Hola Salseros!
     Formatting messed up?  Read this on the web at
     http://salsaboston.com/archive

This issue:
- Announcements
- SalsaBoston events
- Sponsor news
- This week's mailbag
- EDITORIAL  "J.D.'s Corner"  This week: "Are We Having Fun Yet?"


Well, Spring is in the air finally, which being from Miami couldn't come sooner for me...!  Every week I get these email about websaver fares, Bermuda, $120, Cancun, $210, St Croix...  Arggghhhhh!  People sometimes ask me about how the winters are in Boston, and what I always say is that Boston works like this:  the winters are terrible and by the time you're late into it, you're ready to move.  But the summers are so nice that by the end of the summer you've forgotten about how bad the winter is, so you end up staying another year and it goes around and around.  Well, here we go again!  Anyway, just an aside...

Three particular things:

First I want to welcome Salsalort as a new website sponsor.  Javier and his crew have opened the WORLD RHYTHMS DANCE, HEALTH & FITNESS CENTER in Worcester, and will be expanding their offerings in Boston as well.  More details coming.


Also, on occasion Salseros have been enjoyed in the "7 Minute Date" program that friend and fellow part-time-Salsero JJ Williams hosts.  There is one coming up this Monday at Joe's American Bar and Grill, and there is a special price for SalsaBoston members.  See details in the mailbag or follow this link:
  www.JJProductions.NET to register, and www.JJPoductions.net/payment.Olaf.htm in order to save $10 off the price.  THEY NEED GUYS!


Lastly, COMING SOON!  Salsa Night at the BCCA, Every Saturday!  These are tentatively starting on April 5.  Read on for more about the BCCA.


** If you haven't heard about it already, there's a new dance space in town:
  Brookline Community Center for the Arts (BCCA)
  Opening April, 2003
  in Coolidge Corner, Brookline
The BCCA website is being updated daily.  Please log in to www.bccaonline.com and add yourself to the mail/email list to get all the latest info.

     SALSA CLASSES ARE BEING SCHEDULED!  Programs with
  -- Burju and Victor (Hacha y Machete)
  -- Johnny and Kelly
  -- Dan Marshall

Schedules and registration will be online this week.

The BCCA is interviewing instructors (dance, yoga, martial arts, dance fitness) If you're interested in a new place to instruct, or better hours, contact the center at bcca@salsaboston.com

Investment opportunities are available.  If interested, please contact bms_llc@salsaboston.com for more info.


** Heads up!  "Afro-Cuban All-Stars" are coming in late April on a Wednesday night at the Paradise on Comm. Ave.   Official after-party will be that night at Sophia's.  Details TBA

** Wed. April 9, INSTRUCTOR NIGHT at Sophia's!  Come and meet all the regional Salsa instructors.  This is always a grand party each year.  We may do it again on Fri. April 11 at El Bembe.  Instructors, please send email to kelly@salsaboston.com to be included.



**************************
    SalsaBoston.com presents
    Salsa Night at Sophia's
       Every Wednesday
**************************

"Boston's original all Salsa, 'by Salseros for Salseros' hotspot!" 1270 Boylston St., Boston (near Kenmore Sq. and Fenway Park)

Every Wed:
7:45-9:15
NEW!  Casino Rueda classes with MIT Casino Rueda Group, 7:45-9:15, introductory and intermediate.  Reuda Details: www.salsaboston.com/sophias/rueda.html or scroll down a bit

9:15-10:30
Follwing that, Salsa Lessons with Johnny and Kelly at 9:15, beginnner and intermediate, no partner necessary.

10:30-2am
Salsa until 2am!  Featuring each Wed. each month:
1st    DJ Nik
2nd    DJ Antonio Ortiz
3rd    DJ D. Martinez
4th    DJ Hernan
5th    Guest (when there is a 5th Wed.)
21+ Proper ID and Dress
$10 Cover, $2 extra for lesson (i.e. $12 before 9pm, $10 after) http://salsaboston.com/sophias

Starting Wed., Jan. 29, Salsa Night at Sophia's will include a Casino Rueda class from 7:45 to 9:15, as part of the night.  We're doing this because Casino Rueda is a blast and we don't see much of it around here. In other words, we want to get it going in this area!  The lessons will be taught by members of the MIT Casino Rueda Group.  There will be an introductory lesson concurrent with an ongoing intermediate level class. If you've never done Casino Rueda but know basic Salsa, take the introductory class once or twice and graduate up to the intermediate level.  If you've never danced Salsa at all, Johnny and Kelly's regular Salsa class will still be happening as usual from 9:15-10:15.  $12 covers you for the whole night ($10 after 10:15).  If you're an expert and don't plan to take Johnny and Kelly's class, you will have an hour inbetween to practice, have a drink, or get a bite to eat downstairs.

If you've never heard of Casino Rueda, it's an "exhilarating" dance that comes from Cuba via Miami, that can best be described as "Salsa meets square dancing", or "sychronized Salsa".  It's a group Salsa dance, with partners in a circle, there's a caller and and a bunch of moves that everyone knows.  As the dance progresses, everyone does the same moves together, often trading partners as part of it.  The whole thing is a blast!  If you ever danced in Miami, it's extremely popular down there. JAM'NASTICS teaches some of it as well in Boston.

More details will be posted in www.salsaboston.com/sophias/rueda.html,
with a video clip as well.


******************************
 SalsaBoston T-Shirts are in!
******************************

T-shirts are in stock again!  Thanks to all who have made purchases! Just in time for the holidays, SalsaBoston.com T-shirts are in, and they look great!  Check them out at http://salsaboston.com/shirt Pick up 2 or more for $17.50 each, $2.50 off the $20 price. Show off your SalsaBoston colors wherever you dance!  Also, why not pick up some extra's to trade or give as gifts?

Anyway, 2 styles, regular T's and Girly-T's, standard sizes, 100% cotton. These are high quality shirts.  Proceeds help support salsaboston. com.  You can even order online.


***********************************************
             Sponsor News
  (please patronize the establishments
   that help bring you SalsaBoston.com)
"What's a sponsor?" email: info@salsaboston.com
***********************************************

TEMPORADA LATINA @ RYLES

Salsa & Merengue Dancing - Thursdays in Cambridge
Friendly environment for beginners,
Quality dance space for more experienced salsa enthusiasts, Nonsmoking,
21+

Dance Lessons with Dance Caliente
Intermediate Salsa: 8:30 pm - 9:15 pm
Beginner Salsa: 9:15 pm - 10:00 pm
Ryles Jazz Club, 212 Hampshire St.,
Inman Square, Cambridge, (617) 876-9330
Dancing: 10:00 pm - 1:00 am
Admission: $12 before 10:00 pm; $8 after 10:00 pm
Presented by: Suzanne Steele, Assorted Affairs, (508) 224-5120 http://salsaboston.com/temporada

DJ Schedule 2003
1sth Thursday   Feb. 6  DJ Latino (Antonio Ortiz)
2nd Thursday    Feb. 13 DJ Jose Barron
3rd Thursday    Feb. 20 DJ Nik (Nik Caswell)
4th Thursday    Feb. 27 DJ Rubio (Tim Shea)

---
Pabon El Salsero!
Dance Classes, Live Orchestra, Promotions www.pabonelsalsero.com Spontaneous Celebrations 45 Danforth Street Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 617-524-0457

****************************
 This Week's Mailbag
****************************

1) Hacha Update: benefits for LA
2) Hips on Fire:  Applied Latin Motion this week, plus Grupo Fantasia at El Bembe
3) 7 Minute Date this Monday
4) Salsalort Classes and Update
5) Rhode Island Clubs
6) Nutrament Latin Dance Team Championships, NYC, Sunday June 1
7) SALSA Y SABOR!!! Sat. April 26, MIT
8) Opening: WORLD RHYTHMS DANCE, HEALTH & FITNESS CENTER, Worcester

Plus Editorials


********************************************************************
1)
Hacha Y Machete Dance Stylists presents

TWO SPECTACULAR BENEFIT SOCIALS AND PERFORMANCES TO LOOK FORWARD TO!

 -- HYM Benefit Social and Debut Performance Party

Saturday March 29th, 2003  10pm-1am (with classes for all levels from 9pm-10pm) @ Punto Final Night Club 272 Broadway St. Lawrence, MA

Hacha Y Machete Dance Stylists proudly presents the debut of their entire PROFESSIONAL ON 2 DANCE COMPANY: Victor Perez, Burju Hurturk, Josue Toyosato, Susy Ismatul, Wilfredo Ceballo, and Waleska Melendez Come watch all three couples perform that incredible number that everyone cant stop talking about, and support the WHOLE team as they get ready for the West Coast Salsa Congress in May. We kidnapped the DJ and are holding him ransom so he will be playing mostly (75%) salsa and mambo!

More info: 617-733-6592,  hymstyle@yahoo.com

 -- From JP to LA...

Help Ritmo en Accisn (the first and only ON 2 youth dance troop from Mass) take the west coast salsa stage!

Saturday April 5th from 2-6pm--  Ritmo en Accisn will host a Salsa Social fundraising event at the Milky Way in Jamaica Plain.  Learn Salsa, practice your steps, listen to music, sit back and enjoy.  Featuring performances by Ritmo en Accion, Hacha Y Machete Dance Stylists, Floor Lords and more to be announced!  Tickets are on sale please call or email Burju @ 617-733-6592 hymstyle@yahoo.com

If you cant make it and would like to make a contribution please go to the following link:

http://www.guidestar.org/partners/helping/donate.jsp?ein=04-3118543

 In less than one year, a team of teenagers from the Hyde Square Task Force has turned what was only a passion for dance into a dream come true.  With formal instruction from Burju and Victor from the Hacha Y Machete Dance Stylists, this team of teenagers has choreographed and practiced a variety of Latin and hip hop dance routines with such dedication that they never fail to dazzle audiences throughout Boston and Massachusetts.  Now the team has found out that they are one of two youth groups out of hundreds of applicants to be accepted to perform at the 5th Annual Salsa Congress, a professional venue to showcase salsa dance talent from around the world.  In order to participate Ritmo en Accion is asking for your support.  Help make this dream come true for 14 hard! working and dedicated teenagers.

********************************************************************
2)
From Hips on Fire:

Applied Latino Motion Workshop - Thursday 7pm-8:30pm

This Thursday we continue with the series of workshops where we are going to apply all what we learned during our Latino Motion workshops and apply it to Salsa,
Merengue, Bachata and Cumbia. So if you can't figure out how to move your hips and the rest of the body for these dances, this is the class to join. If you didn't come to the Latino Motion Workshop, don't worry we are breaking down the movements so that anyone that want to improve their dancing can join us too.

$12 per class

VFW
299 Green St
Central Sq, Cambridge

   -----
El BEMBE this Friday March 28th with Grupo Fantasia

Another Party this Friday! This time with a Live Band: Grupo Fantasia.

9pm - 10pm - Salsa, Merengue & Bachata Lesson by yours truly Hips On Fire 10pm - 1:30am- Live Band & DJ Music - Dance, Dance, Dance until you can't move anymore!

Full Bar available
Shuttle parking also available

And now with FOOD every Friday!

Admission ONLY $10!!!!!!
Can anyone else beat that???

Jorge Hernandez Cultural Center
85 West Newton,
South End, Boston

El Bembe is from 9:00 pm - 1:30 am, Tickets: $10.00, 21+ Event.
Shuttle Service will be $5.00, all proceeds from parking service will go to the
South End Youth Baseball. No Jeans, Sneakers nor Caps allowed.

For more information on these or any JHCC Event, call 617-927-0061 / 617-927-1730 or visit us at: www.iba-etc.org


********************************************************************
3)
Gentlemen, would you like to meet some lovely women?
Ladies, there are still tickets left you women if you sign up with a male friend!

JJ from JJProductions.NET is offering $10 off their 7 miniute date this Monday, 3/31 to SalsaBoston members! He has a good many women on the waiting list and would like to confirm them all! It is a fabulous location, Joe's American Bar & Grill overlooking the waterfront in Boston! Compliemtary appetizers include items like Roasted garlic & fennel cheese puff, chicken & pork dumplings with soy dipping sauce, Smoked salmon pinwheels and Spanokopita! Three different age groups - 23 to 32; 28 to 39; 36 to 49 You have to get your tickets ASAP but no later than this Sat., 3/29 at noon when this discount offer will expire! After you register on line at www.JJProductions.NET you will need to go to the following link for the discount payment: JJPoductions.net/payment.Olaf.htm Questions at 617-623-7571

********************************************************************
4) From Salsalort:

      --------------------------------------
        WORCESTER LATIN DANCE COURSES
      --------------------------------------

- REGISTER TODAY!  The SALSAlort Latin Dance
& Fitness Company Salsa/Mambo, Merengue, &
Bachata 10-week courses start THURSDAY, APRIL 3!

COURSES:
~ Intro to Latin Dance I:  (Thursdays, 6:10-7:10 PM)
Learn the three most popular Latin Dances: Salsa,
Merengue, and Bachata!
--- 10 weeks, $129 per person, F/T Students* $100

~ Latin Dance II:  (Thursdays, 7:15-8:15 PM)
This Beginners course is the second part of the
Intro to Latin Dance I course.  We take it further
by introducing basic turn patterns and shines.  We
will also introduce two other dances:  Rueda de
Casino and Cha-cha!
--- 10 weeks, $129 per person, F/T Students* $100

~ Salsa-Advanced Beginner (Skills) Workshop
(Thursdays, 8:15-9:15 PM)
Take it to the next level!  Turn Combinations,
Open Shines, Styling and more!
--- 10 weeks, $129 per person, F/T Students* $100

~ Salsa/Mambo-Intermediate (Days/Time TBA)
TURNS, TURNS, TURNS!  New York, LA, Miami, Cuban
and other styles Turn Patterns and Shines Combinations!


        ** COUPLE'S  SPECIAL **
    ---  $20 off total price*! ---
   ..........................
   Pre-Registration Required.

To REGISTER and for more information you may contact Javier by phone at 508-792-0263, via e-mail at SALSAlort@juno.com, or visit our web site at www.SALSAlort.com. REGISTER TODAY!  Limited spots available. *Restrictions apply.  F/T student discount with valid ID. Discounts may not be combined.
WHERE: All courses will be held at the new World Rhythms(TM) Dance, Health & Fitness Center, 221 Chandler Street, Worcester.

   --------------------------------------
     SALSA!Workout(TM) STARTS APRIL 2!
   --------------------------------------
~ SALSA!Workout(TM) (Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45)
The SALSAlort SALSA!Workout classes are an
exciting alternative to aerobics, jazzercise,
and other traditional fitness programs.  Learn to
DANCE Salsa while burning calories and increasing
strength to the exotic rhythms of the Latin Beat!
NOTE:  THIS IS NOT AEROBICS to Latin music!  YOU
WILL LEARN TO DANCE!!!!!!!!!
## Have Fun & Get Fit with SALSAlort! ##
--- 6 weeks, $75 per person, F/T Students* $70

WHERE: At the new World Rhythms(TM) Dance, Health
& Fitness Center, 221 Chandler Street, Worcester. .......................... Pre-Registration Required. .......................... To REGISTER and for more information you may contact Javier by phone at 508-792-0263, via e-mail at SALSAlort@juno.com, or visit our web site at www.SALSAlort.com.

   ----------------------------------------
     CAMBRIDGE LATIN DANCE COURSES
   ----------------------------------------
-- New Session Starts Tuesday, April 1!  For more information please visit www.ccae.org and enter "Salsa" on the search field.  You will alo find a link through our website by visiting the Schedules page at http://salsalort.com/schedules.htm and clicking on "Cambridge/Boston".


********************************************************************
5)
TWO NEW SALSA CLUBS IN RHODE ISLAND
        Salsa is a Latin (partner) dance craze whose origins can be traced to Cuba and Puerto Rico. The world is fast discovering its wonderful rhythm and sensual dance moves.
*       The wonderful Sal's Club in Pawtucket has made Wednesdays
Latin/Salsa Night featuring RI's Premier Latin Band Clave Logic. This local band is a mix of local veterans, percussionists from Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Lead singer Carlos DeLeon has even worked with Tito Puente and Machito! Free dance lessons will be provided by Nelia Lawton <l.html> - director of Theatrical Ballroom and Jazz Project <rico2.html> AT 7:30pm and 9:30pm followed by a night of Latin Dancing. Sal's is located at 200 George Waterman Road in Johnston. You can call Sal's at 401-232-5470 for more information or check out their website at <http://salsrbclub.com>. Sal's has been creating quite a mark on the dance scene with live music for Swing Dancing on Saturdays (and often on Fridays) and Zydeco & Cajun dancing on Sundays (as well as other nights).
*       Newport's salsa club is on Thursday evenings at Studio 3 at 3 Pelham
East opposite Bannister's Wharf. Those of you who want to learn the basics of salsa can join instructor Sarah Chanel <c.html> for a beginners class each Thursday at 8pm. People with two left feet are welcome! The cost for the lesson is $10 per person; no need to register in advance; no partner required. At 9pm the night heats up with dancing to the best of Salsa and Merengue music by DJ Tony Felix (also the DJ at Platform, THE salsa club of Providence). Music and dancing continue until midnight. No cover charge before 10pm; after 10pm the charge is $5. For more information: Call Merrilee Zellner at: 401-846-2724 or Email: mzellner5@hotmail.com <zellner5@hotmail.com">mailto:mzellner5@hotmail.com>.

********************************************************************
6) Submitter:
Harvey Light

Email:
hlight@artsforbusiness.com

Info:
2004 Nutrament Latin Dance Team Championships
Sunday June 1 at NYC's South Street Seaport
Visit www.teambaile.com for further information


****************************************************************
7)
Hey everyone, mark your calendars for our next big dance party, SALSA Y SABOR!!! April 26.  See announcement below.

And don't forget, MIT Casino Rueda EVERY WEDNESDAY at Sophia's, for more info see www.salsaboston.com/sophia/rueda.html

Your friends at the MIT Casino Rueda Group proudly present

          SALSA Y SABOR!!!
   Salsa Dance Party and Showcase
        Saturday, April 26

FEATURING... New York's SANTO RICO DANCE COMPANY!!!

And SIZZLING Performances by:
  Hacha Y Machete Dance Co.
  Salsa Y Control Dance Co.
  MIT Casino Rueda Group

*Beginners' Salsa LESSON: 7-8
*DANCING 8-1 with DJ HERNAN spinning the BEST salsa for dancers!!!

Party, Lesson, and Performances FREE with MIT ID,
Non-MIT $5 before 9PM, $10 after 9 PM

WHERE:  La Sala De Puerto Rico
        2nd floor MIT Student Center (building W20)
        84 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge
        for a map click here:
        http://whereis.mit.edu/bin/map?locate=studcent&locate=bldg_w20

See you all there!!

        The MIT Casino Rueda Group

This event is funded by weekends@mit and The MIT Fund

Feel free to visit our web page for more details about the group:
                          http://web.mit.edu/rueda/www/

**************************************************************
8)
  GRAND OPENING: WORLD RHYTHMS(TM)
  DANCE, HEALTH & FITNESS CENTER
  ------------------------------------

- The new World Rhythms(TM) Dance,
Health & Fitness Center will offer a
variety of adult and youth Dance courses
including Latin (Salsa/Mambo, Merengue,
Bachata, etc.), Brazilian Samba, Belly
Dancing, African Dancing, Argentine Tango,
Swing, Hip-hop, Folkloric Dances and more!

- Besides Dance courses, the World Rhythms(TM)
Dance, Health & Fitness Center will also
offer the popular SALSA!Workout(TM) and
other dance workout classes!.  Counseling in
Fitness including Nutrition, Weight Loss,
Body Building, etc., will be offered by
Certified Fitness Trainers.  ALSO ... our
incredible, StretchAssist(TM) program for
pain management and reduction and overall
flexibility will be starting soon!
-Look out for our 90 Day Personal Fitness
Challenge!  More to come ...

- In the near future, the World Rhythms(TM)
Dance, Health & Fitness Center will offer
Massage, Martial Arts, Musical Instruction,
Guided Meditation Sessions and more.

- Space will also be available for musicians/
bands to practice by the hour.

WHERE:  Keystone Plaza, 221 Chandler Street,
Worcester, MA 01609.  This is near the intersection
of Park Avenue, in the same lot as Standard Electric.
If you are coming from Main Street, the Center
will be on your right just before you come to
Park Avenue.

WHEN:  Latin Dance courses will start on April 3.
Other courses will be scheduled soon.  Please check
website for updates.
CONTACT:  (508) 792-0263, WorldRhythms@SALSAlort.com,
www.WorldRhythmsCenter.com (currently this domain re-directs
 to www.SALSAlort.com ... we will have the new World
Rhythms(TM) web site up soon!)

NOTE:
Thanks to all that have supported me in this and
other endeavors.  I TRULY could not have done it
without you!  Thank you for your efforts!  PEACE!



**********************
 Editorial
 "J.D.'s Corner"
**********************
Are We Having Fun Yet?
By JD Smith

A short while ago my mom came into town for a visit and on my suggestion, we took in one of the local salsa venues.  Being a Latin music lover from back in the day she was eager to check out the scene. Afterwards, she commented that she enjoyed the event but asked why everyone seemed so serious. When I inquired as to what she meant, she replied that the dancers seemed to be “too serious, not enjoying themselves”.
  I was ready to dismiss the comment when my girlfriend chimed in with agreement. Now I was ready to listen, as she is actually a fairly good dancer. She does not however share my passion for salsa , in spite of her skill. She went on to comment that she’d rather be “out there in some club with the twenty something’s just jumping around, not caring what their left legs were doing”. I assured them both that I do indeed enjoy myself a great deal, they however seemed unconvinced.  Their skepticism seemed to imply that too much preoccupation with timing and prescribed formulas of movement inhibit the sense of abandon necessary to simply enjoy dancing.
  Well maybe there’s something to this after all.  I began trying to see the scene as they did, and indeed I began to notice some of the things they observed. I noticed various individuals I would invite to dance apologizing for their “poor skills” even before the dance had begun.  Some, you could tell were counting time in there heads, or even mouthing numbers. Others seemed endlessly frustrated that they could not correctly remember the sequence of some newly learned combination. I get it.  That’s what they saw, behaviors that seemed a bit self-conscious and could lead one to think that possibly, they weren’t really having a good time. But let’s take a second look, there are some universals at work here.
  Like learning a musical instrument, dance is a conceptual activity.  You can bang on a tambourine, like the “twenty-somethings jumping around”or you can aspire to a community orchestra or band. It’s all about the level one chooses to enjoy something on.  To manifest any concept requires technique. The higher the concept, the more technique is required to make it happen and the longer the skill acquisition curve will be.
  Now don’t misunderstand me, tambourines or orchestras, whatever is your pleasure, I’m not judging, just understand that each has is own set of requirements for participation.  The trick is to be able to enjoy your skills at whatever level you’re on at the time and to enjoy the process rather than the result. In other words, just enjoy the ride, you’ll get there when you get there.
  It makes it I think, far easier to enjoy your chosen activity and with far lower frustration levels. After all the only reason to get technique is in the end to forget it’s there and just do whatever it allows on its own.
   Now, are we having fun yet?!


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