jesssoul's blog

I decided with the last social being so hot, to take a minute to remind everyone what it's like every summer at the YA Salsa Socials by updating and reposting content from a post response I made last year:

Yes, it is true that the temperature can get quite high - especially in the summer months and when it's very humid like during the unseasonably warm weather at the April social (and the May 23 social). YA Salsa volunteers make our best effort to keep the place - and the dancers - as cool as possible by doing the following:

Surprise and fun abounded in the final round of this year’s Southeastern Michigan Amateur Salsa Contest.

At 10 p.m., spectators and participants were warming up the dance floor.

By 11 p.m., unforeseen circumstances forced one of the final couples (Marc Brewer and Emily Kolon) to pull out from the contest – leaving just two contenders for the grand prize.

Anna Majek and Aaron Hillyer started the competition off – twice. A CD and minor wardrobe malfunction set everyone on edge, but the couple came back after a brief break and set the dance floor aflame with a passionate performance.

We are fortunate in the Detroit area to have such a talented and diverse pool of performers, instructors and dancers at all levels of skill and interest. Tonight we are pleased to host three of the Detroit area's finest instructors as judges in the final round of the Southeastern Michigan Amateur Salsa Contest. 

Laura Geldys

Bobby Green

Bobby has been dancing in Detroit since he was a teenager. He was voted best salsa dancer by Club Yesterdays, was the winner of Burn the Floor dance competition and has performed at the World Salsa Congress.

Andamo Goins

Andamo Goins is an accomplished Argentine tango and salsa instructor in the Detroit area. He also dances a mean bachata!

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?

Round 1 of the first Southeastern Michigan Amateur Salsa Contest was an amazing success.

>>> Check out photos of the event (video coming soon)

First off, big thanks are owed to the 14 couples who braved the scrutiny of our fantastic judges, George, Koki and Bobby, to give us their best performance. Their moves were quite impressive, as was their professionalism and enthusiasm (in addition to the very cute nerves).

Including the couples, more than 100 people attended the event. For those of you who weren't able to attend, I guarantee you missed a great time - but we hope to do another fun event in the near future.

Without further adieu, please give a silent-in-your-head round of applause to:

Illustrious judges Bobby, George and Koki for their fair and balanced scoring

Our courageous, well-costumed and daring finalists

The 2009 Southeastern Michigan Amateur Salsa Contest participants are ready to compete in the first round competition Saturday, May 2.

To learn more about the competition, or how you can attend to cheer on your fellows salseros, visit the Event Page.