Hola Salseros!
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     http://salsaboston.com/archive
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This issue:
- Valentine's at Knights of Columbus with Giovanni Hidalgo
- Salsa Night at the BCCA #2 since reopening Saturdays, it's HOT!
- LA Salsa Congress Info (also, see info about Salsa/Hustle in April in Miami, see mailbag)
- Salsaboston's other events
   Wed: Sophia's Salsa Night, now with Casino Rueda
   Thur: "Salsa for Gringos!"
- Sponsor News
- This Week's Mailbag


Okay, so you've heard that Saturdays at BCCA is hot now?  Well, the rumors are true!  All levels of people there last week, over 100, and beginners, WE WILL DANCE WITH YOU!   Plus it's all ages, so if you're in high school or college with no place to go for Salsa, well, THOSE DAYS ARE OVER.

Scroll down to the second story for all the details details.

  *** If you were there, please write a club review!  Or read them!
      http://salsaboston.com/club_script/reviews/BCCA-Brookline.html

Also, a limited selection of pictures: http://www.djdmartinez.com/images.htm


****************************
 Valentine's Party with
 Pabon and DJ Hernan
 featuring Giovanni Hidalgo
****************************
Single?...Looking for someone...that special someone?
What better venue that a salsa party in Valentine's.

Valentine's Day Salsa Party w/Giovanni Hidalgo
Edwin Pabon and DJ Hernan present Giovanni Hidalgo.
World's greatest Conga Player
Saturday Feb 14th @ The Knights of Columbus Hall,
75 West School St., Charlestown
visit BostonSalsero.com for more information or Ph. 617-524-0457 Online Tickets @ www.salsaboston.com/store

$20 advance, $25 at the door

**************************
 Noche de la Salsa @ BCCA
 Saturdays!
**************************

If you haven't heard, it's a whole new concept and it will feature all of BCCA's fabulous instructors dancing there each week and giving the lessons.  In other words, you can expect to see JAM'NASTICS, Hacha Y Machete, Salsa Y Control (with Johnny and Kelly), and SALSAlort there on a regular basis with many of their students and dance company members. Lessons are month by month, so you can develop a sense of continuity with each instructor.

The lessons schedule:
   February: JAM'NASTICS
   March:    Johnny and Kelly (Salsa Y Control)
   April:    Hacha Y Machete (tentatively)
   May:      SALSAlort (tentatively)

*** Noche de la Salsa, @ the BCCA ***
  Saturdays
  BCCA  14 Green Street, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
  9:30-10:30 Salsa lessons, all levels, no partner needed.
  10:30-2am, dancing, upstairs with DJ's D. Martinez and Hernan,
           and periodic guest DJ's
ALL AGES
www.salsaboston.com/bcca

Q: Why all this?

A: Well, we have been listening to the feedback from many people for the last 8 months since the BCCA opened, and observed what people want and like, and we came up with this format to put together Boston's ONLY Saturday Salsa Night, and not only that, in a spacious facility with Boston's best dance floors and without all the nightclub hassle.  This is truly an event "by Salseros for Salseros".

Q: Will there be people there?

A: Absolutely!  This night is being put together by four dance companies, two DJ's, SalsaBoston, the BCCA, and many friends.  We intend that this will be the premier Salsa Night on a weekend in Boston with a full house every week!

Q: Where can I find more info about the night, parking, lessons, etc.?

A: Several places:
- Scroll down to the Mailbag item 1 for more reopening info
- Check out www.salsaboston.com/bcca
- Check out the BCCA website www.bccaonline.com
- Call Olaf at 617-513-9841 to make group reservations and if you have specific
   questions.
- Call BCCA at 617-738-2800 for general information about BCCA, classes, workshops, sponsorship and contributions, and studio rentals for private parties and workshops.

Q: Is there alcohol?

A: No, not at present due to licensing.  However, we don't intend to let that detract from the party, as past experience has shown!  Furthermore that allows the night to be open to all ages, particularly the college people who are left out in the dark by the nightclubs.  BCCA is in the process of seeking a liquor license so that patrons may enjoy some drinks, but this is a long and involved process.  Juice, soda, and water are available, as well as some snacks.  If there is demand, we will be looking into light food service like pizza slices and empanadas, etc.


*******************
More Salsa at BCCA!
*******************

In addition to Saturday nights, check out what else is going on Salsa-wise at the BCCA:

- Friday Fiestas with Havana Club, Fridays, 10-1am
- Saturday Salsa Socials with Havana Club, 2-4:15pm Saturdays
   --------------

Havana Club Presents Salsa @ BCCA:

  Friday evenings, there will be a beginner salsa lesson
  from 9-10pm followed by a salsa dance from 10-1am. Admission is $10.

  Saturday afternoons, there will be a beginner salsa
  lesson from 1-2pm, followed by a salsa dance from 2-4:15pm. Admission
  is $5 for the dance, and $10 with the lesson.

  Please note that the Saturday Socials are regular events and the
  Friday Fiestas will be held until El Bembe is back in session.

  BCCA  14 Green Street, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
  For directions to the BCCA:
  http://www.bccaonline.com/directions.html   617-738-2800
  All ages welcome.


*******************
LA SALSA CONGRESS
*******************

Some people have been asking about the LA Congress at the end of May, which has been well attended by Boston Salseros in the past few years. Ticket prices go up again at the end of January.  Through Jan.31, event passes are only $300, and rooms are $95.  Evening only passes are also available.
  General info: http://alberttorresevents.com/congress/2004/
  Registration form:

http://www.alberttorresevents.com/congress/reg/regform/registration_LA04
.pdf
  Be sure to write "SalsaBoston" in the "referred by" section for
  their attendence records!



******************************
    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.


******************************
    SalsaBoston.com presents
    "Salsa Salsa for Gringos"
    A dance lesson for... Um....
      "Beginners!"
******************************

Thursday night at Sophia's
9pm-10:25

A lesson designed for true beginners, ESPECIALLY those with two left feet. Learn basic dance fundamentals in addition to Salsa basics.  Taught by Yours truly (Olaf), who was once in your shoes!  We have a good time!

Don't be late!  The first five minutes are the MOST IMPORTANT! Drinks and Tapas at Sophia's 4 star restaurant, 6-9. Come early and have a drink and a bite to eat, makes the lesson more fun!

For group reservations call 617-351-7001 and mention SalsaBoston.

http://www.salsaboston.com/salsa4gringos/


*******************
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

---

Mambo Mondays, a the Green Street Grill, Cambridge

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


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

1) Vermont Salsa & Ski Weekend, Valentine's
2) Mango Blue back in town
3) Havana Club Update
4) Salsa Happens Update (Providence)
5) JAM'NASTICS Faithful Student Program and schedule
6) Noche Latina update
7) International Hustle and Salsa Competition in Miami, April 1-4

****************************************************************
1)

Hermanos Production Presents
Latin Valentine's Dance Party
Latin Band Grupo Sabor & Special Guest.
Also Latin DJ Hector "El Salsero"
"Friday" February 13th, 04
@ Club Higher Ground
Downtown Winooski, VT. 05404 (802) 654-7079
Free Salsa dance Class @ 8pm
Tickets $10.00, Sold @Club Higher Ground door & outlets.
All Ages, & Smoke Free environment
Great Weekend to Go Skiing in Vermont.
Ski slopes only 30-45 minutes away from Motel
Club Higher Ground 6 blocks away from Motel
Also Discount Rooms @Motel 6, @ $ 39.99/per night. (802) 654-6860 Check Web Site for details http://www.hermanosproductions.com
 Info call 802 862-5082

****************************************************************
2)
Dear Friends of Mango Blue,

I hope this e-mail finds you well.  Sick of the cold yet?  Perhaps we can help.  We're playing at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and it would be wonderful if you could join us.  Please help us spread the word.  I look forward to seeing you there. 

Thank you for your ongoing support.

All the best,

Alex Alvear

MANGO BLUE
Visit our new Web site at:  www.mangoblue.org

****************************************************************
3)
Dear Friends,

Here’s the latest from Havana Club! 

Starting this Friday, Salsa y Control will be teaching at Friday Fiestas! Johnny Giraldo and Felicita Santiago will teach the intermediate lesson.

And at this week’s Mambo Monday, Jamnastics’ Michael Goldstein and Erin Banks will be giving a special performance!

Havana Club’s weekly events:

        Friday Fiesta, February 6th.
        Beginner and Intermediate lessons with Salsa y Control 9:30-10:30pm.
        Dance 10:30-1:30am.
        Admission is $10; $12 with lesson.
        BCCA, 14 Green Street, Coolidge Corner, Brookline

        Saturday afternoon, February 7th.
        Beginner lesson 1-2pm. Dance 2-4:15pm.
        Admission is $5; $10 with lesson.
        BCCA, 14 Green Street, Coolidge Corner, Brookline

        Mambo Monday, February 9th.
        Beginner Lesson 9:30-10:15pm. Dance 10:00-1am.
        Special Performance by Michael Goldstein and Erin Banks at 11:00pm!
        Admission is $8; $10 with lesson.  Come earlier and have dinner!
        Green Street Grill, 280 Green Street, Central Square, Cambridge

Best regards,

Jeff Robinson
617.312.5550

****************************************************************
4)
Don't miss the first SalsaHappens DANCE PARTY!
Wednesday, February 18th

 > Free Salsa Lesson for Beginners
 > Peformance by MAMBO SLAVES of Boston!
 > Music by DJ TONY FELIX!
 > Tasty Goodies to Eat
 > All Ages Welcome

      DATE: Wed, Feb 18th
      TIME: 7-8 pm Lesson
            8-11 pm Party & Dancing
     PRICE: $8 (includes lesson)
     WHERE: Providence Tango Dance Studio
            99 South Bend St, Pawtucket, RI
DIRECTIONS: www.providencetango.com

  ----

Also, the next session of SalsaHappens classes starts
Wednesday, March 3rd, the schedule is below.

From the department of Great New Policies:
Now you can take the Intro to Salsa class a second time for HALF
PRICE! That means, if you have previously registered in and
completed the Intro to Salsa class, you can take it again for only
$25!

6 WEDNESDAYS
March 3 through April 14 (no class March 17th)

FREE Warm-Up & Practice Time       5:30-6:15 pm
Intro to Salsa: NY Style & "on 1"  6:15-7:30 pm
Continuing NY Style (aka "on 2")   7:30-8:30 pm
Continuing Salsa (aka "on 1")      8:45-9:45 pm

PRICE:
6-week session: $50
Registration in second class for the same session: $40
Drop in per class $10; If registered in another class: $8
HALF PRICE to repeat/review Intro to Salsa class: $25
(available to those who have previously registered in and completed
the Intro to Salsa Class)

WHERE: Providence Tango Dance Studio
       99 South Bend St, Pawtucket, RI
DIRECTIONS: www.providencetango.com

****************************************************************
5)
From JAM'NASTICS

Check out the Faithful Student Discount!!

Starting Tuesday, February 3rd
Tuesday @ YWCA, 7 Temple St., Cambridge
600-700PM Salsa Basics Level 1
Salsa with Style Level 2-4
700-800PM Salsa Technique (Perfecting Salsa) Levels 2-4
Latin Party Dance Levels 1-3

Starting Thursday, February 5th
Thursday @ BCCA, 14 Green St., Brookline
630-730PM Salsa Basics Level 1
Styling and Body Movement Levels 2-4
730-830PM Salsa Basics Level 1
Spinning & Partnering Levels 2 & 3-4
830-900PM Footwork Challenge Levels 1-2 & 3-4

Faithful Student Discount*

Take advantage of the Faithful Student Discount and Save anywhere between $27 to $112. This chart below compares the actual cost of the classes for the 4-week session and how much you get to save if you take advantage of the Discounted Price. For instance, one regular class cost $14. If you take two classes for the sessions, it adds up to eight classes for the month. You multiply $14 by 8 and the total cost for the session is $112. The Discounted Price is $84, so you get to save $27!!! Let the Salsa Begin!

Take more classes and Save more money!

Prices

One regular class: $14

#of Classes/4wk Session  Discounted Price  Actual Price  You Save!
2                        85                112           $27
2.5                      100               140           $40
3                        110               168           $58
3.5                      120               196           $76
4                        135               224           $89
4.5                      140               252           $112

*This discount only applies to students who have taken one of the FALL and/or Winter sessions.

Take a look at these other discounts!

Specials:
Take all the classes you want in one week for only $48
Bring College ID and get $4 off any class
Get $5 off for each referral who registers for a session.

Salsa Basics
Everything you need to know in order to feel confident on the dance floor! Each class will begin by individually breaking down the basic steps and turns, and then finish with a partnering routine. We will teach you how to be a strong leader and a smooth follower. Each week you will learn new moves that you can try to use on the dance floor and how to creatively mix them..

Salsa with Style
Spice up your partnering with a splash of style! Classes begin with a high-energy salsa warm-up and a unique freestyle combination. The second half of each class will consist of turn patterns and partnering combinations that include specific tips for both men and women. Well show you how to transform your dancing by adding in a bit of footwork and body movement. Each class will feature exciting new turn patterns that you can try on the dance floor!

Salsa Technique
Secrets to take your dancing to the next level!

Following & Leading: Learn drills and tricks to improve your role as either a follower or leader. Our goal is for you to dance with ANYONE and have you, and your partner look amazing!

Isolations & Body Movement: Learn exercises that individually focus on each part of your body (shoulders, chest, hips, knees, etc.). This will improve your looks on the dance floor.

Latin Party Dance
Don't know how to dance what? Merengue? Take this class and you will no longer have an excuse to be sitting down while any of the non-salsa music is playing. Bachata, Cha cha cha, and Basic Salsa are all included in the class. Learn the essential dances to get by at a Latin club.

Styling and Body Movement
Learn Salsa Encendida's techniques to make your style look smooth and unique! This class will include intricate combinations and eye-catching moves to make you look your best on the dance floor. This class will help you add elegance, creativity and pizzazz to your dancing! This class will include body waves, hip rolls, head whips, footwork, and shoulder, arm and hand movements; everything you need to think about when you're not spinning.

Spinning & Partnering
Master the techniques behind the spectacular spins and smooth partnering routines that you see in our dancers! Over the course of the session, spinning will be taught both individually and with partners, and every student will receive help in order to improve their balance and increase the number of turns they can comfortably do. The stylish new combinations we teach will inspire your future dance partners!

Footwork Challenge

Running out of ideas for your open shines? Get caught on the dance floor and dont know what to do? Here's the answer! All the footwork you can handle, broken down so you can learn it in just half an hour! Are you ready for the challenge?

General Policies: Please call the office or check our website for all changes. Schedules are subject to change. In case of extreme weather conditions, please check our voicemail or email for cancellation notification. There are no refunds.
Arrival: Please arrive 15 minutes early on your first week if you have not filled out a registration form.
Payment: Your space is held when payment is received. We accept cash, money orders and checks. Financial Aid Forms are available.
Make-ups: You can make up a maximum of 2 classes per session. Make-ups must be used by the next session. There are no make-ups for workshops.
Attire: We recommend comfortable clothes and shoes. Please bring clean shoes or socks.

More at www.jamnastics.org

****************************************************************
6)
Noche Latina Dance Company

We have been excited to see everyone having so much fun on the dance floor!  We thank you for all your support and look forward to seeing you again!

Upcoming Events:
FEBRUARY 24th--MARDI GRAS!! 
More details to follow about our Mardi Gras celebration on February 24th!

The current class schedule is:

Every Tuesday
Beginner/Intermediate: 6:45pm to 7:45pm
Advanced:  8pm to 9pm
Salsa Night: 9pm to 12am
Classes are $10 and salsa night is $4 at the door, free with class

Please remember that we do offer private classes and this is a great way to improve on those diffucults moves or to catch up when you can't make it on Tuesdays!  Please call Melissa to schedule a time at 617-461-5100.

Email nochelatina2002@yahoo.com
Phone  617-461-5100

****************************************************************
7)
Seriously important information regarding changes you need to know for coming to the

International Hustle and Salsa Competition

APRIL 1-4, 2004 MIAMI BEACH
Deauville Resort Hotel, 6701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach Directly on the Atlantic Ocean Minutes away from exciting South Beach

The Radisson Deauville Resort was sold to a new group of hoteliers and the reservations system will be changing after January 31st! The Radisson chain will no longer be handling reservations for rooms, and from this point forward we ask  you to please call the toll free or local number directly to the hotel (now called the Deauville Resort). We are at 80% of our room block as of Jan. 20th, and need for you to be sure that you have a room! CALL RISK FREE NOW TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM AT 800-327-6656, 305-865-8511

Event Directors

Billy Fajardo, Katie Marlow, Randy Atlas
(954) 927-9010 Fax (954) 927-1995Salsa Session Schedule for the Month of February


56 North Federal Highway Dania, Florida 33004
web: http://www.hustleandsalsa.com/toc_test.htm
email: ratlas@ix.netcom.com

IHSC 2004 UPDATE

Our web is up and we have finalized our event schedule and our workshops with the best instructors in hustle and salsa. Registration and competition forms are at: http://www.hustleandsalsa.com/event_forms.htm  You must have your competition entry forms submitted no later than March 22, 2004. No exceptions.

On Saturday night of IHSC you will be entertained by the Dance Dimensions Show. Imagine if you could see a musical dance review on Broadway, or see a multi-talented dance show in Vegas, but not have to travel to these expensive cities, or pay outrageous ticket prices! You could be at the IHSC Saturday Night Dance Dimensions Show, the most talked about and sought out ticket in South Florida and any dance convention in the country!

The show is produced by World Dance Champions Billy Fajardo and Katie Marlow and directed and choreographed by Broadway Dance Star Arte Phillips. Reservations are a must, and the sooner you get your registration package in, the better the seats you will get. A limited number of dinner tickets will be sold. After the show enjoy social dancing to Henry Knowles in the Napoleon ballroom playing the best salsa and Latin dance music. Bobby Morales will be playing the best hustle ad disco music in the Richelieu Ballroom and Marc Fisher and guest DJ–s will be playing a mixed variety of swing dance music in the Lejardin Ballroom. Dancing will go on until 4 am. At midnight the finals of the Van McCoy Hustle Contest will take place in the Napoleon Ballroom with $5000 in cash and prizes.

*Come dance in our 30,000 and 15,000 square foot ballroom spaces! *The party starts Thursday  with our Moon Over Miami Pool Dance party! *Friday night Copa Cabana hustle and salsa parties and shows! *Watch the Broadway caliber Saturday dinner show!
*Special Saturday night Swing dance room with national DJ’s!

We will also be producing our own videos and dvd’s of the IHSC this year, edited by us personally, and shot by famed videotographer George Winchell. Go to your registration package and sign up for your videos ahead of time.

On a Local scene:

Want to learn how to dance hustle? Billy and Katie have top-rated videos for persons wanting to learn the basics through advanced techniques. Call Katie at 954-927-9010 or go to http://www.billyandkatie.com  for videos of hustle. Katie Marlow and Billy Fajardo teach hustle every Monday night at Dancesation 56 N. Fed. Hwy. in Dania, with a beginner class at 7pm and intermediate/advanced at 8pm.  Also, on Wednesday nights, Henry Herrera & Zumel, IHSC 2003 salsa champions, from the Salsa Racing Studios, teach at 8pm an all levels casino style salsa class at Dancesation.

On the National scene:

In 2004, IHSC will be hosting the regional contests for the Van McCoy World Hustle contest in 10 locations around the United States. For Contest results, locations, and rules go to:http://www.hustleandsalsa.com/van_mcoy_open.htm  The finals of the Van McCoy Contest will be at IHSC on Saturday April 3rd.