Salsa on Strictly

Who has done the best or worst salsa routine on Strictly?

I'm probably not the best person to pass comment because I've not seen all the series' but some do stand out in my mind.

Jades was ok this year, Matt di Angelo and Flavia did a great one to 'Vehicle' the other year - great shoulder shake from Matt anyway.

Austin and Erin were also good - see below.




But probably best and most memorable was Mark Ramprakash and Karen. Just fantastic..

One question though - why do hardly any of the couples dance to real salsa music?

Was the world record broken at Asere gig?

Firstly, thanks to Al at Noches de Salsa for giving us the heads up with this one - a small gig by the excellent latin band Asere.

The last time we saw them they were joined by legendary drummer Billy Cobham and playing in the Arts Centre in Southport - a big, purpose built theatre with maybe a thousand people making up the audience. And what a great night it was.

This time we are in a slightly less grand setting - Mellor Brook community hall.. It's about the size of a generous living room and tonight it's packed with the hundred or so punters who have bought tickets to see them. There has been space provided at the back of the hall but it's not really big enough for us to 'express ourselves physically' as the compere so grandly put it.

The band were fabulous but there were probably thirty people dancing in a space not much bigger than a vestibule. The density of salseros in that space could well have been a world record.. maybe..

Whatever, this was a fantastic night and a big thanks to the organisers and Asere. Top band indeed

Still here...

I know it's been a long time but we are still here.

A combination of summer hols, busy work schedule, too much salsa dancing and general laziness have kept us from adding anything here but we do intend to put that right and try and keep this thing at least partly up to date.

So coming up will be some thoughts on Co-op party nights in Blackpool, Tower on the 12th Dec, Colin and Elizabeth's classes in Marton and at the Dalmeny, maybe some more salsa in strange places, maybe not.. Also some pictures and videos from our recent travels.


Here's one for starters - Murder on the Dancefloor - Halloween at Grasshoppers 2009.

Looking a bit worse for wear but this was at the end of a fab night..

And yes. I am wearing a see through ladies blouse..

People have been asking about the salsa music on some of my youtube entries so thought id let you all in on a little secret...........you listening? If you use your mobile and dial 2580 the numbers down the middle then hold it up to the music for 30 seconds, you will get a text back almost immediatley with the artists name and the title of the track! How cool is that. It cost 50p per call but it deals with you all saying "What's that song called?" all the time in salsa clubs and at dances. Give it a go and let me know how you get on.

Lessons, weekenders, boot camps.......which is best?

We have a weekender or salsa congress, which ever you prefer, coming up about every 4 weeks over the next 3 months. Salsa Kingdom in September, Noches-de-Salsa in Windemere in October, and the 4Th International Cuban Salsa Congress at Bodelwyddan Castle in November. The last one of which clashes with a bachata bootcamp with Frank Santos which we also have tickets for.

We could also have been to Eygpt, Tunisa, Cyprus, Spain(twice!) and GBSex during the same period of time, but a girl can't have it all, well not all at once anyhow.

So far this year we have all ready salsa danced in Malaga, Pontins Blackpool, Wigan, Haydock, Preston, Manchester, Bournemoth, and London at all types of events from all day salsa boot camps to intensive party and workshops(no I'm not obssesed, just hard core)

So my question is this....Where do you think you learn more? Your weekly lessons with your local teacher, the weekenders or salsa congresses, or bootcamps. Tell me about you experinces and any events that you think I should try out.

What's it like in Cuba.

We are think of going to Cuba sometime this winter but we're getting mixed messages about the best way to organise the trip, and how much genuine salsa dancing we will actualy get to do.

It has been said that if we just do a straight forward package tour then forget about the dancing, as the tourist areas are not somewhere the local Cubans are encouraged to go except for work. In fact it has been suggested that they are activly discouraged from mixing with tourists!

Organised salsa dancing packages are often expensive and I have a feeling that they may also be a watered down version of the real Cuba put together to please the tourists vision of "real salsa in cuba". Friends have told us that they have had a great time on these tours but is it really Cuba?

Others have suggested that if we go under our own steam then we would never find the right dancing clubs and yet other suggest that a split cuban holiday in an Havana hotel and a private rent with a local family is the best option.

Help please???!!!! to many options. Have you been? Where? With whom? What was it like? I need more information.

Salsa in strange places

As the title of this post suggests, this entry is about salsa in obscure or interesting places. Ju and I have started off the process with a bit of southerly theatrical based dancing fun.

We were in Cornwall on a bit of a road trip and were looking round the quite fabulous Minack Theatre which is built into the rocks on the south coast very close to Land's End. To be honest I wasn't expecting much from the place but my, oh my, what a fantastic place. I recommend that if you are in the area to go and take a look, and maybe see one of the nightly productions there. A truly brilliant place. More info here Minack Theatre

Anyway we were sat there taking in the wonder of the place when we thought - 'lets go and use that stage..' So camera set up and we did a few turn patterns for the assembled crowd (of about 25 people - one of whom inadvertantly got involved in the shoot). So smiles all round for us as we gave it some on the little Minack stage.

Anyone else got any salsa in strage places clips. All will be welcome..

Salsa on the beach

It's a hot day, the Bournemouth Cuban Salsa Congress has just hosted it's last class of the day so there's time to fill before the Sunday Party Finale so, what to do?



Moe Flex suggests salsa on the beach, nobody argues and after a big cheer everyone meanders down to the beach, which is packed with 'real holiday makers' (Noches-de-Salsa Pontins crew will know what real holiday makers are.. lol) soaking up the sun.

Soon there's a big rueda circle forming and the dancing starts. I find a decent vantage point on the pier (50p entry if you don't mind) and film the action. See the video attached.

The wheel descends into a bit of chaos as everyone incuding lots of random bathers join in. Many can't hear the calls, some have no idea what a 'fly' is, others are struggling in the sand. 'What's happening there?' says a fellow pier promenader. 'Is it dancing?' Yes it is dancing but not as we know it.. I think to myself.

But it's smiles all round, especially when a 3 year old lad toddles over for a look. Might be a future Leandro in the making as he did a few moves with Moe.

Empty your pockets!!

No it's not a request for money rather a request for you guys to please take the stuff in your pockets out when dancing close to a girl! It very distacting and uncomfortable to have a mobile phone or keys grinding into your hip bone during a bachata!

I think its about time the folks teaching salsa and bachata and other dances start teaching some dance etiquette. You know the basic stuff like how to ask a person to dance and to say thank you after you've finished. I'm sure you girls have got many examples of how guys should or should not behave, so tell us about it.

And you gentlemen out there, you will have somthing to say too, so let the ladies know that it's not nice when they takeover the lead or seem unable to look you in the eye. This is the place to let it all out!! Have you say....

All quiet on the North Western front

We've noticed a bit of a reduction in numbers at some of the salsa parties in recent months. Possibly something to do with the credit crunch. At some places there is even room to dance without getting stood on, which is a bit strange. No opportunities to scowl at neighbouring dancers as part of a 'who's fault was that?' exchange. I always say sorry whether or not.. anyway, where was I?

Oh, yes, numbers. In general less people at events. Pontins Cuban weekend, Edie workshop, weekend parties, all less people than last year. Could be most of us have less money or it could be that the number of events is increasing and we cant all attend all of them. We'd like to of course but it's just not possible.

What's the answer? Not sure. Though I for one don't mind a few less bodies. I still dance loads but now get lots of space to move around. Is that so bad?

Bournemouth here we come..

Salsa-Now are on the road at the beginning of next month with a trip to the Southwest of the uk after a stop off at the Bournemouth Cuban Salsa Congress.

Ju and I are looking to take in a couple of classes in the area if possible so anyone with any suggestions or invites will be more than welcome. We're heading towards Cornwall straight after the congress so anyone with ideas - let us know.

All will be reported here on our return with a few pics and maybe some videos.

Should be good... see some of you there.

Teaching goes well!!

And so the teaching stint came and went without too much trauma.. For me or the students.. Ha ha. Ju did most of the work if I'm honest but I was there for moral support and some demonstrating for the guys moves. There might have been some times where we were both talking at once which might have been a bit confusing but everyone seemed to get the gist of what we were saying above the din.

Regular teacher Elizabeth helped enormously, thanks Elizabeth, and she spent 50% of the lesson as a man and 50% as a woman which was confusing her a bit. She makes a far better woman, if you ask me.

The students are keen to perform the routine to Colin an his return from holiday on Tuesday and that should be fun. Not sure how we will all remember it ll after one week but we wil give it our best shot.

Roll on next time..

First time teacher

A bit of dread is flowing over me today - Ju and I are to take our first salsa class this evening and I'm in a bit of a panic. What if all goes pear shaped, what if I forget the routine, what if I don't call out loud enough, what if I fall over.. Oh dear, just think of nice things Stevie, all will be alright. The rumba based salsa shine is simple enough, Ju will do most of the talking and instructing and we are all friends down at Marton Institute where the absent Colin King usually holds his salsa classes. Plus his usual teaching partner Elizabeth will be there doing the first two lessons as normal so all will be fine. She will be there providing moral support for our stint too. So, don't panic Stevie all will be fine.

I will post an update on our performance when I have got over the experience in the days to come. How does it go again Ju? 1-2-3, 5-6-7 Are you sure that's right....

Lytham Club Day - Salsa on the green

Well, the weather looks a bit heavy and it could rain anytime now so it must be a day for an outdoor event organised by Blackpool group Noches De Salsa. Alan has a reputation for outdoor salsa in rainy conditions so no ones surprised.

A reasonable turnout of dancers has assembled near the United States Army Bell Huey helicopter which strikes a menacing pose on the genteel seafront green just south of Blackpool.

We glance skyward and it's black low cloud all around and sure enough it starts to rain the moment that the first latin flavoured bars of music emerge from the beatbox. But it doesn't last long and we're soon spinning, dipping and cross body leading our way round the green. The locals look impressed or is that a look of amusement. Who knows.. A quick rueda and then, what's this - it's the police - moving us on.. No panic though as it's only to make the area safe and ready for the helicopter to take off. It's an interesting, all be it loud, diversion.

When the dust settles the group assembles again for a few more dances including a bachata wheel then it's time to pack up and go just as the sun begins to shine. Almost all of us are going to the local salsa party tonight so it's not long before we are all at it again.

A good day.

Tower Inferno's Back!!

Well it's back - the biggest salsa event of it's type and the North of Englands finest in my opinion.

There were doubts that it was ever going to return. The last was in December last year and a scheduled event for February or March was cancelled with no real explanation as to why... Various rumours abounded from - it's costing too much to heat the place to Jason just can't be arsed.

Whatever - it's back and that's all that matters.

Though not everyone shares my enthusiam for the event. Discussions prior to Friday night with other dancers raised various opinions. Some don't like the music, some don't like the over-long lessons, some don't like the prices. I for one am not too keen on too many disruptions - I just wanna dance.. But it's the tower so I'll put up with some of the 'extras'..

We arrive at just after 9.30 - we bought tickets prior so it's a tenner in - same price as last year if I remember rightly. Through the aquarium, into the ornate brass lift, up to floor 3 and into what must be the best dance hall in the known world. It truly is fabulous. If you haven't been, you should put it on your list of things to do.

The first voice we hear is Rohan Brown - mid lesson with a huge double ring of students around him. No problem, time to buy a drink and mingle with salsa friends and catch up with stories of congresses and trips abroad. Won't be long before we're dancing.

Actually it's quite a while before we are dancing. It's gone ten when the lesson ends - I hope this doesn't sound like a complaint because Rohan puts on a good show and the lessonees have had fun. Personally, and speaking to some of the other old hands, we wanna dance! No matter, it is the tower after all..

Now we're dancing - great!! Barry 'One CD' Gee is on the decks and everyone is happy. Barry gets a bit of stick but I think he's good, playing a good mix of tunes. Smiles all round as everyone throws their best shapes, some in time some not. Getting a bit sweaty now after 30mins of dancing and we are well into our stride. But, what's that? Jason's on the mic and introducing the Dance With Passion Junior Squad. Hmmm, didn't know they were going to be performing.. If you've never seen them, Jason's Juniors are a very talented bunch of youngsters who do a very impressive choreographed routine. They've won championships all over the place so I'm not knocking them but we just wanna dance! A good time to escape outside to cool down..

Soon enough we are back dancing - hooray. More sweat, more shapes, a new DJ - Rohan playing some groovy tunes, a leak in the roof, a safety sign on the dance floor so beware of the water bucket catching drips from the high ceiling, more smiles all round.

Soon enough it's the last tune. Too soon but it doesn't seem like 2am and I must be tired, I just don't know it.

Time to go so thanks to all the ladies for the dances, you are all fabulous. And welcome back Tower Inferno - we've missed you.

Somebody needs to co-ordinate!

Someone needs to co-ordinate!

I’m in a quanrdy….again.

Last weekend there were two good salsa parties on the same night in our area and I had to choose which one I should miss. I chose to go to the Noches De Salsa night at Co-op Sports and Social Club and though I had a great night, as always, with Carol, Alan and all the crowd I am left wondering if I missed out on what may have been an even better night at Salsa Supernova in Lancaster. There were a lot of the usual faces missing from Co-op who must have gone to Lancaster and I’m sure most of the people who were there would have gone to Salsa Supernova if it had been the only one on. So that was Friday. Then Saturday comes around and……..Nothing! Nobody had anything going on!!

Now this weekend on Friday there is Tower Inferno at Blackpool Tower and Salsa Fix party night at Horwich and Southport Salsa Cubana with Banderas and DJ Irmita! And on Saturday Salsa Northwest has Alfredo Torres at Longridge, Preston and Vitelio has a party Over Wyre and just to confuse me further I have found out that Dave and Val have a Summer Salsa Ball on the same night at Preston.

So what’s a girl supposed to do? All of them are within a twenty-mile radius of me and I like them all.

Then next weekend nothing again on Friday unless I want to do a 100-mile round trip to Manchester and Saturday would involve an even longer drive.

So somebody pleeeeaaase lets have some co-ordination. Surely the clubs would all be better of financially if they were not all competing for the same people on the same nights. Let’s get it together guys and girls and see if someone can come up with a system to stagger events across the month. You’d all be better off.

In the meantime…………where do I go this weekend and more important what do I wear? Suggestion anyone? ;-)

Another weekend flies by..

Where did that weekend go?

The only salsa activity this weekend was Friday night with Alan and Carol at the Noches de Salsa party. Held at the Co-operative Club in Blackpool it's always a cheery night and everyone always feels very welcome. It was a warm night and the music ensured that everyone was hot irrespective of the level of dancing ability.

Numbers were down a little on recent parties but no complaints from me because I like the fact that theres more room to move. There's still plenty enough ladies (and men) to ensure that we all can dance all night if we want to.

I had a dance (and a half) with Carol and as always was a pleasure. Thanks Carol.

I, for one, am already looking forward to the next one.

We will be busier next week as theres four parties over 2 nights in our local area.

Colin King classes in Blackpool

Just a quick note as I've got to go and get ready to fly to the Isle of Man to see the TT races for the first time in my life. Hope it doesn't rain..

Last night Ju and I attended the classes held by Colin King at Marton Institute in Blackpool. It's our nearest class to home so it's great that it is one of the better classes around. Colin is a fabulous teacher and is passionate about the style and tradition of Cuban style salsa. You learn a lot about the man's role in leading and general dancing technique here.

Colin is ably assisted by the lovely Elizabeth - a true Latin as she is actually from Brazil - she has body movement to die for. Tonight she is taking the class due to an injury Colin picked up today - don't ask how..

We learn a bit of zook in the warm-up then it's onto the intermediate and advanced classes. Both good and we get a bit 'knotted' in the advanced class. Then a bit of Rueda and off home, happy and a little tired.

Tonights class is held every Tuesday 7.30pm at Marton Institute and he also has a Wednesday class at The Dalmeny hotel in St. Annes also at 7.30pm.

My advice would be, if you want to learn or improve your Cuban salsa you will do well to give this class a try.

An Idea for a Salsa Adventure

The Idea - Well, it's currently just a seed of an idea.. and may not ultimately come to anything but here's the outline anyway. Come up with a scheme whereby I can partake in my 2 passions. Travelling and Salsa Dancing. No, make that 3 things - add to that building web pages.

If this sounds a bit half baked, then it should, because it is.. But bear with me.

The Intention - Travel the country to various salsa clubs and parties see how good or bad they are and report the findings, publish some pictures, gain some comments from other salseros and salseras. Build a website and a blog to convey these thoughts to a wider audience. Invite anyone who has an opinion to tell all us dancers the things we need to know. Where is good, who is good, what are the facilities like, is there air-con, what is level of dancers, which are the best shoes!! and more.

The Aim - To build a worthwhile resource for the salsa dancers of the UK and have some fun doing it.

Will it work? Who knows, but let's get going and see what occurs.

You'll see the development here on this blog or at http://www.salsa-now.co.uk/