London Salsa Scene: Your Salsa Letters, Your Salsa Views

The Best of London Salsa Classes, Salsa Clubs, Salsa Events in London & the UK
Founder of the Official Fan Club for Latin Music & London’s Carnival de Cuba

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Letters: Best of London Salsa


	SALSA: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY!


	I have been dancing for almost 10 years and have always had what I call, a love/hate relationship with salsa, writes The Gringo Rumbero, April 2006. I love the music but don't always like the dance scene. The live music situation is a big disappointment. I stopped going to Pontins when they pulled the plug on the live bands.

On the question of dance style, it was the UKDA or something, that pushed the LA style onto everybody. We the dancers were never asked. I preferred the style that was becoming poular already, which I believe was a Miami Cuban mix; many teachers at the time used to visit the festival of La Calle Ocho and returned with the latest moves.
This is what now seems to be a typical salsa night these days: A warm-up, followed by never ending classes, another warm-up. The music then comes on! 3/4 of the women go home! many of the people who stay to dance are couples, and if you get one or two dances you are lucky.
Finally, in all other dance forms Weekdays are for classes! Saturdays are for dancing!


	The Gringo Rumbero: mean, moody and macho!

Your Letters, March: A Wee Problem...


	Salsera’s Plea for Posh Poes


	I love salsa. I no like dingy, smelly toilets in salsa venues. You know, doors that don’t lock. Doors that aren’t there… Cisterns that don’t flush … This isn’t shabby-chic, it’s simply shabby. Maybe I’m getting old and maybe I’m too in touch with my inner Jewish Princess but I’m bursting for better facilities, writes Annie Wigman.

As the London Salsa Scene editor revealed recently, Susana Montero is on a one-woman mission to raise the standards of salsa dancing in the UK – All hail the Montero, that’s fantastic! Wouldn’t it be great to back-up the push for 5-star dancing with a 5-star environment to dance in? At least so we have the option of a more sophisticated and ‘comfortable’ ambience.
I know the finances might seem tricky – salsa dancers reputedly don’t drink and low bar takings may lead venue owners to squeeze club promoters on hiring fees. The promoters want to maintain ‘accessible’ door prices to keep the dancers coming in. Tough one. But surely, salsa dancers down gallons of soft drinks and water? So how about sponsorship/association with bottled water distributors? It’s one suggestion to help finance deals with better-kept venues.
I know what I want. Great teachers, friendly crowds, fab dancefloor, air-con to whisk the whiff of smoke away, seriously sensual music, occasional performances and live bands, quiet areas to chill out and chat, plenty of water as well as the best mojitos and beer. And, most of all, please gimme, gimme, gimme 5-star toilets!




	Posh poes: Do bad loos drive you round the bend?


	Throne Moan: One salsa venue recently underwent a major facelift but even AFTERWARDS the ladies loos still had one toilet with no door and another with no lock (you all know the venue I mean). Thanks for raising this Annie - we want to know what you think - we will name the best and the worst! Email us with your true loo stories. Lee, Editor

Back Chat - Cubans 1; LA lost - Back Chat -


	We said: Is LA Style on the way out? You say: No Way Jose!!!


	I LAUGHED when I read your column (Revolution on the Dancefloor - is LA Style on the Way Out?) 'for those of us who've grown up with LA style, the resurgence of Cuban style is challenge' - sure, that's what all of us dedicated Salsero/as dancing Cuban style fluently for years felt about LA style when it first took over!



		What a joke -- but proof that if you should always hang on to classics, since sooner or later they WILL come back into fashion! It just makes me relieved that I have faithfully continued to teach -- and to enjoy and dance, when I find a partner who can do it well -- all styles of Salsa, because really it is stupid to get locked into one style only when there are so many different ways to interpret the music, and so much variety in the music itself (though personally, I prefer to dance in tune with the music

	-- I can't bear to dance LA style to Los Van Van any more than I relish dancing Cuban style to 'Merecumbe'!). However, I believe anyone out there who really wants to be a good dancer should always try to be as versatile as possible, and be as open to as many different styles as possible.I have recently noticed several previously clique-y On2ers striving to try to dance
			“I have recently noticed several previously clique-y On2ers striving to try to dance Cuban style -- they just can't get the timing quite right and are very unsure of themselves with turns, which is probably what they all thought of us when we started to dance Mambo style.”

Jane Cahane


Cuban style -- they just can't get the timing quite right and are very unsure of themselves with turns, which is probably what they all thought of us when we started to dance mambo style. I began to notice some time ago that several well-known teachers seemed to be merely reworking standard Cuban moves on an LA frame, so perhaps that is where it is coming from. But really I reckon this current mood is either probably just down to boredom, or the fact that Cuban-style salsa just seems to lend itself to a friendlier salsa scene. Then again, just when you thought you couldn't move for mambo classes, several Cuban-style promoters started fighting back and pushing Rueda -- which is certainly NOT the beginning and end of Cuban-style

at least as we've all known it for some time now in London, just in case some of your readers get this wrong! To me, having been around the Salsa scene now for at least a decade, the essence of pure 'London style' is what Susana Montero epitomised when she won her first salsa competiton with Chandy at Bar Salsa in 1998 -- fast, fluent, intricate Cuban moves, fantastic body movement, and a lot of extra shine-like footwork and styling. But really, if there is such a thing as a real London style, it is like our city itself: a constantly evolving hybrid of all kinds of flavours and forms -- which is really, also, the essence of salsa itself.See you on the dance floor -- whatever style you dance! Jane Cahane


		And another thing...

	I HOPE NOT! Don't get me wrong - I love Cuban. But I've danced quite a few places in the world and what makes me feel so privileged and lucky to be a London dancer is the fact that here you get everything! It's a true mix with most people happy to move to whatever beat comes from the dj box. I love the spins and the dips and the pace of cross body - as well as the chance to freestlye every now and then without the constraint of the lead (but not for too long! Salsa for me is always a partner dance) But the rhythm of Cuban really gets your hips and shoulders moving almost of theirown accord, and the interaction with your partner has a cheekier, friendlier feel. Even better is when you throw in a bit of Lambada, Tango, Zouk, Hip-hop - whatever comes to mind! Salsa in London is a living, evolving dance and that's what makes it the best in the world. Rowan




	Rowan, Salsa Moves

		“Salsa in London is the best in the world.”

BACK CHAT - STAR LETTER - BACK CHAT - ST

Richie-Don’t Dis the Girls, Innit!

I am a girl and have a policy of never ever saying no to a dance. It always makes me sad to hear stories like this. However if life as well as salsa (if I may separate the two for a moment) secretly snubbing someone for something you think they did (your own misconfidence could have lead to to believe her dismissal was as cold as you describe it) is a crime almost as grand. Have the balls to tell her of your memory of the events and your reaction. It could have three positive outcomes:


	1. she may realise the error of her ways - whether in the manner of her selection or her more broad acceptance of dances in the future or 2. you may have a conciliatory dance that works for both of you and 3. you stop being a back-stabbing

creep who never gives anyone a second chance. If she is as bitchy as you describe you may continue to diss her with impunity but at least she's had her chance at rebuttal, and only then do you ascend to the ranks of a wronged nice guy.
So a message - to all the girls out there: give everyone a chance - don't think you are too good for anyone. If you are tired - say so and make sure you dance with the guy later that evening if not the next piece of music. They have fragile egos as have we and let’s face it - all we have to do to get a chance with the good guys is dress up and look fit. Dancing with better dancers than ourselves is the fastest way to progress and if all of us with a little experience under our belts don't dish out a few 'charity' dances (I end up enjoying most of mine!) from time to time then we deserve it when there's not enough guys to dance with.
To the guys: don't assume a refusal is a personal slight. Sometimes it'sjust not about you. Give it half an hour and ask the same girl again. Then you'll know if it's about you:) I almost never get asked to dance when I'm out. And I get lots of refusals. But I try not to let it get me down too much. It happens to us too! But I spend 90% of my time whirling around the floor regardless of all the guys who say no, and they nearly always say yes in the end. It turns out sometimes they just wanted a rest. Rowan
Thanks Rowan - I loved your post and you’ve just won a Sierra (CD). You should have seen Richie’s face when he read the back-stabbing creep bit! Ed.
To read more of what your mates said and Richie’s answers, click HERE!!!


	Richie Rumba - Funny Peculiar or Ha-ha???

As a woman, I thought Richie Rumba's article was HILARIOUS. And I agree with him on most points! I, too, am always amazed at the amount of female dancers who are so detached from their partners on the dance floor. Yes, he's right. Some girls can look bored, disinterested, don't look their partners in the eye, don't even look as though they want to be there! No smile, no connection - like dancing with a shopfront dummy, I would imagine! How off putting THAT must be.
Yes, I know, some guys can be like that too, but Richie's observations are priceless. These girls might look gorgeous, but you seriously can't judge a book by its cover these days guys!

All I can say Richie is that you haven't danced til you've partnered the more mature WOMAN - one who appreciates the control (but only on the dance floor mind!!). Personally, as a more mature female Salsara myself, I like to have PLENTY of eye contact. I like to laugh and smile - basically have FUN when I'm dancing (even if the guy looks like a geek - be GRATEFUL you've been asked - there's a huge shortage of guys out there).

Us REAL women don't want to have our arms yanked outta our sockets thank you very much, and we don't need to prove ourselves with lots of selfish styling. We appreciate the gentle touch! - so Richie Rumba - come and find me and I'll give you the dance you are looking for. I might not be able to do multi spins, but you'll have a lorra fun and feel like a "King" for the track! Peace man. Sophia

....so funny !!!! Redlisa x

That’s so sad - 'Richie dishing out karma'. Maybe he is a little sad and frustrated and would like some fun and connection - the strategy he is using is not going to make him more happy and the KARMA he is dishing is going to make him choke and no one else. Salsakarma

Richie, you just had bad luck!! I'm a girl and I would hate to think that women are starting to do that in Salsa, but your right, it doesn't take long for anyone to go from ok to brilliant!!! I don't know how good your Salsa is but work on it she'll be queing up to dance with you......then you can have your revenge :-) Colleen

Richie replies: Yo ladies, Im touched and you girls dun it. It’s me, innit; I ain’t no saint, like me mum thinks but I’m keepin’ it real. As the Buddha said, I’ll be back. Luv yer all, Richie x


	Richie is Right, Say the Guys

I think there is lot of truth in the Richie Rumba article, but I imagine there are plenty of things that men do that are equally annoying. I've certainly experienced one or two refusals to dance that have been rather blunt/almost rude, though not as dismissive as the hand waving one described.
My own pet hate, that didn't get a mention by Richie, is that of the ladies who are constantly adjusting their dress whilst dancing, interrupting my concentration, and disrupting the lead into the next turn pattern. For example, I mean the scramble to lift a loose strap back onto a

shoulder during a crossbody inside turn, when the top/dress isn't actually slipping off, or the hurried tug down on a short top that has lifted up to reveal a midriff during a double spin. If ladies are worried about these things, then why, oh why, do they wear garments that are prone to slip or ride up? For heavens sake, can't they wear something comfortable that isn't prone to riding up or slipping down? Either that, or they should stop worrying about their appearance for the time that they areon the dance floor, and adjust the clothing once the dance has ended. It's a partner dance, NOT a fashion show!
Of course, I'm as keen as the next guy to see the ladies showing off their figures in revealing gear, so I never say anything about my pet hate to the ones that commit the sins described, for fear that they will cover up completely, and take away some of the fun of dancing! Dancing Tornado
Richie replies: Respect, bro. They only asked me to do 10 peeves - you do the next 11-20.


	Salsa Phoneys Who Just Don’t Like Music


	It is strange but true that so called salsa "dancers" are not necessarily interested in the music they dance to. They do not attend gigs and it has resulted in the demise of the live music scene in this country.


	Ska Cubano open for La Linea April 2006,wi th their compul- sive blend of Jamai- can ska and Cuban grooves - skank til you drop. This year, the crew’s up for a BBC World Music Award.

As a musician this concerns me greatly. Salseros need to support live music by going to see live bands and events like La Linea festival and investing in CDs.There is far too much emphasis put on dance performers who in general are not of the highest calibre. Salsa dance in Europe has been turned into a competitive sport, ie competitions everywhere with cash incentives, but promoters should be investing in the live music scene.
There are many talented musicians in this country who no longer work.
There are also far too many Salsa dance teachers who know nothing about the music and do not teach with reference to the music. Check out my column in www.salsasf.com for strong opinions of the UK Salsa scene. My website www.wildindigo.co.uk has a history of the Salsa dance scene, information on what to look for in a good Salsa dance teacher. If your teacher knows nothing and can't clap the Clave, change your teacher! Daniela Rosselson


Use It or Lose It!

	Hey,Thanks for raising this topic, as I think it's a pretty vital one! I happen to be one of those who fell into partner dancing (literally, on a couple of occasions!) by accident. I'd been going to live Latin gigs for years since the early 80's and once went to a local 'Latin night' expecting to see a band but only to find a DJ and dancers everywhere. It was great!...and continues to be so, BUT, with all of the fantastic moves, techniques and sequences, we seem to have forgotten where the whole thing comes from; the heart - a musical expression of sentiment and emotion put across to an audience by...yes, you guessed it: MUSICIANS!



		The fabulous Alex Wilson playing live at Pizza on the Park, December 01, 2006, by Miguel de Foto.

			Please understand, I'm not whining. I'm really grateful that I live in a city where on a whim, I can go out almost any night and dance to some great sounds that cover a range of Latin styles from Cuban to Mambo to Salsa, and a few genre stops in between. All I'm saying is that if we don't focus more on music, especially on seeing it live, I fear that what we have will dwindle over coming years in much the same way as the big aerobics craze of the 1980's did. And the analogy doesn't stop there. Timing, co-ordination, energy, are common to exercise and dance. What makes dancing special, particularly partner dancing, is the communication, vivacity and play that is shared. All of this is fuelled by the intricate and subtle nuances of the music that drives it. So, please, please, please take some time people to listen closely and with care to what comes out of the DJ box next time you're clubbing. Better still, support live music and take the time out to just watch the band and see what the musicians are doing...how the whole thing fits together. Listen to the sentiments expressed in the lyrics and get a sense of the journey that the rhythm is taking you on. It'll open up a whole new avenue for using those moves and techniques, which are really only a means to self-expression but not the thing in itself. Bill Sukhbir

Hey Mr DJ, Won’t You Play a Song for Me...

As you mentioned in your report Ara the DJ is back, and as I think back to all those Saturday nights I would miserably fail to go somewhere new to dance (because I'd always end up at the Palladium). I can't help but feel... SO not guilty about it! I'd get totally lost in the 'classic must dance tunes' Ara would play, would only leave the dance floor for sips of my rum and coke plus other essentials, and you could not drag me out of that dance floor to chat or socialise, let alone go somewhere new! I guess I just felt like it would be RUDE not to dance to his tunes?! But although his were big shoes - DJ El Chileno did a good job in pulling me back to the club after Ara left.
BUT I refuse to mention the spell binding capabilities of these two without raving on about two more: "The Duke" or just Julian as he prefers to be called :-) never fails to keep you literally on your toes! I dance a few like this, decide I've had enough and start making my way out of the dance floor, but Ohhh Nooo Julian has other plans for me, and for a moment I'm Miss Jackson moon walking my way back as I'm pulled by a new type of (usually exciting) dancing tune. Don't know why they chose the name Clockwork, I thought La Finca was good enough but I couldn't give a *spin* as long as Julian is playing on Wednesday! Which leaves me enough time to recover for The Copacabana in Vauxhall on a Friday, with DJ Louie Sinclaire. I call it...being "under the influence of Louie" and there's not one track (to date) he plays that I would not have a seriously good time in dancing to! All it needs now is MORE people showing up earlier say about 10pm as opposed to midnight - I mean come on guys, I know it closes at 3am but the early birds tend to leave by the time the second group arrive. Yes, it's new... but I Guarantee you only have to go there 'once' - as a person that considers music as a BIG part of their dancing life to know that You Too will be safe there.
Peace hermana Ed
Hermana Alexandra
Iglesia Invisible de los Salseros de Londre

©London Salsa Scene is an online, independent magazine guide covering salsa and the Latin lifestyle in London and beyond. The views published are not necessarily those of the Editor. All rights reserved. London Salsa Scene retains Copyright over all the articles and photographs published on this website - it is an infringement of that right to use this material elsewhere without our written permission. Disclaimer: London Salsa Scene publishes information on behalf of promoters, organisers, dancers and others in good faith but is not responsible if these events are cancelled, altered or if performers and instructors billed not not appear; this is exclusive liability and responsibility of the event organiser.


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