NEW Salsa Dance Class, Wednesdays, San Jose

NEW Salsa & Bachata Classes

WEDNESDAYS

Salsa & Bachata Classes with Edwin

Susan Studio
2146 Ringwood Ave San Jose, CA 95031
Tel: 408-835-1889

Salsa dance lessons ALL LEVELS
Beginners 7:00 - 7:45 PM
Intermediate 7:45 - 8:30 PM
&
Modern Bachata Dance LEssons 8:30 - 9:15 PM

*Social Dancing from 9:30 - 12:00 AM
$10 for all lessons and dance
$6 for social dancing ONLY

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Salsa Dura with DJ WaltDigz at Jelly’s Sunday, San Francisco

Live Salsa Dancing at Jelly’s Havana Cafe

Sunday, September 28th, 2008

Doors Open at 4:00pm | $10.00 Cover

21 and over for all dance events

Jelly’s Havana Cafe
295 Terry Francois Street | Pier 50, San Francisco, CA 94158
Phone: 415.495.3099

About DJ WaltDigz:

Dj WaltDigz is a veteran dj and music collector from the San Francisco

Bay Area. He’s had the pleasure of playing a variety of music (Hip Hop,

Soul, Salsa,Timba and Reggaeton) at many popular clubs and concerts

around the Bay and across the country.

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Salsa Aerobics & Body Isolation Workshop with Pantea, Sunnyvale

Salsa Aerobics & Body Isolation Workshop

For Ladies and Men

Get Your Heart Pumping and Your Body Grooving, Burn Fat, Tone & Tighten Your Body, all while Learning to Express Yourself Through Music & Dance.

What is Salsa Aerobics?

Salsa Aerobics is a high energy dance workout class. “90 minutes of pute and intese workout to Latin rhythms, Salsa Aerobics delivers a whole-body, beat-driven workout, as well as provides great body isolation exercises, to help you loosen up in the body and experience the freedom of moving; performed to rhythms such as Afro-Cuban, Salsa, Merengue and Reggaeton.

Like regular aerobics, Salsa aerobics helps you improve flexibility, coordination, increase stamina, strengthen your cardiovascular system, tone & tighten your body, and shed excess body fat.

We complete the dance workout with a cool down with stretches to lengthen the muscles, leaving you refreshed and relaxed.

Every Saturday:
11am-12:30pm All Levels

Location:
STARLITE DANCE CLUB
1160 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Sunnyvale
(on the corner of Fair Oaks & Tasman)
(408) 745-7827

Cost:
The cost of the workshop is $12.00
Drop-in / No registration is necessary
No partner is necessary

Experience the explosion of fitness and expression while the music takes control of your body.

Let the rhythm of Latin music shake you hips and burn unwanted calories, boost your physical endurance and range of motion all while learning the latest Afro-Cuban, Salsa, Samba, Merengue, and Reggaeton dance steps…you will forget that you are exercising.

Remember to bring a hand towel, water; and all you energy, dress comfortabley, try to wear either jazz sneakers, or tennis shoes…..AND PREPARE TO SWEAT!

This workshop is recommended for dancers of all Latin styles, backgrounds, and levels. For men, this workshop is the closest thing that comes to Men’s styling, so DON’T MISS OUT

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Dance for a Change, Salsa For OBama Fundraiser at Jelly’s

Salsa for Obama

All -Star Latin Salsa Band

Featuring John Calloway, Jesus Diaz and Louie Romero and many more Salsa and Rueda Dance Lesson, DJ Luis Medina.

Thursday, October 9th , 2008

Jelly’s Havana Cafe

295 Terry Francois Blvd.

Pier 50, San Francisco CA

www.jellyscafe.com

www.barackobama.com

7pm - 1am
21 and over

$25 per person

%100 of the Proceeds go to the Obama campaign.

This is an exciting show that is bringing the Latin dance and music community together to BRING THE CHANGE WE NEED!!  %100 percent of the money raised will be donated to the Obama Campaign.  Si Se Puede!!

An All Star line up that includes: John Calloway - Flute, Jesus Diaz - Congas, Louie Romero- Timbales, Peter Cornell- Saxaphone, Sandy Cressman-Vocals, Ayla Davila-Bass, David Flores - Drums, Manny Martinez- Vocals, Peter Meridith- Piano, Javier Navarette- Percussion, Orlando Torriente- Vocals and many many more.

How to get involved:

www.barackomaba.com

www.voteforchange.com

RSVP’s To:

salsa4obama@yahoo.com

s.g.dalton@gmail.com

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Latin Hipnosis Fridays at Bollyhood Cafe, San Francisco

Check out the NEW Latin Hipnosis Party!!

Friday October 3rd, 2008

Bollyhood Cafe
3372 19th St.
San Francisco, CA 94110

Once-a-month LATIN PARTY IN SF!

OCTOBER 3, 2008

- Dj Eldelaclave returns

- GARY FLORES y Su DESCARGA CALIENTE (all star salsa musicians)

- SALSA LESSON AT 8:30 PM

- Door Cover $10.00

NOTE - $5.00 FACEBOOK GUESTLIST - send your complete names to Guestlist@rodchata.com

About Bollyhood Cafe:

Bollyhood Café is a contemporary space that fuses Indian flavors of film, food and fun drinks.

The menu offers a contemporary spin on regional Indian street food—many dishes are vegetarian and ingredients will be organic and local whenever possible with a sensibility that is inclusive and playful, dabbling with Southeast Asian/Indian, European, and American cultures

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Chino Espinoza Live Onboard the Mexican Riviera Salsa Crazy Cruise

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Grupo Niche at Roccapulco Supper Club- Sept. 26th, 2008

JC Productions & Mis Noches Peruana present, Direct from Colombia,

GRUPO NICHE

Friday, September 26th, 2008

Roccapulco Supper Club
3140 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA

Doors open at 7:00pm

Presale Tickets: $40.00 (+$5.00)

About Grupo Niche:

Grupo NIche was founded in 1978 in Bogotá, Colombia. Currently based in Cali, Colombia, it enjoys great popularity throughout Latin America. It was founded by Jairo Varela and Alexis Lozano. Jairo Varela has stayed with the group becoming producer, director, songwriter, vocalist and guiro player. Alexis Lozano, trumbone player, later left to form Orquesta Guayacan. It also included Nicolas Cristanelo, on the piano; Francisco Garcia, on the bass; Luis Pacheco, on the congas; as well as vocalists Jorge Bassam and Hector Viveros.

Grupo Niche’s first album: “Al Pasito” was released in 1980, did little to challenge the dominating salsa band of Colombia at the time, Fruko y sus Tesos. The following year, however, the group found success with their second album, “Querer Es Poder”, particularly with the single “Buenaventura y Caney.

The group relocated in 1982 to Cali where they have been based since. After recording two more albums, Grupo Niche released “No Hay Quinto Malo” in 1984, which featured their signature song, “Cali Pachanguero”. The tribute hit single to the “world salsa capital” catapulted Niche as one of the top salsa bands of Colombia.

In 1986, the band incorporated Puerto Rican vocalist Tito Gomez, who had previously worked with the famous Puerto Rican salsa group, la Sonora Ponceña, and Ray Barretto, the Godfather of Latin Jazz. Later that year, Grupo Niche released “Me Huele A Matrimonio”. Afterward, yet another Puerto Rican joined, the pianist Israel Tanenbaum, who would eventually leave the group to join a Niche spin-off band: Orquesta Guayacán.

Grupo Niche is known for both its vigorous, uptempo dance music as well as slower-paced romantic numbers. Among its best known hits are “Cali Pachanguero”, “Del Puente Pa’llá”, “Sin Sentimientos”, “Una Aventura”, “Etnia”, “Gotas de Lluvia”, “Han Cogido la Cosa”, “Mi Pueblo Natal”, Hagamos Lo Que Diga Corazon, “Duele Mas”, “Nuestro Sueño”, and the famous cumbia “Canoa Rancha”. Their most famous song is “Cali Aji”

Some of the most famous singers from Niche throughout its history include Alvaro del Castillo, Tito Gomez, Moncho Santana, Charlie Cardona as well as Willy Garcia and Javier Vasquez, now members of the group ‘Son de Cali‘. They have been very successful, and some of their songs are considered Classics of Salsa Music. The group still enjoys some of its past successes, and, as of 2006, is on tour, making worldwide presentations, and singing their most memorable songs.

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Saturday Salsa Social at Spotlight Dance Studio, Sacramento

Yemaya Salsa and Spotlight Presents

Saturday Salsa Social

October 4th, 2008

Spotlight Dance and Fitness
2534 Industrial Blvd., Suite 150
West Sacramento, CA 95691

Special DJ Guest from the Bay Area - DJ Boriqua

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Los Boleros LIVE at the Pacific Coast Fog Fest, Pacifica

Los Boleros Live at the 23rd Annual

Pacific Coast Fog Fest

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Top 5 Salsa Social Networking Sites

Salsa Networking sites are popping up all over the internet. They have helped to connect salsa dancers form all over the world and enable dancers to have access to opinions, events, and dance tips from all regions. So what sites are reigning at the top? Check out the descriptions below and decide for yourself. Maybe even find yourself joining the conversations on their forum pages too.

This is probably the most visited salsa networking site at this time, partially because they have been around the longest, and they are always up to date and ahead of the game for what is new in the salsa scene.

Addicted2Salsa is a place where u can Meet New Salsaro’s & Salsera’s around the world, a place where you will be updated with the latest News about Salsa Festival’s and events, a place where you will find the nearest dance schools, academies, classes, and an updated calender for all events. Its a great place where we can share our addiction love to salsa, so feel free to express yourself and share your thoughts and your highly appreciated information about salsa. Also check out the Addicted2salsa’s free music, podcasts, and salsa dance instructional videos on line.

Salsagang is a non-profit salsa community for salseros founded by Rodney Rodchata Aquino in the 90’s; it’s vision is for people from all over sharing, promoting and spreading the love of Latin dancing via forums, chats, blogs and articles.

What separates SalsaGang from the rest is that it is not just a website, Salsagang has a board of members (President, Vice president and officers) ensuring its purpose and vision. The active members of Salsagang, whether it’s positive or constructive criticisms, expresses their opinions with respect in mind. The infamous forum chat is what Salsagang is known for over the years as well as their social events.

Salsa Forums is the most popular message board discussion site. With some of their conversation categories boasting more than 40,000 posts, you will find every question and topic about salsa dancing answered and talked about.

It is a place to share and discuss all things related to salsa music and salsa dancing. Please use the “Name that Tune” section for song identification threads. I have found this very helpful.

You are also free to post links to salsa websites here (NOTE: you must post a short description, not just a link. Links without a description will be deleted).

Salsa Crazy Social is the place you’ve been looking for to socialize with salseros from around the world ! It was founded by Evan Margolin and “soft launched” on March 1, 2008 to the San Francisco Bay Area in California.

Its a place where all you salseros y salseras to gather ! You’ve heard of MySpace and Facebook, right ? Well, this is sort of the same concept but even better ! You can make new salsa friends, find salsa events worldwide, upload your photos, join groups and peruse the forums. You can also upload your videos. The videos are all high quality.

Salseros Web was founded by German Acevado

Worldwide guide to night clubs; videos and pictures of dancers; events listings, calendar; chat; music and reviews. This site is primarily directed for the L.A. salsa scene, listing events primarily in the Los Angeles area. They have a popular message board covering all topics of salsa and dance under the sun. The site is still growing, they will have profiles of Professional Salsa dancers listed in the coming months so you can be up to date on the stats of your favorite pros.

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Salsa Sundays at Jelly’s Havana Cafe, San Francisco

Salsa Sundays at Jelly’s Havana Cafe

Sunday September 21 2008

Orquesta Sensual with KPFA DJ Luis Medina - 4:00 - $10

About Orquesta Sensual:

Orquesta Sensual has been filling dance floors in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 23 years!.  Directed by Miguel Echevarria, Sensual is an Oakland California based salsa band that features a diverse mix of top notch musicians. This band is a favorite among Bay Area dancers because of its unique sound and groove feel.

The band’s unique sound is principally accredited to its 3 Trombone and 1 Baritone brass section. This talented ensemble is made up of Mike Rinta, Jaime Dubbly, Genie Geiger and Charlie Gorge. The percussion section is made up of band leader Miguel Echevarria on timbales, Neftali Rosado on bongos and Max Torres on congas.
The rhythm section is anchored by Jason Moen and Robin Carvallo. Vocals are handled by Fernando Wilkins, Carlos Ortega and Jose “Pacho” Carraco.

Orquesta Sensual performs at the hottest San Francisco Bay Area nightclubs. Some of the venues include Café Cocomos, Roccapulo, The Ramp, Jelly’s, Monteros and Shattuck Downlow. The band performs at large venues such as “Festival De La Isla” and “Cherry Blossom Festival”, as well as corporate events and private parties. The band can be configured to suit your specific needs and budget.

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Come See Stand-Up Comic Bill Santiago at the Brava Theatre, September 20th

Calling all salsaholics, tango freaks, bachata addicts, merengue maniacs, cha cha ficianados, and bailamosapiens who like a good laugh!

Standup comedian Bill Santiago riffs on his feet- about his feet and yours! - hunting for the funny of latin dance, as he workshops and presents his latest show. Be ready to share your dance stories - about every kind of Latin dancing and to share your own dance moves to the live music from members of the newest Latin Groove sensation, Benito Cereno.

About Bill Santiago:

Bill Santiago is a Latino comedian that has appeared on Comedy Central Presents, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Que Locos, American Latino and Comedy Central’s Premium Blend and is scheduled to appear on “ The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” this Fall.

PREMIER: Saturday September 20th, 8pm
Mainstage. $20 Advance, $25 at the door.
Includes an After Pary with DJ Sandina
$3 Discount for Seniors and Students

Salsa Crazy will be giving Salsa Dance DVD’s as prizes!

Purchase on-line: www.Brava.org

Box Office: 415.647.2822
Outlet: Modern Times Bookstore,
888 Valencia Street, SF, 415.282.9246
www.mtbs.com

Brava Theater Center
2789 24th St (@ York)
San Francisco, CA

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Orquesta Bakan Live at the Ramp this Saturday

Orquesta Bakan Live at The Ramp

Saturday September 20th, 2008

Free Admission before 4:30, $10.00 after 4:30

Band starts at 5:00

The Ramp Restaurant
855 Terry Francois St.
San Francisco, CA. 94107
Tel: 415 621-2378

About Orquesta Bakan:

This high-energy Orquesta consists of some of the finest musicians in Northern California.

A nice blend of experienced, and up and coming young talent is reflected in their showmanship.

On vocals are, Victor “Cafe” August and Fernando “Nando” Wilkins. On Trumpets, Tom Bertetta and John Ruff. On Bari Sax, Peter Cornell, and on Trombones Doug Beavers, and Mike Rinta. Christian Tumalan on Piano, and Carlos Ramirez on Electric Bass.

Eric Mendez on Timbales, Sean Zuniga on Congas, and Director Jose Guaman on Bongos/Vocals. Each member brings the flavor of his country ranging from Puerto Rico, Panama, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Chile, and the USA.

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Rumba Fiesta Columbiana at Stephens Green Pub, Mountain View

RUMBA FIESTA COLUMBIANA

Saturday September 20th, 2008

Stephen’s Green Pub
223 Castro Street
Mountain View, CA

South American Party with DJ MGD and DJ Paulo playing top hits from Peru, Chile, Brazil, Colombia, & Much More

This festival is for anyone who loves latin dance. Most of the roots of salsa dancing comes from Columbia such as Cumbia (a traditional Colombian dance that African slaves danced. There are three different versions of Cumbia dependent on the region), Pachanga (fast footwork and fast spins Colombian style salsa (a fusion of Cha cha cha and Mambo). Originally only 7 steps - now hundreds), and Vallenato (This traditional Colombian dance has a number of distinctive rhythms: Paseo, Merengue). Come see how the real Columbians have a fiesta.

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TIERRA at Avalon Night Club, Santa Clara- Sept. 20th, 2008

TIERRA LIVE at Avalon Night Club

Saturday Sept. 20th, 2008

Check out the best of Latin Rock and Salsa this Saturday at the Avalon Night Club featuring Live performances by Tierra, Puro Bandido, and the Latin Affect.  Come and experience one of the best Latin performances this year, you won’t want to miss it.

Avalon Night Club
777 Lawrence Expressway
Santa Clara, CA

Admission: $20.00 (+ $5.00 online fee) - VIP Admission: $35.00 (+$5.00 online fee) - Includes early entrance at 6:00pm, meet and greet, and appetizers (served from 6:00pm to 7:00pm only).  VIP seats will be available from 6:00pm to 7:00pm only.  INFO: 415-285-7795

About Tierra:

Tierra, the band named “Best R&B Vocal Group” by four leading magazines including Billboard. They started their career in East Los Angeles with a blend of rock, pop, jazz, R&B and salsa. The result was a Latin R&B rhythm which produced classics like “Together”, “Gonna Find Her”, “Memories” and “Zoot Suit Boogie”. The band’s quarter century commitment shows a dedication that can only be understood by listening to their smooth and soulful sounds.

Tierra was the first Latino band to have four songs on the national chart and two simultaneously in the Top 100. They have performed in such prestigious shows such as Carnegie Hall, The American Music Awards, American Bandstand, and The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

Tierra is widely known to have played a role in opening doors for other Latino and non-Latino superstars of today, including comedian Paul Rodriguez, Arsenio Hall, Sheila E., Gloria Estefan, Los Lobos, Latino Comic of the Year, Rudy Moreno, and more.

Leader of the band, Rudy Salas holds the foundation of the group strong as he leads TIERRA into the new millenium. With their new CD, “Welcome to Cafe East L.A.”, a billingual album “Two Worlds/Dos Mundos”, and a recently released Greatest Hits album, this is one band that will not stop!

About Puro Bandido:

Puro Bandido was formed by Jose “El Bandido” Mayorga in 1979 whose vision and dream to form a band to fit his unique persona and that would capture the true San Francisco Mission District Experience! He carefully scoped out the late 70’s music scene and hand picked the best of the best in local bands and recruited two original members to join the Bandido Posse. Richard Segovia & Rolando “Choco” Contreras that would bring his vision and sound to life and have captured the True Mission District Culture, Style & SAVOR! Jose “El Bandido” Mayorga may you rest easy knowing that YOUR DREAM LIVES ON THROUGH PURO BANDIDO!!!! PURO BANDIDO is more than a refreshing new musical group - it is a new attitude and an eclectic new sound that mesmerizes its audiences with its incredible stage presence, driving rhythms, soaring guitars, and precise musical execution. Puro Bandido was formed by Jose Mayorga in 1978. Jose, now deceased, was joined by Richard Segovia and Rolando Contreras keeping Jose’s dreams alive with the other members of Puro Bandido. The music is high energy, Latin Rock and was formed in the Mission District of San Francisco. Puro Bandido was instrumental in the development of Border Rock - crossing all borders; having no boundaries. Their Sound is a combination of old school and new sounds created by a combination of a driving percussion, a rhythm section incomparable and vocals to match.

About Latin Effect:

Latin Affect was formed in early 2005 and is made up of nine of the most talented musicians in the bay area. Musicians that have shared the stage with International Artist such as Santana, Malo, Tierra, Tower-of-Power, Little-Joey y La Familia, Niel Young, Bill Champlin, Joe Baker, John Garcia, and many many more. Latin Affect is one of the bay areas top bands and have a proven record of pleasing audiences whether for an intimate gathering or a large concert crowd. They bring an exciting mix of Old School, Funk, Latin Rock, Oldies, Salsa, Cumbias, & Tex Mex. Latin Affect is the musical soul of the people.

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Special Opportunity to Learn Salsa Rueda with Duane Wren and Maribel Vasquez

Salsa Vale Todo and Salsa Rueda Social is pleased to present:

Direct from their international travels and performances

Duane Wren and Maribel Vasquez

Internationally recognized instructors and

performers of Salsa Casino, Rueda, Rumba,

Afro-Cuban and Son.

Join us for this great opportunity to study with these wonderful instructors and performers.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Time: 7:00 - 10:00pm

Dance Mission

3316 24th Street (corner Mission)

San Francisco, CA

7-8pm: Beg/Int Salsa Rueda Workshop

8-9pm: Int/Adv Salsa Rueda Workshop

9-10pm: Performers/Instructors Workshop

$15/1 hr, $25/2hrs, $35/all 3 hrs

check out their Salsa Rueda Social feature page at: http://www.bayareasalsarueda.com/srsfeature.htm

Duane and Maribel’s site at:http://www.energeticsoul.com/index.php

About Duane:

New Orleans , La native duane Wrenn was born to dance. Learning Salsa at 26 years young, duane excelled quickly and now dances as if he has always known Cuban blood flowed in his veins. President of the successful Energetic Soul Studios in Clawson , Mi, duane has a B.S. degree in Exercise Science and is a highly accredited Fitness Consultant. After working as a Personal Trainer to the stars duane has focused mainly on developing his unique dancing style. He now resides in Detroit , Michigan . Over the last six years duane has put his knowledge and experience to use developing several unique classes from dance to aerobic and strength. With over 500 special appearances both locally and abroad his experience and track record speaks for itself.

duane created a Salsa aerobic class with an accompanying video aptly named Energetic Salsa (TM). This basic video teaches its viewers 7 main variations of the basic salsa steps. duane is also the creator of Energetic Soul°sa T where he combines linear and circular styles of Salsa dancing. This is what duane refers to as ” Mi receta y Mi Sazon” .

duane is considered one of the top instructors of Afro-Cuban Salsa (Casino) style dancing in the Midwest . His background ranges from Cuban Rumba, Son, Capoeira, and Break dancing. duane specializes in Casino style dancing with an Energetic Soul*sa Twist.

Maribel Vasquez is a world class Salsa dancer. Born and raised in Southern California she showed a talent for dance from an early age, expressed first through her Mexican cultural heritage as Cumbia. In 1997 Maribel moved from California to Ann Arbor, Michigan where she enrolled at Washtenaw Community College and completed her Associates Degree in 1999.

A pivotal moment in her dance life came when she met Energetic Soul Studios Master Instructor duane Wrenn in 2001. Maribel engaged in a very serious and rigorous course study of Cuban style Salsa which eventually led to her becoming duane’s personal dance partner performing nationally and internationally for such events as the International Hustle Salsa Congress, Salsa Rueda Congress in Miami and the Vancouver Rueda Congress. In addition she is a senior member of the Energetic Soul Supreme Dance Team, not only performing but also helping to teach the team.

As part of her extensive training directly under duane, Maribel has advanced to the level of Top Senior Instructor at Energetic Soul Studios teaching group and private lessons. She regularly assists duane as he teaches workshops locally and throughout the country. Maribel has also been called to teach her own Lady’s Styling Footwork Workshops at the Chicago Salsa

Congress and to instruct at the Mega Mix Rueda de Casino Workshops. She also appears as a featured dancer on the Energetic Soul Studios Instructional DVDs.

Maribel’s background includes Salsa, Casino, Rueda de Casino, Soul*sa, Cuban Rumba, Bachata and Merengue. Always looking to expand her skills she also dances Cha Cha, Hustle, Swing, Ballet and more.

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Yemaya Salsa Fall Dance Lesson Specials, Sacramento

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Do You Have the “Salsa Connection”? Check out this article to find out!!

This is a little intro for a series of 12 articles on

salsa connection from

blog.salsa-challenge.com

Salsa Connection is what holds the dance together. When you have the connection down the dance becomes not only more fluid, syncronized, but most importantly….more fun. My favorite dancers have a deep understanding of what the “Salsa Connection” is and how to apply it to the dance. Check out the full series to see if you have the “Salsa Connection”.

Salsa Connection

Part I: Introduction to the Salsa Connection Blog Series

I clearly remember the exact moment when it finally dawned on me, although I’d known it for a long time. It was last December. Elise Butler, my former salsa student and frequent dance partner, was home from New York University, where she is a student, for the winter holidays. During the holiday we had only an hour or so to meet, catch up, and dance a little. We chatted a bit over coffee and then turned on the music to dance salsa. As we danced the familiar joy and ease of dancing together quickly returned. I never fail to be amazed at how great it is to really dance with another person and dancing with Elise is really fun. The moment came when in the middle of leading Elise in a simple right turn I was suddenly inspired to change it into a left turn. I was astounded that Elise followed this without a hitch or jerk. She smiled to show her pleasure at executing this surprise lead. We were truly connected in our dancing; we had what I call the salsa connection.

I couldn’t get this moment off my mind all winter and increasingly began to appreciate and articulate what I already knew: the joyous fun smooth effortless salsa dancing simply cannot be done without having the skill to create with your partner the salsa connection. This is as true for girls as for guys, for follows as well as leads. I see it also as fundamental to social dancing and, I’ll be bold here, it is also a metaphor for all relationships.

Appreciating the importance of the salsa connection has changed the way I teach salsa dancing. I see it as the most important thing I have discovered about salsa dancing, the inspiration for a major development in my teacing, and amazingly it now begins to resonate with almost everything in my life. As Elise and I have developed our teaching of salsa in our summer offering called, not surprisingly, Salsa Connection, I am finding that the students in my classes and my private students are all greatly appreciating the concept and more so experiencing the results. All find it important to their dancing and to their lives.

• What is the salsa connection and why don’t we get it?
• Touch and the salsa connection
• Negotiating the salsa connection
• Eye contact and the salsa connection
• Music and the salsa connection