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

This issue:
- New Year's Eve Guide
- Salsaboston Events (BCCA, Sophia's with Casino Rueda)
- Sponsor News
- This Week's Mailbag


New Years Eve Guide

Salsa:
-Salsa Night at Sophia's with SalsaBoston
  Tentatively:  $35 downstairs, includes 4-star food, champagne toast, party favors
                $100, advance tickets only, include open bar upstairs
                details and online tickets TBA 
-Temporada Latina New Years Party at Ryles  $25  see mailbag

Latin:
-New Year's Eve at Club Lido with SalsaBoston and Avive (Wonderland)
  Tentatively: $20, live band, party favors, champagne toast
  details and online tickets TBA

Black Tie:
-SalsaBoston recommends the Resolution Ball
   http://salsaboston.com/resolutionball.html

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Guayaberas for sale!

We managed to get ahold of a bunch of nice ones wholesale from Miami for the Congress but were too busy to sell them, so we have some left!  If you don't know, these are short sleaved, embroidered men's shirts based on the casual Cuban style.  They have a straight cut bottom and are worn loosely.  These have retail tags on them for $30-$50, but this batch we're selling for $20 each!!!!

Colors are across the board, mostly black, blue, pastels, cream, and white, but a few others.  Various sizes.  If interested, email size and color preference to info@salsaboston.com and I'll let you know what we have left in stock.

Here is a picture of a typical one: http://www.suavecito.com/images/Shirts/BlueGuayaberra.jpg

Great Holiday Gift for your "DANCIN' MAN!"


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 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.



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  Salsa Night at the BCCA
      Every Saturday!
**************************

BCCA's Salsa Night is now open with a modest crowd but very fun!

14 Green Street, right in the heart of Coolidge Corner.
Lessons at 9:30pm
Dancing until 2am
$10/$12 with lessons
Plenty of street parking
1 block from Green Line
All ages
More info and directions: http://salsaboston.com/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 SCHEDULED!  Programs with
  -- Burju and Victor (Hacha y Machete)
  -- Johnny and Kelly
  -- SalSalort
  -- JAM'NASTICS
  -- Dan Marshall

Schedules and registration online

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


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    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:
7:45-9:00
NEW!  Casino Rueda classes with JAM'NASTICS 7:45-9:15, introductory and intermediate.  Details: www.salsaboston.com/sophias/rueda.html or scroll down a bit

9:00-10:00
Follwing that, Salsa Lessons with Johnny and Kelly at 9:15, beginnner and intermediate, no partner necessary.

10:00-2am
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

PROPER DRESS REQUIRED, no tshirts, jeans, caps

Salsa Night at Sophia's new includes a Casino Rueda class from 7:45 to 9:00, 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 JAM'NASTICS.  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 of course still be happening as usual from 9:00-10:00.  $12 covers you for the whole night ($10 after 10:00).  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.

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

*******************
Sponsor News:
*******************

Sangria & Salsa is HOT - Red Hot!
Every Friday, salsa your way over to the best social party in town. Our professional dance teacher Rix brings years of experience offering beginner and advanced Salsa, Merengue and Bachata. The fun starts at 7:30pm and NO partner necessary! Optional salsa lessons begin at 8:00pm (8-9 Beginner 9-10 Intermediate) Bring your friends, sip sangria and get ready to salsa all night long. THIS EVENT IS GREAT FOR GROUPS, BACHELOR-ETTE PARTIES, SINGLES or COUPLES ON A DATE.

http://www.bostoneventguide.com/ss.htm

---

The Havana Club presents Mambo Mondays
@ Toast, Union Square, Somerville

The Havana Club provides a casually elegant evening (Mambo Mondays!) for beginning and serious Salsa dancers.  The night features a beginner lesson from 8-9, followed by an open Salsa dance from 9-12. Havana Club is located at Toast, an upscale restaurant and bar which can luxuriously seat 75 while 150 dance Salsa. (Yeah, Baby!)  The restaurant serves gourmet food and the bar makes authentic Mojitos! Free Valet Parking is available for women traveling alone. Club Code of Conduct: Treat her like a lady! Admission is $10. Opening night is Monday, November 17th!

Toast is located at 70 Union Square in Somerville. To drive there from Cambridge's central square, go 1 mile up Prospect St., take a left at the Dunkin Donuts and look for the sign "Toast" on your right. There are free public parking lots next to and behind the restaurant. Bus routes 85, 86, 87, and 91 have Union Square stops.

For more information call Jeff Robinson at 617.312.5550 or email havanaclubsalsa@yahoo.com


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

1) BCCA's Winter Solstice dance concert series
2) El Bembe update
3) Mango Blue Dec. 18, Benefit for Congregation Beth El /Sudbury Cuba Fund
4) Hips on Fire turns workshop
5) Best Foot Forward classes, Newton
6) Jam'Nastics special workshops and schedule
7) Temporada Latin New Years party
8) Woonsocket Fiestas Patronales of R.I. fund drive

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1)
For the Love of the Arts!

BCCA Presents A 4-Part Winter Solstice Concert Series
Event: Throughout the month of December (11th, 12th, 19th and 20th), The Brookline Community Center for the Arts (BCCA) will host a 4-Part dazzling Winter Solstice Concert Series of performances by faculty, students, and visiting artists to showcase their talents and end-of-year dance, martial arts, music, poetry, theatre, and visual arts projects. Join this incredible and diverse assortment of veteran artists and new talents of all ages to help support key BCCA fundraising initiatives including wheel chair access to the basement, community, education and arts programming, facilities improvement, & community outreach. The concerts conclude with evening functions and catered receptions by Organic Kitchen's Fausto Carrasquillo.

More details: http://bccaonline.com/winter_solstice.html

Buy Tickets Online !!
Concert Tickets: Adults: $13 in Advance / $15 at door
Children/Students/Seniors: $11 in Advance / $13 at door

To Buy Tickets:
Online:  www.BCCAonline.com/buy_tickets.html
Phone:  (617) 738-2800

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2)

Friday, December 12th: El Bembé continues with DJ Disco Moreno, Salsa and Merengue lessons with Hips on Fire Dance Team and more!

And be sure to join us on Friday, December 19th for the last el Bembé of the season with special guests Grupo Fantasia!  Friday December 19th Last El Bembe of the Season! Join us for LIVE salsa with Grupo Fantasia! Led by Angel "Cononi" Wagner, Grupo Fantasía has been a mainstay in the local Latin music scene.  The band performs an array of music in diverse styles, specializing in Merengue and Salsa. Visit www.grupofantasia.com for more information on this great band

El Bembé happens every Friday Night through December 19th featuring * Complimentary Salsa/Merengue Dance Lessons with "HIPS ON FIRE TEAM" * Live music by the best Salsa/Merengue bands in the region * Salsa/Merengue Disc Jockey * Full Bar Service * Off-site parking with shuttle service to and from a supervised parking lot for just $5.00! 21+ event $10.00.

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3)

CUBAN CONNECTION ~ BENEFIT BLAST!

LATINO & CUBAN RHYTHMS BY MANGO BLUE
Thursday evening, Dec. 18th, 7:30 p.m.
Jorge Hernandez Cultural Center - Boston's only "Casa de Cultura" Benefit for Congregation Beth El /Sudbury Cuba Fund


MANGO BLUE: This 8-piece NY-based band recently received its 8th nomination for BEST WORLD MUSIC GROUP by the BOSTON MUSIC AWARDS. In addition to their program of Latin music there will be a special set of Cuban rhythms.

Boston Phoenix’s 2000 Readers’ Poll Award recipient for “Best World Music Act” and Boston Music Awards 2003 nominee, MANGO BLUE is an all-original music ensemble now based in NYC.  Led by Ecuadorian composer, bassist and singer Alex Alvear, MANGO BLUE brings a mixture of musical influences to create a refreshing new sound in Afro-Latin and World music. This invigorating new music reflects a wide array of influences from Rhythm and Blues, Jazz and Funk to Caribbean roots, with a strong rhythmical foundation that draws from diverse Afro-Latin musical traditions.  This stylistic fusion allows for a concoction of styles that translate into music that transcends ethnic boundaries, providing a new color in the Latin music palette. The members of MANGO BLUE are from different parts of the world and are amongst the best instrumentalists from the region.  Born in Quito, Ecuador, Alvear has been involved in numerous musical projects ranging from Rock and Roll to traditional Andean folklore, from Urban folklore to Cuban Son Montuno.  Upon his arrival to the US in 1986, he began to work with some of the best Salsa, Merengue and Latin Jazz ensembles of New England.  Alvear was the co-founder and director of the Afro-Cuban ensemble Aché, nominated for the Boston Music Awards Best Latin Act in 1991 & 1992. During this time he performed with master drummer and singer Orlando "Puntilla" Ríos, Daniel Ponce and Celia Cruz.  His musical career includes numerous appearances in national and international Jazz, Folk and World Music festivals, recordings, and TV and radio performances.  In addition, since 1988 he has performed extensively throughout Massachusetts' schools and arts organizations, presenting workshops and lecture/demonstrations on the music of the Caribbean and Latin America through Young Audiences.  Finally, Alex Alvear has been an active promoter and producer of Latino arts and culture, including New England's only Latino performance series, CAFE TEATRO, since 1992.  This cultural program has been provided through IBA, a Boston-based Latino Community Development Corporation where Alvear works as Performing Arts Director.

THE JORGE HERNANDEZ CULTURAL CENTER:
Located at the Villa Victoria, 85 W. Newton St. 
The Center just opened its Latino Casa Cultura with a jewel-like
art gallery & expanded space.
(Reserved parking will be available @ $5/car).

THE CUBA FUND AND THE JEWISH COMMUNITY OF CIENFUEGOS:
Monies from the Beth El-Sudbury Cuba Fund provide religious materials, assistance & support (educational, cultural, medical and nutritional) to the Jewish community of Cienfuegos, Cuba.

Admission: $25.00 in advance Limited reserved cabaret seating: $35.00.
(This is an over-21 event; handicapped accessible).
Advance sales encouraged; donations welcome if your social calendar is too full!

Congregation Beth El~Sudbury
ATTN: Cuba Fund
105 Hudson Rd., Sudbury, MA 01776
Beth El office: 978-443-9622; Gary & Linda Hirsch: 508-653-0161

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4)
From Hips on Fire:

Do you get tangled feet?? Do you end up at an unexpected place after a turn? Do you get dizzy?? Maybe we can give you some tips... BASIC SALSA TURNS Workshop For Everyone Come and learn tips and technique to improve your turns Saturday December 13th, 
11-12pm
 at Dance Complex,
536 Mass Av, Central Sq, Cambridge

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5)
Best Foot Forward is organizing
Private group classes for the 2004 winter season.

A private group differs from general open classes in three major ways:
    1.  Class is limited to 6 couples for more personal attention.   
    2.  Students sign up with partners for guaranteed leader/follower balance.
    3.  Students are not required to change partners during the class time.

Schedule is as follows:

    Salsa 1    4 Wednesdays, 7:30-8:30pm, Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 11, and 25
    Salsa 2    4 Wednesdays, 7:30-8:30pm, March 3, 10, 27 and 24

Where:  Paulette's Ballet Studio, 190 Oak St., Newton Upper Falls.
Tuition:  $120/couple for the session if registered one week before it begins (e.g. Dec. 29 for Swing 1); $130/couple thereafter.

By check:                                                               
Payable to Best Foot Forward
Mail to:  100 Clearwater Rd., Newton, MA 02462-1106
By Credit Card:
Credit Card type; card #; exp. date; address with zip code; phone contact number.
Call:  617-916-5757
Fax:  617-916-5626
Confirmation with directions will be emailed when registration is received. Thank you. Sara Brodsky Director, Best Foot Forward

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6)
My salsa maniacs,

Next week JAMNASTICS is having specialized and essential salsa workshops that everyone has been craving to take. Even though this is salsa, many moves could be used for Hip-hop, Merengue, Bachata and Reggae. Come take them and make your moves go up, not one, but three levels! (Also huge holiday discounts for college students, so don't miss out)

Tuesday's schedule @ YWCA, 7 Temple St, Cambridge:
Central Square
6:00 Improve Your Social Dance Skills
7:00 Time Drills

Thursday's schedule, @ BCCA,14 Green St, Brookline:
Coolidge Corner
6:30 Gender Switch
7:30 Partnering Challenge
8:00 Dips & Stunts

Questions about the workshops? Check below for the descriptions. All the workshops are an hour long, except the Partnering Challenge Workshop, which is half an hour long. Prices are listed at the bottom of this e-mail.

Dont worry, no one is watching! Just Improvise
The focus of this workshop is to help students perfect their social dancing skills. On the dance floor, men make some mistakes and ladies respond with some elbows in their faces. Many of you know various turn patterns. Use those turn patterns and turn them into different combinations that last up to the end of a song. Learn various leading and following techniques, know how to fake and go back on the right counts, and use simple turns and style them differently.

Be Punctual! Or the music will leave you behind
Its important to work with the music because it does get mad when you make the wrong step at the wrong count. When dancing On1, men make sure to break forward with your left leg on the first count and women, break backward with your right leg. Take this workshop and learn the to identify the clave, congas tumbao, base and other instruments that signals the different counts in salsa. Decipher the beats while synchronizing your dance steps!

Get a Shoe Change! Everyone is doing it
Ladies, why are you mens shoes and gentlemen, why are you wearing high heels? Something is wrong in this picture. Or is there? Join this workshop and switch your gender for just one hour. Itll be fun! This course will allow one sex to wear the opposite sexs shoes. In other words, females will have the opportunity to lead and males to follow. Ladies will learn signals; movements and tension that gives them the chance to smoothly guide and communicate with their partner. In a roundabout way, the lady will learn to follow better. Gentlemen dont be shy (or embarrassed) and become a follower. The gender change allows you men to notice the proper tension and signals to better comply with your partners needs.

Dont Stop! Or you might lose the flow
Make sure you have a hand towel and to take your drink before this workshop because its intense. Everyone has heard of the Footwork Challenge class. Now, JAMNASTICS is presenting the Partnering Challenge workshop. It was requested all FALL, so take advantage and learn all the combinations you possibly can in half an hour Let see where the challenge leaves you.

Please Dont Drop Her
Want to pick up a lady and have her flip in the air? Ladies, do you want to get twirl on your partners back? Take this class and be the spotlight on the dance floor. Learn the dips and drops without endangering your partners head, back or arms. Fun class! Two thumbs up. Everyone will learn the proper and careful techniques to do marvelous performances, as well as moves that will make them shine during their social dancing. Its okay to get a lot of attention.

Workshop Prices:

Take one workshop for only $14
Take two for $25
Take two and a half (Partnering Challenge) for $32
College Students bring College ID and get $4 off for each workshop!
Just take all of them for only $45!! Cant beat this price!

Where else will you find deals like this? No where!

If you sign up for January Session, you get half-price for only one day of workshops. Dont miss out! Let the Salsa and Fun Begin!

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7)
New Years Eve is going to be HOT at Temporada Latina/Ryles!

Dance the year away as DJ Latino (Antonio Ortiz) spins Classic Salsa, Today's Salsa, Cha-Cha-Cha, and Mambo with a little merengue and bachata in the mix.
The evening begins at 9:00 PM* with complimentary hors d'oeuvres! Enjoy a midnight champagne toast! Make sure you purchase your tickets in advance! They are $25.00* and are now available on-line at the Ryles website - link below - or by calling 617-876-9330. So dress up - Black Tie Optional - and get ready to SALSA into the new year! See you there!

Suzanne

log on to www.rylesjazz.com and click on purchase tickets.

* New start time and price

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8)
Submitter:
Melody Love Gonzalez

Email:
fuego183@aol.com

Info:
                                                  
Press Release:
                       
Radio Tropical would like to extend an invitation to you and your business to assist us in our development effort by making a contribution to our on-going project on the move called “Woonsocket Fiestas Patronales of R.I. Incorporated”. 

We would like to combine our efforts and resources to assure a more successful post- secondary experience for a greater number of deserving Latinos who reside in Rhode Island as well as the diverse multicultural community.

The long-term goal of the Woonsocket Fiestas is to raise enough funds to assist in the Development Center that will aide our children with learning programs, handcrafting, music, tutoring and orientations, etc.

This Development Center is seeking improvement in the educational, cultural and political arenas. The demographics clearly estimate that Latinos will be the largest ethnic group in the United States by the year 2015.

The Latino population of Rhode Island is growing at 248% yearly and is estimated at 150,000. The Latino population of Rhode Island is growing at an incredibly rapid pace. We hope your business is able to make a contribution. It is our goal to culturally educate the Latino community in the State of Rhode Island.

Radio Tropical would like to invite you to this fund raising effort to be held, Wednesday December 31, 2003 from 6pm to 6am at the address listed below.  We firmly believe that with your support and donation, we can accomplish our set goals.

Thank you in advance and we look forward to your continued support.

Respectfully,

Melody Love González                                     Executive Director
Radio Tropical 1240am

1 SOCIAL STREET WOONSOCKET RI 02895
OFFICE: (401)766-7772 • FAX: (401)766-5019 ARITIME:(401)766-1240 Thur,Fri,Sat,Sun,. CELL:(401)743-5143 WEBSITE:WWW.TROPICAL1240AM.COM

Woonsocket Fiestas Patronales of R.I. Inc. Fundraiser

Name: ________________________________________Title: ____________________
Company/Organization: __________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________
City: _________________________ State: ______ Zip Code: _____________________ Work #: __________________ Home#: ________________ Fax#: ________________ E-mail:____________________________ Website (if any): _______________________

Please select your sponsorship category:
□ Gold:$5,000
□ Silver:$2,500
□ Bronze:$1,500
□ Contributor:$1,000
□ Donation: $500
□ Supporter: $250
□ Other:$150,$100,$50,$25

Please make check or money order payable to: Woonsocket Fiestas Patronales of RI Inc.

If you require additional information regarding the above mentioned event, please feel free to contact Melody Love @(401)766-7772.

Again thank you for your continued support.



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