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

We would like to apologise for any weird stuff you are experiencing currently as we are re-launching the site. Weird stuff off-site is your own affair.
Editor: 07979 280 283 editor@londonsalsascene.co.uk

Best of London Salsa: Yeouch! Your Letters


	STILETTOES: WHAT’S THE POINT?

I want to make a plea to all women salsa dancers NOT to wear stiletto heeled shoes when dancing.
There is nothing more painful than being spiked by a heel on the dance floor, but a stiletto can REALLY hurt.
I understand it can be difficult to find good looking dancing shoes (apart from dancing it's my mission in life!) but the pain that can be inflicted by these heels is excruciating!
Please, please, think before buying them for dancing. Imagine nine stone concentrated on one little heel firmly planted onto one of your toes or ankles and then buy something more appropriate!
Lorraine x

Being stepped on is the bain of my dancing life, I have had some ferocious cuts and bruises in my time. Another problem is space awareness - especially as I am quite small and neat in my dancing and some couples just seem to invade the space of closer dancing couples.
Regarding stilettoes, the main thing is to be light on your feet and not to dance on your heels. I have been dancing all of my life and have stepped on a few people's feet too; basically the difference being is that I know that I have not harmed the person as I dance on my toes and so even if I have caught a person, I have never made anyone hop off the dance floor and the people have always smiled at me afterwards and told me


	not to worry, it was not so bad (luckily) - so I think it is not what you wear, but how you dance in what you wear. Hope this is a good point to make. Clare x I agree! Please no stilettos!!! Leeanne I really agree with Lorraine about stilletoes, it’s excruciating to be stood on and more than once it has finished my dancing for the night. *Denise*


	*The lady in the shop said they were a good fit but I’m not so sure...*


	NO PAIN, NO GAIN...

I empathise with Lorraine, having spent many a night with my foot encased in ice or slashed to the bone by another dancer's misstep. I've spent hundreds of pounds on religning the bones and muscles in my feet damaged in this way and many a miserable hour watching the end of a perfect night ruined with my foot up on a chair and in pain.
But I LOVE my heels and the higher the better. Yes, they are sure to be damaging my back and can perhaps be a hazard to others and even myself (ooh - the agony of stabbing yourself at the end of a turn), but that's part of the challange of the dance. Remember the quote "Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astair could do but backwards

	and in high heels."

	It wouldn't have been the same if she wore jazz shoes. It's like riding a motorcycle without a helmet, skiing off-piste and drinking a coffee when contents may be hot'. It's about assuming the responsibility and risk inherent in everything we do. We live in a society more and more enclosed by rules designed for the lowest common denominator. And I wish to rail against this trend. My first choice of footwear gives an added expression to my dance and a tilt to my hips that I would hate to dispense with. Plus all my jeans would be too long! An experienced dancer won't hold much weight in the heel of her shoe/foot - nor will she take large backward steps in an enclosed dance space. I've been badly hurt by guys with big feet on occasion as well - it's all about dancing with respect for the dancers around you and keeping to your own allotted space. Guys have a big responsibility as well, for controlling and assisting thier partner to keep her balance and not flinging her into the path of others. If it's really crowded and I think I'll get hurt or I'll be in danger of stepping on others




		Some dancers take extreme action to protect themselves from the spike. We spotted these salseros at a well known London club recently. The Harringay Get That Ruddy Stiletto Away From Me or I’ll Shoot You Men’s Salsa Styling Group is available for hire.

then I don't dance. Or I keep to the edge of the floor. Or I change my shoes. And I try to keep eyes in the back of my head to avoid possible collisions. There have not been many, but I hope that anyone ever hurt by me forgives my trespass as I forgive those who have accidentally raked my shin/arch/instep/toes with their tresspasses.
So let’s try and improve spatial awareness. I've also had my eye gauged with fake nails, my head bruised by elbows, my hair pulled out by the roots by cuff buttons, my skin scratched by watches or bracelets and been punched in the head countless times by guys who think I'm shorter than I am. War wounds that have brought tears to my eyes. But does it put me off? Never. So let’s look out for each other when we are dancing and if you are still learning not to step back long and hard - try a pair of shoes your health and safety officer would approve of. And if the worst DOES happen - for goodness sake apologise! Rowan, SalsaMoves x


	What do you think? Email us : editor@londonsalsascene.co.uk


	pic courtesy of: *www.highheelshoemuseum.com* *update: 11 Aug 9.00pm, Son of The Kink*

Best of London Salsa: Your Letters


	Danger: Women Dancing


		I was at Salsa Fusion at the weekend and was frequently stepped on, elbowed and most uncomfortably, in receipt of continuous swishing of long hair in my face from the woman dancing next to me. Can women with long hair please be more considerate when dancing on crowded floors and at least tie it down. It stings when it hits you in the face and I'm not dancing with this person either, imagine what the guy is experiencing when he turns her! I consider all these physical discomforts an occupational hazard on salsa nights ~ they will never thankfully affect my passion for the dance however! *Helen* *posted wed 23 Aug by Pink Lady*

	*Trevor from the Harringay Men’s Styling Group demonstrates a useful defensive tactic. posted wed 23 Aug by Pink Lady*


	And Another Thing....


	I totally agree with Rowan about high heels and dancing. I can't dance in anything else. What I do object to is stillettos. The narrowness of the heel is what hurts!!!! Lorraine *posted wed 23 Aug* *by Pink Lady*

Best of London Salsa: Your Letters


	MY FEAR THAT LOUD SALSA MUSIC WILL MAKE ME DEAF

	I'm really interested in the letter that Denise B wrote for your site. And quite grateful, writes Virginia. Years ago, I used to live for salsa and then suddenly disappeared from the salsa circles in the town in which I lived. Last year, when I lived in London, I couldn't resist the temptation and went to three different salsa clubs. And the same thing happened again, the thing that had kept me away from salsa: this ringing in my ears for the rest of the night and for some of the next day, too. I never really told anyone, I was too embarassed to do so, and felt it was just my imagination. But I was scared, indeed, and though I'm back in London and I found your website I know I will only be looking for classes. I decided last year that I'll never return to another salsa party, though I once loved it so much. And - by the way - I was one of those, who said it was perfecctly all right playing the music so loud, even when the ringing started. I never admitted it was a problem. I just left. *posted Sat 16 Sept by Salsa Angel* Thanks for your letter Virginia. It takes guts to admit this is a problem and you’ve pinpointed the cause of the difficulty. Strange isn’t it how we’d all rather suffer irreparable damage to our hearing than face the embarrassment of asking the DJ to turn the volume down! Ed.


	IS SALSA MAKING YOU DEAF?


	I’d like to bring something everyone’s attention: VOLUME, of the music that is, writes Denise B.

   More and more clubs play music past the safety decibel level. This is really affecting our hearing, even if you think it isn’t. There’s a good chance by the time most people are in their 50’s the damage will be done. And hearing will be lost.
   I have recently paid for a private hearing test because I have noticed, ringing in my ears sometimes after salsa, and on the telephone now, one ear is worse than the other for hearing! I was told by the specialist that on no account should anyone be subjected to really loud consistent noise, it is very damaging.
   A lot of people now wear ear plugs, myself included, however, I believe in addressing the problem, so I went up to a DJ recently, after having sent him an email first about the decibels, only to be informed that people like it loud and there are other clubs louder!. Oh well then, that’s alright then, needless to say I haven’t visited that club again. Trouble is, I think half the DJ’s are deaf and don’t realise it!
   DJs please, please keep the volume down, even if people do like it loud. As long as we can just hear the music, that’s enough, we just want to dance, not be harmed. Also, people get used to things, you will definitely have a massive amount of people grateful for turning it down. Loud does not equal quality.
   I hope someone is listening!! Denise B posted 17 Aug




		Ambassador Spock of Vulcan has recommended a planet wide ban on salsa after attending Jerry’s concert at the Coronet, Elephant & Castle this weekend. “It’s such a pity - salsa is really kicking on Vulcan now and we were planning to launch our 1st Congress soon.”

		Let us know what you think! Click HERE! Ed

Best of London Salsa: Your Letters


	LOUD MUSIC DEAFENS US AND DUMBS DOWN OUR DANCING


	I read Virginia and Denise B’s letters on high levels of volume (see Letters) and I agree that in most bars music is too loud, writes Jose C.

And the funny thing is that I started going to salsa bars instead of discos because in discos music was too loud! Now, I am starting to feeling the same about salsa venues. It seems from week to week they just find more powerful speakers and need to go for the limits. Insane really.
Also when we are dancing with a partner it is important to have some connection....when partners don’t know each other it’s very common to talk about moves and styles to make it easier to dance. So it would be good if the music was not so loud, so we could listen to our partner, both for our health and to help dance with others.
Jose C




		Dancing Daleks Geoffrey and Gladys Geoffrey: “You know you really are very difficult to lead. How am I ever going to perfect sombrero when you’re so stiff and heavy?” Gladys:“I’ve got a feeling if I could hear what you were saying I’d want to exterminate you.”

Best of London Salsa: Letters


	WHAT KATIE DID NEXT....


	I wanted to go to Bar Rumba, but my friend wanted to go to the Iron Bar now it’s reopened, writes Katie from North Wales. posted Monday 21 August 2006 by aliens from the planet Tharg.


	It was a good night but I sure got a lot to learn to to keep up with the London male dancers as the male dancers up here in North Wales are much calmer. Ok, when I say calmer I mean the guys this end seem to do less "Funky" styling. It's all good I just need to get with it in the London funky style. And now I need a few of them moves before I go to Norway next month just to go to salsa




		*above: North Wales style salsa in action. Below: a typical funky salsa session spills out onto the streets at the Iron Bar in norf London.*

clubs! There’s a choice of 4 of them in Oslo and I’m told the best night is Thursday. OK, I’m only going over the weekend but for under £100 (only spends needed now) that’s got to be a good deal.
I have to say sadly my little jaunt first got planned with a friend three weeks ago. All my friend had to do was drive us to the airport as I’d booked everything. She messed up big time so we missed the flight.
I was so looking forward to the trip so not to beaten I rebooked......ON MY OWN. So I will let you know all about it and hopefully get some good photos (but as I hope to dance all night(s) maybe not. Katie x

Best of London Salsa - Your Letters
Do Gents Prefer Blondes? You Say Yes


	Gentlemen Prefer Blondes?


	Do blokes prefer blondes? Does Ann stand a better chance of getting a dance now she’s gone blonde? GUYS - please tell us HONESTLY and anonymously - we want to hear what you really think and what you really do on the dance floor. LADIES - what’s your experience, as a blonde or non-blonde on the dance floor; or if like Ann you’ve changed your hair colour.Updated Tues 31 Oct by Norma Jean.

	*What do you think? Are you a blonde, a non-blonde or a bloke! Email us* *HERE*


	*Ann Widdicombe - more dances as a blonde?*


	Delilah Smith’s Salsa Diary


	Report by Delilah Smith (My self-perception before weekender - weight: a little weenie bit overweight but only Bridget Jones +; features: plain, height: short, age: well not the youngest on the dance floor, dance level intermediate).




	*Salsa Sampson Demolishes Delilah’s Self Confidence.*

Yippee! A whole weekend of salsa! 8.15 pm: Check into room.
9.30 pm: Shower, wash hair. Try to dry hair into sexy style. Strain back standing at a weird angle to see hair in mirror whilst not pulling hairdryer out of socket. Give up on hair and decide perfect make-up will draw attention away from hair. Mirror steamed up from shower but never mind, it will be dark on floor. Will draw attention away from hair and face with brilliant salsa moves. Put on posh frock, check for shoes, money, lipstick and mosey onto dance floor.
10.15 pm: Am waiting for someone to ask me to dance. Five minutes later, nothing’s happened so go to find myself a man.

First dance is a good warm up and I start enjoying myself. I’m now raring to go. No men seem to be immediately available so stand at edge of dance floor waiting to be asked to dance. No-one pounces so go to find another man. He turns out to be advanced but takes the time to let me settle and get used to him before gradually building up to some really cool stuff.
Feel happy and relaxed. Stand on edge of dance floor, shimmy and wiggle to signal I’d like to dance but no-one asks. Ask more men to dance, one is improver and apologises ‘coz he doesn’t know many moves. Say that women just want guys to lead a few moves well and in time. Have a nice time and get to practise styling.
11.10pm: got some dances because decided to do the asking. Have remembered to smile as friend told me no-one will want to dance with someone who has face that looks like a slapped a**e. Start to get despondent. Go to toilet, sniff armpits, blow into bag to check for bad breath. Come out of toilet and immediately go back in to check skirt is not tucked into knickers and face has not swollen up.
11.30pm: finally, a guy asks me to dance. Have lovely time as find it much more relaxing when someone has asked me. Also man is kind and generous dancer. Tell pretty girls about guy and watch as one by one they go over and ask him to dance. He acts as if it’s Christmas which puts a smile on my face. Try to take advantage of this and catch someone’s eye. Also pull in stomach. Doesn’t work. Eyes get tired and stomach muscles begin to ache.
DJ suggests we all do a 30 second switch partner dance. Find myself behind a teacher just as DJ shouts switch and try to get him to turn back to his right with the power of my mind. He turns left. My next partner is Osbanis (another teacher). Am very nervous as dancing with a professional and make a couple of mistakes but he’s very good at making his partner feel relaxed and sexy (yes even me!). Have a wonderful 30 seconds which keeps me on a high for 30 minutes. Wish I could have had a full five minute track! Hope high will last for three hours. Take advantage of new found confidence and ask lots of people to dance. Lots of people are in big groups but finally begin to think everyone hates dancing with me even though men at local club say they like dancing with me.
2.00.am: Call it a night. Go to bed and have dream about lots of men asking me to dance, including of course Osbanis. Just one dance, just for five minutes. (Self Perception after weekender - weight: fat, features: ugly, height:midget, age: old, dance level: cr*p).

©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.


	[HOME] [EVENTS] [WEEKLIES] [FORUM] [AlexWilson] [FEATURES] [LIVE MUSIC] [BEGINNERS] [TEACHERS] [CLUBS] [VIDEOCLIPS] [LETTERS] [More Lettters] [More Letters] [More Letters] [More Letters] [More Letters] [NEWS] [CDs/DVDs] [EATING OUT] [ABOUT US] [FRIENDS]