Do you have "SS" in you???

Another Classic article from Salsa Dynasty I wrote. :)

In my constant search of learning different things, I came across a term that kind of blew me away and I had to write about it to see what other people thought. I was reading a blog and this individual was speaking about the “Salsa Snob” in them.

“Salsa Snob" I said. What a crazy thing to say. What would that entail? I continued to read and what I gathered was that a salsa snob is someone who has taken their level of salsa to the point that they feel comfortable to either dance with others on their level or higher and simply do not like to dance with others that are at beginner levels. At first when I read this I was very upset about it. After seriously thinking about it, Did I have a “salsa snob” in me? I backtracked and thought about my early salsa days when I was in beginner class and it was fun while meeting new people, as we all progressing into higher levels. Some stayed back, some moved up the salsa chain quickly to Intermediate and Advanced levels; I was one of those people. I remember seeing how some people may not have wanted to help out the beginners because it was boring or it was lame. However, we still did it. Why? Well, because how can you say no; even though inside of us we wanted to. Was that the salsa snob in us?

We would see guys struggle to stay on beat, and ladies not move as men tried to lead them. We have made faces of frustration thinking that our partner wouldn’t notice. In actuality, they see it all. Beginners see that and start to think, “What a stuck up person”. Is that considered an “SS”?

When we are at a club and a non-advanced dancer, or someone you haven’t seen dance before asks you for a dance, do you see yourself saying no because you are not sure if you want to dance with them? Maybe they are not a good lead; or she can’t turn the way you want her to. Or maybe it’s because you don’t want to look bad on the dance floor. Is that the “SS” in you?

Personally, I have witnessed this, and some is intentional and some unintentional, in a class scene and even at the club. I have seen guys who just want to dance, and just because they may not be on beat, they are denied a dance. They stand in a corner while everyone else is dancing. Ladies who can’t follow well, but have had a few “courtesy” dances, sway away with friends for the rest of the night; while their “more advanced” friends get asked as they are left standing. It is definitely not the greatest feeling.

Will it be a perfect salsa world - No! These things will continue to happen. Let’s realize that in class we are all learning and we all started as a beginner. In all my years I have never seen anyone start in advanced level classes. Remember, it’s a CLASS, not the running for America’s Best Salsa Dancer! For me I would rather dance with a beginner and know that whatever it is worth it will keep their interest in salsa alive. Who knows, they might become a very good social dancer, or even go pro. So all those cross-body leads and single turn pattern will pay off, and if it doesn’t then at least you tried.

I know not everyone is like that, but at least it has finally been said. I can say that my “SS” is contained and it only comes out when necessary. If someone is intoxicated, or I have seen them lead someone into injury and not care about their partner, my inner “SS” will make an appearance.

Reverting back to the article I read, the author mentioned that an advanced beginner asked her to dance and actually had a good dance. At the end of the song, the beginner thanked her and said it took him 2 years of practicing and getting the nerve to ask her to dance. Needless to say she realized how she was being looked upon and appreciated having her inner “SS” in check, because it made her more humble.

I’m not saying that everyone is an “SS”, but there are individuals out there in the scene that possess those negative demeanors. Take a look and see if that is what you want to be perceived as. We understand being shy or not knowing someone; but be brave to ask a stranger to dance. You never know if that single dance can help someone in the long run. Don’t let the negative “SS” get in you.

Know Thyself ~

This is an article I wrote for Salsadynasty.com and I thought I would repost it because I think it's so important for salseros that are starting to know this important element. Please comment for I would like to hear your stories and thoughts. :) Thanks for reading.

As we all learn how to dance and get better as time goes by. We all experienced this at one point in our life, feeling intimidated when dancing around really good dancers. It was my worst fear in my first two years of dancing. My body would freeze up, hands get clammy, and just be shaking inside, I was a true mess.

Now that I have been dancing for about 8 years, I still don’t think I’m good at all but I have seen and conversed with other new salseros and it’s a big factor when coming out to a social or club. I’ve heard things such as “I’m not that good of a dancer”, or “I like dancing here because I’m in my realm”. This tells me that if a bunch of professionals are around dancing, they may feel out of place.

DON’T feel that way! All of us have felt this way at some point in time so never feel you’re not good enough to dance anywhere. In order for you to get better you need to dance with as many people as possible especially the good ones because it helps bring out your style and know how to be led by other dancers. At Congresses especially, where there is people from all over the world coming in and dancing. You get to meet so many people in the Salsa world that we have and it’s so much fun! I’ve experienced a lot by going to congresses and have met some of my best friends now that I love dearly! I’m not saying that everything is perfect at congresses but honestly, if you make the best out of things you always come out on top.

I know many of you see me out and about in this crazy industry called Salsa! I’m no better than anyone else. I try to enjoy life to the fullest and make the best of every moment. We only live once, and if dancing salsa is your passion, and you are new at it, GO for it. Do what you need to do to get your fix. And if you are not a pro, its okay, as long as you are having the time of your life!

Remember “Nobody puts Baby in the corner” (Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing) so don’t put yourself there. Have fun and see you on the dance floor.

Clubs vs Socials

Through the years salseros want to get their "fix" of salsa dancing. Question is for most newbies is where to go? Latin Night at the club or the local dance studio social.

Here are some pros and cons to consider and what might help determine where to go.

Latin Nights at the Club:

This is for me a hard one to talk about because sometimes I love to go out and hang out at a club and there are times when it's been great and other times when it's the pits. Here is my outlook on it.

Clubs ~ Latin Night
1) If you go make sure you ask and see if other Salseros are going. Sometimes you will have dancers that go and they don't. You may have people that you don't know and/or don't know how to dance. Good times may or may not happen. :(

2) If their is alot of dancers out there you can ask dancers that you may have never danced with before and make new friends in the scene. :)

3) If it's a spot where salseros go week after week it could be your hangout and you get to dance the night away. :)

3) Sometimes DJ's are required to play more of "Top 40", or commericial music that your accustom to hearing on the radio. That could mean that you won't get too many dances in. It's not the DJ's fault, sometimes it's the crowd or what the manager of the club wants. Some of you may like it some of you may not. Bottom line is that's a risk you take when going to a "International Night" or "Latin Night" at a club.:(/:)

4) Some clubs have live music and concerts, if it's a group or singer that you like then you will probably have a good time. :) Also realize that many are there to see a concert that can crowd up a dance floor. You don't want to be dancing and hitting every person every 5 ft because they are waiting on the show. :(

5) DJ's from radio stations that play in a club is most likely to play and cater to what you hear on the station. Unless it's 100% salsa radio station that is the only way you can guarantee yourself to hear lots of salsa.

6) Remember if your a dancer you know, understand and respect dance space. Club goers that don't dance may not. If they are drunkies around, they will be all over the place. Gentleman if you see a drunk couple protect your partner by not dancing near them. I have seen plenty of injuries in the past. (Some of them were mine very painful to get a heel gouged in your Achilles Tendon) Ladies if you see people that are drunk and moving everywhere make sure you take tiny steps and don't get in their way because they will tumble on you and it can get ugly sometimes.

Whew that's my view on clubs.

Socials~

1) Socials are good in the sense that it's dedicated to the salseros and they know what the people want to hear. Usually no alcohol is served but sometimes they allow BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) and allows it. Not everyone does it but some do.

2) Some socials if you see the same crowd and not new people coming in to check it out. You may get tired of dancing with the same people. I believe that in order to get better in your social dancing it's to practice with as many people outside of your dance crew of students. :)

3) Going to a social with another school is a great thing. You'll meet new people that enjoy the same thing you do and you will be able to compare your styles and exchange tips to each other. A great way to meet and make new salsa friends. :)

4) Attending a social outside of your area in another city or state, it will show your support to salsa and you'll definately make new friends and see the type of music that is played vs. listening to the same DJ week after week. :)

5) Socials help develop confidence in beginners because you will have instructor there to dance with and help you with anything you might have a question on. Remember it is a social so don't expect a private lesson. ;) Just know that they are there and will dance with you and build your confidence up so you will dance with anyone. :)

Also know that if you go to the social it's catered to salseros, and brings in a bit of cha-cha, bachata, and even some merengue. Sometimes just to add some spice they'll put some fun music just to change it up. The DJ at the socials will play music that will keep you dancing not sitting so the floor will be crowded.

That's it from me today, just was thinking about the pro and cons of this and just wanted to give some tips. Again what I write is not what's right or wrong. It's just opinions and what I feel. :)


S_54

Andres ~ The man behind the dance. Memoirs from Ivana Echevarria

As last week was the 1 year anniversary of Andres Echevarria. I chatted with his sister Ivana, she shared some stories that I want to share with you so people that didn't know him that well could read and see the man behind Salsa. Who better would know. His sister Ivana.

"When it was seriously all about Salsa" by Ivana Echevarria

I remember like as if it were yesterday when he called me to his room and told me he wanted to give up his 2 jobs and do Salsa full time. At the time i was nervous cause he was new at it but when he started saying how it made him feel and I realized that glow in his eyes that love that was just yelling out just as he spoke it was like wow. I remember my answer to him was " Look I know you will succeed in anything you do I just want you to make sure of what you're doing" He said I am I want to do this and I know I can make it far" Since that day I always told him to reach for the stars" On his 21 birthday I called and sang to him for the first time in my life. It was a song by Ashanti. I don't remember the name but I remember clearly the words.
Andres would get up in the morning when he first started teaching, I would take him to work, pick him up and take him to Salsa class. Andres was dedicated and he would freakin be making breakfast and all of sudden he would drop the wooden spoon he was making eggs with and say OH MY GOD I HAVE A F***** SHINE I HAVE TO TEACH TONIGHT! Wow and to think that I won't hear him say that again until we meet again. That's just a bit of his life before you all met him. I will continue to share with you highlights of his life before he gave us that Legacy he left behind.

"Brotherly Love" by Ivana Echevarria

We were on our way back from Miami BTS Ileana had performed. We were hungry and it was very hot. We stopped at Wendys and I tell Andres I had a headache. We are in the drive thru and Ileana says "Oh I have some excedrin let me get it for you" She jumps out of the car in thin tennis socks. (remember the it's mad hot outside) Andres being the kind brother pops the trunk for her, she look thru the trunk slams the trunk closed and runs for the door. Well it pops back open even before she can sit back in the car. She runs back out and says "what the Hec" She slams it really hard and runs for it. The trunk pops open again. LOL It was the most hilarious thing I had ever seen. She's burning her feet and Andres was holding the open knob the whole time. She's standing outside the car slamming, and slamming and slamming and the trunk would not close. Andres and I were cracking up she sees us and gets in the car and says " You bunch of JERKS! Freakin Floor is hot" LOL. OMG Andres and I cried laughing.

We drove off and I fell asleep. Never fall asleep with Andres in the car. They got me back. Andres took a piece of Chicken nugget, squashed it and shoved it in my mouth. He had me thinking for awhile that he chewed on it. It was so nasty and boy was I pissed but at the end of the day we laughed and still loved each other either way.

Ileana went home and said her older brothers abuse her. LOL. It's another memory that will live with us.

Thank you Ivana for those stories we all know that Andres touched our hearts one way or another. Know that forever he will always be in us. Because when we dance if we were trained by Andres, it was from the heart.

Thanks for reading. :)

S_54

Andre Echevarria RIP 1982-2008

We are coming upon an anniversary that we all never thought would of happened. Our beloved Andres Echevarria left us one year ago on July 8, 2008. It was a very sad day for us in the salsa community. Andre was known to be the one of the most talented dancers and in charge of the Salsa Heat Training and Semi Pro teams for many years. Andre was a unique person and at the same time we all knew what his passion was for dancing and teaching. He is survived by his wife Pamela Franco Echevarria, his parents, his 2 sisters and brother. I met Andre back in 2002 at the BVL Kissimmee, FL Salsa Heat location. My first encounter with him was seeing him practice his spinning. He wanted to be able to spin the most and would do it till he was dizzy. He use to have spinning battles with peeps such as Ralph Irizarry, Ben Cartagena, and even the owner Michael Barbieri. Funny times! He was always happy and could not wait to take his classes. (Yes, Andre did take classes back in my day! All of the dancers did!) Andre quickly moved up the ladder when he started teaching. By the time, my 1st year came up with SH. Andre was teaching Advance II classes in Maitland and was always wanting us to be at our best!

There are so many memories of Andre, that it's hard to try to get them all in this blog. I guess the a few things I just wanted to talk about was his love for Salsa. Andre committed himself to Salsa Heat and made it his career. He loved his students, teams, and loved his family and got everyone involved in it as much as he could. He was the forefront for Salsa Heat. You could always see him at the club distributing flyer's, cards, dancing with just about everyone and letting them know about Salsa Heat dance studios. This guy never got tired. Amazing! He was on the Salsa Heat Pro Team and danced many memorable routines such as the Matrix, Fuerza just to name some. He was always doing showcases with other salseros and the last request he made to do a showcase with was with Masacote last year in 2008. Joel and Ana Masacote dedicated their 2009 Orlando Congress performance to Andre. Which was a phenomenal routine. It brought tears to many people, because of the harsh reality that Andre is gone. Everyone that attended 2008 Congress saw Andre and he seemed happy and energetic. It was a blow to everyone when we heard he was gone 2 days shortly after the congress. I remember I was at home with my boyfriend just about to watch a movie and I received a disturbing call from a friend in Tampa saying that Andre was gone. I couldn't even put it was Andre from SH. I thought it was another Andre. I told him to calm down and I would call him back. I called a few reliable people and when it was confirmed it was one of the saddest moments of my life. I had seen him on the Sunday Party at OSC he was DJ'ing and was with his wife Pam. I hugged him and her and remember him telling me. "When are you taking that private with me." Andre always kept his word. We always helped out each other and he always wanted to make good with me by making sure he gave me opportunity to learn from him. I'm very sad that I never got that last private from him. (Sigh, moving onward) Everyone congregated at the studio where you would always see him. I believe he was there in spirit. We were all there sad, confused but mostly there because we wanted to be where he was most happy. As word spread of his passing many people from the salsa world mourned him. At his wake, people were lined up outside just to pay his last respects. The Echevarria family were very strong and for the ones that were very upset they were there to support them. His wife, Pamela was there and it was very hard of her to deal with her husband's loss. Everyone knew how much he loved her. They were getting ready to do their first performance together and although we have memories of their tech rehearsal. She never got the chance to perform with her partner/husband. After 1 year, Pam is doing well and is performing again which I'm sure Andre would of wanted her to do. She gave a stunning performance at the 2009 OSC. She performed with the Born To Salsa Team. She is a shining star to watch and you can see that she also has the same passion to dance. I would think that was a little part that they had in common that could of brought them together. They will always share that one thing anytime, anyplace.

The teams that he was in charge of were the Semi-pro team and Training teams. He was in the Reality series of Born To Salsa Reality Show, produced by Millo Aldea. The show was a online series where they took you behind the scenes of being on a dance team. The struggles, the triumph and the in's and out's of trying to become a performer on the Salsa Heat Pro team. It was a success and he received a lot of exposure to the salsa world. He was always known to being a perfectionist and when it came down to his teams. When you have Julissa Cruz and Andre together if you didn't know your steps you were going to learn. REGARDLESS! If you have worked with Julissa or Andre you know what I'm talking about!

He also shared his dancing with his little sister Ileana. She was on his Training team and was training diligently and had the same will and drive of his brother. People called her "Lil Dre" who would of known that nickname would be there for the rest of her life. She wears that nickname with pride now and when she dances I swear I see him in her. I love her to death and although she is very young. She is wise and kind and I see her passion to dance. Which will always remind me of him. Ileana is firecracker and it's only the beginning for her. I don't expect her to take over Andre's shoes, but it's always a honor to see her dance. Andre was proud of her as he was with everyone that performed for him. He took a lot of pride and made them feel like family. From going on trips together, to just having a night out with the crew. You can check out anyone picture profiles on myspace, facebook etc. They all will show you how much time he spent with his dancers. It was always something he did to get closer to them and they performed their best, because they wanted to make Andre proud.

I wanted to write this blog to in memory of my friend, instructor, and watched performer. I wasn't his best friend but I feel that I was one of his people he could consider as a friend. I dedicate this to the Echevarria family, Ileana, Ivana, Pamela, Salsa Heat, SH Pro Team (Yahaira, Julissa, Ben C, Julia, Jon, Mari, Ralph, Jackie, Jonathan P, Mike B, Doris, and if I forgot you I'm sorry, I can't remember all of them. My bad.) SH Training team, Salsa Synergy, Vianette Silva, and to everyone who befriended him and loved him.

For those of you who are local. Wednesday, July 8th, 2009. The Echevarria family will be at Andre's resting place to gather in memory of him. If you wish to get more information of time and place. Please communicate with Ileana or Ivona Echevarria on facebook.

Thank you for your time and God Bless.

Salsera_54

"I will always remember you Andre. Rest in Peace my friend love ya.

Judy Armstrong

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

1st Congress? What to do? How? What's to bring?

Hello Salseros,

Is this your first congress? Excited, scared, wondering what to expect? Well here are some tips that through the years of different congresses I've been to have helped me and also from friends that have given me tips.

How to pack for a Salsa Congress?
Bring all the essentials you need. Most hotels have just the basics, ladies their hair dryer is not going to be the same one at home so bring it just in case. If your sharing a room, remember those soaps and shampoos aren't always the best quality and it's limited. So bring your own shampoos and conditioners. Toothpaste, swabs, shower caps etc.

Ladies and Gentlemen
T-shirts~ You can never be short on them. The "sweat factor" is going to be CRAZY so make sure to bring enough to change into. Also there will be vendors at the congress, Mambo Fateez, and most schools that are teaching workshops usually have items to sell. It's a awesome memorabilia and believe me the more T-shirts you have from different schools show that you really take salsa seriously. From what I know at the OSC: Pasofino Studios, SalsaFever On2, Salsa Heat, UMDA will be selling shirts there. I'm sure PLENTY of schools will be there. They usually run between $15-25 a t-shirt maybe less maybe more. It's just a guess. :)

Deodorant, Antiperspirant, body sprays ~ BRING THEM and buy the small ones to put in your shoe bag. Sometimes we need that "Spritz" of freshness on us after a 4-6min song. :)

Hand towels~ Gent's i'm sure you have seen salseros with a towel in their back pocket. That is a awesome tool for them to wipe down after each dance. It's not only the courteous thing to do but it also keeps your from feeling like someone poured a bucket of water on you. Ladies having one in your bag is also good to pat down after a dance or two. Keeps the makeup from running and cools you down.

If you deciding to wear dress shirts, dresses, dressy tops. Understand this. Cotton absorbs but if you wear a light blue top that 's cotton and when you wash the shirt does it get darker? Think about the "SWEAT FACTOR" (I will call it the SF from now on) It's inevitable but think about what will look better? A dark shirt that doesn't show the sweat? Or the shirt that shows you've been sweating and the only places dry are the undergarments? Just a thing to think about. There are dressy shirts that you can buy at the store that are nice and classy but when you sweat it doesn't show. Just know that on a Saturday night at a congress, it will be packed, the a/c is going to seem like it's BROKEN, because the body heat of hundreds to possibly thousands in there is going feel like your in a oven! The SF is going to be there regardless. SO BE PREPARED for it. :)

SF rules.
Hygiene is always important. If you know your body and there is a need for extra deodorant, or a simple wipe down in the bathroom. Do it. This goes for both. (No Pun intended just making recommendations) I have gone to the bathroom several times and taken paper towels with soap and wiped down my arms, neck, pits etc. Not only do I cool off but I refreshed my skin and putting that body spray on clean skin which will make you feel cooled off. If you go outside of the congress and sit outside to cool down, that is another way to let your body rest and cool off. You don't want to pass out because of heat exhaustion. I've seen it happen. Not fun.

These are just general things that I have done and have seen many do. They do work, try it.

H2O~
HYDRATE that body! Drink plenty of water! Too much soda, Gatorade etc, pile up in sodium, and sugar and you'll burn out quicker. So get a bottle and refill on the water it's healthier and you'll cool down quicker!

Workshops ~ Workshops are awesome if you want to expand your horizons and gain some new moves and experiences. Too much workshops can wear you down so make sure you take breaks in between and make sure your wear your dance sneakers to be comfortable. Which brings me to the next topic.

Shoes~ Ladies, at a congress heels are awesome, sexy and great but at a congress bring those jazz shoes with some arch support. The biggest thing I see that happen is ladies wear those heels to the workshops and the 1st night of the congress, they are getting down all night. Next day, footsies are KILLING you then your downstairs with the vendors buying shoes just so your feet can tolerate the rest of the congress. Unfortunately this is true. Ladies, our feet need rest and if your dancing in 2" heels for 5 workshops. Believe me from 10pm-4am dancing those "dawgs" are going to bark and tell you NO MORE! So be nice to your feet. Wear flats but good ones. If you don't have any there will be several vendors selling Jazz Sneakers, jazz boots, and shoes. Buy some, and get gel soles to help keep your feet comfy.

Gents~ same thing, you love wearing those pointy leather bottom shoes that your just bought at ALDO, or Armani Exchange but after 2 hours your feet feel like they are going to explode and once the shoes come off you can't get them back on. It's a simple fact. WEAR comfortable, broken in shoes. You too can buy awesome dance sneakers at the congress. Remember gel soles are your friends so get them and treat your feet right! If you don't know what to buy? Ask the pros they will give you their recommendations and believe me the vendors know because they experienced it too.

That's it's for now. Hope you enjoyed reading and stay tuned for more Salsa Stories from Salsera_54. :)

Monday, June 29, 2009

Congresses ~ What to do if it's your first?

This is Salsera_54 with a new blog to talk about things that us Salseros love to do.

If your new into Salsa check out what things are available to get you in your Salsa Groove.

Many of you that are in FL know that this weekend is the BIG congress in Orlando FL. The Orlando Salsa Congress has been going strong and many new salseros are coming to check out and see what this "Fever" is all about.

Know this, congresses are fun as long as you get involved with it. Taking workshops, dancing and meeting new people is always a plus. More people you meet and dance with if you decide to travel to another congress who knows you might see familiar faces. :)

Dance~ dance ~ AND DANCE! Don't worry about who is dancing next to you. Just respect your and their space because at congresses, things can get pretty crowded and if your not careful you might get spiked by a heel or an elbow to the arm. Don't be afraid to ask other people outside of your group to dance. The only way to learn is by opening your horizons. If they tell you no, don't be discouraged ask someone else. Now if your seen crashing into other people etc, you may get a no here or there. If you are asked to dance from someone at a higher level than you. Don't get scared, say yes but let them know your limitations. They will usually take it easy on you and who knows you may get another dance and make a new dancing friend. :)

Enjoy the shows and always clap and show your support to them. Many travel from afar and to perform on stage is not easy. Giving them applause and saying to them congrats on the show, really shows them they are supported by our fellow salseros.

Those are my tidbits and remember, if your dancing and you feel people are watching. SO WHAT? Whether you do great, so-so, who cares! Have fun while you dance. If you mess up Oh WELL, it happens and honestly no body cares cuz it's a CONGRESS and we are all here to have FUN! If you are the watcher, try to understand how would you like it if someone was watching you and you messed up. Making a face or passing judgement is never a good thing. Cuz Karma in the end will prevail. :) That's how I see it. This year is gunna be fun and who knows what's in store for everyone.

That's it from me. Follow me on my stories here on "Salsa Stories & stuff" on salsa-stories@blogspot.com my new blog.

Love you guys and remember... "Salsa is not just a dance, it's a lifestyle" Author unknown. :)

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Salsera54

This is my salsa life

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Blog Archive

• ▼  2009 (7)
  • ▼  July (5)
    • Do you have "SS" in you???
    • Know Thyself ~
    • Clubs vs Socials
    • Andres ~ The man behind the dance. Memoirs from Iv...
    • Andre Echevarria RIP 1982-2008
  • ►  June (2)
    • 1st Congress? What to do? How? What's to bring?
    • Congresses ~ What to do if it's your first?

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Salsera_54

I'm a person who is expressing my personal experiences in trying to get healthy. What worked for me, and try to give people hope that you can get healthy if one really wants to. It takes effort and will power. Good luck to you all.

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