My favorite two types of salsa are classic salsa and latin jazz. This playlist will highlight the latter. Jazzy salsa tunes seem to be pretty polarizing and you either love them or hate them, but even if you don't enjoy dancing to this type of music hopefully you will enjoy listening to it. If you like these tracks be sure to also check out Bobby Paunetto, Monguito Santamaria, Machito, Tito Rodriguez, and Noro Morales.

YA Salsa Latin Jazz Mix

This is a topic I've wanted to write about for some time, and now that I've been involved in the salsa scene for a significant amount of time, and feel like I've really gotten to know a lot of people, I think the time is right.

Back when I was a salsa virgin in 2006, I was ever-so-fortunate to be welcomed with open arms into a social circle that would likely daunt anyone who is somewhat shy or intimidated by large crowds. When I took my first class, I was considerably overwhelmed with all the beautiful, strong and skilled dancers out there.

Thankfully, I am not shy. And, thankfully, I actually knew two people upon walking in the door to my first workshops, which made my experience probably much different than many others.

Now, more often than not, when I'm out and about on the salsa scene, at parties, in clubs, at special events, I hear how "friendly" people are and how "welcoming" people are to new faces in the salsa scene.

But I am also painfuly observant when I'm out and about. I observe how people act and how people treat each other, and what people say, and there are certain patterns I've begun to pick up on.

If I could do a real observational research study, I would, because it would probably give a lot of insight into why this occurs. But I can't so I'm giving you my analysis of just my own observations. What I've come to notice is a certain air of snobbish behavior that I think is very counter-productive to growing the salsa scene in our area.

That's right. I said snobbish.

Whether it's certain people being invited to certain events - or not. Or certain DJs only playing at certain places - or not. Or, certain studios only supporting certain venues or events. Or, dancers refusing to dance with certain people, only because they aren't really good at dancing, or just not smiling and saying hi to each other, it's snobbery.

It's unfortunate. I just read Heather's bio today and one thing she said resonated with me which was something like "the only difference between a new dancer and a seasoned one is time." That's very true.

Thoughts?