The salsa, merengue and bachata are all unique Latin dances that each have their own rhythm and style. Learn to dance in each of these styles with advice from an experienced dance instructor in this free video on Latin dance steps.
Expert: Rosario Nene Ortega
Contact: www.goddessstore.com
Bio: Rosario Nene Ortega is a ballroom dance instructor at The Goddess Store in Hollywood, Florida.
Filmmaker: Paul Muller
Duration : 0:2:33
Dear Diary,
I haven’t written to you in years, and I miss talken to ya.
So what’s new with me? Let me tell ya…
It’s been a while that I had the most fun dancing and partying in a dance congress, but last weekend at the Reno Bachata Convention, I was reborn. It was not a congress, mind you, it was just a bachata convention…I mean whodathought, right?
Oh trust me, dear diary, there were some doubters there floating around. Come to think of it, they have been doubting Thomases since I started promoting bachata dance 8 years ago anyways. It is such a simple dance with lots of twings and twangs of the guitar, yeah, I know, it’s not that alluring to hardcore salseros that love xylophones and all, but it has evolved and fast evolving.
But past is PAST and moving forward is always the wise choice…burning bridges is not my cup of tea, after all, I know that sooner or later I’ll be crossing lots of bridges, so yeah, my motto; don’t mess with bridges because it more important to be nice than being important.
I have to admit, Reno Bachata Convention wasn’t part of the plan. The real plan was just to concentrate on planning the 1st San Francisco Bachata Festival. Of course, realistically, all things don’t exactly go perfectly according to plan.
November of 2008, I got a FB message from Juan I. Ruiz, one of the founding fathers of successful Sydney Bachata Festival, saying, “Hey Rodney, I’ll be vacationing in Chicago and I’d like to drop by San Francisco to hang out, bachata and then some, will you be in town?”
You see Sydney Bachata Festival is pretty much the event that made me “international” – you could say that I was baptized there as an international dance teacher. And I will never forget the hospitality of Australian bachateros. Their attitude and friendship is still immensely felt here in my heart a year later- little good things that done to me will be appreciated and never be forgotten.
“Juan, let me see what I can do, brotha. Bay Area ain’t that really fanatic for bachata compared to Sydney, but let me ponder and think of something.”
And so I pondered, indeed…
Hmmm, maybe a bootcamp…
Maybe, a series of workshops in SF, San Jose and Sac…
Hmmm…
I called Jorge Elizondo, “Bro, Juan is coming to SF and he wants to hang out, you in?”
“Tell me more, when and what do you have in mind…” Jorge was curious
Jorge loves SF and everytime he was here, he stayed at my place. We develop a friendship over the years because of bachata. I love bachata instructors that love the dance and promote it at the same time. I could care less which bachata style they teach or dance as long they have passion and really believe in what they’re doing. I dislike haters who are up to no good and just talk shit about each other, it’s a lose-lose situation and they sound like losers.
Since Jorge is a savvy businessman, I had to make sure he knows my intention and reaffirm my vision. So I said, “Bro, I’m thinking of bachata bootcamp with you, Juan and Camille in San Fran. Juan treated me well when I was in Sydney, so let’s give him a good time here in SF. I need your help in this.”
Jorge was in…
Last time I hosted a bootcamp here in the Bay Area, although well attended, I didn’t like it and it didn’t feel like an accomplishment for me. I was secretly disappointed that it didn’t make a dent in my vision – for bachata to be respected and recognized, not only by salsa dancers but salsa Djs as well as Latin dance enthusiasts.
Last question in my mind was, “Do I continue hosting little workshops here and there or do something really big before the SF fest?”
So the pondering ended with the question above, on which, I never pondered again, not until I taught a bachata workshop in Reno…
I love Reno people, you know why? Because they love to party and they don’t give a shit whether you are Cuban stylist or Mambo stylists or OutOfTiming stylist. They dance for fun and they learn to dance for fun. I especially love them when they always ask when I’m coming back to Reno after the end of teaching a workshop.
I have been sponsored by BB of Salsa Reno and Reno Dance Sensation numerous times there and everytime I went and taught the community there loves me. So for a Halloween night, I had no plans and really didn’t feel like partying in San Francisco, yes, I was bored. And dear diary, you and I both know that I am not the most productive or even creative when I’m bored. I was seeking an adrenaline rush, a fix, if you will.
I got a call from BB…with fees and little negotiations; I was slated for Halloween at Pearl’s Reno’s Latin Thursday. BB is a cool guy. I call him the Godfather of Reno Salsa and rightfully so. We instantly connected when I met him 4 years ago. With lessons and workshops later, I endorsed him to teach bachata in the Reno/Tahoe area. We became friends eventually, and I always admired his go-getter personality.
After teaching an enthusiastic crowd of 400 people, I thought to myself, “Hmmm, I think I just found my answer here.”
Back to the Bay Area, I needed to confirm to Juan and Jorge about the proposed SF Bootcamp. I wasn’t 100% about the bootcamp idea. I needed to make a decision fast. There was no time to lose and January was just around the corner.
I went to a Chinese restaurant and ordered my fave; Pan Fried Eggs with oysters. Oysters are filled with zinc and of course eggs are filled with B vitamins, in other words, it keeps your testosterone level high 
You know what they say, you think faster and smarter when your testosterone levels are high.
In the middle of my meal, I texted BB of Salsa Reno, “Bro, I am gonna do a bachata event in Reno and I would love you to be a part of it.”
1, 2, 3, 4, 5….phone rings…
“Hello BB…”
BB was in…
After talking to BB, I called Jorge,
“Jorge, change of plan…we’re going to Reno and we’re gonna do a prelude Bachata event for SF Bachata Festival. I think 400 people would suffice.”
til next time,
Rodchata
Rodney Rodchata Aquino
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/diary-of-an-ambitious-bachatero-734532.html
latin dance lessons and Performances
Toronto, Canada
Vanesa Stay
Latin Energy Dance Company
http://www.latinenergy.ca
info@latinenergy.ca
416-876-7727
Duration : 0:4:59
Many people choose to learn Spanish in Latin America because of the wide range of incredible locations in which to learn the language. Students can choose a beach location like Montanita in Ecuador, or a very historic town like Cusco, high up in the Andean Mountains of Peru. Whether you want to explore archaeological sites, experience indigenous culture, observe wildlife, or simply laze on unspoilt beaches, Latin America provides all the ingredients for the perfect learning experience.
If you want to see the jungle or have always wanted to go to Machu Picchu, then take a Spanish course that facilitates these aspirations. For example, El Paraiso Spanish Language School (Costa Rica) enables students to stay in Manuel Antonio National Park, with its beautiful beaches and extraordinary biodiversity. ACUPARI Language School (Peru) is based in Cusco, the amazing capital of the ancient Inca Empire. Some students divide their time between two locations so they can explore the natural and cultural diversity of Latin America.
Another reason people choose to learn Spanish in Latin America is the immense choice of courses available. They range from private one-to-one tuition to a myriad of specialized programmes. For example, Interhispanica (Argentina) offer Spanish and Latin American economy classes. OLÉ (Mexico) offer specially designed programmes for children, teenagers and seniors. Educacion Para Todos (Guatemala) offer customised programmes for social science and medical professionals. Most language schools offer special modules to meet the needs and personal interests of students.
A popular option is to combine a Spanish course with some volunteer work, either once you have finished your language course or during the time when you are not attending lessons. Typical areas of work include helping out in orphanages or nursery schools, working in local community projects, assisting with wildlife or conservation projects. Volunteer Latin America provides information on over one hundred Spanish language schools that offer volunteer work and internships. One such school is Tandem Santiago – Escuela de Idiomas Violeta Parra (Chile), which arranges internships for high school graduates and college students throughout Chile.
Many language schools enable students to combine a Spanish course with adventure and sporting activities. For example, Andean Global Studies (Ecuador) offer Spanish classes combined with diving, surfing or kiteboarding. The Mariposa Spanish School and Eco Hotel (Nicaragua) organizes horse riding trips to the Masaya Volcano. A wide range of outdoor pursuits and activities are offered at other language schools including trekking, paragliding, rock climbing, river rafting, skiing and snowboarding.
In addition to the Spanish courses, most language schools offer extra-curricular activities to suit the tastes of all students. This includes attending sporting events, jungle hikes, guitar lessons, cooking classes, movie evenings, trips to the theatre, parties, and excursions to local places of interest (archaeological sites, indigenous communities, national parks, etc).
From the evidence cited above, it is easy to understand why many people choose to learn Spanish in Central or South America. There isn’t anywhere better to combine a language course with learning new skills and having fun. For example, a Spanish course combined with Salsa, Merengue or Tango dance lessons is a great way of meeting other like-minded travellers and having fun. Many students forge lifelong friendships through such an experience.
So what are you waiting for? Immerse yourself in the Spanish language and culture of Latin America for the most rewarding educational experience of your life.
Forget about Spain, where the accent isn’t as attractive and prices far higher than in Latin America.
Stephen Knight
http://www.articlesbase.com/languages-articles/learn-spanish-in-latin-america-much-more-than-learning-a-language-1191206.html
Learn the hip snap belly dancing technique in this free video dance lesson.
Expert: Portia
Contact: www.bellymotions.com
Bio: Portia is the founder, director, and chief instructor of Belly Motions, a premiere belly dance academy in Miami/Coral Gables, Florida.
Filmmaker: Paul Muller
Duration : 0:1:16
Here we are again ( http://addicted2salsa.com/ ) with something short and simple just for you to mix it in to your other salsa dancing moves. Remember, it is not about having multiple long combos, but about putting smaller salsa moves together in different orders that will make you a versatile dancer. That will keep your salsa moves fresh and keep the ladies guessing what you will do next.
Duration : 0:5:54
Many people choose to learn Spanish in Latin America because of the wide range of incredible locations in which to learn the language. Students can choose a beach location like Montanita in Ecuador, or a very historic town like Cusco, high up in the Andean Mountains of Peru. Whether you want to explore archaeological sites, experience indigenous culture, observe wildlife, or simply laze on unspoilt beaches, Latin America provides all the ingredients for the perfect learning experience.
If you want to see the jungle or have always wanted to go to Machu Picchu, then take a Spanish course that facilitates these aspirations. For example, El Paraiso Spanish Language School (Costa Rica) enables students to stay in Manuel Antonio National Park, with its beautiful beaches and extraordinary biodiversity. ACUPARI Language School (Peru) is based in Cusco, the amazing capital of the ancient Inca Empire. Some students divide their time between two locations so they can explore the natural and cultural diversity of Latin America. Another reason people choose to learn Spanish in Latin America is the immense choice of courses available. They range from private one-to-one tuition to a myriad of specialized programmes. For example, Interhispanica (Argentina) offer Spanish and Latin American economy classes. OL?(Mexico) offer specially designed programmes for children, teenagers and seniors. Educacion Para Todos (Guatemala) offer customised programmes for social science and medical professionals. Most language schools offer special modules to meet the needs and personal interests of students.A popular option is to combine a Spanish course with some volunteer work, either once you have finished your language course or during the time when you are not attending lessons. Typical areas of work include helping out in orphanages or nursery schools, working in local community projects, assisting with wildlife or conservation projects. Volunteer Latin America provides information on over one hundred Spanish language schools that offer volunteer work and internships. One such school is Tandem Santiago – Escuela de Idiomas Violeta Parra (Chile), which arranges internships for high school graduates and college students throughout Chile.Many language schools enable students to combine a Spanish course with adventure and sporting activities. For example, Andean Global Studies (Ecuador) offer Spanish classes combined with diving, surfing or kiteboarding. The Mariposa Spanish School and Eco Hotel (Nicaragua) organizes horse riding trips to the Masaya Volcano. A wide range of outdoor pursuits and activities are offered at other language schools including trekking, paragliding, rock climbing, river rafting, skiing and snowboarding.In addition to the Spanish courses, most language schools offer extra-curricular activities to suit the tastes of all students. This includes attending sporting events, jungle hikes, guitar lessons, cooking classes, movie evenings, trips to the theatre, parties, and excursions to local places of interest (archaeological sites, indigenous communities, national parks, etc).From the evidence cited above, it is easy to understand why many people choose to learn Spanish in Central or South America. There isn’t anywhere better to combine a language course with learning new skills and having fun. For example, a Spanish course combined with Salsa, Merengue or Tango dance lessons is a great way of meeting other like-minded travellers and having fun. Many students forge lifelong friendships through such an experience. So what are you waiting for? Immerse yourself in the Spanish language and culture of Latin America for the most rewarding educational experience of your life. Forget about Spain, where the accent isn’t as attractive and prices far higher than in Latin America. Gen Wright
http://www.articlesbase.com/college-and-university-articles/learn-spanish-in-latin-america-much-more-than-learning-a-language-1194147.html
what would one usually wear?
i’m a rhythmless beginner… how many lessons does one usually need to be able to at least fake it on the dance floor?
anything else you can tell me to expect?
You do not need to dress as though you are on ’strictly dancing’. A skirt or dress that is loose enough around the legs to allow you free movement, Basically just an everyday skirt/dress is sufficient.
The really important piece of clothing is your shoes. If you are serious about learning then invest in a pair of dance shoes. The soles are designed specifically for dance. They are made of suede leather to allow you to twist, slide and glide. They should have straps of some sort in order to stay properly attached to your feet (you don’t want to twist your ankle!). There are two types of dance shoe, one for Latin and one for ballroom, They are not too distinct from each other and will serve both purposes until you are proficient.
I laughed when I read ‘how many lessons before I can fake it’. Trust me, after private lessons you will NOT need to fake it nor will you want to. You will follow the routine just as taught.
How many lessons you will need will depend on (a) how good your teacher is (b) how fast you can learn (c) your enthusiasm and commitment (d) how much practise you put in between lessons.
Your teacher will start you off on simple basic steps for each of the different dances, probably two dances a lesson. I would gamble he/she will start you off with the Cha Cha cha.
If I had to guess, I would suggest that you will feel confident enough to take to the floor and do basic moves for most latin dances within 6-8 weeks, assuming a 1 hour lesson per week.
What can you expect?….. Once you can dance basic latin (and ballroom) you will gain massive confidence on any social occasion where dancing is going on.
In my opinion there is no other social or leisure activity to touch it.
P.S And don’t look at your feet when you learn. You can’t look at your feet and balance at the same time! (lol)
I’m looking for scholarships for dancing that can be used for lessons and competition fees by someone who isn’t a student anymore in the Boston area.
Try going through this site. Select your state, and then contact the local dancesport chapter. Hopefully they’ll be able to help.
http://usadance.org/chapters-and-regions/find-a-local-chapter/
Failing that, I would contact any local ballroom dance societies or private instructors to see what guidance they can provide.
Good luck!
Russia Latin Ballroom Dancesport Championship 2006