Houston Salsa Press

Rueda We Have Landed

2005-08-22T21:33:00.000-05:00

Art and Sandra Doing It "Rueda Style"

Houston's Wandering Salsero and Austin's Sandra Sleeper Presents...

Street Salsa will be offering special 2-hour rueda workshop at the
following location:

Saturday, 8/27, 5-7pm: El Chib Cha Nightclub, Houston, cost $20.
There will be a party with the students and local dancers that
evening at Chib Cha's.

For more information on these workshops and future workshops,
contact Street Salsa at iluv2dancesalsa@hotmail.com

Sandra Moro Sleeper
Street Salsa
www.streetsalsa.com

Dallas Salsa Convention

2005-08-11T21:58:00.000-05:00

Special Performances by Santo Rico Dance Company

American Airlines Presents...

Dallas Salsa Convention 2005 Tour "5th Annual"
It is once again time for showcase & Exhibition.

August 18-21

Come and enjoy a night of Salsa “Las Vegas" style In Dallas. Experience the showmanship and dance styles of all of the groups below.Start the evening with Salsa Music and Dancing, End it with the Salsa Shows and Exhibitions.

Schedule
Thursday Night shows at Gloria's Restaurant
3715 Greenville Ave. "A" Dallas, TX 75206
From 9pm to 2am

Friday and Saturday at the Addison Events Center
14775 Suite B Midway Road Addison, TX 75001(2 blocks south of Beltline Rd.) Behind Ferrari’s restaurant
From 9pm to 3am

Workshops Saturday & Sunday
at the Addison Events Center
From 12pm to 5pm

For More Information:
If you would like to be part of the salsa conventions please let us know by sending an email to edgarguaguanco@hotmail.com

For additional information call Edgar Tzaquizal (832) 814-2129.

www.salsadallas.com

SSQQ Salsa Tropical

2005-08-04T23:30:00.000-05:00

Salsa Dips and Lunges Crash Course by Steve and Danielle

SSQQ Dance Studio Presents...

August 13, 2005

CRASH COURSES
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
$14 Person, $22 Couple
To Register, Just Show Up!
Cumbia - Linda
Latin Cha Cha - Martin
Bachata - Luis
Intermediate Salsa Patterns - Mo
Salsa Dips and Lunges I - Steve/Danielle
Slow Dancing - Jill (couples only)

SALSA TROPICIAL
9:15 pm - Midnight
$7 Person

FOR MORE INFORMATION
SSQQ Dance Studio
4803 Bissonnet, Bellaire, Texas 77401
713-861-1906
www.ssqq.com

Rhythm of the Heart Weekend

2005-07-30T12:52:00.000-05:00

Rhythm of the Heart Banquet, Competition, and Showcase

This event will benefit Alumni Impacting Many (AIM), an organization that assists children that are cared for by Child Protective Services and reach the age of 18 while still in the states care. There are many children that are not adopted and cannot be returned to their families. At the age of 18, they can no longer remain in their foster placements and have nowhere to turn. AIM acts as a support base and guide for the children where Child Protective Services no longer are able. Additionally, monies will go to support Salseros Con Ritmo Dance Company, which is made up of at risk inner city youth. Joanna Berryman instructs these children and motivates them in so many ways. If you have any questions feel free to call or contact Ms. Berryman (see below).

Live Performance by Salseros Con Ritmo

Pre-Party

Friday, August 5th 2005
Location: Chibcha (9275 Richmond Ave. 713-787-5150

Tickets at the door: $10 (All profit go to AIM and SCR Dance Company)

Shows will start at 10:30 p.m. !

Workshop & Competition for Beginners
Saturday, August 6th 2005
Time: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Location: TBA

Banquet and Salsa Dance Showcase
Sunday, August 7th 2005
Location: El Chibcha
9275 Richmond Ave. Houston, TX
713-787-5150

Dinner Starts at 5:00pm
Shows start at 6:30pm
Social Dancing until 2am!

Advance Purchase Tickets: $30
Limited Space Availability.
Please purchase tickets in advance!

Event Sponsored by:
El Chibcha
Hilda Gonzales Catering Services
Houston Salsa Congress, for more detail: http://www.houstonsalsacongress.com/

Send an e-mail today for more information or to make a donation.
Martha Sasser
832-721-6344

Joanna Berryman
SalserosConRitmo@hotmail.com
832-465-4380

August Salsa Social

2005-07-30T09:52:00.000-05:00

Jerome "Sweep 'N Da" New Year at The Melody Club!

Reminder of upcoming events that you don't want to miss!!!

United Salsa and The Melody Club present
100% salsa
Saturday Aug 6, 2005
9pm – 2am

Will play the best music on 2 dance floors.
Main floor – 100% salsa on 2000 square foot wood dance floor.
2nd floor – Salsa, merengue, bachata, cha-cha, hip hop, and reggaton.

Complimentary Intermediate on1 class provided by
United Salsa Instructors from 9-10.

Admisson - $7 ///// 18 to get in. 21 to drink.
Under 18 ok with chaperone.Cash bar - Cheap drinks
Location - The Melody Club 3027 Crossview Dr.,
Houston, TX 77063 (close to Tropicana)
www.melodyclub.net

Free Salsa Lessons by Mike & Tali

Any other questions? Email us at…

united_salsa@yahoo.com

j_carter001@yahoo.com

or call Jerome at 832-741-9854

Ike's Workshops

2005-07-24T20:35:00.000-05:00

Ike "The Doctor of Salsa" At The Melody Club New Year's Day!

Ike Productions Presents...
2hr Intensive Salsa Workshop
For Intermediate level dancers
Featuring Ike & (Guest Partners)
(workshops will feature NY style turn patterns on 1, Body movement & Isolation exercises, basic spinning techniques, and basic cha cha cha on2)

Price: $20/person in advance and $25 at the door
No partner needed!
Space limited to the 10 men and 10 women per workshop
Date: Monday July 25 and Aug 1, 2005

Location: University of Houston Student Center
(On Hwy 45 south, Exit Rt 5, make a right on university drive, student center and free parking on your right)
Will meet in front of Student center at 6:45pm
Workshop starts promptly at 7p.m.
For more info call Ike @ 832 372 2229

For The Love of Salsa

2005-01-24T20:45:00.000-06:00

Mike & Tali "Showin" Their Stuff at the JCC

One of the first organized salsa events that I remember attending was something called "For The Love of Salsa", which I participated in almost a year and half ago. If you didn’t get the chance to attend, a day was set aside by some of Houston’s most respected dance instructors throughout the city to provide free salsa lessons to those who had the desire to learn. I was reminded of this event most recently in my discussions with Mike and Tali from United Salsa. I had the opportunity to meet this duet when they taught the free salsa lesson at the Melody Club this past New Year’s Day. Although I had seen both of them on numerous occasions at Skybar, I knew very little about their backgrounds until recently, when I had the chance to visit with them as a guest student in their unique twelve week "Salsa University" program.

For the next few weekends, you’ll find Mike and Tali teaching salsa to aspiring salseros and salseras at the JCC Facility on Chimney Rock. Having participated in a couple of their classes as a guest student, I can tell you from experience not only will you receive personal attention from your instructors, but you might end up losing a few pounds in the process. It’s common practice to start and end each class with warm-up exercises by executing basic footwork to music that you normally hear in the clubs. Mike calls it warm-up exercises, I call it a salsa cardio workout.

Mike Telling His Students to "Rock" On Dude !

As a kid growing up in California, Mike’s first exposure to dancing came about through family events like weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties, etc. Although tracing his heritage to proud Cuban roots, it was only Mike and his brother Jonathon, an accomplished dancer in the Dallas area, who gravitated to salsa dancing. In fact, it was Jonathon who got Mike interested in dancing, but somewhere in their teens Jonathon lost interest and Mike continued dancing eventually taking up other dances like samba, ballroom, bachata. Both Mike and Jonathon eventually returned to salsa dancing, and the rest is history. In addition to his many other aspirations, Mike is currently a property manager in the apartment industry when he’s not teaching classes.

Here's Tali Trying "Cling" To Mike's Every Word !

Tali is a more recent entrant into the salsa arena. She picked up the dance three years ago after finishing college and while she didn’t have the benefit of Mike’s early childhood experience, Tali has certainly progressed far enough to be able to perform at the West Coast and New York Salsa Congresses most recently. Her biggest dance influences in salsa so far have included Mike, her current dance partner, and Claudia, one of Houston’s up and coming female salsa dancers. In fact, Tali’s earliest salsa experiences came through dancing with the Houston Salsa Dancers, this is the group headed by Jorge Mercado at the University of Houston program. It was while performing with the Houston Salsa Dancers where she would eventually meet Claudia and begin her journey in the dance we have come to know as "salsa". While she’s not dancing, Tali works as a researcher at MD Anderson and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in public health at the University of Texas Medical School here in Houston.

Mike and Tali first met while dancing at Elvia’s almost three years ago and were formally introduced to each other by Denise from Guaguanco Dance Company. They’ve developed a unique twelve week program designed to expose beginning and intermediate students to common salsa footwork. Both of them recognized the impossibility of trying to teach the basics to beginning students in a short period of time, so they created a semester long program which they call the "Salsa University". As a student in one of their classes, you could be doing basic footwork in one class and spinning in the next class. They teach at the JCC Facility on Chimney Rock, which I must say is kept in excellent condition. Tali’s long family affiliation with the JCC resulted in a natural fit between JCC and United Salsa. At the end of the semester, each student should have sufficient knowledge to piece together a pattern of their own. It is my opinion this comprehensive overview is what separates United Salsa’s Dance Program from other salsa dance programs.

Tali "Feelin" The Groove of The Music !

So what advice does United Salsa have for aspiring salseros and salseros ? According to Mike…, "learning other styles of dance can help develop your dancing skills". Mike recommends taking something like samba to develop styling especially for the ladies. Another concern Mike expressed to me was the lack of consistent practice by both male and female dancers. Like most beginning dancers, Mike went through some growing pains just like the rest of us. Initially, Mike struggled with his timing, it was only through practicing that he was able to overcome this obstacle. It appears the consistent theme in future issues of my publication will focus on the concept of practice, practice, and more practice.

So what lies ahead for United Salsa ? Aside from working their day jobs, Mike and Tali hope to grow and expand their "Salsa University" Program obviously. Their unique style keeps them in demand, so both of them will continue performing at Salsa Congresses around the country. Maybe we can encourage them to enter some of the local competitions and showcases in the Houston area. In addition, Mike hopes to form his own group and is currently looking people to join their future dance team. It is my understanding they will be looking for people who are willing to commit to United Salsa's precision style of dancing. So if you have the desire, please visit the link on the home page for additional information.

Here's Mike In One of His Moments !

I feel deeply humbled to have met both Mike and Tali and if you happen to encounter Mike or Tali at any of the local salsa venues, please feel free to introduce yourself and tell them you read about them in the HOUSTON SALSA PRESS. I get the sense from both Mike and Tali that most dancers tend to hold themselves back by never realizing their full potential. From personal observation, graduates of the "Salsa University" Program should feel confident about their dancing skills once they finish the program Having participated as a guest student in their Sunday classes, their passion for salsa dancing become quite evident and they do this all…"For The Love of Salsa"…

Geno
Publsher/Editor
HOUSTON SALSA PRESS

If you have any comments, opinions, or complaints regarding this article, please feel free to e-mail me at the following: genosalsero98@hotmail.com

NEXT PUBLICATION...

Here's Raye and Sandra at the Melody Club !

Hey folks, the next publication of the HOUSTON SALSA PRESS is scheduled to be released on February 14, 2005. I'll be talking with Raye and Sandra about the salsa scene up on "Northside" Houston. Thank you for your continued support !

Jerome & Crystal Exclusive

2005-01-15T08:15:00.000-06:00

Jerome "Sweepin" In the New Year at The Melody Club!

It’s 7:45 p.m. New Year’s Day and I’m on my way to one of the most secluded, yet emerging salsa hot spot nestled in the heartland of southwest Houston - The Melody Club. Surrounded by warehouses and abandoned buildings, my journey down Crossview Road made me wonder if I had made a wrong turn somewhere in the Ship Channel area. But in the middle of this rather desolate location, the Melody Club was soon to become a paradise of excitement and wonder this evening.

It should be no secret the Melody Club has enjoyed early success in a recent effort to promote one of the few 100% salsa venues in Houston. What factors have contributed to the success at the Melody Club ? More importantly, can this new found success carry into 2005 ? I had the opportunity on New Year’s Day to sit down with Jerome and Crystal – the driving force making United Salseros a reality.

Jerome "Doin" His Thing at The Melody Club

It’s quite hard to believe these two Houston natives with vivid backgrounds and very busy lives would find themselves promoting one of Houston’s premier salsa venues. Jerome, although a California native by childhood, went to high school in Houston, but found himself years later finishing medical school at the University of Alabama. Today, he is a rather successful Doctor in the area of physical rehabilitation.

Crystal Dancing the Night Away at The Melody Club!

Crystal, on the other hand, decided to use her power of speech to enter the legal profession. Like Jerome, Crystal went to high school in Houston and found herself finishing law school at Texas Southern University. Today, she is an attorney with Children Protective Services for the State of Texas, protecting our most precious resource in society – children. I’m always impressed with the caliber of individuals in the Houston salsa scene and Jerome and Crystal exemplify the quality of people in our community.

Crystal really never danced salsa as a child, but was impressed with the performance of Kyuko Dance Company at one of her college banquets. It was seeing Rocio and Salamon for the first time that motivated her to join Jerome at Houston’s various salsa clubs. Jerome and Crystal were influenced early on in their dance careers by Jorge Mercado, who used to teach free salsa lessons at the club formerly known as Crystal (I think that’s how it’s spelled!). Jerome was very candid with me regarding his early uneasiness in dancing in front of other people. He advises beginners to do the best they can early on by just getting on the dance floor and getting the awkwardness out of their system. On the other hand, Crystal seemed to pick up the dance more easily. Her advice to beginners is to constantly practice and focus on the basics. As she once told me, “…you can never do enough of the basics…”. More recently, Jerome and Crystal competed in the 2004 Texas Salsa Open. It will remain to be seen if we see this dynamic duo compete again.

Inspired by their recent salsa adventures in New York, Jerome and Crystal were determined to bring the same dance atmosphere upon their return to Houston. So, I point blank asked Crystal to compare the scene in New York versus Texas. Her response “…unlike Houston, the number of people who are into the New York salsa scene is more than sufficient to support a variety of dance venues…”. It is not uncommon to find dance venues that play 100% salsa music in New York and in places with more than adequate dance space. Jerome likewise responded “…unlike New York, clubs in Houston have to appeal to a much broader audience in order to be financially successful...”. For that reason, many clubs have in Houston play cumbia, reggaethon, and other latin music in addition to salsa music to draw a decent crowd. I myself enjoy the variety, but for our more serious salsa crowd there are few places that cater strictly 100% salsa music. It was this void in Texas that inspired Jerome and Crystal to form United Salseros.

Upon their many returns to Houston, it didn’t take Jerome and Crystal very long to spot the Melody Club. The location is ideal in the sense that it is surrounded by some of Houston’s more well established venues such as Tropicana and Elvias. It’s about 9:00 p.m., and people are starting to trickle into the Melody Club for the free salsa lessons by Mike and Tali from United Salsa Dance Company – not to be confused with Jerome and Crystal’s United Salseros. My initial count led me to believe that over 40 people attended the free lessons – a sample of the vast marketing potential in Houston.

DJ Robert-N-D-Mix Live at The Melody Club

One hour later, I found myself in the middle of the Melody Club watching Houston’s finest and a lot of very new faces hit the dance floor. It is hard to describe in words, but the atmosphere this evening is unlike what you would see at a regular club. For one, there is plenty of dance space, free parking, and no smoking as well. Second, other than playing 100% salsa music, there is merengue, bachata, and other latin music mixed in a different room for those seeking a little variety. Most importantly, the Melody Club offers reasonably priced drinks and a minimal cover charge of $5 for everyone.

I can’t think of very many places offering such a powerful combination, but Jerome and Crystal should be commended for providing a venue that salsa dances have been dreaming about for years. The most important contribution has been their ability to draw new faces into our salsa community and I can’t think of better place that offers fellow dancers to socialize, which I believe is an important ingredient for success. Is it too early to speculate about the recent success at the Melody Club ? As Jerome told me “…trying to satisfy Houston’s salsa diverse needs can be challenging…”. As for this writer, the future remains to be seen, but 2005 is looking good so far !!!

Geno
Publisher/Editor
HOUSTON SALSA PRESS

p.s. If you have any comments, thoughts, or opinions regarding this article, please feel free to e-mail at: genosalsero98@hotmail.com

United Salseros Sets The Tone

2005-01-15T08:12:00.000-06:00

Ike "The Doctor of Salsa" At The Melody Club New Year's Day!

Editorial Note…
Bienvenidos! If you were looking to shed those holiday pounds, the Melody Club was the place to make good on those New Year’s resolutions. Its no secret that United Salseros has organized three successful events at the Melody Club resulting in crowds in excess of 100-200 people. For those who couldn’t attend this event in person, don’t miss my exclusive interview with Jerome and Crystal from the acclaimed United Salseros in the 10 January 2005 edition of HOUSTON SALSA PRESS.

As we enter the new year, I wanted to take a moment to remind my readers about the most important aspect of salsa dancing, which is having fun. We place too much emphasis on combinations, techniques, and patterns that we loose our entire perspective on what salsa truly means and that is feeling the music. Don’t get me wrong, staying on beat and executing the proper technique are equally important and every dancer should strive to achieve these goals. However, let’s remember to make it fun and let’s make 2005 a year to remember!

Thank you for your continued support!
Geno, Publisher Editor
HOUSTON SALSA PRESS
p.s. If you have any comments regarding this newsletter, let me know your thoughts, opinions, or complaints by sending me an e-mail to: genosalsero98@hotmail.com
From the Underground…
Are you looking to add a little spice and flair to your salsa? Well, salsa dancers will not want to miss the "Salsa Dips and Lunges" crash course at SSQQ Dance Studio (partner required) presented by my good friends Steve and Danielle. Due to the recent departure of the infamous Judy Archer, Steve and Danielle have been recently elevated to full-time dance instructors at SSQQ Dance Studio. I want to assure my readers that Steve and Danielle teach a more club style approach than what many in the salsa community have known in the past. Its been my experience that students should have an understanding of the basics prior to attempting this class. Don’t worry, this popular course will be offered again throughout the year if you miss out. For more information, please visit the following web site: http://www.ssqq.com/ .
La Palabra Final…
This week’s salsa advice comes from Jerome and Crystal from the acclaimed United Salseros. Here’s a clip from my interview that will appear in the next edition….
Q. Jerome, what advice do you have for dancers just starting out ?
A: …"the most important thing for the guys is to be able to get on the dance and get the awkwardness out of your system. For myself, it took me over a year to really feel comfortable on the dance floor. It really helps to have a practice partner too"….
Q: Crystal, aren’t you limiting yourself in the long run by practicing with the same partner all the time ?
A: …"firstly, its really important for the guys to have a partner to work on the mechanics aspect, but no, it doesn’t matter that you have a regular practice partner as long as you don’t get into the habit of back leading. So, when you’re practicing, don’t ask your partner in advance to broadcast his or her every move"…
Q: So Crystal, what final advice do you have for our salsa community ?
A: ..."basics, you can never do enough of the basics. Some of the best dances I've had have been where my partner keeps it simple and stays on beat"...
If you would like to read more about Jerome and Crystal, don’t miss the next issue of :LA SALSA HOY!
Upcoming Events…
January 8
What: Steve and Danielle present "Salsa Dips and Lunges"
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: SSQQ Dance Studio, 4803 Bissonnet, Bellaire, Texas 77401
How Much: $22 Per Couple (Partner Required)
Phone: 713-861-1906
Always call in advance to verify event !
Next Issue…
January 10, 2005

Same Look, Same Feel, New Name!

2005-01-15T07:43:00.000-06:00

Greetings!

I've been publishing under the name "LA SALSA HOY!" for some time. I recently received an e-mail from one of my subcscribers suggesting that I change the name of my publication to a reach a more broader audience. So, I contacted one of my marketing consultants who agreed that a more generic title would generate more internet hits and visits. I really enjoyed the catchy phrase of "LA SALSA HOY!", but my goal is to increase my subscribtion list to about 500 subscribers at the end of this year. I have about 135 subscribers on my list right now and this list continues to grow. In response, I am changing the name of my publication to the "HOUSTON SALSA PRESS". I know that a number of other salsa websites exist here in Houston, but I hope to offer something different by changing the way houstonians look at our salsa community. I hope to model my publication after the Houston Press in terms of its no-nonsense, hard hiting journalism. With that in mind, please take a moment to update your links and favorites lists to: http://www.houstonsalsapress.blogspot.com

I look forward to your continued subscription to the "HOUSTON SALSA PRESS".

Enjoy!

Geno
Publisher/Editor

If you have any comments, opinions, or complaints regarding this issue of the "HOUSTON SALSA PRESS", please feel free to shoot me an e-mail to: genosalsero98@hotmail.com