I think it all depends on what your goals are , as far as determining which type of class to take . if you you just want to get a sense of what the dance is about , a drop in class is fine. But if you want to learn how to dance salsa , I would recommend a Group progressive class.
Basically a drop in class is good for people who already know how to dance salsa in my opinion.
Our last 3 sessions at Lima have been great and We start a new Free beginners and adv beginners progressive class at Lima starting on Mon Jan 7, 2008 The classes are free to all and the ladies get open bar from 9pm until 11pm . And there is open dancing after class to practice what you learned in class
Classes with practice parties are the best way to learn . You get to meet all kinds f people you probably would not meet if you were not in the class
Sunday, December 30, 2007
This is what makes a StuckonSalsa party different then other parties
The social
dancing was crazy! (that's a good thing) The levels on
the floor ranged from beginner to that level waaay in
the sky that just leaves us all in awe; and although I
looked real hard, I could not find those corners
marked by cliques or styles that always seem to
surface at every salsa event. Everyone came to party
with one another and have a good time
dancing was crazy! (that's a good thing) The levels on
the floor ranged from beginner to that level waaay in
the sky that just leaves us all in awe; and although I
looked real hard, I could not find those corners
marked by cliques or styles that always seem to
surface at every salsa event. Everyone came to party
with one another and have a good time
Saturday, December 29, 2007
A REVIEW ON STUCKONSALSA PARTY
StuckOnSalsa - You did it again!
By Johnny Johnson
This past weekend I decided to treat some of my recent
salsa depression with some of the best salsa medicine
on the market..Travel. Although there are many proven
products on the market, nothing soothes a feeling of
salsa depression like a dose of the DC Salsa scene.
The level of dancing, excitement and fellowship
amongst salseros in DC is extremely admirable. DC is
rapidly becoming my second salsa home thanks to the
StuckOnSalsa family.
As for "The Party", what can I say; it was one of
those events that's kind of hard to describe. I mean,
I could try to describe it, but truth be told, you
just had to be there. Nonetheless, this event was a
tremendous success! Over 450 die-hard salseros were
in attendance, and by the end of the night DJ Elvira
had inflicted dancers with the usual salsa symptoms:
extreme aches, severe dehydration, and excessive
perspiration. But what can you expect when a Salsa DJ
feeds a group of starving salseros a playlist so
undeniable, it could make the most unfriendly salsero,
gladly accept your dance request. Nevertheless, DJ
Elvira, you are undoubtedly one of the best salsa DJs
on the scene.... much love!
As for the party, the energy level was off the meter!
There were awesome performances from Salsa Fuego (DC)
and Art n Motion (Philly), as well as a great amateur
dance contest and classic birthday dances. The social
dancing was crazy! (that's a good thing) The levels on
the floor ranged from beginner to that level waaay in
the sky that just leaves us all in awe; and although I
looked real hard, I could not find those corners
marked by cliques or styles that always seem to
surface at every salsa event. Everyone came to party
with one another and have a good time. I definitely
commend StuckOnSalsa for providing such a healthy
salsa environment.
In addition to a great environment, there were a
handful of salsa cameos. Of course you had one the
best salsa dancers in the world, Shaka Brown, putting
on a show with every social dance, then there was his
guest from New York, who provided my best dance of the
night. Actually, her talent kinda caught me off guard.
Usually I prefer to mediate and stretch before dancing
with someone at that level waaay in the sky.
Needless to say, there were also local appearances
from DC's own Karen Aguilar, CeCe Villalobos and Rona
LeBlanc (just to name a few); and we can't forget
about the guys who were putting it down..DC's own
Orlando Machuca, Ronald Rios and Tony Nardolillo (just
to name a few). Also, while StuckOnSalsa's Kelvin
Harris and Earl Rush were not making sure everyone was
having the time of their life, they were on the floor
putting on a show themselves. Last but not least,
let's not forget about the out-of-town salseros
visiting from Atlanta, Philly, NC, SC, NY, NJ and
beyond; who drove crazy hours or booked expensive
flights just to get a taste of StuckOnSalsa Madness
(that's also a good thing).
All in all, this is one of the best non-congress salsa
events that I have ever been to. Great people, great
dancing, and a great environment will always produce
great results!
StuckOnSalsa, you did it again! I guess my only
question is, when's the next party?????
By Johnny Johnson
This past weekend I decided to treat some of my recent
salsa depression with some of the best salsa medicine
on the market..Travel. Although there are many proven
products on the market, nothing soothes a feeling of
salsa depression like a dose of the DC Salsa scene.
The level of dancing, excitement and fellowship
amongst salseros in DC is extremely admirable. DC is
rapidly becoming my second salsa home thanks to the
StuckOnSalsa family.
As for "The Party", what can I say; it was one of
those events that's kind of hard to describe. I mean,
I could try to describe it, but truth be told, you
just had to be there. Nonetheless, this event was a
tremendous success! Over 450 die-hard salseros were
in attendance, and by the end of the night DJ Elvira
had inflicted dancers with the usual salsa symptoms:
extreme aches, severe dehydration, and excessive
perspiration. But what can you expect when a Salsa DJ
feeds a group of starving salseros a playlist so
undeniable, it could make the most unfriendly salsero,
gladly accept your dance request. Nevertheless, DJ
Elvira, you are undoubtedly one of the best salsa DJs
on the scene.... much love!
As for the party, the energy level was off the meter!
There were awesome performances from Salsa Fuego (DC)
and Art n Motion (Philly), as well as a great amateur
dance contest and classic birthday dances. The social
dancing was crazy! (that's a good thing) The levels on
the floor ranged from beginner to that level waaay in
the sky that just leaves us all in awe; and although I
looked real hard, I could not find those corners
marked by cliques or styles that always seem to
surface at every salsa event. Everyone came to party
with one another and have a good time. I definitely
commend StuckOnSalsa for providing such a healthy
salsa environment.
In addition to a great environment, there were a
handful of salsa cameos. Of course you had one the
best salsa dancers in the world, Shaka Brown, putting
on a show with every social dance, then there was his
guest from New York, who provided my best dance of the
night. Actually, her talent kinda caught me off guard.
Usually I prefer to mediate and stretch before dancing
with someone at that level waaay in the sky.
Needless to say, there were also local appearances
from DC's own Karen Aguilar, CeCe Villalobos and Rona
LeBlanc (just to name a few); and we can't forget
about the guys who were putting it down..DC's own
Orlando Machuca, Ronald Rios and Tony Nardolillo (just
to name a few). Also, while StuckOnSalsa's Kelvin
Harris and Earl Rush were not making sure everyone was
having the time of their life, they were on the floor
putting on a show themselves. Last but not least,
let's not forget about the out-of-town salseros
visiting from Atlanta, Philly, NC, SC, NY, NJ and
beyond; who drove crazy hours or booked expensive
flights just to get a taste of StuckOnSalsa Madness
(that's also a good thing).
All in all, this is one of the best non-congress salsa
events that I have ever been to. Great people, great
dancing, and a great environment will always produce
great results!
StuckOnSalsa, you did it again! I guess my only
question is, when's the next party?????
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
photos from on the set of Mano the movie
Here are photos from on the set of Mano the movie short.
Mano the Full length Movie begins Pre Productions in New York on Sunday Jan 6, 2008 but before they go to New York , the director , the director of Photograophy and the producer of the full length Movie Mano will be hanging out with StuckOnSalsa and ClaveKazi attending the Resolution Jam 2008 on Sat Jan 5, 2008
Mano the Full length Movie begins Pre Productions in New York on Sunday Jan 6, 2008 but before they go to New York , the director , the director of Photograophy and the producer of the full length Movie Mano will be hanging out with StuckOnSalsa and ClaveKazi attending the Resolution Jam 2008 on Sat Jan 5, 2008
Friday, December 14, 2007
Wow what a cruise !
After doing this for 3 years we are finally at the point where we have worked out all the kinks in planning a trip for salseros on a cruise. This year's cruise was by far the most organized and ran rather smoothly. There a few complaints but very minor and those were from people who would jump off the a cliff if they didn't complain about everything under the sun. Overall the trip was very successful. The attendance was down from the previous two but to get as many people as we did was fabulous considering the length of the trip (6 days and 5 nights and the time 2 weeks before Christmas.
I have so much to write about the cruise and the PreParty in Tampa . Check back with me in about an hour
I have so much to write about the cruise and the PreParty in Tampa . Check back with me in about an hour
Monday, November 26, 2007
StuckOnSalsa celebrates being no.1 under key words salsa in dc on Google , Yahoo and MSN
StuckOnSalsa No.1 party and Joe Falero and the Latin Jazz All Stars 5 year Anniversary
You are all invited as Dafland Entertainment and StuckOnSalsa host the SOS Number 1 party as StuckOnSala celebrates being NO.1 under key words salsa in dc on Yahoo Google and MSN search engines on Saturday Dec 1, 2007 at the Opus 88 Lounge inside the Mclean Hilton in Tysons Corner
Free Salsa Classes taught by Earl Rush no cover and and live music with Joe Falero and the Latin Jazz All Stars who will also be celebrating their 5th Anniversary .
Hilton McLean Tysons Corner
7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, Virginia, United States 22102
Tel: 1-703-847-5000
NO COVER
Free class is from 8pm until 9pm
Open dancing from 9pm until 1am
plenty of free parking
You are all invited as Dafland Entertainment and StuckOnSalsa host the SOS Number 1 party as StuckOnSala celebrates being NO.1 under key words salsa in dc on Yahoo Google and MSN search engines on Saturday Dec 1, 2007 at the Opus 88 Lounge inside the Mclean Hilton in Tysons Corner
Free Salsa Classes taught by Earl Rush no cover and and live music with Joe Falero and the Latin Jazz All Stars who will also be celebrating their 5th Anniversary .
Hilton McLean Tysons Corner
7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, Virginia, United States 22102
Tel: 1-703-847-5000
NO COVER
Free class is from 8pm until 9pm
Open dancing from 9pm until 1am
plenty of free parking
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Review of Mano the movie short
Since I was literally on the set of The making of Mano the Short and have talked to Tony almost daily from the beginning of the project , I know everything he has had to go throught to make this vision and dream come true, This was a project of tremendous undertaking and I have to say I am so impressed with the outcome and so proud of Tony Nardolillo for what he has accomplished.
A dancer is going to have their take and a novice is going to have their take.
Every one has their views on how they would have done something and I think that's great but the great thing about this project was that Tony did it his way.
He has a whole story written , but had to compact it into 23 minutes, which is a very hard thing to do. I think he and his crew came out with a project that wants people to see more . Yes you wanted to see more of the dancers and maybe you wanted more scenes from the child hood but again it was onlly 23 minutes , I think they came up with a great short. I also thought the musical score was great .
I look forward to working on the real movie once it goes into production. I want to give a special shout out for Tony recognizing the talent of PsyonMaurico and bringing me along for the ride for comic relief. It wa
A dancer is going to have their take and a novice is going to have their take.
Every one has their views on how they would have done something and I think that's great but the great thing about this project was that Tony did it his way.
He has a whole story written , but had to compact it into 23 minutes, which is a very hard thing to do. I think he and his crew came out with a project that wants people to see more . Yes you wanted to see more of the dancers and maybe you wanted more scenes from the child hood but again it was onlly 23 minutes , I think they came up with a great short. I also thought the musical score was great .
I look forward to working on the real movie once it goes into production. I want to give a special shout out for Tony recognizing the talent of PsyonMaurico and bringing me along for the ride for comic relief. It wa
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
The salsa scene is not dying but it is sure changing
The salsa scene is by no means dying , I would say interest in salsa dancing is at one of the all time highs, with exposure from the So you think you can dance and Dancing with the Stars tv shows, eveyone wants to know how to salsa dance, It's a social ice breaker, great excercise and so much fun. Everytime you take a class you meet lots ofnew people. It brings peoplel together from all walks of life. It is the world's greatest equailzer for that 4 minutes on the dance floor . people have not a care in the world , what you look like,where yo work. what kind of car you drive , how much money you have , ot what your religion is , thay just want you to be on beat
When I first started out dancing here in DC to be continued
When I first started out dancing here in DC to be continued
I have been creating a new Salsa Community.
i have not posted to my Salsa Blog for the last monthy because I have been getting ready for the cruise and I also have been creating a new Salsa Communications Community callled Club Salsa . It a social salsa netwrok where you can keep in touch with salseros all over the world for no costs to it's members It offers regular chat rooms audio chat rooms and even video chat rooms .
How many times do you meet someone at a Salsa Congress and you more than likely do not stay in touch wth each other with the exception of maybe by e mail. This Salsa Community offesr so much than the average social network. Yes we have file sharing . abiltiy for any member to upload video , photo galleries and Mp3s. You acn also have a Free tele conference call .
this is the web address for Club Salsa . Check it out and take it for a test drive
www.igroops..com/igroops/clubsalsa
How many times do you meet someone at a Salsa Congress and you more than likely do not stay in touch wth each other with the exception of maybe by e mail. This Salsa Community offesr so much than the average social network. Yes we have file sharing . abiltiy for any member to upload video , photo galleries and Mp3s. You acn also have a Free tele conference call .
this is the web address for Club Salsa . Check it out and take it for a test drive
www.igroops..com/igroops/clubsalsa
Friday, September 14, 2007
Just what is a StuckOnSalsa Hot Pick?
I know what you are thinking. You are thinking what in the salsa is a SOS Hot pick.? There are plenty of events going in the DC area but not all of them are hot. A SOS hot pick is where more than likely the event is going to be hot, meaning a lot of good dance music, a lot of people that come just to dance , all levels where they will be some one on your level there and better to dance with and not a lot of attitudes at the party. It' where the crowds bands and djs are dancer friendly. That's what a SOS hot pick is .
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
One of my Salsa Friends passed away on Sunday
Friends,
REMEMBERING RALPH.........
Cultural Expression's family and friends bid farewell to our longtime friend, Ralph Lebit. On Sunday, September 9, 2007, at the age of 99, Ralph passed away. Ralph's love of Latin music and dance spanned the decades. Ever present at our Sizzling Mambo Sunday sets, Ralph was a testament to the magical power that lifts our spirits when we dance. We will remember Ralph's unfailing support and shared passion for the mambo and the music. Plans for a memorial service are underway at this time and we will let you know the details as soon as they become available.
REMEMBERING RALPH.........
Cultural Expression's family and friends bid farewell to our longtime friend, Ralph Lebit. On Sunday, September 9, 2007, at the age of 99, Ralph passed away. Ralph's love of Latin music and dance spanned the decades. Ever present at our Sizzling Mambo Sunday sets, Ralph was a testament to the magical power that lifts our spirits when we dance. We will remember Ralph's unfailing support and shared passion for the mambo and the music. Plans for a memorial service are underway at this time and we will let you know the details as soon as they become available.
OSCAR'S PRODUCTION presents6to FESTIVAL de la SALSA 2007
OSCAR'S PRODUCTION presents
6to FESTIVAL de la SALSA 2007
SUNDAY OCTOBER 7th (Columbus Day Weekend)
4:00 PM to 2:00 AM
* SIN MIEDO * * LA ROMANA * * ZENIZA ALLSTAR *
* RUDY GONZALEZ y su LOKURA *
DJ MIKE EL SONERO ?
* FREE SALSA LESSONS (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM)
at WWW.CECILIAS CLUB.COM
2619 COLUMBIA PIKE - ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA 22204
TICKETS ON SALE NOW $20.00
INFO: (703)750-9277 - WWW.OSCARSPRODUCTION.COM
6to FESTIVAL de la SALSA 2007
SUNDAY OCTOBER 7th (Columbus Day Weekend)
4:00 PM to 2:00 AM
* SIN MIEDO * * LA ROMANA * * ZENIZA ALLSTAR *
* RUDY GONZALEZ y su LOKURA *
DJ MIKE EL SONERO ?
* FREE SALSA LESSONS (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM)
at WWW.CECILIAS CLUB.COM
2619 COLUMBIA PIKE - ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA 22204
TICKETS ON SALE NOW $20.00
INFO: (703)750-9277 - WWW.OSCARSPRODUCTION.COM
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
StuckonSalsa to teach a Free 5 week progressive course for the month of October every Monday
All these classes will be taught LA style on1
StuckonSalsa to teach a Free 5 week progressive course for the month of October every Monday
Free Salsa classes are sponsored by Primo Prodcutions http://www.primop.com... and World Salsa Travel http://www.worldsalsa...
You will be ready for Social dancing at Night clubs and socials after our 5 week course
We have literally taught thousands of people the basic steps of Salsa.
We will give you a foundation that will prepare you to take your salsa game to the next level and beyond.
We will have a special timing section in the beginning of all our beginning classes for those who need help finding the 1 in a song . We don't just show you moves we teach you how to dance to the music.
All students that take the full 5 weeks will get a DVD with footage from the the 5 week series. We will document how you were before class and see what you like after the 5 week series. Spots are limited email me to sign up for your free class . Classes are to be held at Lima Night Club Located at 1401 K st Nw WDC No cover for all
Open bar for the ladies from 9pm until 11pm
Beg 9:-9:45 Intermediate 9:45 until 10:30pm
We have our first class outing the first week as after class we head up to ToJam Entertainment's 1 year Anniversary at Ocean Drive night club.
So you think you cannot learn to dance salsa ? Wrong , SOS can teach any one how to dance salsa and mambo
All of our classes cover timing, footwork, turn patterns including how to hear the 1 and 2 in a song , leading & following, men's and women's styling
StuckonSalsa to teach a Free 5 week progressive course for the month of October every Monday
Free Salsa classes are sponsored by Primo Prodcutions http://www.primop.com... and World Salsa Travel http://www.worldsalsa...
You will be ready for Social dancing at Night clubs and socials after our 5 week course
We have literally taught thousands of people the basic steps of Salsa.
We will give you a foundation that will prepare you to take your salsa game to the next level and beyond.
We will have a special timing section in the beginning of all our beginning classes for those who need help finding the 1 in a song . We don't just show you moves we teach you how to dance to the music.
All students that take the full 5 weeks will get a DVD with footage from the the 5 week series. We will document how you were before class and see what you like after the 5 week series. Spots are limited email me to sign up for your free class . Classes are to be held at Lima Night Club Located at 1401 K st Nw WDC No cover for all
Open bar for the ladies from 9pm until 11pm
Beg 9:-9:45 Intermediate 9:45 until 10:30pm
We have our first class outing the first week as after class we head up to ToJam Entertainment's 1 year Anniversary at Ocean Drive night club.
So you think you cannot learn to dance salsa ? Wrong , SOS can teach any one how to dance salsa and mambo
All of our classes cover timing, footwork, turn patterns including how to hear the 1 and 2 in a song , leading & following, men's and women's styling
Monday, September 10, 2007
Salsa Happy Hour! New Meetup Member & Largest Salsa Meetup in the World Party!
What: Salsa Happy Hour! New Meetup Member & Largest Salsa Meetup in the World Party!!
When: Thursday, September 13, 6:00 PM
Where: Click the link below to find out!
Event Description: Hello everyone!
Join us on Thursday, September 13, 2007 from 6:00-10:00 pm at K Street Lounge for a salsa happy hour. In celebration of welcoming our newest members along with our new status of Largest Salsa Meetup in the World, we would like to invite you all to join us for this special salsa happy hour. We will also be joining meetup groups, DC Cubans, DC Metro Ricans, and DC Latino Professionals Groups, as we kick off Latino Heritage Month and bring you a happy hour with some added spice of salsa. If you don't dance salsa or are bit rusty, don't fret because meetup member Melody Gonzales will teach a free salsa lesson at 7:00 pm.
If you have never attended one of our salsa meetups, they are the perfect opportunity to meet other friendly and fun people. So new members and first timers, don't be shy, come alone or with your friends -- either way, you will encounter a friendly and outgoing group of fun dancers that love meeting new people.
And yes....there will be plenty of salsa music playing along with bachata, merengue and cha cha. DJ Vino will be starting from 6:00 to 8:00 with his exclusive salsa mix and DJ Elite Rumbero will be closing it out from 8:00 to 10:00 with a mix of latin song genres. Although there will be plenty of time for dancing, I would also like to focus on this event as an opportunity to greet new and existing members and continue to build our amazing group. It is about time those dormant members that only read the emails and message boards come out and grace us with their presence. We could always use more dancers no matter what level you are! Therefore, let's make this night, "Make a Friend" night. If you don't know someone, take the initiative to introduce yourself! Everybody wins! :-)
Please be sure to RSVP so that we know you are coming. I mean with a free event like this, you can't go wrong! Come one, come all! I will be there wearing my shiny red meetup pin so make sure to introduce yourself to me.
See you on Thursday!
=======================
Thursday, September 13, 2007, 6:00 PM -10:00 pm
K Street Lounge
1301 K St. NW
Washington , DC 20005
202-962-3933
www.kstreetdc.com
Metro: McPherson Square (Blue and Orange Lines)
Parking: Garage ($$$), Street (read the signs carefully)
Cover: None
Drink Specials: 2 for 1 drinks on Bud Select, PINK & Level vodka (confirm before ordering)
Learn more here:
http://salsa.meetup.com/162/calendar/6330380/
When: Thursday, September 13, 6:00 PM
Where: Click the link below to find out!
Event Description: Hello everyone!
Join us on Thursday, September 13, 2007 from 6:00-10:00 pm at K Street Lounge for a salsa happy hour. In celebration of welcoming our newest members along with our new status of Largest Salsa Meetup in the World, we would like to invite you all to join us for this special salsa happy hour. We will also be joining meetup groups, DC Cubans, DC Metro Ricans, and DC Latino Professionals Groups, as we kick off Latino Heritage Month and bring you a happy hour with some added spice of salsa. If you don't dance salsa or are bit rusty, don't fret because meetup member Melody Gonzales will teach a free salsa lesson at 7:00 pm.
If you have never attended one of our salsa meetups, they are the perfect opportunity to meet other friendly and fun people. So new members and first timers, don't be shy, come alone or with your friends -- either way, you will encounter a friendly and outgoing group of fun dancers that love meeting new people.
And yes....there will be plenty of salsa music playing along with bachata, merengue and cha cha. DJ Vino will be starting from 6:00 to 8:00 with his exclusive salsa mix and DJ Elite Rumbero will be closing it out from 8:00 to 10:00 with a mix of latin song genres. Although there will be plenty of time for dancing, I would also like to focus on this event as an opportunity to greet new and existing members and continue to build our amazing group. It is about time those dormant members that only read the emails and message boards come out and grace us with their presence. We could always use more dancers no matter what level you are! Therefore, let's make this night, "Make a Friend" night. If you don't know someone, take the initiative to introduce yourself! Everybody wins! :-)
Please be sure to RSVP so that we know you are coming. I mean with a free event like this, you can't go wrong! Come one, come all! I will be there wearing my shiny red meetup pin so make sure to introduce yourself to me.
See you on Thursday!
=======================
Thursday, September 13, 2007, 6:00 PM -10:00 pm
K Street Lounge
1301 K St. NW
Washington , DC 20005
202-962-3933
www.kstreetdc.com
Metro: McPherson Square (Blue and Orange Lines)
Parking: Garage ($$$), Street (read the signs carefully)
Cover: None
Drink Specials: 2 for 1 drinks on Bud Select, PINK & Level vodka (confirm before ordering)
Learn more here:
http://salsa.meetup.com/162/calendar/6330380/
Willie Colon who will be performing at a Free outdoor concert this Friday at the Woodrow Wilson Plaza from 7pm until 9pm
Willie Colon who will be performing at a Free outdoor concert this Friday at the Woodrow Wilson Plaza from 7pm until 9pm
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Trailer to the Movie Short Mano and Slide show of the making of Mano
I was honored to be a part of the making of the movie Short "Mano " produced by Tony Nardolillo Here is the trailer of the Movie and slide show on the movie set
Friday, September 7, 2007
Post Salsa Congress let down
Unfortunately after experiencing such a Salsa high like attending his past New York Salsa Congress 2007 . You have to prepare your self for a big let down after such an amazing event. Every thing seems like a let down and it's hard to get motivated to go out for a while after attending a Major Salsa Event or Large Non Congress Salsa Event.
I often wonder do other people feel the same . If you do leave a comment and let me know how you feel
I often wonder do other people feel the same . If you do leave a comment and let me know how you feel
Here's what GoGo Earl is watching
Here's what GoGo Earl is watching . The SOS video playlist Tony Nardolillo in New York , ClaveKazi in Germany ,Karisma Dancers Live music at the New York Salsa Comgress 2007. Also we flashback to the past and see where some of today's dancers got their moves from and who influenced them
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Top 10 Reasons to Attend Group Classes
Top 10 Reasons to Attend Group Classes
1. Learn 30% faster by adding group classes to private lessons.
2. Be able to dance school figures without hesitation.
3. Learn figures through repetition for progress checkouts.
4. Learn to move figures around the floor.
5. Practice leading/following different partners.
6. Learn figures in group class, save private lessons for style & technique.
7. Increase self confidence.
8. Increase balance tremendously.
9. Have a lot of fun!
10. Make lots of new friends!
1. Learn 30% faster by adding group classes to private lessons.
2. Be able to dance school figures without hesitation.
3. Learn figures through repetition for progress checkouts.
4. Learn to move figures around the floor.
5. Practice leading/following different partners.
6. Learn figures in group class, save private lessons for style & technique.
7. Increase self confidence.
8. Increase balance tremendously.
9. Have a lot of fun!
10. Make lots of new friends!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Flashback post from April 2007 I didn't see it coming!
Didn't even see it coming
Honestly I did not see this coming. I thought Caribbean Breeze had become the place to be for Salsa on a Friday night. That it night have been but the numbers at the Bar were not reflecting the numbers of the crowd and as always Salseros have to go because they don't drink. or support the Bar . Well people say they supported the Bar and they probably did but that does not make up for the people who spend no money at all. Or for those who come in early to get in free and never spend any money. As long as the salseros has that attitude they will be relegated to dance studios to do their dancing . Now you say when you went to get a drink you could not get waited on. Well I I have no comment about that. I knew the bartenders so I guess they took care of me. I found the Bar tenders to be friendly and hardworking but that's just me.
Comment posted
Comments:
candela said...
Hoss, not your fault. Businesss minds have to come together in regards to crowd generation and bar revenue. Good music is just the initial hook. However, I will respectfully say that CB today is a better place, easily recognized by the salseros in the world, and he owe that to your honest efforts. Compromise is a word that needs to be shared by two entities not one. There is a way to please both the owner and the event promoter, honest two way communication. The salsaholics did support the bar, the restaurant, and most of all behaved. Other crowds will do it differently...Stay on point GO..GO
Honestly I did not see this coming. I thought Caribbean Breeze had become the place to be for Salsa on a Friday night. That it night have been but the numbers at the Bar were not reflecting the numbers of the crowd and as always Salseros have to go because they don't drink. or support the Bar . Well people say they supported the Bar and they probably did but that does not make up for the people who spend no money at all. Or for those who come in early to get in free and never spend any money. As long as the salseros has that attitude they will be relegated to dance studios to do their dancing . Now you say when you went to get a drink you could not get waited on. Well I I have no comment about that. I knew the bartenders so I guess they took care of me. I found the Bar tenders to be friendly and hardworking but that's just me.
Comment posted
Comments:
candela said...
Hoss, not your fault. Businesss minds have to come together in regards to crowd generation and bar revenue. Good music is just the initial hook. However, I will respectfully say that CB today is a better place, easily recognized by the salseros in the world, and he owe that to your honest efforts. Compromise is a word that needs to be shared by two entities not one. There is a way to please both the owner and the event promoter, honest two way communication. The salsaholics did support the bar, the restaurant, and most of all behaved. Other crowds will do it differently...Stay on point GO..GO
FLASHBACK BLOG POST MY FIRST POST ON GREAT DANCE.COM
FLASHBACK BLOG POST MY FIRST POST ON GREAT DANCE.COM
June 13, 2005
DC SALSA CONGRESS 2005 WAS SALSA BANANAS
Good morning everybody please allow me to introduce my self. My name is Earl Rush and I will be your salsa guide for the Great Dance/Stuckonsalsa newsletter. We are based out of Washington, DC but we have info on Salsa all over the United States.
This weekend just might have been just one of the exciting salsa weekends in my life as the DC Salsa Congress 2005 took place here in the Nation´s capital, Washington, DC.
When it was all said and done the DC Salsa Congress was one of the best Congresses that I have been too. It was non stop action. David Melendez and Shaka Brown did a tremendous job of putting this event together. When it was over I WAS SO FILLED WITH JOYOUS EMOTION I SAt DOWN AND CRIED FOR BEING SO HAPPY.
DC had not had a salsa congress since Ricardo the Wepa man and Elba hooked up with Edie the salsa freak to do the Salsa Web salsa congress in 1999.
Friday night I came in to the ballroom and the place was jamming with Jimmy Bosch and La Romana. JIMMY BOSCH is a grammy award winning musician but on this night playing in front of their hometown crowd and people from all over the world, yes that´s right the DC Salsa Congress was international, La Romana quelled any doubts about how good they were. There were hot hot hot1!!!!! I had never heard them play like that in the last 8 years. They were incredible!! No I am not saying that because Edwin Ortiz the leader of La Romana took time out to acknowledge WWW.stuckonsalsa.com my web site for the work we have done for the salsa community and because he let me come on stage and dance , which was truly a highlight for me but because for that 2 hours they played they were in the salsa zone.
I have so much to say right now but I am so tired for the weekend I will have full report tomorrow.
I just want to take the time to thank my new partner Doug Fox for allowing me to be a part of something special which is the Great Dance/StuckonSalsa newsletter.greatdance.com Doug is a salsA beast he already has 19 video clips of the Congress on line and 308 pictures posted. greatdance.com/salsa There will be pictures posted all week as the STUCKONSALSA correspondents Janice Woodward,SHEILA MCNEIL, HELENA HASSAN ,WERE ALL COVERING THE CONGRESS THIS WEEKEND. Tomorrow full report on Congress
June 13, 2005
DC SALSA CONGRESS 2005 WAS SALSA BANANAS
Good morning everybody please allow me to introduce my self. My name is Earl Rush and I will be your salsa guide for the Great Dance/Stuckonsalsa newsletter. We are based out of Washington, DC but we have info on Salsa all over the United States.
This weekend just might have been just one of the exciting salsa weekends in my life as the DC Salsa Congress 2005 took place here in the Nation´s capital, Washington, DC.
When it was all said and done the DC Salsa Congress was one of the best Congresses that I have been too. It was non stop action. David Melendez and Shaka Brown did a tremendous job of putting this event together. When it was over I WAS SO FILLED WITH JOYOUS EMOTION I SAt DOWN AND CRIED FOR BEING SO HAPPY.
DC had not had a salsa congress since Ricardo the Wepa man and Elba hooked up with Edie the salsa freak to do the Salsa Web salsa congress in 1999.
Friday night I came in to the ballroom and the place was jamming with Jimmy Bosch and La Romana. JIMMY BOSCH is a grammy award winning musician but on this night playing in front of their hometown crowd and people from all over the world, yes that´s right the DC Salsa Congress was international, La Romana quelled any doubts about how good they were. There were hot hot hot1!!!!! I had never heard them play like that in the last 8 years. They were incredible!! No I am not saying that because Edwin Ortiz the leader of La Romana took time out to acknowledge WWW.stuckonsalsa.com my web site for the work we have done for the salsa community and because he let me come on stage and dance , which was truly a highlight for me but because for that 2 hours they played they were in the salsa zone.
I have so much to say right now but I am so tired for the weekend I will have full report tomorrow.
I just want to take the time to thank my new partner Doug Fox for allowing me to be a part of something special which is the Great Dance/StuckonSalsa newsletter.greatdance.com Doug is a salsA beast he already has 19 video clips of the Congress on line and 308 pictures posted. greatdance.com/salsa There will be pictures posted all week as the STUCKONSALSA correspondents Janice Woodward,SHEILA MCNEIL, HELENA HASSAN ,WERE ALL COVERING THE CONGRESS THIS WEEKEND. Tomorrow full report on Congress
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
This is definitely one of my all time favorite songs
This is definitely one of my all time favorite songs. It is simply beautiful. If you feel like you want to cry after hearing this song, don't worry it happens to people who hear this song all the time.
Wow what a Night at the Smithsonian Cafe !
For more videos like this log to www.stuckonsalsa.com
StuckOnSalsa was honored to be asked to participate in the Smithsonian Jazz Cafe as the Tribute to Latin Jazz and Salsa as the Official Salsa Instructors of the Event . We had a great turnout and it we had as much fun giving the class as well as the students had fun taking it.It was awesome to see out students dancing right after the class. But as good as the m
music being played it was making every one wanting to get up and dance. I think I have taken fir granted the musicians hear but on Friday night I realized we have a Plethora of talent here. The turnout was almost to capacity . People were dancing all over the place and it was just salsa pandemonium in the Jazz Cafe
For Photo Gallery of this fantastic night click here
Monday, September 3, 2007
Tony Nardolillo at New York Salsa Congress
I think this photo below pretty much sums up how the New York Salsa Congress was.
Tony Nardolillo Executive producer and star of the Movie short "Mano" at the New York Salsa Congress 2007 with a fabulous Salsera from Toronto
The lighting is horrible but in the shadow you can still see that our boy Tony has some moves. and you can still hear how the band was just salsa kicking it on this song. We don't want you to be able to steal all his moves that he stole from me and others anyway. Just kidding Do it Tony!
No Choreography, Freestyle all the way Baby! Welcome to Tony's world!
Tony Nardolillo Executive producer and star of the Movie short "Mano" at the New York Salsa Congress 2007 with a fabulous Salsera from Toronto
The lighting is horrible but in the shadow you can still see that our boy Tony has some moves. and you can still hear how the band was just salsa kicking it on this song. We don't want you to be able to steal all his moves that he stole from me and others anyway. Just kidding Do it Tony!
No Choreography, Freestyle all the way Baby! Welcome to Tony's world!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
The perfect dance?
People ask me all the time do I have one dance that I remember more than any that I have ever have?. My answer to that is no. I have danced with no exaggeration, some the best salsera's in the world and I each great dance was different. I don't believe for me there will ever be the perfect dance because the dance is always evolving. Am I searching for the perfect dance? No I want to dance with as many different ladies as possible and if I stumble across the perfect dance then so be it. I do have a have a top ten list in no particular order though. I am getting chills running down my spine thinking about all the great salsera's from all around the world that I will dance with and meet at the New York Salsa Congress this weekend
A DC sala legend passes away
In Memory of Charles Jacobs
I don't have a lot of heroes and Idols but Charles Jacobs was surely one of them . Charles was a free spirit if ever there was one. I tried to pattern my behavior after him. He was a staple at Zanzibar and other Salsa nights clubs in the DC area for the last 12 years that I have been dancing here. Charles was one of the most well liked salseros in the DC area, he had a passion not only for dancing but just life in general. Charles would dance with any one from beginner to pro level , he was the epitome of what a salsa dancer attitude should be like , no attitude, no judgment on any one's ability , he just wanted to dance, Always happy go lucky and full of energy Charles' energy was infectious, if he was in the room it was always a party. Charles I know the spirits in heaven can't wait to dance salsa with you. And while you are there dance one for me .
When you are hot you hot and when you are not you are not!
Over a year ago StuckOnSalsa and Caribbean Breeze in Arlington was hot , but due the owner's decision to change the music format , the salsa nights no longer exist. That's the funny thing about Salsa promotions you never know when a place will shut down . The owner felt that the salsero crowd was not buying enough drinks and he wanted to go in another direction.
I have no idea what the crowd is like now on a Friday night but I get the word from my sources. Let's just say this the crowd is nothing like when Caribbean Breeze was one of the hottest salsa places to go on a Friday night . Here is an article that the Washington Post published on Caribbean Breeze a year and a half ago
Here, Salsa Dancing Is a Breeze
By Fritz Hahn
Special to The Washington Post
Friday, May 26, 2006; Page WE05
Just as Wednesday happy hour is winding down, Caribbean Breeze begins to heat up. From 4 to 7, the Ballston restaurant's cherry-stained bar is the domain of office workers in suits and ties who sit around the U-shaped counter enjoying one of the neighborhood's best happy hours, with $2 beers, $3 appetizers and $5 mojitos. But as the clock ticks toward the end of the deals, Latin music begins to play on the far side of the room, and instructors Earl Rush and Maribel Soto begin to lead a group of would-be salseros through the basics of the dance: foundation steps, simple turns, how to lead and follow. Heads at the bar invariably swivel to see what's going on and even nod to the music.
Rush and Soto spend two hours working with a dozen or more students, who pay $10 each for the drop-in classes, and after the lessons are over, the instructors hang around to offer tips and private advice while students practice the moves they've learned. After all, they need to be ready for Friday's main event, when as many as 150 people pack the restaurant to hear DJ Andy spin salsa music.
After the Friday dinner rush subsides, tables are removed from a large portion of the restaurant -- the area with the hardwood floor between the bar and the doors to the huge patio -- and the makeshift dance floor becomes among the liveliest I've seen recently.
What really sets it apart, though, is the music. "It's a salsa night," Rush says. "Listen. There's no bachata , no merengue. If you're a hard-core salsero, it's hard to find that. Everyone else is playing reggaeton or something. I just wanted to do a night with salsa."
Rush began hosting Caribbean Breeze's Fridays in January. After spending a few years working at other people's events, he wanted to do something on his own. "We'd known about Caribbean Breeze, so we approached the owner, and he gave us six weeks to try it. I thought if we could make it through January, in the winter, then the summer will be easy."
Crowds did turn up, and though newcomers were asking about lessons, Rush says he couldn't offer them. "On Fridays, we don't have the time," he says. "The restaurant is doing good business, so we go from 10 to 2. If you try to put a lesson in there, you only have three hours to party." Two months ago, Rush began teaching beginner and advanced-beginner lessons Wednesdays from 7 to 9, focusing on the traditional "on 1" salsa as well as the New York style, known as "on 2."
Fridays have gone so well that, beginning this weekend, Caribbean Breeze is expanding its offerings to Saturday night, with a new Latin night that encompasses more than salsa; the patio, for example, will be a "Bolero Courtyard" with romantic music.
I have no idea what the crowd is like now on a Friday night but I get the word from my sources. Let's just say this the crowd is nothing like when Caribbean Breeze was one of the hottest salsa places to go on a Friday night . Here is an article that the Washington Post published on Caribbean Breeze a year and a half ago
Here, Salsa Dancing Is a Breeze
By Fritz Hahn
Special to The Washington Post
Friday, May 26, 2006; Page WE05
Just as Wednesday happy hour is winding down, Caribbean Breeze begins to heat up. From 4 to 7, the Ballston restaurant's cherry-stained bar is the domain of office workers in suits and ties who sit around the U-shaped counter enjoying one of the neighborhood's best happy hours, with $2 beers, $3 appetizers and $5 mojitos. But as the clock ticks toward the end of the deals, Latin music begins to play on the far side of the room, and instructors Earl Rush and Maribel Soto begin to lead a group of would-be salseros through the basics of the dance: foundation steps, simple turns, how to lead and follow. Heads at the bar invariably swivel to see what's going on and even nod to the music.
Rush and Soto spend two hours working with a dozen or more students, who pay $10 each for the drop-in classes, and after the lessons are over, the instructors hang around to offer tips and private advice while students practice the moves they've learned. After all, they need to be ready for Friday's main event, when as many as 150 people pack the restaurant to hear DJ Andy spin salsa music.
After the Friday dinner rush subsides, tables are removed from a large portion of the restaurant -- the area with the hardwood floor between the bar and the doors to the huge patio -- and the makeshift dance floor becomes among the liveliest I've seen recently.
What really sets it apart, though, is the music. "It's a salsa night," Rush says. "Listen. There's no bachata , no merengue. If you're a hard-core salsero, it's hard to find that. Everyone else is playing reggaeton or something. I just wanted to do a night with salsa."
Rush began hosting Caribbean Breeze's Fridays in January. After spending a few years working at other people's events, he wanted to do something on his own. "We'd known about Caribbean Breeze, so we approached the owner, and he gave us six weeks to try it. I thought if we could make it through January, in the winter, then the summer will be easy."
Crowds did turn up, and though newcomers were asking about lessons, Rush says he couldn't offer them. "On Fridays, we don't have the time," he says. "The restaurant is doing good business, so we go from 10 to 2. If you try to put a lesson in there, you only have three hours to party." Two months ago, Rush began teaching beginner and advanced-beginner lessons Wednesdays from 7 to 9, focusing on the traditional "on 1" salsa as well as the New York style, known as "on 2."
Fridays have gone so well that, beginning this weekend, Caribbean Breeze is expanding its offerings to Saturday night, with a new Latin night that encompasses more than salsa; the patio, for example, will be a "Bolero Courtyard" with romantic music.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Getting ready for the New York Salsa Congress 2007
I have been stetching ,lifting weights doing sit ups and more to get ready for the New York Salsa Congress. I have been on You Tube like crazy trying to steal moves and incorporate some of the things I see on the internet into my social moves. The New York Congress is by far my favorite Salsa Congress. The New York Congress for the last couple of years at the Hilton were simply fabulous under the direction of one of my promoter mentors the now deceased David Melendez. 2 of David's many strong points were that he had a eye for talent.you can believe if you performed at a New York Salsa Congress you have to have your salsa stuff together,and he was very organized , his shows always started on time. Also he provided great music from awesome Live bands and the best salsa dance djs. Not only that it has the largest wood dance floor in the United States as far as Salsa Congresses and salsa Dance events.
This year John Choco Knight takes over the reigns and it seems like he will continue to make the New York Salsa Congress one of the best in the world. He has a world class line up of musicians,dancers , instructors, the dance floor is going to even larger and this one promises to be very very big! Remember when I say an event is going to be big it's going to be big. This one is going to be an International toe stomping event .
Starting the week early with a Boat ride scheduled Choco wanted to make sure that all the people who came in for Europe and around the world had plenty of Salsa events to attend all week because a lot of them come in early.
I can't wait for the Congress to start. StuckOnSalsa will be there for Saturday and Sunday's events . We will be postings photos and videos on Monday Morning Sept 3, 2007
This year John Choco Knight takes over the reigns and it seems like he will continue to make the New York Salsa Congress one of the best in the world. He has a world class line up of musicians,dancers , instructors, the dance floor is going to even larger and this one promises to be very very big! Remember when I say an event is going to be big it's going to be big. This one is going to be an International toe stomping event .
Starting the week early with a Boat ride scheduled Choco wanted to make sure that all the people who came in for Europe and around the world had plenty of Salsa events to attend all week because a lot of them come in early.
I can't wait for the Congress to start. StuckOnSalsa will be there for Saturday and Sunday's events . We will be postings photos and videos on Monday Morning Sept 3, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Was this the best StuckOnSalsa Party ever?
After 4 years of having salsa events it is kind of hard to say which party was the best one. First of all there has been no parties like the All Star Salsa Cruise but nothing can compare to a Salsa Cruise.
But as far as on land I would have to say that the first time StuckOnSalsa had a party at Zanzibar on a Saturday night it was complete madness. Over 5oo people came to hear DJ Jose Rodriguez and DJ Elvira rock the house. We always have special names for our big Salsa Events and this one was named simply the Party. That's exactly what it was the party.
Here is Johnny Johnson's Take on the Party
StuckOnSalsa - You did it again!
By Johnny Johnson
This past weekend I decided to treat some of my recent
salsa depression with some of the best salsa medicine
on the market..Travel. Although there are many proven
products on the market, nothing soothes a feeling of
salsa depression like a dose of the DC Salsa scene.
The level of dancing, excitement and fellowship
amongst salseros in DC is extremely admirable. DC is
rapidly becoming my second salsa home thanks to the
StuckOnSalsa family.
As for "The Party", what can I say; it was one of
those events that's kind of hard to describe. I mean,
I could try to describe it, but truth be told, you
just had to be there. Nonetheless, this event was a
tremendous success! Over 450 die-hard salseros were
in attendance, and by the end of the night DJ Elvira
had inflicted dancers with the usual salsa symptoms:
extreme aches, severe dehydration, and excessive
perspiration. But what can you expect when a Salsa DJ
feeds a group of starving salseros a playlist so
undeniable, it could make the most unfriendly salsero,
gladly accept your dance request. Nevertheless, DJ
Elvira, you are undoubtedly one of the best salsa DJs
on the scene.... much love!
As for the party, the energy level was off the meter!
There were awesome performances from Salsa Fuego (DC)
and Art n Motion (Philly), as well as a great amateur
dance contest and classic birthday dances. The social
dancing was crazy! (that's a good thing) The levels on
the floor ranged from beginner to that level waaay in
the sky that just leaves us all in awe; and although I
looked real hard, I could not find those corners
marked by cliques or styles that always seem to
surface at every salsa event. Everyone came to party
with one another and have a good time. I definitely
commend StuckOnSalsa for providing such a healthy
salsa environment.
In addition to a great environment, there were a
handful of salsa cameos. Of course you had one the
best salsa dancers in the world, Shaka Brown, putting
on a show with every social dance, then there was his
guest from New York, who provided my best dance of the
night. Actually, her talent kinda caught me off guard.
Usually I prefer to mediate and stretch before dancing
with someone at that level waaay in the sky.
Needless to say, there were also local appearances
from DC's own Karen Aguilar, CeCe Villalobos and Rona
LeBlanc (just to name a few); and we can't forget
about the guys who were putting it down..DC's own
Orlando Machuca, Ronald Rios and Tony Nardolillo (just
to name a few). Also, while StuckOnSalsa's Kelvin
Harris and Earl Rush were not making sure everyone was
having the time of their life, they were on the floor
putting on a show themselves. Last but not least,
let's not forget about the out-of-town salseros
visiting from Atlanta, Philly, NC, SC, NY, NJ and
beyond; who drove crazy hours or booked expensive
flights just to get a taste of StuckOnSalsa Madness
(that's also a good thing).
All in all, this is one of the best non-congress salsa
events that I have ever been to. Great people, great
dancing, and a great environment will always produce
great results!
StuckOnSalsa, you did it again! I guess my only
question is, when's the next party?????
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
We are the 22nd most visited salsa web site in the USA and the 56th most visited salsa web site in the world
We are the 22nd most visited salsa web site in the USA and the 56th most visited salsa web site in the world according to www.salsaranking.com
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Birthday dance and social dancing video at ClaveKazi Grand opening
In the salsa scene we do a thing called a Birthday dance . Check out video clips of Elizabeth Deza's Birthday dance at CK Grand opening and social dancing
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
GoGo Earl's Review on the music at CK Grand Opening
I Have known Bruno for over 10 years and I tell every one all the time , they don't know Bruno like I know him . Back in the day Bruno was in a situation where he could play whatever he wanted and maybe I was lucky that what he felt like playing made me want to dance. But through the years times change, politics change , the scene changes and a crowd pretty much dictates what the dj plays if the DJ wants to be good and listen and be in tuned to his crowd. The party is not about the DJ it's about the dancers.
I still think Bruno is a great DJ but he will never be able to play in the commercial establishments like he can at a private party or like he played when I first met him at Latin Jazz Alley.
Bruno has been holding down Zanzibar for 8 years and Clarendon for 7 so regardless so no matter what I say, he has to be doing something right. He has been associated with the 2 best salsa dance clubs here in DC for a long time.He was invited to play at the West Coast Salsa Congress by Albert Torres, Also a club could not have longevity if the music isn't right.
I always wondered does the dancers have an effect on a DJ and I am pretty sure after Saturday night I know they do. Now one problem with me is I feel that there are thousands of songs to dance to so I don't believe the DJ should ever have a bad day . Now every one has a bad day , it's only human but I don't believe it. Let me get to the point. I have been to Clarendon Grill and some songs Bruno might have played I didn't like but hello the whole salsa world doesn't revolve around me.
But at a DC Salsa Congress or a CK Social where there are a lot of good dancers Bruno has never played a song I didn't like.On Saturday I felt like I was in a time capsule .Bruno was playing like I had first heard him 10 years ago. I was in Salsa/Mambo heaven. he was playing that music that just made you just go grab some one and dance. He was on point the whole night.
Now I have known Jon Trevino for a couple of years now. He took a couple of Classes along with Tess and Emma with me when he first started out at H20 . Yes I guess you can say I helped Jon become the guy you know see on Nuevotec in the SOS 4 year Anniversary Gallery.
Jon Trevino who is a very young man but is strictly Hard core Old school and he wears it like a badge and is damn proud of it. He has not been DJing long but he has a vast collection of old school music and he studies his craft hard. Jon has nor been dancing that long either but he can hold his own and dance with any level social dancer . But it takes more than a collection of songs and studying your craft to become a good dj. It takes time and experience. One thing about Jon is he is hard headed , I can say Jon you have to play something a little commercial and he would say okay and play about 7 songs from the early to late 50's by some mambo legends.
Jon is breaking into a field in a city where there are over 12 djs capable of rocking a house. so you have to try to carve your own niche . John's is he is hard core,willing to take chances and play something no one has dared to play , he has a phobia about people saying he plays it safe. Experience is important.
Though hard headed he has shown sides of listening and taking people's advice. Obviously I think Jon can play or he would not play at a StuckOnSalsa Party, let's not get crazy.But in trying to be obscure, Jon sometimes gets caught up in the music and his collection which sometimes has a tempo that is not good for Mambo or Salsa Dancing . I don't care what you say some of the old school stuff you just can't dance too . It's too fast.
Now Shaka gave Jon a shot on Friday night at the DC Salsa Congress and in my opinion Jon played too many songs that were too fast to dance too. I walked around asking people like Karen and Nelson and others what was wrong with Jon. I think maybe he got too excited. I complained to Shaka and he looked at me like quit complaining Earl and walked away. Jon was in a high pressure situation . But there have been times before when his songs in my opinion were too fast. I know he is just starting and I know he will learn. Well word of me and a few others complaining about the songs being too fast must have gotten back to Jon because the next night all his songs were danceable.
On Saturday night at the CK Grand Opening . Jon Trevino proved my point. You can play old school salsa that people can dance to all night long. I don't know whether he was playing with DC DJ legend DJ Bruno, the excitement of a new studio , the dancers or what but Jon Trevino was smoking. He was playing that salsa and mambo that made you feel like sitting down was the last thing you were thinking about. He was in a salsa/mambo zone the other night, he could do no wrong . It was the best I have ever heard him play. If he plays like that consistently , I might turn into a old school head myself. Jon's selections were salsa trance like. He went through a 53 minute stretch that was just insane . Salsa Shout out to Jon Trevino On Saturday you and DJ Bruno rocked the salsa house
I still think Bruno is a great DJ but he will never be able to play in the commercial establishments like he can at a private party or like he played when I first met him at Latin Jazz Alley.
Bruno has been holding down Zanzibar for 8 years and Clarendon for 7 so regardless so no matter what I say, he has to be doing something right. He has been associated with the 2 best salsa dance clubs here in DC for a long time.He was invited to play at the West Coast Salsa Congress by Albert Torres, Also a club could not have longevity if the music isn't right.
I always wondered does the dancers have an effect on a DJ and I am pretty sure after Saturday night I know they do. Now one problem with me is I feel that there are thousands of songs to dance to so I don't believe the DJ should ever have a bad day . Now every one has a bad day , it's only human but I don't believe it. Let me get to the point. I have been to Clarendon Grill and some songs Bruno might have played I didn't like but hello the whole salsa world doesn't revolve around me.
But at a DC Salsa Congress or a CK Social where there are a lot of good dancers Bruno has never played a song I didn't like.On Saturday I felt like I was in a time capsule .Bruno was playing like I had first heard him 10 years ago. I was in Salsa/Mambo heaven. he was playing that music that just made you just go grab some one and dance. He was on point the whole night.
Now I have known Jon Trevino for a couple of years now. He took a couple of Classes along with Tess and Emma with me when he first started out at H20 . Yes I guess you can say I helped Jon become the guy you know see on Nuevotec in the SOS 4 year Anniversary Gallery.
Jon Trevino who is a very young man but is strictly Hard core Old school and he wears it like a badge and is damn proud of it. He has not been DJing long but he has a vast collection of old school music and he studies his craft hard. Jon has nor been dancing that long either but he can hold his own and dance with any level social dancer . But it takes more than a collection of songs and studying your craft to become a good dj. It takes time and experience. One thing about Jon is he is hard headed , I can say Jon you have to play something a little commercial and he would say okay and play about 7 songs from the early to late 50's by some mambo legends.
Jon is breaking into a field in a city where there are over 12 djs capable of rocking a house. so you have to try to carve your own niche . John's is he is hard core,willing to take chances and play something no one has dared to play , he has a phobia about people saying he plays it safe. Experience is important.
Though hard headed he has shown sides of listening and taking people's advice. Obviously I think Jon can play or he would not play at a StuckOnSalsa Party, let's not get crazy.But in trying to be obscure, Jon sometimes gets caught up in the music and his collection which sometimes has a tempo that is not good for Mambo or Salsa Dancing . I don't care what you say some of the old school stuff you just can't dance too . It's too fast.
Now Shaka gave Jon a shot on Friday night at the DC Salsa Congress and in my opinion Jon played too many songs that were too fast to dance too. I walked around asking people like Karen and Nelson and others what was wrong with Jon. I think maybe he got too excited. I complained to Shaka and he looked at me like quit complaining Earl and walked away. Jon was in a high pressure situation . But there have been times before when his songs in my opinion were too fast. I know he is just starting and I know he will learn. Well word of me and a few others complaining about the songs being too fast must have gotten back to Jon because the next night all his songs were danceable.
On Saturday night at the CK Grand Opening . Jon Trevino proved my point. You can play old school salsa that people can dance to all night long. I don't know whether he was playing with DC DJ legend DJ Bruno, the excitement of a new studio , the dancers or what but Jon Trevino was smoking. He was playing that salsa and mambo that made you feel like sitting down was the last thing you were thinking about. He was in a salsa/mambo zone the other night, he could do no wrong . It was the best I have ever heard him play. If he plays like that consistently , I might turn into a old school head myself. Jon's selections were salsa trance like. He went through a 53 minute stretch that was just insane . Salsa Shout out to Jon Trevino On Saturday you and DJ Bruno rocked the salsa house
GoGo Earl giving video salsa news update on SNN
Anybody can write some text but not everyone can give a audio or video update like GoGo Earl.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Review on the ClaveKazi Grand Opening
I was entering the place and though I could not see I could tell by the way the music was playing that the place was hopping. I walk up the steps and sure enough the joint was jumping. Jon Trevino was playing at the time and I couldn't wait to dance.I had no thoughts about taking photos. More on Jon later. The facility has 2 large areas for classes and large party rooms if needed. The second studio in the future will be be used for the Bachata, Reggaeton and Hip Hop room . A great crowd turned out last night. It was a good mixture of the DC Hard core salseros, a nice out of town mix, and beginner and intermediate dancers . Some one said they couldn't find a seat, I told her honey,I don't think most of the people in here came to sit down they came to dance. who needs a seat?
Let's get to the salsa skinny
The Facility has lots of room to dance,and room to socialize if you are not dancing. The floor was excellent. Fast but not slippery almost perfect. I think, I hit a personal record for spins in succession last night , very friendly to the feet . It's a dancer friendly floor for sure . Top Notch I give it 2 snaps up with a salsa shine twist. The music was so good I have to do a separate review on that subject .
Shaka and the ClaveKazi crew were great host and hostesses as every one in the room was dancing all night long. No attitudes just flat out dancing.
A great party and I look forward to many more. This will definitely be the place to be when you feel you need to get your Salsa Groove on any Saturday night the social is scheduled.
Let's get to the salsa skinny
The Facility has lots of room to dance,and room to socialize if you are not dancing. The floor was excellent. Fast but not slippery almost perfect. I think, I hit a personal record for spins in succession last night , very friendly to the feet . It's a dancer friendly floor for sure . Top Notch I give it 2 snaps up with a salsa shine twist. The music was so good I have to do a separate review on that subject .
Shaka and the ClaveKazi crew were great host and hostesses as every one in the room was dancing all night long. No attitudes just flat out dancing.
A great party and I look forward to many more. This will definitely be the place to be when you feel you need to get your Salsa Groove on any Saturday night the social is scheduled.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
On my way to the ClaveKazi Grand Opening
As I said earlier this one is going to be big . I have some new moves and I am ready to go. I will do a review tomorrow
There's more than just salsa music on the All Star Salsa Cruise
There's more than just salsa music on the All Star Salsa Cruise
Bboys and Bgirls at the All Star Salsa Cruise 2006
Bboys and Bgirls at the All Star Salsa Cruise 2006
They call me the Salsa party prognostigator
They call me the party prognosticator ,when people want to know what the weather is going to be like they look for the Ground Hog's shadow, when they want to know what the weather is going to be like they look at the Farmers' Almanac but when they want to know whether a party is going to be big or hot they call GoGo Earl from StuckOnSalsa
I know the salsa on the East coast like the back of my hand If I tell tell you it's going to be big it's going to be big , I can tell you crowd estimate and everything
Tonight's ClaveKazi Grand opening will have over 200 people there at least
THIS ONE IS GOING TO BE BIG , TRUST ME
This Saturday August 18, 2007 Grand Opening of ClaveKazi New Dance Complex
Social and performances 10 pm until 2 am
Located at 411 NY Avenue NE, 3rd Floor
Featuring, Parking, Air Conditioning, 2 Studios, and 4000 Sq/ft of space. Classes will include Salsa, Bachata, Hip-Hop, Pilates, Belly Dancing, Yoga, and regular socials. this will be the premier spot for the DC Salsa Community!
I know the salsa on the East coast like the back of my hand If I tell tell you it's going to be big it's going to be big , I can tell you crowd estimate and everything
Tonight's ClaveKazi Grand opening will have over 200 people there at least
THIS ONE IS GOING TO BE BIG , TRUST ME
This Saturday August 18, 2007 Grand Opening of ClaveKazi New Dance Complex
Social and performances 10 pm until 2 am
Located at 411 NY Avenue NE, 3rd Floor
Featuring, Parking, Air Conditioning, 2 Studios, and 4000 Sq/ft of space. Classes will include Salsa, Bachata, Hip-Hop, Pilates, Belly Dancing, Yoga, and regular socials. this will be the premier spot for the DC Salsa Community!
Friday, August 17, 2007
This is one on my favorite Mambo songs of all time from one of the Mambo Greats Machito
This is one on my favorite Mambo songs of all time from one on the Mambo Greats Machito . I just go crazy when I hear this song
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
DJ Emily Torres will be playing tonight WED Aug 17, 2007
at Zanzibar on the Waterfront located at 700 Water St Sw WDC from 8pm until 10pm followed by Mike "El Sonero" Morales.
Back to DJ Emily she is one of 3 Latina Djs in the DC Salsa area along with DJ Nancy Alonso of WPFW The Latin Flava 89.3 fm and DJ Elvira Who is known and respected all over the world.
I am telling you she rocked the house at the DC Salsa Congress 2005 and 2006 . Come on out and support Emily tonight
Back to DJ Emily she is one of 3 Latina Djs in the DC Salsa area along with DJ Nancy Alonso of WPFW The Latin Flava 89.3 fm and DJ Elvira Who is known and respected all over the world.
I am telling you she rocked the house at the DC Salsa Congress 2005 and 2006 . Come on out and support Emily tonight
Looking forward to September Classes
September is always a good time for me . I always meet a lot of new students in September from the College kids to people who have been on vacation all summer and are back in town.
I love teaching new students because I always learn new things when I teach new students. And I might be able to take what I learned from my new student and use it on a new or old student to get my point across. I think I will start teaching more timing classes as I see a real need for this in the community. A lot of people have moves but they are not doing the moves to the rhythm of the music.
If you can dance consistently on the beat , you will always be able to get a lot of social dances. It is not necessary to do a lot of crazy and wild stuff for people to want to dance with you but you have to be on beat. That's the first thing a dancer remembers about some one they just danced with .
I love teaching new students because I always learn new things when I teach new students. And I might be able to take what I learned from my new student and use it on a new or old student to get my point across. I think I will start teaching more timing classes as I see a real need for this in the community. A lot of people have moves but they are not doing the moves to the rhythm of the music.
If you can dance consistently on the beat , you will always be able to get a lot of social dances. It is not necessary to do a lot of crazy and wild stuff for people to want to dance with you but you have to be on beat. That's the first thing a dancer remembers about some one they just danced with .
You gotta be kidding me Over 93, 000 viewers on You Tube watched a video of a SOS Main Event
This video of a StuckOnSalsa Resolution Jam at Zanzibar has been viewed by over 93, 000 people on You Tube . Go Figure.
This video has helped to let people see all over the world that the DC Salsa Scene rocks and so does a StuckOnSalsa party. '
Judging by the comments people had no idea our scene was hot .
click on photo to see what people across the world are saying about
This video has helped to let people see all over the world that the DC Salsa Scene rocks and so does a StuckOnSalsa party. '
Judging by the comments people had no idea our scene was hot .
click on photo to see what people across the world are saying about
After being inspired by Ana and Joel, Ismael Otero and GoGo Earl perform on the All Star Salsa Cruise 2006
After being inspired by Ana and Joel, Ismael Otero and GoGo Earl perform on the All Star Salsa Cruise 2006
Earl and Ismael - Mambo Gallego redux
Earl and Ismael - Mambo Gallego redux
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
DR. SALSA ARCHIVES
DR. SALSA IS BACK GIVING ADVICE ON LOVE LIFE AND SALSA
Dear Dr. Salsa , I went to the New York Congress earlier this year and I found out everybody there dances on 2 and since I only dance on 1 I had to try and follow their lead on 2 all night. Don't you think the guys were being rude to me by expecting me to follow them on2 and not lead me on 1? Signed why can't I dance on what I want to
DR. Salsa : Dear why can't I dance on what I want to. I am going to assume you are new to the scene because everybody knows when you are at a New York Congress you dance on 2. You want to dance on what you want to but you don't want any one to dance on what they want to.. That does not seem fair, I do not think guys were being rude by not dancing on 1 with you, I think they were trying to expose you to something they thought you might like .and they were dancing on what they wanted to dance on. Besides if you want to dance on 1, go to the West coast Salsa Congress.
Dear Dr. Salsa : I have recently just realized that I have a salsa addiction and I get mad at my non salsa friends for not going out with me every night of the week and they get mad at me for not wanting to do anything else. It feels like my friends and I are starting to drift farther and farther apart . What can I do? Signed I don't care what my friends think I just want to dance salsa.
DR. Salsa: Dear I don't care what my friends think I just want to dance salsa , hold on. You need to pull your self together before you get in too deep and become a full fledged salsa- holic Can you imagine your life with out real friends, there is more too life than salsa. That's the people who you are hanging out with on the salsa scene will come and go, your real friends are for ever. Salsa is a very transient scene so don' put a lot of stock in the people that you are hanging out with now because they will eventually move on to other things and salsa will not be a part of their life after a while. I am not saying that you will not make new friends on the salsa scene but do not for sake your real friends for salsa . Be fair try to hang out with them in non salsa places and try to get them to hang out with you sometimes at a salsa club but don't try to make them go up to Philly, or Jimmy Anton's or a crazy StuckOnSalsa party
Dear Dr. Salsa : My best friend has joined a dance group and she never goes social dancing any more , she just goes to work and practices , what can I do to get my friend back?
DR Salsa: There us nothing you can do. Hopefully she will realize her salsa addiction for performing is getting out of hand and she will realize that it's nothing better to do than to go social dancing. In the meantime let her do her thing. Also you sound like you have never been in a group before so you really don't know how she feels. You might be the same way if you were in a group so just relax and worry about your self.
I just hate it when........
I just hate it when I ask a young lady to dance and the first thing she says to me is I am a beginner. I will find out that out in due time. I just want to dance with her I am not trying to win a competition with her. I will know what level she is on after the first 30 seconds of the song if she just let's me dance with her to find out. Please ladies when you see me out and we dance let me find out what level you are on.
Salsa Metro Awards
If SOS doesn't win one for the year 2006 promoter of the year a serious crime wll be committed. let's do a run down . The Spring Fever Affair with Sekou McMiller and Chrtistina Zavala, The crazy Resolution Jam , Special event with Ana and Joel and La Romana, Victor and Burju and PsyonMauricio for the 3 year anniversary with media coverage by www.iMambo.tv and www.nuevotec.com , The SOS radio release party at the Stardust Ballroom with Victor and Burju and PsyonMauricio DJ Jose Rodriguez, DH Clave and DJ Andy and capping the year of with The All Star Salsa Cruise 2006 with a Private beach party with Spanish Harlem Orchestra. Now you have to admit that was a hell of a Salsa Year. Wow what a feeling. Are you kidding me ? Who would have ever thought that GoGo Earl the brother from Northeast Washington, DC who grew up dancing to GoGo music by Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers would be introducing one of his favorite Salsa bands The Grammy award winning Spanish Harlem in Cozumel Mexico at a Private StuckonSalsa Beach party with all you can eat and all you can drink for free. You gotta be kidding me.
Salsa Meet Up Group
The Salsa Meet Up Group http://www.dcsalsameetup.com/ for the last 2 years has been keeping the salsa scene alive here in DC . On any given night they can roll in 150 deep at a venue. Let's face it if you have 50 people it's a party I don't care where you are. The Meet Up's Organizers Cathy Freeman and Mario Salsa and their Asst organizers do a excellent job of always having somewhere to go dance salsa. They are in general a real friendly bunch who just want to go out and have a good time. The funny thing is they started out not being in any one's clique and ended up forming one of the largest salsa cliques across the country . With over 1800 members they are a salsa force to be reckoned with .
This Saturday August 18, 2007 Grand Opening of ClaveKazi New Dance Complex
This Saturday August 18, 2007 Grand Opening of ClaveKazi New Dance Complex
Social and performances 10 pm until 2 am
Located at 411 NY Avenue NE, 3rd Floor
Featuring, Parking, Air Conditioning, 2 Studios, and 4000 Sq/ft of space. Classes will include Salsa, Bachata, Hip-Hop, Pilates, Belly Dancing, Yoga, and regular socials. this will be the premier spot for the DC Salsa Community!
Social and performances 10 pm until 2 am
Located at 411 NY Avenue NE, 3rd Floor
Featuring, Parking, Air Conditioning, 2 Studios, and 4000 Sq/ft of space. Classes will include Salsa, Bachata, Hip-Hop, Pilates, Belly Dancing, Yoga, and regular socials. this will be the premier spot for the DC Salsa Community!
The best of all time : The Nicholas Brothers
IT has nothing to do with salsa but my 35 years of tap dancing has definitely helped with my timing on the Salsa dance floor . I loved Gene Kelly , Fred Astaire Gregory and Maurice Hines but the Nicholas Brothers will always be the best !
Monday, August 13, 2007
GoGo Earl goes one on one with World famous Edie the Salsa Freak
Edie Lewis AKA as "Edie the Salsa Freak" is known all over the world for her dancing and teaching skill. She is also the founder of the most popular salsa web site on the web
After her 2 day workshops in DC for beginners and Ladies Styling Go Go Earl caught up with her
After her 2 day workshops in DC for beginners and Ladies Styling Go Go Earl caught up with her
My Opinion on El Cantante (Lonny Bramzon)
My Opinion on El Cantante (Lonny Bramzon)
First of all, this was the story of the man, Hector Lavoe, told from the perspective of his wife, Pucci.
This is not a mean to be a story about the beauty of Latin Culture, nor is it a documentary about Latin Artists coming up in New York. If it was, you would have heard about all of the other Fania artists.
Remember, this movie was about the life, marriage, struggle, and fate of Hector and Pucci.
It is a very personal story about a very personal struggle. . . Salsa was really just the backdrop of this story.
This movie is not an altruistic quest to spread the high moral and cultural standards of salsa?
To me, this music is very important and beautiful. . . to be perfectly honest, though, most people don't really give a sh*t about this music - they are much more interested in a powerful human story that everybody could relate to on some level.
Another point - why are salseros so concerned with an American family in a small town in middle America giving a shit about salsa?
Why should we all be such self righteous salsa missionaries?
These are two phenomenal Latin artists who are spreading their art of film-creation, acting, and music. For them to even conceive this film and bring it to the popular American big screen, is a tremendous tribute to Hector Lavoe.
This movie is powerful, and the cinematography is excellent. You would be a fool to miss this one.
-Lonnyhttp://www.myspace.com/eldefensor
First of all, this was the story of the man, Hector Lavoe, told from the perspective of his wife, Pucci.
This is not a mean to be a story about the beauty of Latin Culture, nor is it a documentary about Latin Artists coming up in New York. If it was, you would have heard about all of the other Fania artists.
Remember, this movie was about the life, marriage, struggle, and fate of Hector and Pucci.
It is a very personal story about a very personal struggle. . . Salsa was really just the backdrop of this story.
This movie is not an altruistic quest to spread the high moral and cultural standards of salsa?
To me, this music is very important and beautiful. . . to be perfectly honest, though, most people don't really give a sh*t about this music - they are much more interested in a powerful human story that everybody could relate to on some level.
Another point - why are salseros so concerned with an American family in a small town in middle America giving a shit about salsa?
Why should we all be such self righteous salsa missionaries?
These are two phenomenal Latin artists who are spreading their art of film-creation, acting, and music. For them to even conceive this film and bring it to the popular American big screen, is a tremendous tribute to Hector Lavoe.
This movie is powerful, and the cinematography is excellent. You would be a fool to miss this one.
-Lonnyhttp://www.myspace.com/eldefensor
Take the positives El Cantante The Movie
Take the positives
El Cantante - The Movie
by Chris Soto
Ok so this post is not intended to argue against the negative feedback surrounding "El Cantante." The purpose is to inform others that they can watch the movie and actually take some positive things away from it. I would hope that people don't JUST listen to the negatives and see the movie for themselves and formulate their OWN opinions.
When was the last time someone saw a great movie and posted something about it?
Not too often... but of course when something 'sucks' everyone has their opinion.
I totally respect the comments of Willie Colon and Milton Cardona (posted below) and agree with what they said. But the reality is, unless Willie Colon or Milton Cardona were producing the movie, they don't have much say about the content they provided. It is unfortunate their input wasn't used as much as they (and many others) would have hoped. In fact! There is another Hector Lavoe movie being produced (for these reasons) and that is great! People took action on what they didn't like and they are trying to do Hector a little more justice.
*
Did the movie OVER-emphasize Hector Lavoe's Drug Addiction? YES
*
Could the movie have highlighted more of Lavoe's positive contributions? YES
*
Was the movie inaccurate in some aspects? YES
*
Did the movie have a lot of J-Lo? YES
Let's get that out of the way... There were plenty of areas in the movie that needed improvement. Moving on....
First is the drug use... I would venture to say that about 80-90% of salsa fans at most have read a bio or two on hector from somewhere online. Most bios may have a sentence or two about his drug use and that's it. That's a good thing because we want to hear about the positives. At the same time, it leaves the majority not knowing that Hector was heavily addicted to drugs. When these people see the movie, it comes as a 'shock' that he was "SUCH" a drug addict. Through interviews and research, many will tell you that what was seen in the movie was in fact the truth.
So... was it true, yes.... Should they have emphasized it as much, probably not....
Let's think about this for a minute... As soon as word got out that Marc and J-LO were doing the movie, there was immediate criticism... Interestingly, I didn't hear about or see a movie from those who criticized, made about Hector. I am talking about musicians with money and influence with the potential to make a movie of this magnitude... Nope no movie from them, but plenty of criticism. Brings us back to "want something done, do it yourself"... Cliche yes but it's the reality.
Going back to Marc and J-Lo... who I am not big fans of; but think about the impact this movie has. An ALMOST ALL latino cast, latino director, and Latino producers. Wait, let me think back to another recent movie with the same credits.... hmmmmmm... kinda hard to think of one....
Is it a negative portrayal of latinos? ABSOLUTELY... I don't disagree one bit. But ultimately, Hector Lavoe's name as a "SALSA SUPERSTAR" will be known through anglo suburbs and households. Can't say that was the case before this movie. In addition, I can't tell you how many non-spanish speaking supporters of Lavoe loved the translation within the songs during the movie. A famous quote that I have heard following the movie "I always sang the lyrics but didn't know what he was saying or what he was singing about."
Again, was is the movie somewhat inaccurate, YES..... BUT.... there was plenty of accurate information for anyone wanting to learn more about Hector Lavoe and these individuals should really go see this movie... add it to everything else you learn from youtube.com and any other interview/bio you've read. Just more info to keep you better informed.
Aside from the historical and controversial aspects, I thought the movie looked good. This wasn't a low budget independent film with a chippy chop editing job. It was quality and I wouldn't expect anything less than with J-Lo producing it.
So in conclusion... see the movie for yourself. Don't let the negative feedback disuade you from seeing a decent movie, especially if you are salsa/Lavoe fan.
Will I buy the DVD? Damm right, cause who knows when the next time a latino decides to step up and make a movie about one of our great legends?
Chris Soto
LaVoz Magazine - Executive Editor
http://www.myspace.com/themamboproject
El Cantante - The Movie
by Chris Soto
Ok so this post is not intended to argue against the negative feedback surrounding "El Cantante." The purpose is to inform others that they can watch the movie and actually take some positive things away from it. I would hope that people don't JUST listen to the negatives and see the movie for themselves and formulate their OWN opinions.
When was the last time someone saw a great movie and posted something about it?
Not too often... but of course when something 'sucks' everyone has their opinion.
I totally respect the comments of Willie Colon and Milton Cardona (posted below) and agree with what they said. But the reality is, unless Willie Colon or Milton Cardona were producing the movie, they don't have much say about the content they provided. It is unfortunate their input wasn't used as much as they (and many others) would have hoped. In fact! There is another Hector Lavoe movie being produced (for these reasons) and that is great! People took action on what they didn't like and they are trying to do Hector a little more justice.
*
Did the movie OVER-emphasize Hector Lavoe's Drug Addiction? YES
*
Could the movie have highlighted more of Lavoe's positive contributions? YES
*
Was the movie inaccurate in some aspects? YES
*
Did the movie have a lot of J-Lo? YES
Let's get that out of the way... There were plenty of areas in the movie that needed improvement. Moving on....
First is the drug use... I would venture to say that about 80-90% of salsa fans at most have read a bio or two on hector from somewhere online. Most bios may have a sentence or two about his drug use and that's it. That's a good thing because we want to hear about the positives. At the same time, it leaves the majority not knowing that Hector was heavily addicted to drugs. When these people see the movie, it comes as a 'shock' that he was "SUCH" a drug addict. Through interviews and research, many will tell you that what was seen in the movie was in fact the truth.
So... was it true, yes.... Should they have emphasized it as much, probably not....
Let's think about this for a minute... As soon as word got out that Marc and J-LO were doing the movie, there was immediate criticism... Interestingly, I didn't hear about or see a movie from those who criticized, made about Hector. I am talking about musicians with money and influence with the potential to make a movie of this magnitude... Nope no movie from them, but plenty of criticism. Brings us back to "want something done, do it yourself"... Cliche yes but it's the reality.
Going back to Marc and J-Lo... who I am not big fans of; but think about the impact this movie has. An ALMOST ALL latino cast, latino director, and Latino producers. Wait, let me think back to another recent movie with the same credits.... hmmmmmm... kinda hard to think of one....
Is it a negative portrayal of latinos? ABSOLUTELY... I don't disagree one bit. But ultimately, Hector Lavoe's name as a "SALSA SUPERSTAR" will be known through anglo suburbs and households. Can't say that was the case before this movie. In addition, I can't tell you how many non-spanish speaking supporters of Lavoe loved the translation within the songs during the movie. A famous quote that I have heard following the movie "I always sang the lyrics but didn't know what he was saying or what he was singing about."
Again, was is the movie somewhat inaccurate, YES..... BUT.... there was plenty of accurate information for anyone wanting to learn more about Hector Lavoe and these individuals should really go see this movie... add it to everything else you learn from youtube.com and any other interview/bio you've read. Just more info to keep you better informed.
Aside from the historical and controversial aspects, I thought the movie looked good. This wasn't a low budget independent film with a chippy chop editing job. It was quality and I wouldn't expect anything less than with J-Lo producing it.
So in conclusion... see the movie for yourself. Don't let the negative feedback disuade you from seeing a decent movie, especially if you are salsa/Lavoe fan.
Will I buy the DVD? Damm right, cause who knows when the next time a latino decides to step up and make a movie about one of our great legends?
Chris Soto
LaVoz Magazine - Executive Editor
http://www.myspace.com/themamboproject
Interview with Earl Rush by Lavoz Magazine editor Johny Johnson in 2005
An Interview with Earl Rush - Washington, DC
JJ: Go-Go Earl, you are one of the funniest, most entertaining individuals that I have ever come across. Where did you get the nick-name Go-Go Earl?
GGE: I started out going to see the legendary Chuck Brown every day at the GoGo and he coined me the name GoGo Earl which back in the day was a honor given to the best dancers at the GoGo and my friends kept continued to call me that the rest of my life.
JJ: Your website StuckonSalsa.com out of DC is huge! How did you and Kelvin get started?
GGE: We were starting a social at a place called Maxim's on Sundays and we wanted to advertise our party, so we decided to create a website to create interest in the parties we were planning to have.
JJ: As a man of many styles of dance, what attributes do you think a salsa dancer should have in order to be considered "great?"
GGE: I think he should be able to break on 1 and on 2 almost as equally as well, be able to dance Cha Cha, be able to size up his partners skills in the 1st minute of the dance, be able to dance with his partner and make sure she leaves the dance floor with a smile on her face.
JJ: StuckonSalsa has some of the best Salsa parties in the world. What's the secret? Please, we need your help in Atlanta :)
GGE: There is no secret. It is a plain and simple plan and here it is: Salsa dancers only want to do one thing and that is dance. So you keep your plan simple. Make your place conducive for dancers, Have plenty of open space, a DJ that plays good dance music and a dance surface that will be comfortable for dancers to dance on for 6 hours, a place with convenient parking and a location that is easy to get to for most people.
JJ: Where would you rate the DC salsa scene in comparison to other the major cities that you have visited?
GGE: I think DC ranks right up there - somewhere in the top three.
JJ: Any additional comments you would like to share?
GGE: I feel honored that you asked me to participate in this forum.
JJ: Stuck on Salsa is approaching its second year. Congratulations!! You guys had a big year this past year. Can you take a moment to reflect on some of the most memorable moments of the year of SOS?
GGE: Johnny there were so many but I will try to be short because I know you are a busy man with all the great work you have been doing with the publication. Coming to Atlanta and back to Washington, DC with Liz Lira and the guys from Hollywood coming to a StuckOnsalsa party to scout dancers for their movie project were experiences I will never forget. The party that we had in November called " The party" where you and people from all over the country came to support SOS was another great time. Choco and Nancy Ortiz’s Party where I got to dance with a lot of A-listers from New York was also hot, along with the PR and New York Congresses.
JJ: You guys have the All-Star Salsa Cruise coming up soon. This is a highly anticipated event within the salsa community. It is also a very unique one as well. What inspired you guys to take on the task?
GGE: Kelvin Harris my buines partner is always thinking big, he wanted to do something that no one else was doing . Albert Torres and David Melendez pretty much run the Salsa Congress circuit in this country. There have been Salsa cruises but none that has had the lineup that we will be having on our Cruise. We looked at the dollars and cents of the situation and figured out it was cheaper to go on a cruise then to to travel to a Congress for an individual. You can spend the same amount of money that you would spend on a Congress and get 4 meals a day on the cruise. We also find out there were a lot of people who had never been on a cruise let alone a Salsa cruise.
JJ: What do you guys have planned during the upcoming year?
GGE:In the next year we will finalize the plans to make the All-Star Salsa cruise an annual event. We are bringing back the Sunday Social twice a month starting May 15, 2005 . We have our 2 year anniversary on Saturday June 25, 2005 . We will be having our annual SOS pool party coming up this summer.We will bringing more instructors from out of town for workshop to keep the salsa scene in DC stimulated and we are putting all our efforts to help Shaka Brown and David Melendez make The DC Salsa Congress an event to remember. Be on the lookout for the Life and Times of a DC Salsero a half reality half fictional online soap opera
JJ: Any Additional Comments
GGE: Thanks Johnny so much for all of your support for StuckOnsala , a lot of people come to our site from the links that you put on your site and it is greatly appreciated. A quick Salsa shout to all of the StuckOnsalsa crew, Kelvin Harris, Sheila McNeil, Maribel Soto, Liz Pilatuna and Tony Nardoliilo, to my man in Atlanta Rick Greenfield who is the SOS correspondent in Atlanta, Jimmy Rumba and Randi Pearson La Style in Atlanta and to all the salseros who came out of town to party with StuckOnsalsa.
JJ: Go-Go Earl, you are one of the funniest, most entertaining individuals that I have ever come across. Where did you get the nick-name Go-Go Earl?
GGE: I started out going to see the legendary Chuck Brown every day at the GoGo and he coined me the name GoGo Earl which back in the day was a honor given to the best dancers at the GoGo and my friends kept continued to call me that the rest of my life.
JJ: Your website StuckonSalsa.com out of DC is huge! How did you and Kelvin get started?
GGE: We were starting a social at a place called Maxim's on Sundays and we wanted to advertise our party, so we decided to create a website to create interest in the parties we were planning to have.
JJ: As a man of many styles of dance, what attributes do you think a salsa dancer should have in order to be considered "great?"
GGE: I think he should be able to break on 1 and on 2 almost as equally as well, be able to dance Cha Cha, be able to size up his partners skills in the 1st minute of the dance, be able to dance with his partner and make sure she leaves the dance floor with a smile on her face.
JJ: StuckonSalsa has some of the best Salsa parties in the world. What's the secret? Please, we need your help in Atlanta :)
GGE: There is no secret. It is a plain and simple plan and here it is: Salsa dancers only want to do one thing and that is dance. So you keep your plan simple. Make your place conducive for dancers, Have plenty of open space, a DJ that plays good dance music and a dance surface that will be comfortable for dancers to dance on for 6 hours, a place with convenient parking and a location that is easy to get to for most people.
JJ: Where would you rate the DC salsa scene in comparison to other the major cities that you have visited?
GGE: I think DC ranks right up there - somewhere in the top three.
JJ: Any additional comments you would like to share?
GGE: I feel honored that you asked me to participate in this forum.
JJ: Stuck on Salsa is approaching its second year. Congratulations!! You guys had a big year this past year. Can you take a moment to reflect on some of the most memorable moments of the year of SOS?
GGE: Johnny there were so many but I will try to be short because I know you are a busy man with all the great work you have been doing with the publication. Coming to Atlanta and back to Washington, DC with Liz Lira and the guys from Hollywood coming to a StuckOnsalsa party to scout dancers for their movie project were experiences I will never forget. The party that we had in November called " The party" where you and people from all over the country came to support SOS was another great time. Choco and Nancy Ortiz’s Party where I got to dance with a lot of A-listers from New York was also hot, along with the PR and New York Congresses.
JJ: You guys have the All-Star Salsa Cruise coming up soon. This is a highly anticipated event within the salsa community. It is also a very unique one as well. What inspired you guys to take on the task?
GGE: Kelvin Harris my buines partner is always thinking big, he wanted to do something that no one else was doing . Albert Torres and David Melendez pretty much run the Salsa Congress circuit in this country. There have been Salsa cruises but none that has had the lineup that we will be having on our Cruise. We looked at the dollars and cents of the situation and figured out it was cheaper to go on a cruise then to to travel to a Congress for an individual. You can spend the same amount of money that you would spend on a Congress and get 4 meals a day on the cruise. We also find out there were a lot of people who had never been on a cruise let alone a Salsa cruise.
JJ: What do you guys have planned during the upcoming year?
GGE:In the next year we will finalize the plans to make the All-Star Salsa cruise an annual event. We are bringing back the Sunday Social twice a month starting May 15, 2005 . We have our 2 year anniversary on Saturday June 25, 2005 . We will be having our annual SOS pool party coming up this summer.We will bringing more instructors from out of town for workshop to keep the salsa scene in DC stimulated and we are putting all our efforts to help Shaka Brown and David Melendez make The DC Salsa Congress an event to remember. Be on the lookout for the Life and Times of a DC Salsero a half reality half fictional online soap opera
JJ: Any Additional Comments
GGE: Thanks Johnny so much for all of your support for StuckOnsala , a lot of people come to our site from the links that you put on your site and it is greatly appreciated. A quick Salsa shout to all of the StuckOnsalsa crew, Kelvin Harris, Sheila McNeil, Maribel Soto, Liz Pilatuna and Tony Nardoliilo, to my man in Atlanta Rick Greenfield who is the SOS correspondent in Atlanta, Jimmy Rumba and Randi Pearson La Style in Atlanta and to all the salseros who came out of town to party with StuckOnsalsa.
Elieen Torres review of The Movie "El Cantante"
Eileen's Review
Thank you Jennifer Lopez! Thank you for putting your power behind this film. Of course it would take a Latina with name, money and Hollywood muscle to bring the name Hector Lavoe to the attention of the public. El Cantante is the story of Hector Lavoe, the legendary salsa singer known as much for his lyrical improvisation as for his habitual tardiness. It is the life of Hector Lavoe as seen through the eyes of his wife, Puchi. The movie is not perfect. There are inaccuracies. However the audience is taken back in time and given information to bring about an understanding of Hector's heart and mind, his journey to stardom and the poor choices that led to his demise. Jennifer's portrayal of Puchi reaffirms her right to be on top in Hollywood. It reminds us once again why she is a star. She brings a range of emotion to the role that gives the audience a glimpse of what it must have been like to be married to a superstar living with equal measures of glory and demons. She looks beautiful and glamorous and is truly believable. It doesn't matter that she is in nearly every scene. It's her movie.
Oprah is on every cover of O Magazine. Marc Anthony is marvelous. He demonstrates that he has what it takes to be on the big screen. He gives a soulful portrayal of a man who went from innocence to underworldly darkness. It was correct to have him sing Hector's songs in his own voice. Marc posses one of the finest voices today. He did justice to Hector's body of work. Salseros that experienced the Fania Era will be delighted to travel down salsa memory lane. The music is fantastic and accurate for the time. It was wonderful to hear the music of that era in the background. Music by the king of Latin Soul, Joe Bataan and Joe Cuba during the Boogaloo days befits the time of Hector's arrival in New York. Music by the Fania All Stars happily seeps in and out of the story. Ismael Miranda, also a singer with the Fania All Stars plays the role of Hector's father-and plays it well. Yes there will be detractors ready to tear this movie apart. Yes it shows a negative portrayal of Latin musicians and drugs. Unfortunately it is accurate for too many but certainly not all musicians. We must play up the positive and minimize the negative. Let's not forget the importance of this movie. There are too few vehicles for Latinos in front and behind the cameras. Jennifer gave scores of Latinos with too few possibilities for finding film opportunities the chance to work and express. Thank you Jennifer. Thank you Marc. Thank you Hector-you are alive in our hearts through your music. We love you and miss you terribly!
Thank you Jennifer Lopez! Thank you for putting your power behind this film. Of course it would take a Latina with name, money and Hollywood muscle to bring the name Hector Lavoe to the attention of the public. El Cantante is the story of Hector Lavoe, the legendary salsa singer known as much for his lyrical improvisation as for his habitual tardiness. It is the life of Hector Lavoe as seen through the eyes of his wife, Puchi. The movie is not perfect. There are inaccuracies. However the audience is taken back in time and given information to bring about an understanding of Hector's heart and mind, his journey to stardom and the poor choices that led to his demise. Jennifer's portrayal of Puchi reaffirms her right to be on top in Hollywood. It reminds us once again why she is a star. She brings a range of emotion to the role that gives the audience a glimpse of what it must have been like to be married to a superstar living with equal measures of glory and demons. She looks beautiful and glamorous and is truly believable. It doesn't matter that she is in nearly every scene. It's her movie.
Oprah is on every cover of O Magazine. Marc Anthony is marvelous. He demonstrates that he has what it takes to be on the big screen. He gives a soulful portrayal of a man who went from innocence to underworldly darkness. It was correct to have him sing Hector's songs in his own voice. Marc posses one of the finest voices today. He did justice to Hector's body of work. Salseros that experienced the Fania Era will be delighted to travel down salsa memory lane. The music is fantastic and accurate for the time. It was wonderful to hear the music of that era in the background. Music by the king of Latin Soul, Joe Bataan and Joe Cuba during the Boogaloo days befits the time of Hector's arrival in New York. Music by the Fania All Stars happily seeps in and out of the story. Ismael Miranda, also a singer with the Fania All Stars plays the role of Hector's father-and plays it well. Yes there will be detractors ready to tear this movie apart. Yes it shows a negative portrayal of Latin musicians and drugs. Unfortunately it is accurate for too many but certainly not all musicians. We must play up the positive and minimize the negative. Let's not forget the importance of this movie. There are too few vehicles for Latinos in front and behind the cameras. Jennifer gave scores of Latinos with too few possibilities for finding film opportunities the chance to work and express. Thank you Jennifer. Thank you Marc. Thank you Hector-you are alive in our hearts through your music. We love you and miss you terribly!
The First Season of the Life and Times of A DC salsero
Welcome to The Life and Time of a DC Salsero Salsa's only On line soap opera .
The Life and Times of a DC Salsero is a half fictional half reality salsa soap opera based out of Washington, DC
Opening Characters
The Hero of the story Juan Carlos Club Owner of Whatever where they dance on1 and On2
Nick Johnson Club Owner of Club LA where they dance only on 1
Helena Nick Johnson's girlfriend who is sleeping with his rival Juan Carlos
Roberta a Mysterious salsera from Chicago
Slim Johnson Nick's cousin a private detective
and all the DC Salseros and Salseras
Episode No 1
His Great grandfather was a hustler his granddfather was a huslter his father was a hustler and Juan Carlos was no different.
He has 2 serious addictions which are making money and salsa. He grew up in DC and knew the city like the back of his hand. .He was the owner of Club Whatever one of the Salsa Hot spots in DC . His rival at the moment was Nick Johnson owner of Club La another DC salsa hot spot. Though he had made money all kinds of ways and had many connections Juan Carlos had left the Hustler life alone and had gone completely legitimate. Ths story is about Juan Carlos ' addictions and other people's addictions and how it affect their lives in Washington. DC, DC
Episode No 2 http://stuckonsalsa.com/life_and_times_of_dc__salsero_episode_2/
Episode No 3 http://stuckonsalsa.com/episode_3_life_and_times_of_a_dc_salsero/
Episode No 4 http://stuckonsalsa.com/episode_4_life_and_times_of_a_dc_salsero/
Eisode No 5 http://stuckonsalsa.com/episode_5_life_and_times_of_a_dc_salsero/
Episode No 6 http://stuckonsalsa.com/episode_no_6_of_the_life_and_times_of_a_dc_salsero/
Epsidoe No 7 http://stuckonsalsa.com/episode_no_6_of_the_life_and_times_of_a_dc_salsero/
Episode No 8 http://stuckonsalsa.com/episode_8f_life_and_times_of_a_dc_salsero/
Episode No 9 http://stuckonsalsa.com/episode_9_pf_life_and_times_of_dc_salsero
Episode no 10 http://stuckonsalsa.com/epsiode_10_of_the_llife_and_times_of_a_dc_salsero/
Episode no 11 http://stuckonsalsa.com/episode_no_11_the_life_and_times_of_a_dc_salsero
Episode No 12 http://stuckonsalsa.com/the_life_and_times_of_a_dcc_salsero_episode_12/
Episode No 13 http://stuckonsalsa.com/lofe_and_times_episode_no_13/
Episode No 14 http://stuckonsalsa.com/life_and_times_of_dc_salsero__no_14/
check out www.stuckonsalsa.com for all the DC salsa news
The Life and Times of a DC Salsero is a half fictional half reality salsa soap opera based out of Washington, DC
Opening Characters
The Hero of the story Juan Carlos Club Owner of Whatever where they dance on1 and On2
Nick Johnson Club Owner of Club LA where they dance only on 1
Helena Nick Johnson's girlfriend who is sleeping with his rival Juan Carlos
Roberta a Mysterious salsera from Chicago
Slim Johnson Nick's cousin a private detective
and all the DC Salseros and Salseras
Episode No 1
His Great grandfather was a hustler his granddfather was a huslter his father was a hustler and Juan Carlos was no different.
He has 2 serious addictions which are making money and salsa. He grew up in DC and knew the city like the back of his hand. .He was the owner of Club Whatever one of the Salsa Hot spots in DC . His rival at the moment was Nick Johnson owner of Club La another DC salsa hot spot. Though he had made money all kinds of ways and had many connections Juan Carlos had left the Hustler life alone and had gone completely legitimate. Ths story is about Juan Carlos ' addictions and other people's addictions and how it affect their lives in Washington. DC, DC
Episode No 2 http://stuckonsalsa.com/life_and_times_of_dc__salsero_episode_2/
Episode No 3 http://stuckonsalsa.com/episode_3_life_and_times_of_a_dc_salsero/
Episode No 4 http://stuckonsalsa.com/episode_4_life_and_times_of_a_dc_salsero/
Eisode No 5 http://stuckonsalsa.com/episode_5_life_and_times_of_a_dc_salsero/
Episode No 6 http://stuckonsalsa.com/episode_no_6_of_the_life_and_times_of_a_dc_salsero/
Epsidoe No 7 http://stuckonsalsa.com/episode_no_6_of_the_life_and_times_of_a_dc_salsero/
Episode No 8 http://stuckonsalsa.com/episode_8f_life_and_times_of_a_dc_salsero/
Episode No 9 http://stuckonsalsa.com/episode_9_pf_life_and_times_of_dc_salsero
Episode no 10 http://stuckonsalsa.com/epsiode_10_of_the_llife_and_times_of_a_dc_salsero/
Episode no 11 http://stuckonsalsa.com/episode_no_11_the_life_and_times_of_a_dc_salsero
Episode No 12 http://stuckonsalsa.com/the_life_and_times_of_a_dcc_salsero_episode_12/
Episode No 13 http://stuckonsalsa.com/lofe_and_times_episode_no_13/
Episode No 14 http://stuckonsalsa.com/life_and_times_of_dc_salsero__no_14/
check out www.stuckonsalsa.com for all the DC salsa news
I had no idea any one knew about my Blog
Salsa in DC blog up and running again
Posted in dance links, salsa at 10:58 pm by Maria
After a 4-month silence, Earl Rush has started posting to his Salsa in DC blog again. Earl runs StuckOnSalsa, the go-to source for information on the DC salsa scene.
As I’ve said before, I find StuckOnSalsa very hard to keep up with due to its confusing layout and lack of RSS feed (My life is so crazy that if something doesn’t have an RSS feed, it pretty much doesn’t exist to me. Google has succeeded in world domination at least in my corner of the world– pretty much the only things I use online these days are Gmail and Google Reader for all my blog feeds). It also drives me crazy with all the flashing ads, impossible-to-find content buried under a myriad of links, and cringe-inducing quantities of spelling and grammatical errors.
At any rate, the Salsa in DC Blog is worth a look. In my favorite post so far, Earl pledges to stop being so lazy with the spell checker.
Other highlights include a not-so-fictional online salsa soap opera in installments, and some commentary on El Cantante. Keep in mind that Earl is a promoter (and certainly without him the DC scene would not be what it is), but it looks like he’s using his blog as an expressive outlet, and leaving the promotion to StuckOnSalsa. I applaud this separation and look forward to more frequent updates from here on out.
Posted in dance links, salsa at 10:58 pm by Maria
After a 4-month silence, Earl Rush has started posting to his Salsa in DC blog again. Earl runs StuckOnSalsa, the go-to source for information on the DC salsa scene.
As I’ve said before, I find StuckOnSalsa very hard to keep up with due to its confusing layout and lack of RSS feed (My life is so crazy that if something doesn’t have an RSS feed, it pretty much doesn’t exist to me. Google has succeeded in world domination at least in my corner of the world– pretty much the only things I use online these days are Gmail and Google Reader for all my blog feeds). It also drives me crazy with all the flashing ads, impossible-to-find content buried under a myriad of links, and cringe-inducing quantities of spelling and grammatical errors.
At any rate, the Salsa in DC Blog is worth a look. In my favorite post so far, Earl pledges to stop being so lazy with the spell checker.
Other highlights include a not-so-fictional online salsa soap opera in installments, and some commentary on El Cantante. Keep in mind that Earl is a promoter (and certainly without him the DC scene would not be what it is), but it looks like he’s using his blog as an expressive outlet, and leaving the promotion to StuckOnSalsa. I applaud this separation and look forward to more frequent updates from here on out.
Willie Colon Speak out on El Cantante
The Creators of El Cantante missed an opportunity to do something of relevance for our community. The real story was about Hector fighting the obstacles of a non-supportive industry that took advantage of entertainers with his charisma and talent. Instead they did another movie about two Puerto Rican junkies. The impact of drugs in the entertainment industry is nothing new; look at Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan and Whitney Houston today.
I think Hector deserves the recognition the movie pretended to give him. However, as someone who advised the producers, it's painfully obvious that they didn't understand what made him so important. It was the music. It was his talent. They didn't understand or respect the true importance of our music to people around the world. It's difficult to comprehend how two individuals who are in the music business like Marc and Jennifer are not aware of the damage and the consequences of promoting only the negative side of our Latin music culture.
I was disappointed that there wasn't a minimal effort to correct what I felt were serious chronological and factual errors. This tells me that they expeditiously crafted the simplest cliché script in order to just make a film quickly.
After the premier of El Cantante in Puerto Rico there were several statements of protest by people who had supported and participated in the project until they saw it. Their complaints were not about sour grapes or J-lo and Marc bashing but from a sense of betrayal and disappointment.
We are all invested in the world that this movie represents. For many of us the hope of our story finally being told sank into the horizon with the final version of this film.
Willie Colón
check out www.stuckonsalsa.com for all the DC salsa news
I think Hector deserves the recognition the movie pretended to give him. However, as someone who advised the producers, it's painfully obvious that they didn't understand what made him so important. It was the music. It was his talent. They didn't understand or respect the true importance of our music to people around the world. It's difficult to comprehend how two individuals who are in the music business like Marc and Jennifer are not aware of the damage and the consequences of promoting only the negative side of our Latin music culture.
I was disappointed that there wasn't a minimal effort to correct what I felt were serious chronological and factual errors. This tells me that they expeditiously crafted the simplest cliché script in order to just make a film quickly.
After the premier of El Cantante in Puerto Rico there were several statements of protest by people who had supported and participated in the project until they saw it. Their complaints were not about sour grapes or J-lo and Marc bashing but from a sense of betrayal and disappointment.
We are all invested in the world that this movie represents. For many of us the hope of our story finally being told sank into the horizon with the final version of this film.
Willie Colón
check out www.stuckonsalsa.com for all the DC salsa news
Spell check
I get a lot of E mails from people telling me they love www.stuckonsalsa.com they just ask that I stop being so lazy and start using spell check because there are just too many words that are spelled incorrectly. I need to stop being so lazy
check out www.stuckonsalsa.com for all the DC salsa news
check out www.stuckonsalsa.com for all the DC salsa news
DC Salsa Scene
As quiet as it is kept DC is the Unofficial number one Social Dancing Scene in the The States. You can get your on1 your on2 and your on clave on here in DC . We have all levels of dancers here from Beginner to the pros like Psyon Mauricio and Shaka Brown . Wow did you see these guys at the DC Salsa Congress.
That's right 2 brothers from DC who represented in 2 of the hottest dance performances so far this year. First at the Flava Invasion 2 which was the best performance without a doubt of the 2 and at the DC Salsa Congress. Damn they made A DC Salsero and Salsera feel good to see DC representing like that.
The bottom line is no matter what beat you break on any time you go out dancing in DC you will be able to find someone to help you get your Salsa Groove on .
Now I will tell you this right now there is no city in the country that can go 8 or 9 deep with thorough salsa DJs like DC can or maybe even more .
It's hard to get a DJ gig here because everyone is so good . Shout out to DJ Bruno, DJ Nancy Alonso, Dj Chris, DJ Andy "EL Mas Bailable", Dj Mike "EL Sonero" ,DJ Neo , Dj Elite Rumbero, DJ Ali "El Oso Negro" DJ Emily Dj Jon"Vino" Trevino all these Guys and Gals can throw down , That's an impressive roster .
That's right 2 brothers from DC who represented in 2 of the hottest dance performances so far this year. First at the Flava Invasion 2 which was the best performance without a doubt of the 2 and at the DC Salsa Congress. Damn they made A DC Salsero and Salsera feel good to see DC representing like that.
The bottom line is no matter what beat you break on any time you go out dancing in DC you will be able to find someone to help you get your Salsa Groove on .
Now I will tell you this right now there is no city in the country that can go 8 or 9 deep with thorough salsa DJs like DC can or maybe even more .
It's hard to get a DJ gig here because everyone is so good . Shout out to DJ Bruno, DJ Nancy Alonso, Dj Chris, DJ Andy "EL Mas Bailable", Dj Mike "EL Sonero" ,DJ Neo , Dj Elite Rumbero, DJ Ali "El Oso Negro" DJ Emily Dj Jon"Vino" Trevino all these Guys and Gals can throw down , That's an impressive roster .
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