marcimambo's blog
KNOW YOUR SALSEROS -- February 2010 Edition
Last Updated February 10th, 2010 by marcimambo
Welcome to February's KNOW YOUR SALSEROS! This month we feature Dave Harkcom (a veteran salsero who knows his "1's" from his "2's") and Tessa Goldberg, a newly addicted salsera who has recently been bit hard by the salsa bug! Say "hola" to them when you see them on the dance floor -- they'd love to dance with you!
Name: Dave Harkcom
Where are you originally from (ethnicity): American (from Pittsburgh) although I do remember learning some Polka from my Polish Grandparents as a kid. I enjoy being from the diverse Detroit Salsa community
How long have you been dancing: Off and on for the past 15 years but pretty regularly for the past 5 years. Incessantly for the last year.
Where did you learn: Started with a little ballroom and tango while living in Germany but discovered latin club dancing when I moved to Michigan. My wife Carol and I took a “nightclub survival” course from Tony Canu in Rochester and discovered the Salsa scene at the Volcano Grill. We began salsa at Troy Dance Studio and have been at Energetic Soul for the last 6 years learning, performing and enjoying the dance. I have learned something from everyone I have danced with.
Where do you go out to dance: Regularly at Sangria, Woodys, YA Social, Pi and have tried most other venues in town including some great house parties. I have travelled a lot for work and found Salsa in Germany, Korea, China and Australia. I also enjoy dancing in Pittsburgh and at various Congresses in Miami, Atlanta, San Francisco.
What do you think could be done to expand the salsa scene: We have it pretty good here. Good locations and great core group of dedicated dancers. Support the instructors, promoters and the venues owners well as you can. This will improve the overall quality for everyone. Welcome new dancers and make it easy for them to join in. I would like to see a broader range of music played from the wide range of salsa available. Bands and dj’s should focus on danceable music and seek dancer feedback. Highly esoteric music, complex mixes, long jams and extreme sound volume may discourage new dancers and detract from the fun of the evening. The “smoke free” thing seems to have worked itself out.
What do you do aside from dancing: Family, Motorsports / Car Rallies since the mid 80’s and finding my next job. Salsa has been my major recreation activity for the past couple years.
Your favorite song: Y Después de Todo (Live) by Los Van Van (heard it in a bar in Shanghai once). Arroz Con Habichuela by El Gran Combo for a Cha Cha Cha fix. I’ve seen both bands in concert. With more than 2000 Latin songs on the iPod, I like the song that is playing without understanding a word of Spanish. I listen to traditional Cuban, Latin Jazz , Mambo, Classic Salsa, Bachata, and Modern Timba. I like it all.
What advice would you give to someone who is new to salsa dancing:
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Appreciate the great latin dance community available in Detroit.
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Find an instructor where you can learn about the music, history, and diversity of salsa and all the latin dances. It not just about technique and steps.
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Listen to a broad range of this music. It will make you a better dancer. The music is your other partner.
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Get out and dance whenever you can with a wide range of people and styles, It's good for body and mind.
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Own your dance. Find the style that you enjoy and you will share the fun with others.
Name: Tessa Goldberg
Where are you originally from (ethnicity): Cape Town, South Africa. I’ve been in Michigan for the past 16 years. I am an American citizen.
How long have you been dancing: 46 years – Ballet since I was 4 years old, Flamenco since I was 19 years old, also Israeli folk dancing and Salsa the last year or so.
Where did you learn: I studied ballet & Flamenco Cape Town; Flamenco in Israel; Flamenco also in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. Salsa I learned here in Michigan at workshops and the socials.
Where do you go out to dance: Sangria, Ya Salsa Socials
What do you think could be done to expand the salsa scene: I am new to it, but I think you (Ya Salsa) are doing a great job of getting the word out about Salsa.
What do you do aside from dancing: I am an Executive Director of a non-profit organization. I like to read, go to movies, hang out with friends, walk in the woods, swim, cycle. I am studying to speak Spanish.
Favorite Song: I love many different types of music, so don’t really have a favorite song. I like music from Turkey, Israel, Salsa music, Spanish/Flamenco music, classical, musicals – anything with a rhythm. I love singing too.
What advice would you give to someone who is new to salsa dancing: Just jump in there and do it – it is so much fun. I just love to dance.
KNOW YOUR SALSEROS -- New Year's Edition!
Last Updated January 8th, 2010 by marcimamboWelcome to the 2010 New Year's Edition of Know Your Salseros. This month we are proud to feature two awesome people that you may have seen gracing the floors of the salsa scene. Donna Iding and Kaush Singh. If you'd like to be featured in Know Your Salseros in future editions, let me know! Send an e-mail to Mambo Marci at my website, www.mambomarci.com.
Name: Donna Iding
Where are you originally from (ethnicity): born here in the Detroit suburbs - my immediate ancestors are from the war-ravaged Poland (and farther back Austria and Denmark)
How long have you been dancing: since I have been 5 years old!! It started with ballet and tap. And then, Hawaiian, modern/contemporary, jazz, etc.. Then during college at MSU taught ballroom….that was it, I was hooked!! I love dancing salsa, cha-cha, tango, samba, fox trot, waltz, swing, west coast, etc. The list is too long - actually any dance!
Where did you learn: dance studios mostly
Where do you go out to dance: Ya Salsa and Dance Elite and Mambo Marci’s salsa classes are my favorites! But also, the Radisson, Dance Revolution, Troy Dance Studio, Rhythm & Shoes, Argentine Tango, Sangria, Woody’s, Pi, are some!
What do you think could be done to expand the salsa scene: demo/showcase at dance studios and businesses, have the salsa community get more of their friends to attend would be a good start to let others know about salsa.
What do you do aside from dancing: lots!
* I am trying to start my own business…..but also:
* I teach Zumba a Latin dance-based fitness exercise.
* I help a Gold vendor to Microsoft with SharePoint, MS Project, MS Project Server, etc.
* I help a small social media company.
* I created a Program and Project Management Forum group that meets monthly. I garner and provide the speakers and run the meetings and decide the future strategic direction!
Your favorite song: wow, don’t have a favorite per se – love songs that are fast and fun!
What advice would you give to someone who is new to salsa dancing: To just come out and do it! They will be glad they started!! Everyone will be supportive because we all have the same goal – the joy of dancing!
Name: Kaush (Kaushlendra Singh)
Where are you originally from (ethnicity): India.
How long have you been dancing: On and off about 2 ½ years.
Where did you learn: Different instructors at various dance studios in Detroit, Kansas City, and Austin. Things I found most useful were to keep taking classes regularly and go out for salsa at least once a week to practice.
Where do you go out to dance: Some of my favorite places to dance are Sangria, Pi, YaSalsa Socials, and Motor City Socials at Radisson. I try my best to attend all special salsa events.
What do you think could be done to expand the salsa scene: The salsa scene has been improving for last couple of years. However, more workshops from out-of-town instructors and salsa congresses will really boost it.
What do you do aside from dancing: My other interests are astronomy, natural history, and travel. I’ve visited natural history museums and public observatories in Cleveland, St. Louis, Lincoln, Chicago, Kansas City, Oklahoma City, and Devonport. I also take tremendous interest in equity investment through local investors clubs.
Your favorite song: I like medium paced salsa songs. Some of my favorite songs are: Mas Que Tu Amigo by Tito Nieves, Ay Amor, Cuando Hablan Las Miradas by Guayacan Orquesta, AQuel Lugar by Adolescentes Orquesta, Se Le Ve by Andy Montañez.
What advice would you give to someone who is new to salsa dancing: Take dance lessons twice a week and listen to lots of salsa music to understand the beat. And come out once a week to practice and enjoy it.
Know Your Salseros NOVEMBER 2009
Last Updated November 30th, 2009 by marcimambo
Here's a little somethin' about each of them:
Caliente's Black & White Party Review
Last Updated November 29th, 2009 by marcimamboCaliente AND Classy! That's how I would describe this past Friday night at the Caliente Black & White salsa party. First of all, the date the promoters chose was ideal; it didn't interfere with Thanksgiving dinner plans; it was comfortably scheduled on that Friday of Thanksgiving weekend. A very beautiful venue, Via Nove in Ferndale; the out-of-towners here for the weekend got a real treat -- they will probably go back to wherever they live thinking that the Detroit salsa scene really knows how to throw a classy, successful salsa dance event (which we do!).
This party had it all: spacious, beautiful wood dance floor (on two levels); a great DJ that spun a wonderful variety of salsa (including lesser-known old school tunes including some Ruben Bladés) as well as just the right amount of merengue and bachata, DJ Sabor; a fun theme -- everyone decked out in their finest black and white attire; a comfortable venue to get to with easy parking; a class included by Meredith with a fun partnering combination; and two vivacious promoters who are committed to creating a successful salsa night with class, Ashley Calderon and Meredith Watkins.
The great news is that last I heard, they are planning another one of these for December, with some surprises! Trust me -- stay tuned for more information and don't miss out on the next one. And save me a dance!!! -- Mambo Marci 
Know Your Salseros OCTOBER 2009
Last Updated October 5th, 2009 by marcimamboIt's time to get to know some more of our favorite salseros! This month I'd like to introduce to you Jenny Ingratta, who comes from another country to grace our dance floors at the YA socials and Sangria on Sunday nights. Jenny recently participated in her hometown of Windsor in a local version of "Dancing With the Stars". Also, meet dynamic David Jackson, who ladies literally have to stand in line to get a dance with. (Trust me... he's worth it!)
Name: Jenny Ingratta
Age: It is all a guessing game!
Where are you originally from (ethnicity): I am a second generation Italian-Canadian but I know I must have latin blood coursing through my veins!
How long have you been dancing: I would say approximately on and off for about 12 years
Where did you learn: It all started off with a basic salsa VHS tape from my local library (Yes, I said VHS, lol) and various classes and workshops through the years but also alot on my own by developing my own style
Where do you go out to dance: My favourite of course, is Sunday nights at Sangria..
What do you think could be done to expand the salsa scene: I think the YA socials and the local studios already have been doing a great job..I believe it really comes down to the local dancers themselves coming out of there own comfort zone and introducing and making more people feel welcome into the scene..it can be intimidating to some, let's do more to not make it that way.
What do you do aside from dancing: I love to travel, meet new people and do anything creative like baking, pottery, etc.
Your favorite song: La Salsa Vive by Tito Nieves..that song always gets me moving!
What advice would you give to someone who is new to salsa dancing: Experiment with as many different dance instructors as you can even if that means going on Youtube. Everyone as a different style and perspective but most important of all just go out and really enjoy the music and have fun!!
Name: David L. Jackson aka KAT
Age: 36
Where are you originally from (ethnicity): PERUVIAN
How long have you been dancing: 4.5 yrs
Where did you learn: I've never taken a class, I Just watch people.. people inspire me! ;0)
Where do you go out to dance: Anywhere I can get my SALSA on.. SKY CLUB, SANGRIA, YA SOCIALS, PI, CLUB TV, OHIO SOCIALS, GAS STATIONS, BEACHES, THE MOUNTAINS, REST STOPS I've even stopped the car and danced in the snow and rain! (Yes I'm that crazy!) and every once in a while THE CONGRESSES... I love them! ;0)
What do you think could be done to expand the salsa scene: First of all dance with everyone! The more people see you having fun the more likely they will come back and have fun with you. Second, I think just tell people about the scene. Once you get hook there is no coming back! LOL
What do you do aside from dancing: I'm an artist at heart! I do everything from drawings to 3d building on the computer, I teach initiatives and High Rope courses, I love playing and watching sports and once in a while just hanging with close friends.
Your favorite song: Hmmm, that's a hard one... I have plenty in my arsenal... It actually depends on my mood! I really love bachata a lot!!!
What advice would you give to someone who is new to salsa dancing: ...Dance, dance, dance...
Dance like no one is watching!!! The more you dance the more experience you get!
Just have fun!!! I do, and that's what most people like about me! (I think! LOL)
Also, trying not to emulate your teacher, rather take what they have to offer you and find the true dancer in yourself!!! Remember, dancing doesn't come from the feet, rather it comes from the heart!
Grupo Fantasma at Concert of Colors this Saturday, July 18th
Last Updated July 15th, 2009 by marcimamboGrupo Fantasma is playing this Saturday at Concert of Colors! Check 'em out... they're from Texas and are high-energy and fun to dance to! They play from 5 to 6 p.m. After, ya gotta come to appreciate the roots of salsa -- the plena and bomba at the "Bomba Rica Puerto Rican Drum and Dance" event at 8 p.m. See ya there!
