeks. This was a fun time for him, as he got to mingle with the Salsa lovers of that country. The two main places to go Salsa dancing in Panama City are: Habana Panama and El Rincon de Villa.
Habana Panama: This place gives you the feeling of being in a ballroom atmosphere, but they are more of a Cuban type of Salsa location, like their name refers to. If you love live music, this is the place for you to go if you are ever in Panama City. They usually have bands that are comprised of a mixture of musicians that are from Panama, Cuba, and other Latin countries.
El Rincon de Villa: This place prides itself as the home of Salsa in Panama. It has more of a Panamanian feeling to it. It is in an open location with great security. It is truly a Salsa lover’s dream, because it plays 100% Salsa music. To complement this, they sell local food, so you can dance, drink, and eat to your heart’s content. If you are ever in Panama City, Panama, and want to have a fantastic time Salsa dancing, this is the place to be.
Another founding member moved to Germany about 6 months ago and has been experiencing a whole new world of Salsa. All depending where you live, there is somewhere to dance no further than 1 hour away and everyday of the week. She lives in the Bavaria area and enjoys dancing in places such as Nuernberg, Regensburg, and Amberg. There is one place in downtown Regensburg called Club Scala where the Salsa lovers go to on Wednesdays, which has been the livest one so far. There is lots of Cuban Salsa danced here, however, don’t be afraid to ask for Salsa on 1 or 2!
A dancer’s feet should never hurt on the dance floor!
Friday, January 11, 2013
Scalloped Potatoes and Ground Beef Casserole
How to keep the Flu and Colds away from the Dance Floor (And Away from You)
Well, cold and flu season is upon us again. How can we stay as well as possible, and help others to stay as well as possible too, while we are out dancing and exchanging contact with people we know and don’t know? Here are a few tips that can help us.
1. Keep warm – Many of us do not like to go inside of a club wearing big and bulky coats. If there is a coat room, then there is no problem. If not, and you still don’t want to take the coat, dress in layers, wear a sweater or two, gloves, scarf, and a hat. These don’t take up too much room, and can fit on your chair or in your shoe bag.
2. WASH YOUR HANDS – Universal rule. Since it is impractical to wear gloves while dancing, try to wash your hands after a couple of dances, or use hand gel between dances.
3. Keep moving – exercise. Salsa qualifies, so you should have no problem here.
4. Take vitamins and probiotics – Really important to take during the winter, as less fruits and vegetables may be eaten during this time of the year. Reports have shown that taking probiotics can increase the body’s resistance to bacterial and viral infections.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
WHAT TO WEAR FOR A SALSA CLASS OR SALSA SOCIAL EVENT?
Many people at times stress about their appearance and how they should look during a Salsa dancing event. Whether we are attending a class at a dance studio or a Salsa social event there are few major rules to keep in mind.
• Regardless of the event you are attending always dress in layers. The first layer of clothing’s purpose is to absorb sweat while the second layer acts as an concealment.
• Bring dance shoes appropriate for the type of floor. The rule of thumb is to always bring regular shoes (as you see fit) and dance shoes.
• Last, always wear deodorant and bring a small dry towel to handle excessive sweating.
At the Dance Studio
Most classes given in a dance studio environment tend to be less casual. It is quite normal to see people wearing sweat pants, t-shirts or casual aerobic attire. This type of clothing allows students to stretch and maybe do certain moves that semi-formal or formal attire wouldn’t allow. The classes that are given in dance studios tend to be a bit more casual. It is also normal to see people in their work clothes. Those of us who have no time between work and class have to plan ahead and either bring changing clothes to the studio or keep the same work clothes on. One of the main things to consider while dressing up for a Salsa class in a studio environment is the presence of large mirrors. Mirrors won’t lie or hold back on telling you exactly what others may be reluctant in sharing with you. It is recommended to always do a last minute 360 degrees check of your appearance before stepping into a social learning environment. Being overdressed or underdressed can cause distraction and slow down learning. Bottom line is that it is preferable to wear comfortable yet appropriate clothing items.
At the Salsa Club
If you’re attending a class at a dance club and are planning to stay for the dance portion, gym clothes may not be appropriate here. It is recommended to bring at least an extra first layer of clothing (undershirt) to change into before transitioning to the social dance portion of the event. A fresh first layer of clothing and some deodorant can positively affect your dance experience. Being underdressed or overdressed in a dance club environment may result in fewer dances. Also watch your outfit to see if it matches with the overall theme. Some dance clubs are more formal than others, which tends to depend on your location (major cities vs small towns). It is not a bad idea to call the club ahead of time to find out the dress code. Some may not accept jeans, t-shirt and fitness shoes. Finally, be cognizant of your sweat level. Gentlemen roll those sleeves if wearing long sleeves and Ladies take a trip to the rest room or outside to air out if wearing pants or conservative outfits. Use your towel as much as necessary to avoid dripping sweat on your partner while dancing.
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