Learn to Dance New York Salsa. Classes and Weekly Lessons in NYC

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 07:07:00 +0000

ATTN STUDENTS: Classes are cancelled Friday May 25th
for Memorial Day and will resume Tuesday May 29th

- JOIN OUR MAILING LIST TODAY & GET 50% OFF OUR SALSA CLASSES -

	WEEKLY CLASS SCHEDULE WALK-INS WELCOMED AT ALL CLASSES. NO PARTNER NEEDED
	CLASS DESCRIPTION	TIME	LOCATION
MON	ZUMBA	7:00 - 8:00pm	Pearl Studios 4th Floor

TUE	ZUMBA	6:00 - 7:00pm	Pearl Studios 12th Floor
	SALSA BASICS	8:00 - 9:30pm	Pearl Studios 12th Floor
	SALSA ADV BEG	8:00 - 9:30pm	Pearl Studios 12th Floor

WED	ZUMBA	6:30 - 7:30pm	Pearl Studios 4th Floor

THU	SALSA BASICS	7:30 - 9:00pm	Pearl Studios 12th Floor
	SALSA INTERMEDIATE	7:30 - 9:00pm	Pearl Studios 12th Floor
	SALSA ADVANCED (Invite only)	9:00 - 10:00pm	Pearl Studios 12th Floor

FRI	SALSA BASICS	7:00 - 9:00pm	Pearl Studios 12th Floor
	SHINES & STYLING	7:00 - 8:00pm	Pearl Studios 12th Floor
	SALSA ADV BEG	7:00 - 9:00pm	Pearl Studios 12th Floor
	ZUMBA	7:00 - 8:00pm	Pearl Studios 12th Floor

SAT	ZUMBA	10:00 - 11:00am	Pearl Studios 12th Floor
		Classes meet at Pearl Studios, 500 8th Ave.

Learn to dance New York's most popular style of Salsa,
"Salsa On2" AKA "Nightclub Style" and become part of
NYC's vibrant social dance scene.

LEVEL 1 - SALSA BASICS:
A perfect introductory class for students with no prior dance experience. Discover the basics of salsa in a friendly class environment with other beginners like yourself. You may start this class at any time. No partner required.
TUESDAYS 8:00 - 9:30pm at PEARL STUDIOS
THURSDAYS 7:30 - 9:00pm at PEARL STUDIOS
FRIDAYS 7:00 - 9:00pm at PEARL STUDIOS

LEVEL 2 - ADVANCED BEGINNER:
A transitionary step where students will begin to learn simple combinations and master the basic figures of salsa.
TUESDAYS 8:00 - 9:30pm at PEARL STUDIOS
FRIDAYS 7:00 - 9:00pm at PEARL STUDIOS

Level 3 - INTERMEDIATE PARTNERWORK:
This class focuses leading/following elaborate combinations known as turn patterns. Students will also be taught how to properly execute multiple spins and how to style their movements. This class is only open to students who have completed the Advanced Beginner class or who already have a strong foundation in salsa.
THURSDAYS 7:30 - 9:00pm at PEARL STUDIOS

SHINES & STYLING - All Levels:
Develop style, rhythm and learn to dance on correct timing. Students will be taught how to properly stylize every inch of their movements from head to toe. Various solo footwork combinations known as “Shines” are taught in order to improve form and coordination. Most importantly, this will and train your ears to “hear” salsa music. Open to all levels.
FRIDAYS 7:00 - 8:00pm at PEARL STUDIOS

ZUMBA - Open to all Levels
Zumba is a energetic workout featuring latin rhythms and dance moves. It's like partying your way into shape. You'll have so much fun you won't even realize your working out. It's easy and downright addicting.
MONDAYS 7:00 - 8:00pm at PEARL STUDIOS
TUESDAYS 6:00 - 7:00pm at PEARL STUDIOS
WEDNESDAYS 6:30 - 7:30pm at PEARL STUDIOS
FRIDAYS 7:00 - 9:00pm at PEARL STUDIOS
SATURDAYS 10:00 -11:00am at PEARL STUDIOS

SPECIAL ONLINE DISCOUNT RATES
Prepay online via our secure Paypal account. All major bank/credit cards accepted.

SINGLE CLASS - Buy Now - $15.00
(Regular admission is $18 at the door)

MONTHLY UNLIMITED MEMBERSHIP - Buy Now - $99.00
(auto billing, 30 day cancellation)

5 CLASS PUNCH CARD - Buy Now - $70.00
($14 per class)

10 CLASS PUNCH CARD - Buy Now - $130.00
($13 per class)

First time students can get 50% off our salsa classes. Please fill out the form below to receive our special new student deal.

DROP-INS WELCOMED AT ALL CLASSES. VIEW MAP FOR DIRECTIONS AND NEARBY TRAINS

- JOIN OUR MAILING LIST TODAY & GET 50% OFF OUR SALSA CLASSES -

PRIVATE SALSA LESSONS:
The perfect choice for those who prefer to learn at their own pace. Receive personalized feedback and encouragement specific to your needs. Private salsa lessons will ensure you learn timing, form, and proper technique from the onset. Those receiving private instruction generally develop competence on the dance floor twice as fast. Each session includes complimentary admission to a group class.

SINGLE 1hr SESSION
$85.00 for individuals
$95.00 for couples

FOUR SESSIONS
$300.00 for individuals
$340.00 for couples

Book your first private lesson. Just Fill Out The Form Below!

THE AMAZING BENEFITS OF SALSA DANCING

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:56:00 +0000

NO WONDER DANCING FEELS SO GOOD......
Music and dancing has been a part of many different cultures for centuries. It is part of celebration and entertainment. And whether they knew it or not, way back when the dancing began, there are numerous amazing health benefits. Now that the American population is facing a major obesity epidemic, health benefits from dancing is something that should be taken a closer look at.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SALSA DANCING
Not only is dancing an exceptional way to let loose and have fun, but it also provides some terrific benefits for your health.

In fact, Mayo Clinic researchers reported that social dancing helps to:

* Reduce stress
* Increase energy
* Improve strength
* Increase muscle tone and coordination

DANCING
Dancing the night away can burn more calories per hour than riding a bike or swimming.

And whether you like to kick up your heals to hip hop, salsa or country, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute says that dancing can:

* Lower your risk of coronary heart disease
* Decrease blood pressure
* Help you manage your weight
* Strengthen the bones of your legs and hips

Salsa dancing is a unique form of exercise because it provides the heart-healthy benefits of an aerobic exercise while also allowing you to engage in a social activity.

The amount of benefit you get from dancing depends on, like most exercises, the type of dancing you're doing, how strenuous it is, the duration and your skill level.

SALSA DANCING
* Builds endurance and stamina
* Helps with weight loss
* Relieves stress
* Helps you release toxins via sweating
* May help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels
* Can lead to a reduced heart rate over time

DANCING OFF THOSE CALORIES
How many calories will you burn while dancing? That depends on the type of dancing. Here's a range of some of the most popular varieties, based on a 150-pound person, per hour:

* Swing dancing: 235 calories/hour
* Ballroom dancing: 265
* Square dancing: 280
* Ballet: 300
* Belly dancing: 380
* Salsa dancing: 420+
* Aerobic dancing: 540+

MENTAL BENEFITS OF DANCING
Dancing is a unique form of exercise because it provides the heart-healthy benefits of an aerobic exercise while also allowing you to engage in a social activity. This is especially stimulating to the mind, and one 21-year study published in the New England Journal of Medicine even found dancing can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia in the elderly.

In the study, participants over the age of 75 who engaged in reading, dancing and playing musical instruments and board games once a week had a 7 percent lower risk of dementia compared to those who did not. Those who engaged in these activities at least 11 days a month had a 63 percent lower risk!

Interestingly, dancing was the only physical activity out of 11 in the study that was associated with a lower risk of dementia. Said Joe Verghese, a neurologist at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and a lead researcher of the study, "This is perhaps because dance music engages the dancer's mind."

Verghese says dancing may be a triple benefit for the brain. Not only does the physical aspect of dancing increase blood flow to the brain, but also the social aspect of the activity leads to less stress, depression and loneliness. Further, dancing requires memorizing steps and working with a partner, both of which provide mental challenges that are crucial for brain health.

So clearly dancing is excellent for your body, mind, and soul. Pick up a new heart healthy habit and learn to dance salsa.

This Article was originally published by Shannon M, a salsa dance/pilates instructor from the San Francisco Bay Area.

GUIDE TO BUYING YOUR FIRST PAIR OF SALSA SHOES

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:35:00 +0000

In a previous article titled "What to Wear to Your First Salsa Class" I stated that you do not need specialized salsa shoes. This was a article written to beginners. It would not make sense for a beginner to spend $100 on shoes when they are still not sure if salsa is right for them. However, if you've moved past being a beginner, chances are you caught the salsa fever and you'll keep dancing and taking classes. Investing in a pair of salsa shoes is absolutely necessary at this point.

Turn patterns involving double and triple spins are the norm for most New York City salsa parties. It is absolutely necessary in today's salsa scene to own a pair of salsa shoes. When my girlfriend and I finally got fed up dancing in our street shoes, we both went out and bought a pair of salsa shoes and suddenly our feet felt light as a feather. Spinning got easier and we wondered why didn't buy shoes earlier. A good pair of salsa shoes will do wonders for your dancing. Even if you do most of your dancing in the studio, any proper salsa class past beginner level will require spinning and footwork that is best executed with specialized salsa shoes.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR
A good pair of salsa shoes is lightweight, snug, fitting close to the foot, able to slide, & spin with ease, provides cushioning and arch support. Suede soles are the best for spinning. A good pair of shoes doesn't have to cost a fortune. You can find a good pair for under $100.

WOMEN'S SHOES - Left to Right:
Character Shoes, Capezio's Dancesport Latina, Close-Up of Capezio's Dancesport Latina

CHARACTER SHOES - A low heel and modest look. Closed toe for dance floor safety and modesty. T-strap version available as well. Capezio and others make these. Very popular to start out, wide heel for balance. Suitable for ballroom as well. under $40.

CAPEZIO DANCESPORT SHOES (Latina Style Open Toe) - A favorite for social dancing and the studio among veteran Salsera's. The open toe straps are sexy in black, bronze, satin, and my personal favorite, gold. These shoes come in 3" and 2.5" Latina heels and have a fully flexible forepart for ease of movement. Listed at Capezio for $105.00 but my girlfriend brought hers for $85.00 at onstagedancewear.com

MENS SHOES - Left to Right:
Converse All Stars, Ballroom Shoes, Aris Allen Wingtips, Gabellini Classic

CONVERSES - Converses are the only sneakers I would wear while dancing but it certainly is limiting and heavier. There are still those who say "Salsa is a street dance. I dance in street shoes, period". That may have been true twenty years ago. A guy can get a away with away with not doing multiple spins but this is not true of the women. These shoes have waffle patterned rubber soles that grip the floor which will put a lot of strain on your ankles when spinning. You will feel it later. I speak from experience.

BALLROOM SHOES - A fairly common choice for guys and can be a inexpensive and comfortable option. Don't be fooled by the fancier pairs with the custom leather. After trying on the more expensive shoes, I brought a standard pair for $65 because it was lighter and more comfortable. These shoes are made with 1/2" heels as well as the standard 1" heels and have suede soles. You can pick up a pair at Capezios or almost any dance store.

ARIS ALLEN WINGTIP - Not just for swing, popular for dress-up salsa too. There are many variations on this spectator or wingtip shoe, but Aris Allen at dancestore.com has definitely gotten it right - lightweight, fits as close to the foot as they can get, great internal padding - needs no inserts, gorgeous, top quality, and slick for sliding.

GABELLINI SHOES (MEN & WOMEN) - Absolutely brilliant. There needs to be more salsa shoes like this. Lightweight, look really contemporary and casual, (they remind me of a pair of PUMAs) but have suede soles and are excellent for spinning. Very reasonably priced at 79.99. Head over to GabelliniShoes.com to pick up a pair.

Most of this article is original content written by me although I did have some help from Kurt Lichtmann with some of the reviews

Basic Salsa Dance Steps - A Step by Step Tutorial For Salsa On2

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 20:54:00 +0000

Mastering the basic step will be the first key step to developing proper technique and timing in salsa. Your spins and partner-work techniques will be executed in sync with the rhythm of the music once you have mastered your basic. Think of the basic step as the drummer in a band. It keeps you and your partner on time.

I encourage you to practice these steps at home but it goes with out saying that online instruction is no substitute for real time studio instruction. The purpose of these video tutorials is to be a supplement for studio lessons and not a replacement. There are many finer elements of the basic step such as the Cuban hip motion and arm work that are difficult to teach through video. What you get in a class that you don't get online is invaluable feedback from your instructor and the opportunity practice with other students. I hope this video will get your feet moving but make sure to get the proper training by stopping by my salsa class.

Salsa music is played in 4/4 time and has 4 beats to the measure or bar. The basic step happens with in 2 measures or 8 counts.

FOR THE LADIES
1. Step forward with your right foot on the first count
2. Step forward with your left foot on the second count
3. Step in place with your right foot on the third count
4. Pause on the fourth count
5. Step back with the left foot on the fifth count
6. Step back with the right foot on the sixth count
7. Step in place with the left foot on the seventh count
8. Pause on the eighth count
Repeat Step 1

FOR THE MEN
1. Step back with the left foot on the first count
2. Step back with the right foot on the second count
3. Step in place with the left foot on the third count
4. Pause on the fourth count
5. Step forward with your right foot on the fifth count
6. Step forward with your left foot on the sixth count
7. Step in place with your right foot on the seventh count
8. Pause on the eighth count
Repeat Step 1

Because of the pause on the 4th and 8th counts, salsa has a rhythmic feel of slow, quick, slow, - slow, quick, slow,

The salsa basic dance step is danced in closed position with the man facing the woman.

THERE ARE 4 POINTS OF CONTACT BETWEEN THE MAN AND THE WOMAN.
1. The Leader takes the follower's right hand with his left hand.
2. The leader places his right hand on the followers back.
3. The follower places her left hand on the leaders shoulder.
4. The leader and the follower keep their chin up and maintain eye contact.

Enjoy the step by step video tutorial I made of the basic salsa dance steps. Also if you haven't already, make sure to enroll in salsa classes so you have the experience of doing the basic with different partners.

The History of Salsa Dancing Part 3 - From Mambo To Salsa

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 01:52:00 +0000

History of Salsa Dancing Part 1/3
History of Salsa Dancing Part 2/3
History of Salsa Dancing Part 3/3

1973 A Puerto Rican named Izzy Sanabria launched a TV show called "Salsa" along with Latin NY Magazine and in 1975, Latin NY Magazine hosted it's first ever Salsa Awards. Coverage of this event by the N.Y. Times, News-week and Time magazine generated worldwide interest in what seemed to be a new form of music. Some musicians protested the term "salsa" complaining that Izzy was merely putting a new label on Cuban music but in many ways, it was new and had evolved to something unique in its own right.

What was originally of African Cuban origin had found a home in America and adopted by the Latino community of New York. Innovations made by Puerto Rican musicians such as Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe transformed Afro-Cuban based music to a unique New York Latin Music. Modern salsa is something that was evolved here through the fusion of different cultural influences making what some might consider a home grown American phenomenon.

In the 1980s Eddie Torres began to formalize mambo 0n2 and made it something professional dancers could learn by standardizing the basic time step and teaching a repertoire of moves that had names to them. We now call the dance salsa since the term salsa has become internationally accepted to refer to music of African-Cuban origin as well as New York's Latin music and their dances. Moving salsa education out of the street and into the studio made it much easier for students of the dance to learn spins and as result, the salsa today emphasizes more partner-work and closed position dancing. This is also attributed to the popularity of the hustle in the latino community during and their incorporation the partner-work into salsa, so I guess some good did come out of the disco days after all. Formalizing salsa made the dance much more marketable because it meant it could be taught in a class. Now Studios all around the world offer salsa classes and has become one the most popular social dance styles. There are people dancing salsa in London, Taiwan, Korea, India, even japan. INCREDIBLE

So in a nutshell, africans were brought over to cuba as a result of the slave trade. Their music blended with that of the cubans and a marriage between the clave and african drums was now formed. Mambo came along much thanks to Perez Parado who took it to america, he introduced the big band sound by adding brass instruments and Americans loved it and so began the glory days of mambo, innovation by New York's puerto rican musicians added a element of jazz and the sound of the pianos. The music was transformed into what Izzy Sanabria labeled as salsa.

Pereze Parado spiced up Danzon and taught a new more energetic dance called the mambo. The mambo came to the U.S. and incorporated elements of ballroom, swing, jazz, and tap while preserving it's latin steps. In the 70s, the influence of the partner-work aspect of the hustle left it's mark on the mambo and was brought off the street and into the studio in the 1980s by Eddie Torres and was now called the salsa.

The history tells a story of a style of dance that is really a fusion of many different cultures and the dance continues to evolve this way today, with the newer generation mixing in components of hip-hop, belly dancing, and adding lifts and aerial moves from ballroom and swing. So now that you know the awesome rich kick ass history of salsa dancing, you'll be able to go out and dance as a informed individual but more than just filling your head with knowledge and turning you into a salsa brainiac, I hope that this short video has help you gain a new appreciation of our awesome spicy saucy dance known as salsa! Thanks for watching and check out my youtube channel for some salsa lessons. Peace and please feel free to use this vide to educate your children.

The History of Salsa Dancing Part 2 - The Rise of Mambo

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 01:48:00 +0000

History of Salsa Dancing Part 1/3
History of Salsa Dancing Part 2/3
History of Salsa Dancing Part 3/3

The mambo dance first appeared in the United States in New York's Park Plaza Ballroom - a favorite hangout of enthusiastic dancers from Spanish Harlem. However, the real breakthrough for the Mambo came when it gained its excitement in 1947 at the Palladium which was located in downtown Manhattan. The Palladium opened its doors as a club for whites only. However business was poor and so a Spanish music promoter named Federico Purgani was able to persuade the club owner to book latin music. He agreed but for Sunday matinees only. It opened its doors to Puerto Ricans and Cubans and became a rare spot where whites, blacks, and latinos could come together. From the doors of the palladium, the music and dance style known as the Mambo took America by storm. The palladium era were the glory days of Mambo and the nights were filled with the rhythms of the three Mambo Kings Tito Rodriguez, Tito Puete and Machito. Both of the Tito's brought a Puerto Rican influence to mambo music and also their fusion of jazz into the Afro-Cuban sound added another wonderful layer of complexity paving the way for a new flavor of latin music that would be later called "Salsa".

Palladium Mambo and cha-cha was the progenitor of Salsa but is still quite different. It had a lot more open work and the dancers dance on all different beats. There was no dancing on1 or on2 and there was no formalized technique. Dancers of different backgrounds such as ballroom, tap, jazz and swing all danced the mambo a their own way.

May 1966 marked the end of the palladium era as the nightclub closed its doors and the big 3 found their new home inside The Corso. Mambo music was played almost every night of week and it was here that a young Puerto Rican man named Eddie Torres learned how to dance the mambo by watching the dancers in the club. By this time, The mambo had already evolved into a slot dance and the cross body lead was there.

The 1970s gave rise to merengae, early forms of hip hop, disco and the hustle. Which was cool, okay kind of, well, i guess it's not as bad as boy bands.

Among other aficionados, Eddie Torres kept mambo alive by teaching the dance and standardizing the break step on the 2 and the 6. Torres began to dance on 2 when June Laberta explained music theory to him. Tito Puente Also confirmed to Torres that dancing on 2 was a marriage with the music because the break step synchronizes with the accented slap of the conga drum.

The History of Salsa Dancing Part 1 - African Origins

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 01:43:00 +0000

History of Salsa Dancing Part 1/3
History of Salsa Dancing Part 2/3
History of Salsa Dancing Part 3/3

Salsa is a internationally popular dance style that has it's roots in Latin America, Africa, the Caribbean and North America. The Word Salsa translates as the world for sauce and also can-notes a spicy flavor hence the sensual aesthetic of the dance.

The origins of salsa start in cuba when African rhythms came to the new world through slave trade in the form of the rumba. The sounds of these ancient times were used to call forth various Gods. Slaves were forced to convert to Christianity but managed to preserve their heritage by using code words to refer to their own Gods. In Cuba, African drum rhythms blended with the cuban official music and dance of Danzon. A style known as the Cuban son emerged and we now start to hear the claves play a central part of afro-cuban music.

Radio Broadcasting came to Cuba in 1922 along with Americans seeking to escape prohibition laws. This exposed a large population of westerners to cuban son and for the first time, afro-carribean music became popular in america. Renamed the Rumba, the music and dancing begin to appear in American salons in the 1930s and is still a popular style today among ballroom dancers. The rumba in many ways looks like a slower version of salsa. It's got some of the footwork elements, the cuban hip motion, and arm styling.

Even with the Danzon (which has its origins in English social dancing), you can see the beginnings of the basic back and forward break of the basic time step.

In the early 1900s a cuban composer named Orestes Lopez wrote a Danzon piece called Mambo. In 1943, a famous band leader and a friend of Lopez named Perez Prado began to call his own brand of music "Mambo" meaning "conversation with the Gods". The African influence is clear from the name. Perez's Mambo was a more upbeat version of the Cuban music that contained big brass and drum sound to it. The story goes that he came up with a dance to go with his Mambo music and introduced the Mambo dance at La Tropicana night-club in Havana in the year 1943. Prado Perez took tour in the United states in 1951 and Mambo became a craze and Perez became known as the famed Mambo King.

The Essential Eight

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:26:00 +0000

So you want to learn salsa but your not sure where to start. Let me introduce you to the essential eight. They are the first eight moves I teach all my students. The reason why I chose these eight moves is because they form the foundation for higher level dancing. It usually only takes about 3 to 4 classes to learn and I recommend that the beginner learn these moves in the sequence shown below.

1. The Basic Step

2. She Turns, He Turns, She Turns

3. Cross Body Lead

4. Cross Body Lead Inside Turn

5. Cross Body 360

6. Backspot Turn AKA Walk Around

7. Half Backspot Turn

8. Trading Places

5 Salsa Songs That Every Beginner Should Know

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:28:00 +0000

We all know that music and dancing goes hand in hand. You can't dance hip-hop with out knowing hip-hop music or do the swing with out knowing swing music. The same is true of salsa. On the dance floor, you can always tell who knows the music and who doesn't. The great thing about salsa music is that it's fun to listen to. Once I figured out what the top salsa songs were, I could not stop listening! I have it on all the time in the office and especially when I'm driving. As a matter of fact, I have my headphones on right now and guess what I'm listening to?

I've listed 5 songs below that are great listening and have a good beat to dance to. On top of that, you'll often hear these five songs played at the hottest salsa parties in NYC like Mondays at Taj or Wednesdays at LQ. So here it is,

ARTIST - SONG TITLE:
Tito Puente - Oyo Como Va
Tito Puente - Ran Kan Kan
Hector Lavoe- El Cantante
Oscar D'Leon - Lloraras
Los Adolescentes Orquesta - Aquel Lugar

Oh and one more thing. You can listen to all these songs for FREE on my playlist which is public. Just head over to my playlist and hit the play button. Enjoy!

MANHATTAN SALSA EVENTS THIS WEEK (Click on Calendar for Event Details)

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:17:00 +0000

For more local salsa events visit the SalsaNewYork calendar and JerseySalsa.com

Back when I first started going to salsa clubs, my friends and I would get a dance lesson, half price drinks, all you can eat buffet, and a live band playing for us all for FREE. It's not like that any more but your admission ticket still INCLUDES all of these things. The salsa scene in Manhattan has exploded recently and now every single party charges cover. Don't believe me? Prove me wrong and I would gladly tell everyone about the party you found. Despite the cover charge, I still think your getting ALOT of value with your admission ticket so it's certainly worth checking out.

MONDAYS AT TAJ LOUNGE
COVER: $6 Admission til 7pm/$12 After
Dinner guests get free admission

FREE Lessons start at 6:30pm
Instructor Jaime Josephson

Live Band & Performances Every Week
http://www.worldsalsadj.com/nyc.html

TUESDAYS AT COLUMBUS 72
COVER: $3 Admission All night

FREE Salsa Lessons 7:30pm
Complimentary Buffet 7pm
http://www.albentertainment.com/

WEDNESDAYS AT LQ
COVER: $10 For guys. Free for ladies
Dinner guests get free admission

FREE Lessons start early in the evening
Instructor: Amaryllis Cintron

Live Band & Performances Every Week
http://www.lqny.com/lq/html/index.htm

FRIDAYS AT SOB'S
COVER: Free for ladies before 7pm. $15 After
$15 for guys before 8pm. $20 After
Dinner Guests with reservations before 7pm get free admission

FREE salsa lessons at 7pm

Live Band & Performances Every Week
http://www.sobs.com/latin_salsa/2007/1109.html
--------------------------------------------------

*NOTE, these cover prices may not be accurate since they are constantly changing. Contact the club or promoter for up to date prices.

Now that you know where to go...Get out there and dance!

WHAT TO BRING/WEAR TO YOUR FIRST SALSA CLASS

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:55:00 +0000

If it is your first time attending any kind of salsa class, let me just give you a few recommendations about what to bring and what to wear.

1. Bring the right shoes.

- You don't need specialized salsa shoes. Basically any kind of shoe that has a flat sole is acceptable. Oftentimes I teach the class wearing a pair of converse all stars.

- Do not bring shoes that leave black streaks into the studio, it destroys the floor. Leave at home any kind of shoe with too much grip like basketball or running shoes.

- Ladies, you can wear heels but stay away from high heels. People do dance in high heels but I certainly wouldn't recommend it for a beginner.

- Don't wear shoes that are slip ons because you might slip out of them. Keep in mind that you will be required to do spins in class so check your shoes. Make sure your wearing a pair that fit securely on your feet and have a fairly smooth bottom.

2. What to wear. Something you feel comfortable dancing in. I like to wear jeans even when I dance. Salsa is a very active dance so don't show up in a suit because you will break a sweat in my class.

3. Guys if you have a partner don't leave her at home. Bring her along as she will love dancing with you!

4. Lastly, BE ON TIME: When you arrive late to a class you not only cheat yourself, you also disrupt the class for the rest of the students. It's preferable to arrive a few minutes early so you can change your shoes (if necessary) and mingle with your fellow students. If everyone arrives a few minutes early the class can start right on time.

Look forward to seeing you soon

USEFUL LINKS

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:00:00 +0000

If you have a relevant website and are interested in a link exchange, please e-mail me

EVENTS AND SOCIALS

SalsaNewYork.com has listings for clubs and socials and a up to date calendar of weekly salsa parties taking place every night of the week

JIMMY ANTON SOCIAL 39 West 19th Street, Flatiron district, on the first, third and fifth (if there is one) Sunday of the month, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

MAMBO FATEEGZ at Dance New York, 244 West 54th Street, Manhattan, fifth floor, (212) 246-5797, mambofateegz.com

‘LA VIEJA GUARDIA SOCIAL’ Held at Chelsea Studios, 151 West 26th Street, fifth floor, Rooms 501-503, (212) 647-1100

LATIN NIGHTCLUBS

CLUB CACHE 221 West 46th Street, Manhattan, clubcachenyc.com

CLUB IGUANA 240 West 54th Street, Manhattan, (212) 765-5454, iguananyc.com

S.O.B.’S 204 Varick Street, at Houston, South Village, (212) 243.4940, sobs.com

LATIN QUARTER 511 Lexington Avenue, between 47th and 48th, (212) 593-7575, lqny.com

SESSION 73 1359 First Avenue, at 73rd Street, Manhattan, (212) 517-4445, session73.com

DANCE GEAR

DSOL Dance Shoes Online, The world's largest online resource for various kinds of dance shoes including Ballroom, Latin, Salsa, Court, Ballet, Taps, Jazz, dance Sneakers and dancewear & dance accessories

CAPEZIO DANCE THEATRE SHOP, 1650 Broadway(at 51st Street), Midtown, (212) 245-2130

PERFORMERS

ANGEL ORTIZ - A internationally renown performer who travels the world teaching people to dance salsa

EDDIE TORRES - Known as the famed "Mambo King", Eddie Torres is accredited for inventing and popularizing New York style salsa On2, eddietorres.com

KARISMA DANCE COMPANY - Praised as the most elegant mambo company in New York

SALSA WEBSITES

SALSA DANCING ADDICT - Learn the basic steps, how-to, and history of salsa dancing. Provides information on dance studios, salsa clubs and features salsa performance videos and beginners guide.

THE GUIDE TO SALSA - Answers to the most commonly-asked questions beginner students have about taking salsa lessons.

SCHOOL DANCE - Find a dance school. Worldwide dance schools directory.

JUSTSALSA - A Web Magazine Dedicated To Latin Music, Dance, and Culture

Salsa Dance Resource Guide - Find your salsa

Dancetimessquare.com dance schools in new york
Dance schools in NYC is the premiere Latin and Ballroom Dance Studio. Created and developed by United States Professional Latin Champions.

Salsa 101 Video Lesson 3 - The Backspot Turn

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:33:00 +0000

In this weeks lesson I will be showing you one of the most common turns in salsa called the back-spot turn. Both partners turn 360 degrees in closed position while remaining in the same spot. I use this move all the time as a transition between different turn combinations because it compliments any turn pattern very elegantly.

Salsa 101 Video Lesson 2 - How To Properly Turn

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:53:00 +0000

A FEW THINGS TO TAKE NOTE OF ABOUT TURNING:

- Gentlemen, use only 2 fingers and draw a halo around the top of her head

- Ladies, cup your hand and keep the thumbs loose. Don't clasp down

- Ladies, a little bit of force is all it should take for a guy to turn you. A good follower is light and easy to lead. Make sure to turn immediately when you feel

- Gentlemen, do your basic in place when you are turning the ladies

- Most turns begin on the 1 count but this is not always the case. Advanced level turning can begin on any count but turn patterns are still usually initiated on the 1 count

Keep in mind that online instruction is no substitute for real time studio instruction. These videos tutorials are meant to supplement studio lessons and not be a replacement. At my studio class I have all my students do turn drills designed to make them into naturals at spinning. I hope this video will get your feet moving but make sure to get the complete proper training by stopping by my class.

Salsa 101 Video Lesson 1 - The Basic Step

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:59:00 +0000

Mastering the basic step will be the first key step to developing proper technique and timing in salsa. When you have your basic down then your spins and partner-work techniques will be executed in sync with the rhythm of the music. Think of the basic step as the drummer in a band. It keeps you and your partner on time.

I encourage you to start practicing these steps but I think it goes with out saying that online instruction is no substitute for real time studio instruction. The purpose of these videos tutorials is meant to be a supplement to studio lessons and not a replacement. There are many finer elements of the basic step such as the Cuban hip motion and arm work that are difficult to teach through video. What you get in a class that you don't get online is invaluable feedback from your instructor and the opportunity practice with other students. I hope this video will get your feet moving but make sure to get the proper training by stopping by my class.

How To Salsa Dance - The Dip

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:49:00 +0000

Dips look great when you incorporate them in your dancing. Here is a short tutorial on the proper form and technique for a dip

How To Salsa Dance - Wrap Turn Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:43:00 +0000

A salsa turn pattern that starts with a behind the back wrap. I show you how to do it step by step.

How To Salsa Dance - Backspot Turn

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:34:00 +0000

Steps for the back spot turn salsa move New York style On2

New York Salsa Lessons - Leader Pass Turn

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 05:55:00 +0000

A fun little turn pattern I made up while in the studio. It starts with the cross handed turn I showed you guys earlier. Enjoy!

New York Salsa Lessons - Modified Sideways Basic

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 05:47:00 +0000

A simple way to spice up your basic step is to do it sideways.

New York Salsa Lessons - The Cross Handed Turn

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 05:42:00 +0000

A simple cross handed turn. Commonly used to initiate turn patterns. Simply cross the right and the left hands to set up the turn.

New York Salsa Lessons - The Front Crossover Shine

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 05:30:00 +0000

Shines are steps that are done by the individual. They can be done during the breaks in a pattern where the leader will stop the turn pattern to allow for a opportunity for the follower to show off or "shine". Shine steps can also be initiated by the leader as period of solos. I liked to integrate shine steps into my basic to spice up my footwork during partner work.

New York Salsa Lessons - Right Turn Loop

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 05:21:00 +0000

A simple lesson on how to do a basic right turn. After the turn, I demonstrate a simple loop that will end your turns in style.

New York Salsa Lessons - The Cross Body Lead

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 05:13:00 +0000

The Cross Body Lead or CBL is a commonly used by leaders to "lead" their partners away from crowded spaces and avoid colliding into other dancers on a crowded dance floor. It is a also a move commonly used to transition between turn patterns. It is a move that every beginner must know and the first thing you should learn after you know the basic time step.

New York Salsa Lessons - The Basic Step

noreply@blogger.com (Salsa Guru) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 03:32:00 +0000

A compilation of video clips of me teaching the basic salsa time step to my class. This is the first and most important thing I teach all my students. Beginners should pay close attention to the hip exercises that I'm doing with my students. Practice this and you will develop the Cuban motion that makes salsa such a sexy and stylish dance.