New York Salsa International Congress 2011

El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico performed as the main event and I was given VIP seating to watch them up close. The thing that was interesting is how much fun the band and singers were having. They played for two whole hours and never once looked bored to do their job. Reflecting on my life recently, I have tried to think about my passions.  I realized that the band was having fun because it was not a job to them. They display a pure example of belief – “if you do what you are passionate about, you will never work a day in your life”.

The things that I think we all may struggle with is, can we be passionate about things we are good already at, can we become passionate about things we already do or can we live with satisfaction that status quo is good enough.

Below are some pictures and video of the congress.

Salsa in Greece

Another series in finding salsa around the world.  I was vacationing in the Greek Islands and our first stop was Mykonos.  The first few nights we spent scouting the town and drinking at a few bars.  On the way to the hotel we saw a flyer for the Bolero Lounge that was hosting a Cuban band called La CucaRacha.  Yes! The bartenders thought we were so much fun that they gave us free drinks throughout the night.

New York International Salsa Congress

Hi readers,

I have been looking over the schedule to plan my time at the congress efficiently and around my work shcedule.  I thought that transferring the NYISC salsa schedule to word and printing it smaller will keep me on track at the congress.  If you want to do the same feel free to download the NYISC_Schedule and print it.  Be sure to double check the official website for changes.

Hope to see many of you there!

Appearance on MamboNYC.com

I was intervied at sunset salsa.  Here is the clip.

http://mambonyc.com/video/tuesdays-sunset-salsa-extended-until-august-25th

Appearance on ABC

I am glad that the sunset salsa crew got some needed exposure on ABC.  The event is ending soon and hopefully this will give it the boost it needs to help spread the word.

You can even see me, in a white shirt, at some point trying to help out another salsa dancer with her moves.

http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/video?id=6957862

Sunset Salsa in NYC

The event was great.  It included a free salsa lesson and an opportunity to ask salsa professionals some questions about style and technique.  I hope that we continue to get a great showing.  If you are in town on the dates make sure to stop by and if you work in the area come straight after work.  There are restaurants and bars all around the area.  This will could also be a free activity for you and your coworkers to attend.

http://www.facebook.com/events.php?ref=sb#/event.php?eid=105025710167

Salsa in Barbados – Sweet Potatoes

While in Christ Church, Barbados for July 4th we visited Sweet Potatoes lounge on their salsa night. It was pretty empty when we arrived but it soon filled up. Some of the gentlemen I spoke to were self taught and only wished there was a bigger salsa scene in the area. They promised to keep on dancing and try to attract more locals. All of the dancers I saw danced on 1. There were 15 year old twin brothers spinning women through the dance floor. After a conversation with them I learned that their mom has encouraged them to salsa dance since they were 10.

If you are ever in De Gap area in Barbados be sure to check this place out and bring your salsa moves with you!

Salsa in Barbados

I’ll be checking out these two events.

Lesson with Talia

I took a lesson with Talia, from Stepping Out Studios, and it’s always an amazing experience practicing with a pro.  It seems to take a casual dancer to another level.  It inspires me to be better and to try really hard to correct my styling.  I worked on a few moves with my wife and Talia and put together a short combination of intermediate routines including the copa, a scoop, a wrap, and an around the world.  Hopefully I’ll get somewhat better and post it.

My recommendation is to mix your regular dance classes with a few private hours of instruction to get that one on one experience.

Link to Talia

Dance sneaker style

I was always against wearing dance sneakers to class because they lacked style.  I guess I should care less about how what my shoes look like and more about how my dance looks like.  So while browsing around zappos.com I found a pair of Nike dance sneakers.  Since I already have a pair of futuristic looking dance sneakers I am going to buy these and compare.  If anyone has already tested them please comment.