Blogs

Spring time at the YA Social - March 2009

Last Updated April 1st, 2009 by Geo-

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352 Salsa fans can't be wrong!

Spring season (snow and all) hit the Detroit Salsa Scene in a big way any way you look at it! Whether it’s the recent leaps in attendance at the socials from 298 in February to 352 in March (no kidding!); or the growth of our YA Salsa team that will help keep the social going strong in the coming years, spring has definitely sprung!

--> Check out the Photos & Video

Each month, we try to keep our expectations for the social realistic and achievable - and each month we are amazed and re-energized by the great fortune we have to see it keep growing and the salsa scene continuing to thrive. So much energy, so many new faces, so many of our friends and so many people who are willing to volunteer their time, creativity and energy to make it happen. I will personally say, I'm always a little daunted at 5:15 p.m. when people start streaming in the door and this thing is about to happen.

A little Rueda to top it off!

The highlights began with a terrific performance choreographed by YA Salsa's Laura Geldys and Koki Ojima. It shows what happens when talent, hard work and passion meet; completely original works of art come to life. A little Mambo, a lot of LA Style and even a Little Rueda to round it out. Great job by them and the dance team! Hopefully they will keep working and inspire other Detroit dance teams.

Bookies Bar & Grille

Last Updated September 2nd, 2010 by DJ Ray

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Latin Night

Bookies now have Latin Night, Every Wednesday. DJ Ray spinning Salsa, Bachata, Merengue and DJ Renn spinning Reggaeton 2208 Cass Ave, Detroit 48201 FREE PARKING & ADMISSION!!!

Know Your Salseros -- SEPTEMBER 2010 Edition

Last Updated September 1st, 2010 by marcimambo

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Marci & Luc Name? Luc Tshiboyi

Where are you originally from (ethnicity)? From Belgium (but from Congolese descent)

How long have you been dancing? a couple of years

Where did you learn? Seville, Spain

Where do you go out to dance? Dance Pavilion, Dance Revolution, Cafe Habana (but I’ll come more often to the Detroit Area)

What do you think could be done to expand the salsa scene? More love, more interaction among the different groups or studios

What do you do aside from dancing? Banker, tutor

Your favorite song? (at the moment) Johnny Colon – Merecumbe; Orquesta Dee Jay – Yemaya y Obatala; Wuelfo – Bueno y Pico

What advice would you give to someone who is new to salsa dancing? You will only become better by dancing, not by watching others. Don’t be intimidated, get yourself out there and dance

Name? “Mambo” Marci Iwrey

Where are you originally from (ethnicity)? Eastern European heritage (but with a Latina heart!)

How long have you been dancing? A lot of ballet in my younger years; salsa 10+ years.

Where did you learn? Throughout the area; I’ve taken privates with various instructors; attend salsa congresses – Puerto Rico, Chicago, Miami and New York

Where do you go out to dance? EVERYWHERE!

What do you think could be done to expand the salsa scene? We do a lot with the YA Salsa organization – bring in out-of-town talent, teach classes and encourage all levels to attend the YA Salsa socials; would love to hear suggestions from new and experienced dancers – please write to us here on the YA Salsa site!

What do you do aside from dancing? I am currently working on various creative projects: write, do voiceovers, host a tv show (Serenatas Latinas with Jimmy Barrios), perform, Co-Direct an Israeli/Eastern European dance group (The New Festival Dancers), teach salsa in West Bloomfield at the JCC and various other venues, volunteer on the YA Salsa team, and I’m a mom! Please see www.mambomarci.com for more info!

Your favorite song? It changes constantly – at this particular moment, it’s “Soledad” by la-33 from Colombia. Also, I love their “Que Rico Boogaloo”. This group was the highlight of my recent interviews with the bands at the Sunfest World Music Festival in London, Ontario. (They also are known for their awesome salsa rendition of the Henry Mancini “Pink Panther” theme.)

What advice would you give to someone who is new to salsa dancing? If you happen to feel intimidated – YOU ARE NOT ALONE! There will always be inspiring dancers who are at a higher level. Always feel the joy of the music and the dance, and don’t get discouraged. The joy of the music and the dance is what it’s about! ♥

Salsa Beat Machine!

Last Updated August 29th, 2010 by Geo-

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I just came across a great salsa training tool. More than just a metronome, the Salsa Beat Machine is a freely available online Salsa trainer that. can be used to improve your dance timing and feeling of the rhythm and undertanding of the music. It breaks down for you the different rhytmical patterns composing Salsa Music, using an intuitive mixer-like interface. An online visualizer tab let's you visually associate the what you hear with the instrument that is currently playing.

Salsa Beat Machine Screen Shot This will help dancers and musicians of any level and style, whether you are "On-1" or "On-2". They offer it in a browser only version, PC download and even an iPhone so you can pretty much use it anywhere.