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How to Create the Perfect Samba Dance Routine for Your Next Performance

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Samba, a lively and energetic dance form that originated in Brazil, is known for its infectious rhythm, vibrant movements, and dazzling costumes. Whether you’re a professional dancer or someone looking to add a touch of excitement to your next performance, creating a perfect samba dance routine can elevate your showmanship and captivate your audience. In this blog post, we will guide you through the essential steps to craft a stunning samba routine that will leave a lasting impression. But first, let’s dive into the world of samba costume styles to inspire your performance.

Samba Costume Styles

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When it comes to samba dance, costumes play a crucial role in enhancing the visual appeal and reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Brazil. Samba costume styles come in a variety of designs, colors, and embellishments, each representing a unique aspect of Brazilian culture. To create an authentic and eye-catching samba dance routine, it’s essential to choose the right costume that complements your choreography.

Now that you have gained some inspiration from samba costume styles, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of creating an unforgettable samba dance routine:

1. Understand the Samba Rhythm

The heartbeat of samba lies in its infectious rhythm. To create an authentic routine, it is vital to immerse yourself in the music and understand its nuances. Listen to various samba tracks, study the beats, and feel the energy of the music flowing through your body. Internalize the rhythm, and let it guide your movements and choreography.

2. Choreograph Engaging Movements

Samba is characterized by its lively, energetic movements that radiate joy and passion. Incorporate a mix of fast footwork, hip and body isolations, and fluid arm movements into your routine. Experiment with different combinations and explore the versatility of samba steps. Remember to maintain a strong posture, keep your movements sharp and precise, and exude confidence throughout your performance.

3. Add Showstopping Tricks and Acrobatics

To create a memorable samba routine, consider adding showstopping tricks and acrobatic elements. These can include spins, flips, high kicks, and other daring movements that showcase your agility and athleticism. However, it’s important to prioritize safety and practice these stunts under the guidance of a trained professional to avoid any injuries.

4. Incorporate Authentic Brazilian Elements

Infuse your routine with authentic Brazilian elements to capture the essence of samba. This can include elements like capoeira-inspired movements, Afro-Brazilian dance styles, or traditional Brazilian instruments. Pay homage to the rich cultural heritage of samba by incorporating these elements tastefully into your choreography.

5. Costume and Visual Appeal

As mentioned earlier, the choice of costume plays a significant role in creating a visually stunning samba routine. Select a costume that complements your choreography and reflects your personal style. Opt for vibrant colors, feathers, sequins, and other embellishments that catch the light and add to the overall spectacle. A well-crafted samba costume can enhance your performance and create a mesmerizing visual impact.

6. Rehearse, Refine, and Rehearse Some More


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Creating a perfect samba routine requires diligent practice and refinement. Break down your routine into smaller sections, practice each part individually, and then gradually piece them together. Pay attention to the details, such as transitions between movements, synchronization with the music, and overall timing. Rehearse with a mirror or record yourself to analyze your performance and make necessary adjustments. Seek feedback from experienced samba dancers or instructors to further improve your routine.

7. Embrace the Joy and Energy

Samba is all about joy, energy, and celebration. As you perform your routine, let go of any inhibitions and fully immerse yourself in the spirit of samba. Express your passion and enthusiasm through your movements, facial expressions, and stage presence. Engage with your audience and radiate positivity throughout your performance.

8. Connect with Your Music

To create a cohesive and impactful samba routine, it’s crucial to establish a strong connection with your chosen music. Understand the lyrics and the emotions conveyed in the song. Align your movements and expressions with the rhythm, melody, and lyrical content. Let the music guide your performance and allow it to evoke the desired emotions in both you and your audience.

9. Consider the Performance Space

When choreographing your samba routine, take into account the performance space where you’ll be dancing. Adapt your movements and choreography to suit the stage size, layout, and any props or stage elements that may be present. Practice in different environments to familiarize yourself with various performance spaces and adjust your routine accordingly.

10. Rehearse with Your Dance Partners

If you’re performing with a group or partnering with another dancer, it’s essential to rehearse together regularly. Coordinate your movements, ensure synchronization, and establish a strong connection with your dance partners. Communication and teamwork are key to creating a cohesive and captivating samba routine.

Final Thoughts

Creating the perfect samba dance routine requires a combination of passion, skill, and attention to detail. By immersing yourself in the vibrant world of samba costume styles, understanding the rhythm, choreographing engaging movements, incorporating authentic Brazilian elements, and rehearsing diligently, you can craft a samba routine that dazzles and captivates your audience. Remember to embrace the joy and energy of samba, connect with your music, and adapt your routine to the performance space. Now, put on your dazzling samba costume, step onto the dance floor, and let the rhythm guide you to an unforgettable performance. Get ready to samba your way into the hearts of your audience!

For more information, please visit Charismatico.com

Mastering the Art of Asking for a Social Dance: A Step-by-Step Guide

Asking someone for a dance can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re unsure about the right approach. Whether you’re at a social event, a wedding, or a dance party, learning the art of asking for a dance can enhance your confidence and increase your chances of receiving a positive response. In this guide, we will explore expert tips and strategies on how to ask for a dance gracefully, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for both partners.

Choose the Right Moment

Timing is crucial when it comes to asking for a dance. Observe the atmosphere and find an appropriate moment when the music transitions to a danceable tune or when there’s a lull in the conversation. Look for signs that someone may be open to dancing, such as tapping their foot, or swaying to the rhythm. Never ask someone to dance when they’re having a conversation or dancing with someone else! Be patient.

Maintain a Confident and Friendly Demeanor

Approach the individual you wish to ask for a dance with confidence and a warm smile. A friendly demeanor will put them at ease and make your invitation more appealing. Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and exude positive energy to create a welcoming impression.

Start with a Polite Introduction

Introduce yourself politely, even if you’re familiar with the person. A simple greeting, such as “Hi, I’m [Your Name],” will set a friendly tone and establish a connection before making your request. Remember to address the person by their name to personalize the interaction. If you don’t know the person you’re asking to dance, asking them their name is a simple ice breaker.

Use Clear and Direct Language

Be clear and concise when asking for a dance. Use confident language while being respectful and considerate. For example, “Would you like to dance with me?” is a simple, but effective way to ask.  Avoid being overly casual or presumptuous to maintain a respectful tone. Unless you know the person really well, try to avoid phrases similar to, “Hey, come dance.”

Offer a Compliment

Accompany your invitation with a genuine compliment. This shows your appreciation for the person’s presence and makes them feel valued. Compliments like “You have a great sense of rhythm” or “You look stunning on the dance floor” can make your invitation more appealing.

Respect Boundaries and Personal Space

Remember to respect personal boundaries when asking for a dance. Never grab the person and pull them to the dance floor. Pay attention to non-verbal cues and body language. If someone declines your invitation, gracefully accept their response and avoid pressuring them to change their decision. It’s important to respect everyone’s comfort levels. Remember, everyone eventually gets rejected for a dance.

Be Flexible and Open to Alternatives

Sometimes, the person you ask may be waiting for other dancers, not like the song or simply may be tired from dancing. Be flexible and open to alternative options. If they decline your invitation, suggest dancing later or ask if there’s another dance they would enjoy. This displays your adaptability and willingness to accommodate their preferences.

Thank Them Regardless of the Response

Regardless of the response you receive, always thank the person. Expressing gratitude shows respect and leaves a positive impression. It also increases the likelihood of future dance opportunities and fosters a friendly atmosphere. Don’t look upset, roll your eyes or immediately ask the person next to them if they’d like to dance.  You may see them at another event in the future and they may be more than willing to dance with you then.

Conclusion

Asking for a dance involves more than just a simple question. By choosing the right moment, maintaining a confident and friendly demeanor, using clear language, offering compliments, respecting boundaries, and being flexible, you can increase your chances of receiving a positive response. Impolite/inconsiderate behavior can spread quickly within dance communities, so try and stay positive! Remember, the ultimate goal is to create a delightful and enjoyable experience for both partners, fostering connections and creating lasting memories on the dance floor.

So, don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and ask for a dance.

Happy dancing!

Growing the Salsa Scene: Paying It Forward for Salsa Newbies

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Are you passionate about growing the salsa scene? Whether you reside in a city with a small dance community or a thriving metropolis with a huge dance scene like Los Angeles, London, or NYC, attracting more dancers to the salsa community can enhance the dance experience for everyone involved. However, the initial learning curve, particularly for leads, can deter newcomers and cause them to drop out or switch to easier-to-learn dances. To foster the growth of the salsa scene worldwide, it is crucial to provide support and encouragement to salsa newbies during this formative stage.

Making a Difference as an Individual:

You may wonder how one person, even if not an exceptional dancer, can contribute to the growth of the salsa scene. The truth is, your impact can be more significant than you realize. To beginners, everyone on the dance floor appears skilled, and even dancers with slightly more experience can offer valuable encouragement. A simple smile, laughter during a dance, or an occasional invitation can uplift newbies and motivate them to continue their salsa journey. Remember, these small acts of kindness can leave a lasting impression and inspire newcomers to persist and become part of the vibrant salsa community.

Balancing Enjoyment and Encouragement:

It’s understandable that some individuals may hesitate to dance with newbies due to various reasons, ranging from boredom to concerns about safety. Everyone has the freedom to choose their dance partners, and no one should be compelled to dance with beginners. However, it’s essential to consider the bigger picture. If no one dances with newbies, the scene will gradually diminish until there are no dancers left. Moreover, it’s crucial to remember that everyone was once a beginner, and someone gave them a chance. Finding a balance between maximizing your own enjoyment and dancing with a few newbies can go a long way in fostering growth and inclusivity within the salsa community.

The Power of Paying It Forward:

Recently, during a conversation with experienced dancers, the concept of “paying it forward” was discussed. It reminded me of the movie “Pay It Forward” (2000), where a young boy sets out to change the world by performing random acts of kindness. Similarly, established salsa dancers can adopt a similar approach to support newbies. Selecting three promising or deserving newbies, provide them with ongoing encouragement and dance with them. Once these newbies overcome the initial learning curve and emerge from their salsa hell, encourage them to “pay it forward” by supporting three other newbies in the future. This simple yet powerful idea requires minimal investment but can make a profound impact on the salsa scene.

Conclusion:

Growing the salsa scene requires the collective effort of individuals committed to fostering inclusivity and support for newbies. By encouraging and dancing with beginners, even for a few minutes each night, established dancers can inspire and empower newbies to persevere. Embracing the concept of “paying it forward” can create a ripple effect, leading to the expansion and improvement of the salsa community. Let’s come together, pay it forward, and continue to thrive on the dance floor.

Let’s Get It!

Salsa Dancing: Mastering the Basics for Beginners

Salsa dancing may seem challenging at first, but with dedication and practice, you can overcome these challenges and learn to dance like Eddie Torres or Alien Ramirez. To help you on your journey, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

  1. Timing is key: Stay on beat and in sync with the music to maintain the rhythm of the dance.
  2. Elbows up: Keep your elbows lifted and slightly away from your body to maintain a graceful posture.
  3. Small steps matter: Focus on taking small, precise steps to maintain control and stay in sync with your partner.
  4. Mind your grip: Avoid grabbing with your thumbs and maintain a light but firm hand connection with your partner.
  5. Eye contact and smile: Maintain appropriate eye contact with your partner to enhance connection and communication. Don’t forget to smile and enjoy the dance!
  6. Be mindful of other dancers: Respect the space of other dancers on the dance floor and be aware of their movements to avoid collisions.

As a beginner, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but don’t worry. With practice, all these individual components will seamlessly come together, allowing you to dance with confidence and ease.

Mastering the Lead and Follow Dynamics

While many articles on partner dance focus on leading, it’s essential to address skills that apply to both leads and follows. Leads should be able to differentiate between a skilled follow and one that needs improvement, which is crucial for a successful dance experience.

So, how can you enhance your following skills? Rather than prioritizing one aspect over others, remember that every component is essential. Dance is like a harmonized symphony, requiring the coordination of various elements. Just like a symphony can’t exist with just one triangle player, you need to work on multiple aspects.

However, one common issue with beginner followers is their hand placement or lack thereof. When dancing with newcomers who have mastered the basic step, there often can be problems with their hand grip—either too loose or excessively tight.

The Importance of a Strong Connection

Picture this: You’re dancing with a skilled lead for the first time. They lead you through various moves, and then attempts a more complex one. They lift your hand, turns themselves and present their hand for you to grab again. But you miss the cue. This situation occurs frequently.

Another example is when a lead leads you into a hammerlock, and you fail to reciprocate the hook connection, resulting in a lost connection.

These instances highlight the importance of a solid grip in salsa dancing. Although frustrating, this issue can be easily resolved.

Avoid Being Clingy

On the other end of the spectrum, leads may encounter a vice-like grip from followers, making it challenging to execute moves smoothly and potentially causing injuries.

Improving Your Grip in 3 Simple Steps

  1. Maintain visual focus: Pay close attention to the lead’s hand movements. When the lead releases your hand, quickly locate it as they present it to you. Follow the lead’s gaze to find their hand position easily.
  2. Master the reciprocating hook: A hook is a valuable hold in salsa. When the lead forms a hook with their hand, you should reciprocate by forming a hook with your fingers without gripping tightly. Practice creating and releasing hooks with your hands.
  3. Avoid thumb gripping and excessive force: Maintain a light connection with the lead, refraining from using a firm grip. Likewise, avoid clamping down on the lead’s hand with your thumbs. A gentle and cloud-like connection is ideal in salsa.

Final Thoughts

Improving your grip in salsa dancing isn’t overly complicated. By being mindful of these tips, you can enhance your connection and overall dance experience. So, hit the dance floor with confidence and enjoy the beauty of salsa!

Happy dancing!

Dance Spotlight – Savannah Kizachatéra

Savannah Kizachatéra is featured in this edition of Dance Spotlight! She is a dance instructor and founder of Houston’s BKZS Events & Socials and Team Slay in Houston, Texas!  She was nominated by John Matallana. Check out fun and interesting facts about Savannah including advice she’d give to women who want to start their own dance company and her thoughts on being a ‘switch’ dancer.

What (or who) originally inspired you to try Latin dancing? What are your first memories of Latin dancing?

I was attending college in 2013 and became friends with a student from Mexico named Maria. One night she invited me out to Gloria’s Houston where there was Latin dancing and a live band. I had such an amazing time that I immediately enrolled in some classes, including Kizomba and started social dancing regularly. My first social was at a large venue called Club Melody (it shut down the following month.) There was barely any AC but still the venue managed to have hundreds of people dancing the night away. From then on, I was hooked.

Describe a moment in your dance life that made you feel proud?

I have several students with disabilities including Autism and hearing impairments. It is so wonderful to watch them progress and gain self confidence in social settings. Dancing is an empowering tool to connect with others but sometimes the stress of potential rejection or large groups can hinder someone from having those positive experiences. That’s why the pace and intimate setting of private lessons can be incredibly beneficial.

What makes a social dance fun for you?

The best dances I’ve had are when my partner recognizes and respects my limitations and adjusts their dancing accordingly, without sacrificing their own style in the process. I also love challenging myself to dance with more experienced instructors to continue to learn/adapt my lead/follow.

Please talk about the main goals of Houston BKZS and what led you to develop the dance company.

When Covid hit, I was laid off from a full-time position in the chemical industry and decided to venture out and start my own dance company – Houston BKZS. My primary goal was to help students excel as individuals, consequently increasing the number of quality dancers in our community. As the only female organizer in Houston, it was also crucial for me to create events that were not only uniquely fun but that gave women a voice and safe space to shine.

You are a dancer that ‘switches’. Can you explain what this is and why it’s a very valuable skill in the social dance community?

A “switch” is someone who can lead & follow. When I started switching in 2015, it was not as socially accepted as it is now. I started leading because of the disproportionate ratio of male/female dancers at congresses and to instruct leads how to improve their technique. Knowing the feeling that one person is supposed to emulate to the other significantly makes you better in the opposite role.

Why are ‘taxi’ dancers important to the community?

Taxi dancers give novices and/or socially awkward dancers the ability to dance with someone at a higher level without the fear of rejection. This also shifts some of the pressure off well-known instructors who can become overwhelmed by the number of people asking them to dance. Employing taxi dancers who are focused on integrating beginners and newcomers will hopefully leave students very satisfied and result in a high retention of attendees.

Want to learn more about Taxi dancers? Check out this article on Go Latin Dance. 

What advice would you give to women who want to start their own dance company?

1) Long term success takes time so don’t get disheartened in the beginning.

2) Act with confidence and certainty about the value you bring to the community.

3) Learn to navigate and expand your brand via social media.

Favorite dance video you’d like to share?

I am not an avid Zouker but this demo is a breathtaking example of incredible technique & connection.

Dance Spotlight – Alison Cockrill

Alison Cockrill is featured in this edition of Dance Spotlight! She is a dance instructor at Century Ballroom located in Seattle! She was nominated Michael Burton Cahn and her dance partner, Hallie Kuperman.  Check out fun and interesting facts about Alison including a dance moment that made her feel proud and why it’s important for the dance community to support female DJs.

What (or who) originally inspired you to try Latin dancing? OR What are your first memories of latin dancing?

I was in Guatemala in the late 90s when I saw my first salsa band. The band had these female dancers as part of the show. They danced onstage for the whole set. My background is in ballet, and when I saw these beautiful, sensual, grounded, powerful dancers my mind was blown. I had to learn it.

Describe a moment in your dance life that made you feel proud?

I had a student approach me, after they had been dancing for a little over a year. They thanked me and shared that when they started taking class they were in a very dark (suicidal) place. They credited learning to dance and coming to the Ballroom as the thing that saved their life. I’m not saying that I personally saved someone’s life. More that helping build a community, and helping people find a way of expressing themselves physically, and connect joyfully made me feel, if not pride, at least intense gratification.

Do you have any social dance pet peeves?

My pet peeve is when leaders use too much force, both physically and energetically. I can tell when my partner is collaborating and when they are demanding. I don’t have a lot of tolerance for demanding.

Century has a monthly latin night called Women DJs in Salsa & Bachata. This is a really cool idea and I haven’t seen it implemented regularly in any other latin dance community. What was the genesis of this event and why is it important to spotlight women DJs?

The significance of our spotlighting women DJs is an entire dissertation on normalizing female leadership. Example: I started a bachata night at the Ballroom about 12 years ago. At the time, it was the only event in town dedicated to bachata, so there were no DJs that were prepared to do that gig. By default, I ended up being the dj. Even after 9 years of hosting that event people would come up to me in the dj booth regularly to ask me who the DJ was and if he was taking requests.

Seeing women own clubs, produce events, lead classes, DJ, etc… changes the expectations in the community, which filters all the way down to interactions on the dance floor.

Lastly, we just really like and admire these women. They are talented, dedicated, fun and a joy to work with.

Century Ballroom offers classes in a wide variety of dance styles. Do you have a favorite? If so, which style and why?

I don’t have a favorite. I like salsa because the vocabulary is endless and intricate, and there’s no time to think, just move. I like bachata because it’s so straightforward and there is so much space and time to express the music. I like kizomba because you have to be completely in the moment, responsive and physically close. I like waltz because it’s graceful and athletic, I like tango because…I could go on.

Century Ballroom has been a staple of the Seattle dance scene for 25 years. What do you attribute Century’s longevity to?

As for our longevity, Hallie’s vision for the place was so clear from the beginning and we check in regularly to make sure that we are staying true to our values. Are we maintaining an elegant environment that is inclusive, kind, fosters a love of dance and music, responds to the needs/desires of the community and adds to the betterment of the world? I embellished that last one. I don’t think it’s in our mission statement (smile).

We also can’t overlook the impact of the space itself. It’s beautiful and unique, and of a vanishing breed.

What are your current favorite songs to dance to? Top two or three…

Favorite dance video you’d like to share?*

*Alison didn’t have a favorite dance video as there were too many to name.  I found a video from 2007 that features a salsa performance from Alison and Hallie. It’s quite good! I love the “Titanic” move at 1:59. Check it out.

 

Dance Spotlight – Hallie Kuperman

Hallie Kuperman is featured in this edition of Dance Spotlight! She is a dance instructor, performer, and owner of Century Ballroom located in Seattle! She was nominated Michael Burton Cahn.  He said, “Hallie is a pillar of the community, and she has been a huge contributor to the Seattle dance scene over the years.” Check out fun and interesting facts about Hallie including her thoughts on the lead/follow relationship in dance and why having a Code of Conduct is important.

What (or who) originally inspired you to try Latin dancing? OR What are your first memories of latin dancing?

I was hired to teach on a cruise that was going to Mexico, and I thought I should learn some Latin dances to teach so I could do more than teach Swing dancing. I had a student in one of my Swing classes who started teaching me and from there I was hooked.

Describe a moment in your dance life that made you feel proud?

A moment? The obvious is watching students go from nothing to dancing in such a short time. But personally, performing always made me feel proud. It’s out of my comfort zone really; so to produce, choreograph and perform in shows (and remember any choreography) has always made me proud.

You teach a variety of dance styles. What is your favorite and why?

Impossible to answer, each is so different. LINDY HOP is pure fun! You can’t do that dance without smiling. It’s what hooked me and it will always be a dance I love. What I love about partner dancing is the language two people speak without words. SALSA for me is about the movement, momentum, music, and how you and your partner connect within that. When it’s good, there is nothing like it.

Century Ballroom is celebrating it’s 25th anniversary in 2022. That’s a great accomplishment! What changes have you seen in the dance scene over this time? Are these changes positive/negative?

I don’t really see any negatives. I see more people dancing. I see younger people dancing. I see a diverse group of people coming together to share the love of dance and music. I see more women in the DJ booth. I don’t see as many bands, or performance troupes, one could say that is a negative. Without bands, you don’t get new music and that’s a huge problem. I see people dancing without it being tied to gender, which makes me incredibly happy.

You have a Code of Conduct as part of your mission statement. I think that’s really great and not a common practice for most dance schools. Why is a Code of Conduct important and what recommendations would you give to other dance schools for implementing a policy?

It’s important for all staff to have guidelines, and to understand what the organization’s policies are for a number of different issues that might arise. An example I use is, when we rotate if you choose not to dance with the person next in line (usually someone of the same gender), you’ll be asked to leave the dance floor or take class elsewhere. I don’t tolerate discrimination of any sort.

Our staff put hours into writing this code of conduct. It came from all of us, I’d recommend the same, all voices need to be heard. Steal our code of conduct if it speaks to you. The point of our code of conduct is to make sure we create a safe space for everyone. Having it written makes it easier to implement if needed.

(You can find the Century Ballroom Code of Conduct on their About Us page.)

You’re an advocate of non-traditional lead/follow roles in dance, as it pertains to gender. Why is this an important part of your mission?

I’ve always led. I teach, perform and dance as a lead. Although learning both can make you a better (or more empathetic) dancer, the real reason is because gender has nothing to do with dancing. Full stop. I think I have been a model for many who aren’t as comfortable in a public environment. My goal is to make it a non-issue. I’m not here to tell you what role to choose, only to make sure you know you can choose any role you want.

What are your current favorite songs to partner dance to? Top two or three…

Salsa: “Acid” by Ray Barretto

Swing: Easy Does It, various artists

Favorite dance video you’d like to share?

West Coast Swing: Jordan and Tatiana. For me, pretty much anything they have done, but this is at the top of my list.

Related Code of Conducts posts on Go Latin Dance.
Dance Code of Conduct Questionnaire
Implementing Your Code of Conduct

Dance Spotlight – Michael Burton Cahn

Michael Burton Cahn is featured in this edition of Dance Spotlight! He is the owner of Sueños de Salsa (founded in 2012) located in Seattle! He was nominated by Kelly Sparks.  She said, “He has had a massive impact on my journey as a dancer, instructor, and DJ, since I moved to Seattle several years ago and walked into his studio looking for dance training and a teaching job. I might be just a wee bit biased, but I think he’s one of the best salsa instructors in town, and I owe a lot of my success to him.” Check out fun and interesting facts about Michael including his first experiences with the latin dance community and what lessons he learned training with top salsa instructors.

What (or who) originally inspired you to try Latin dancing? OR What are your first memories of latin dancing?

I saw a couple at a club in Asheville, North Carolina. What stood out to me was that the guy was doing slick spins and moves, and not just the girl. To my eyes they were the coolest thing I’d ever seen on a dance floor. I had zero dance experience other than drunk club style up to that point. I don’t know who they were, or even if they were all that good. But it was inspiring to watch. A couple months later I was in Cuzco (Peru) having dinner with my host family at a restaurant that had a live salsa band. A few locals were dancing and it seemed normal. Then two total gringos guys came in and started dancing with some local girls. They were, in my eyes, awesome. Before you know it they were sitting at a table hanging out with the locals. I thought, now that’s a good way to really get to know people and be accepted into their world. I was sold. I found a class in Cuzco that week.

Describe a moment in your dance life that made you feel proud?

When our little team with no performance experience pulled off their first routine at their first congress. They really put their time in and Camille and I were so proud of them.

What makes a social dance fun for you?

The music is everything at a social. If the music is on point, everyone feels like a superstar.

I read your bio on Suenosdesalsa.com and it said your father was involved in the Flamenco community. Was he a dancer or musician, perhaps both? What influence did being exposed to latin rhythms at an early age have on your dance career?

My father was a professional guitarist. He studied in Spain extensively. He also played and taught blues, folk, etc. As a kid we traveled a lot. And I was exposed to a lot of different cultures as my father gigged all around the country. When I learned to play guitar, I was always connecting with latin rhythms. I loved the chords, the melodies, the drama etc. I never really got that good, but I enjoy it.

You’ve trained with several notable salsa dancers including Alien Ramirez (my personal favorite), Yaykel Parez, Johnny Vazquez and Omar Munos. What lessons did you learn from these experiences that you’d want to pass down to your students?

Wow, that’s a huge question. There’s really too much to put here, but I’ll try. Learn the music. Practice your footwork. Spend the time to achieve proper body movement. If anyone tells you that there’s only one way to do it, be very cautious of them. There are almost always more than one way to archive your goal. Remember practice DOES NOT make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect. Work hard AND work smart.

What’s been the biggest challenge of operating Suenos de Salsa during a pandemic?

(Laughs). Everything. It’s been brutal. If not for the amazing community here in Seattle setting up a Gofundme, I would have gone the way of so many other dance studios. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone for their support!

What are your current favorite songs to dance to? Top two or three…

That’s impossible. (Laughs). There’s just too many, but her are a few all time favorites:

Favorite dance videos you’d like to share?

Dance Spotlight – Lawrence Garcia

Lawrence Garcia is featured in this edition of Dance Spotlight! He is an influential dance instructor and performer based in Phoenix and he serves as Director of Con Clave Dance! Lawrence was nominated by Ed “Bachadicto/DJ Fnf” Huerta.  Ed said, “He is my business partner and the one who created DJ Fnf. He asked me to DJ at one of his socials and the rest is history. He has invested many years in Phoenix teaching and developing the Salsa community. He is a consummate student of the genre and avid proponent for growth and training. We need to hear what he has to say.” Check out some fun and interesting facts about Lawrence including a recent dance moment that made him feel proud and why it’s important to not limit ourselves in dance.

What (or who) originally inspired you to try Latin dancing? OR What are your first memories of latin dancing?

I started later in life. It wasn’t something I grew with unfortunately. I was inspired after I saw local Salseros doing their thing in a Latin night club here in Phoenix. I remember thinking there was just so much style and smoothness too it. It was love at first sight.

Describe a moment in your dance life that made you feel proud?

Too many to count. While I’ve enjoyed many personal moments of satisfaction. My proudest moments are seeing my students accomplish milestones in their own dancing.

Recently, I was proud of my team perform a rather difficult choreography at the Phoenix Salsa Bachata Congress. A lot of them have never performed at that level of difficulty and they did outstanding. You never know what you can do if you don’t go after it!

What makes a social dance fun for you?

A fun social dance, for me, includes several aspects:

a.) Good technical connection
b.) A good song choice
c.) A partner who knows the music and the genre(s)

You recently shared a post on Facebook discussing dance and commitment. Why do you think commitment is important in dance?

Commitment is vital because dancing requires great technical skill. Technical skill requires years of training. If we aren’t committed to the process then often we will lack the discipline necessary to stay with it through the ups and downs of life.

I can also tell from your Facebook posts that you read a lot of books and articles on dance. Are there any particular books or articles that you’d recommend for dancers? If so, which ones and why?

For the Salsa dancer I cannot recommend Ned Sublette’s “Cuba and It’s Music” enough. It’s a very exhaustive account of Salsa music and it’s African roots. Necessary reading in my opinion.

Why is it important to be a ‘dancer’ first and not a ‘Salsero’, ‘Bachatero’, ‘Kizombero’ etc?

It’s human nature to categorize ourselves for identifying reasons, so I sympathize with labels. However, as dancers if we limit ourselves to one style or genre we run the risk of not maximizing our personal fulfillment and enjoyment. We must always be on guard against a closed mind.

What are your current favorite songs to dance to? Top two or three…

That’s tough…

1. Johnny Ventura’s “Dilema”
2. Alexander Abreu’s “Que Sopresa”
3. Alain Perez’s “Cuentale A La Luna”

Favorite dance video you’d like to share?

Man, anything with Terry “Salsalianza” Tauliaut. That dancer is in a league of his very own. An absolute alien!

Dance Spotlight – Kelly Sparks

Kelly Sparks is featured in this edition of Dance Spotlight! She is a dance instructor at Sueños de Salsa located in Seattle and she also DJs at local events in the area as well! Check out fun and interesting facts about Kelly including her first experiences with the latin dance community and how dance has helped her through difficult times.

What (or who) originally inspired you to try Latin dancing? OR What are your first memories of latin dancing?

I first encountered Latin dance in middle school, when a ballroom dance instructor came and taught us some swing, cha cha, and salsa. I was already a dancer and performer, but salsa captivated me in a way no other dance style had done. My dad actually fell in love with the dance and music too, and we started taking Casino Rueda Cuban salsa lessons at the local studio in Portland, OR. By the time I was 16, we were both teaching classes there, and he ended up being a huge part of growing the Cuban Salsa scene. I went on to teach ballroom at Arthur Murray, but eventually, almost inevitably, I was drown back to Latin dance. It’s my passion.

Describe a moment in your dance life that made you feel proud?

Nothing makes me prouder than helping my students succeed. I love sharing this beautiful thing that gives me so much joy, and seeing it transform people’s lives the way it changed mine. There is a deep satisfaction in giving them a safe, fun space to learn, and watching their confidence grow as they progress.

What makes a social dance fun for you?

For me, social dancing is all about connection. Connection with the music is where it starts, so good music is obviously pretty vital, and one of my favorite things to do at a social is DJ. I really enjoy dancing with people of all levels, and my favorite socials have a good mix of leads and follows, from beginner to advanced. I also really love variety, and I always prefer going to a social where I can dance multiple styles.

Some say that dance is therapy in that its an outlet that helps us navigate through difficult times. How has dance helped you when going through life struggles?

Wow, this is a big one. I honestly don’t know if I would have made it through my darkest times without dancing. It has given me a purpose, a solace, a healthy escape from my problems. It has carried me through grief and loss, and at the worst times, it has given me a reason to get out of bed and feed myself and get dressed. To me, dance is life, literally. It makes me feel human, and connected, and alive.

Operating Sueños de Salsa dance studio must have been extremely difficult during the pandemic. What lessons did you learn personally and/or professionally during this time?

I really have to give credit to my partner Michael, who owns the studio, and the dance community, who raised funds to keep the us afloat. SDS would have gone the way of so many other studios without a lot of support and determination from a lot of people. I also went through some pretty challenging life changes, personally, and the strength and support of this community has been really humbling. It sounds cheesy, but the pandemic has shown me how much stronger we are when we lean on each other, and how many people are eager for the chance to be there for you, if you can just bring yourself to ask.

You have several cool tattoos! Do you have a favorite? If so, which one and why? Are any of them dance related? If you can share a pic of one that’d be great.

My favorite tattoo is my chest piece, which is for my daughters. The heart is for Nora Valentine, and the strawberries and juniper berries are for Luna “Strawberry,” once Luna Juniper. (She announced at age two that her middle name is Strawberry, and three years later, she’s still sticking with it.) The kids got to have a say in the design, and my favorite artist and good friend Cricket Elijah, designed and inked it.

What are your current favorite songs to dance to? Top two or three…

1. Mambo Campana, La Timba y Manuel La Palma. The original is kind of short, with a long solo that’s a bit much for social dancing, so I remixed it to create a really fun version. Michael and I are actually working on some chores to this song for the studio’s salsa team.
2. Quedate, Debi Nova y Pedro Capó. Super cute, fun little bachata.
3. Boogaloo Supreme, Victor Manuel. So good.

Favorite video you’d like to share?

Here is a ladies salsa styling video with Camille Primous. She is also an instructor at Sueños de Salsa.