Hola Salseros!
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     http://salsaboston.com/archive
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This issue:
- Valentine's Guide: Knights of Columbus with Giovanni Hidalgo and others
- Salsa Night at the BCCA #3 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
- JD's Corner: "The Outer Limits" (editorial)


Well, a lot going on this weekend and next, so here's the guide!  Also, check out what JD's got to say about things, after a long hiatus.  JD's Corner at the end.

The hot ticket this Sat. is at Knights of Columbus with Giovanni Hidalgo.  If you don't have one, buy one here and save!  www.salsaboston.com/store  If you're looking for more casual, BCCA will be open as well!

          ----------------------------------------------------
Friday:
   - Salsa Fiesta at BCCA with Havana Club
      see mailbag for details
   - Valentine's Party at Brazillian Cultural Center with Hips on Fire
      see mailbag for details
   - Worchester: Alexander at "Bongos!" with SALSAlort
      see mailbag for details
Saturday:
   - Social dance at BCCA with Havana Club 1-4:15 with lessons
        see mailbag for more
   - Giovanni Hidalgo and Pabon/Hernan at Knights of Columbus
        buy advance tickets and save:  www.salsaboston.com/store
        see below for details
   - BCCA Noche de Salsa! With DJ D. Martinez.  Bring your date!
Sunday:
   - Salsalegre in Wayland
       see mailbag for details
Monday
   - Havana Club at Green Street Grill
       see mailbag for details

And mark your calendars:

Saturday Feb. 21:
   - Salsa Workshop with Salsa Y Control at BCCA
   - "International Flava" party at MIT
       See mailbag for details.
Saturday, February 28 @ BCCA
   - "Salsa con Calor" Benefit for Jam'Nastics, not to be missed!
        See mailbag for details.
Saturday, March 20
   - 5th annual Fiesta de Baile
      http://www.salsaboston.com/marblehead/fiesta.html
       tickets:  www.salsaboston.com/store



****************************
 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, 9:30-1:30am
- Saturday Salsa Socials with Havana Club, 1-4:15pm Saturdays
   --------------

Havana Club Presents Salsa @ BCCA:

Friday Fiestas
Beginner and Intermediate lessons 9:30-10:30pm,
taught by Salsa y Control's Johnny and Andres Giraldo.
Dance 10:30-1:30am.
Admission is $10; $12 with lesson.

Saturday Socials
Beginner lesson 1-2pm. Dance 2-4:15pm.
Admission is $5; $10 with lesson.

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

---


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

1) JamNastics presents "Ritmo con Calor"
2) Valentine's Party Friday at Braz. CC with Hips on Fire
3) Havana Club Update
4) SalsaLegre this Sunday
5) Alexander at Bongo's in Worchester Friday!
6) March 20, 5th annual Fiesta de Baile benefit for North Shore Civic Ballet
7) Valentine's Special: Private lesson package with Ana from Masacote Entertainment
8) International Hustle and Salsa Competition in Miami, April 1-4
9) MIT Dance Expo and International Party Sept. 21

****************************************************************
1)
Salseros of all types...

Mark your Calendar for Ritmo Con Calor Event happening Feb 28th!!! This event is huge and there is limited space!!! Act now and act fast...

Ritmo Con Calor Latin Party

with DJ Hernan
Performances by Salsa Encendida and Comenzar De Nuevo!
Ritmo Con Calor Workshops
Dips & Stunts, Footwork & Styling, Partnering Challenge and much more!

Workshops are taught by Salsa Encendida's Instructors (from JAM'NASTICS Inc) and Ana Tinajero Massicot from Masacote Entertainment...

Get the All Day Ritmo Package for a very discounted price!
Let the Salsa Begin...

For more information, please visit http://www.jamnastics.org/Latin/RitmoConCalor.html


****************************************************************
2)
Valentines Salsa Party with Hips On Fire and DJ Hernan, this Friday Feb 13th! You are cordially invited to:

a Valentine's Day Salsa party with HIPS ON FIRE
Friday Feb 13th
@ the Brazilian Cultural Center on NE
310 Webster Ave. Cambridge.
$10, complimentary Lesson from  9pm-10pm
All ages.
Music By DJ Hernan
for more information please call 617 547 5343
This is not a party for just couples!!!

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

Havana Club provides opportunities for beginning and serious salseros to meet with friends, improve skills, and have fun.

This (and every) Friday, Salsa y Control will be teaching at Friday Fiestas! Johnny Giraldo and Felicita Santiago will teach the intermediate lesson, while Andres Giraldo and Yvonne Cano will teach the beginner lesson.

And at this week’s Mambo Monday, members of the The MIT Rueda Team will be giving a special performance!

Havana Club’s weekly events:

        Friday Fiesta, February 13th.
        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 Social, February 14th.
        Beginner lesson 1-2pm. Dance 2-4:15pm.
        Admission is $5; $10 with lesson.
        BCCA, 14 Green Street, Coolidge Corner, Brookline

        Mambo Monday, February 16th.
        Beginner Lesson 9:30ish-10:15pm. Dance 10:00-1am.
        Special Performance by members of the MIT Rueda Team at 11pm!
        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

Havana Club Story http://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/calendar/articles/2004/01/29/salsa_dancing_all_week_long____almost/

****************************************************************
4)
Hola Salseros! We hope to see you at Salsalegre's next dance. Sunday, Feb.15 from 6pm-11pm There will be two rooms for dancing. One room for salsa and one room for country dance.

Salsalegre will be offering two 45 minute Salsa classes. Each class will start with a review of basic material and will progress into intermediate and advanced turn combinations and freestyle moves. The first class will begin at 6pm.

Admission to the dance is $10 per person.
We look forward to seeing you -  Tracey, Mike and Guillermo Directions to the Longfellow Club in Wayland  524 Boston Post Rd. Wayland, Ma.

Take Rt. 9 east or west to Rt. 27 North in Natick
Go 4.5 miles to Rt. 20 west in Wayland
Take a left and go 1.5 miles
Take a right onto Minuteman Drive
The Longfellow Club building is the last building on the left
( You will have past the Longfellow Club if you see a sign that says Entering Sudbury. Turn around and Minuteman Drive will be on your left.)

****************************************************************
5)
Valentine's Weekend Concert
with
ALEXANDER
and his 13 piece band

Playing SALSA, MERENGUE, BACHATA & MORE!
Friday, February 13
BONGOS @ Club Red
w/ DJ's LatinBoy and Tico

  **  Chance to win:
  **********************
    Trip to ORLANDO!
  .... courtesy of Alpha Travel
  **********************
    Weekend GETAWAY to FOXWOODS!
  .... courtesy of BB KINGS Thursday Latin Night
  **********************
   and MORE!

with the
Parrot Bay rum Girls & giveaways!

Tix:  $15 ahead ... $20 @ the door

BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!:
Javier 508.792.0263
Oscar 508.363.3689
... or visit our SPONSORS:
* ALPHA TRAVEL  // 525 Main St., Worcester // 508.753.2242
* WORLD RHYTHMS Dance, Health & Fitness Center  // 221 Chandler St., Worcester // 508.459.7985 // www.WorldRhythms.org
* MUSIC PLUS  // 928 Main St., Worcester // 508.792.5744
... other Sponsors:
SALSAlort Latin Dance Company // www.SALSAlort.com // 508.579.7638 SANTIAGO'S PLAZA // 664 Main St., Worcester // 508.438.0133 SABANA'S RESTAURANT // Midtown Mall, 22 Front St, Worcester // 508.767.1820 PARROT BAY RUM  // http://www.rum.com/products/parrot_bay.php
.............................................

PROPER ID REQUIRED ---- Ladies 20+, Gents 21+
PROPER DRESS REQUIRED

41 Pleasant St, Worcester, MA  01608 ... accross from the Glass Tower, next to Tammany Hall.

a production of:
Spothound.com, SalsaTees.com & SALSAlort Dance Co.

****************************************************************
6)
Submitter:
Paula  K. Shiff

Email:
PK_Shiff@netzero.com

Info:
4th Annual
Fiesta de Baile

Salsa the Night Away!
DJ Antonio Ortiz

Saturday, March 20
9:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Salsa lesson 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Nahant Country Club, Nahant

$25 per person if paid by March 10th
$35 therafter
bring your friends, reserve a table of ten for $25 complimentary hors d'oeuvres & cash bar

Fundraiser for the North Shore Civic Ballet
Donations are tax deductible
781-631-6262
www.havetodance.com/marblehead


****************************************************************
7)
Masacote Entertainment Update

VALENTINE'S DAY PRIVATE PROMOTION!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Are you looking for a gift for your loved one? Why not give a gift the two of you can share together? In celebration of Valentine's Day, a special day for Joel and me, we will be offering a private package promotion.

For ONE WEEK ONLY, if you purchase a package of 4 privates, you get a bonus private FREE as well as a guest pass for you and a friend to a Masacote Entertainment workshop and social (if held that same day). THE PROMOTION ENDS FEBRUARY 14! More information will be up on the site soon.

http://masacoteentertainment.com

****************************************************************
8)
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.


****************************************************************
9)
The MIT Casino Rueda Group presents....

                      INTERNATIONAL FLAVA!

              MIT Dance Expo and International Party
                  Saturday, February 21, 2004
   Sidney-Pacific Multipurpose Room - 70 Pacific St., Cambridge

    FEATURING... PERFORMANCES by MIT Dance Groups including

        * Rita & Filip of MIT Ballroom Dance Team
        * MIT DANCE TROUPE
        * MIT Casino Rueda Group
        * Zaitoun Dabke
                and more!!

    *7PM Beginners' Salsa LESSON

    *8PM-1AM Dancing from 8PM-1AM to your favorite hip-hop, reggae,
      salsa, merengue, bachata, Indian, and Arabic music with the
      DJs of It Bees Like That Entertainment!

    *International BUFFET

    *Informative Exhibits on some of the many international styles of
      music and dance which are represented by the MIT dance groups.

          Party, Lesson, Buffet, Exhibits, and Performances
                  only $2 with MIT ID, $3 non-MIT
                    Profits will go to charity.

*******Sponsored in part by the CCRR, MIT GSO, and Sidney-Pacific*********


**************************************************************
**************************************************************
JD's Corner, by JD Smith

Editorial
The Outer Limits

Hola Salseros y Salseras! Well, after about six or seven months just watching the scene, here I am again with my highly opinionated ramblings. This go round it feels a bit more personal since the topic is the state of dance performance in the Boston area, or maybe even the salsa scene in general. For the last seven or eight months I‘ve been involved with Jamnastics. It has served as my introduction to the world of dance performance and I’ve been observing things closely.

Firstly let me say that what I express here applies to no individual or organization in particular, but rather reflects my observations on the dance performance scene in general. What I notice is a numbing sameness to the formats that are being employed by the various dance companies. By this I mean the routine based on couples in formations and or lines of  guys or ladies doing footwork. Yes this format can be effective and exciting, and if you will, more than a bit overdone. Most performances I see or participate in are some version of that archetype.

In the future, I’m looking to see dance companies and choreographers stretch themselves into more imaginative use of  dance groupings and maybe even commissioning pieces using original music, with more interesting costuming and scenarios; in short, presentations that express more creativity and originality, humor, drama and entertainment value. So that when a performance by so and so is announced, people won’t know what to expect, the audience will come to know that it will be different every time. This in my experience as an artist, is how to sustain the publics’ interest in your work.

So please, dance performance people, move out to the edge a bit more and show us whathcha got.