Here are some resources for Salseros and Salseras that I'd like to share. These are things that I do / use on the regular basis and may be of service to you as well. . .
Salsa Wear (Social dancing)
You always need a salsa towel to help control the hot perspiration of your body after 18 salsa songs on the row! Guys particularly - i think this is like a trade mark - if you see a guy with a white towel hanging of his back pocket is because he dedicates hours and hours on the dance floor.
Shoes that are confortable to dance in - not necessarily dance shoes (for guys) but at least shoes that have leather sole instead of rubber (or worse, tennis shoes or sandals) Ladies, you are very lucky in this area since there is plenty of selection and styles on dancewear. Just make sure you don't wear those shoes (suede sole) when going to work otherwise your investment will be lost in less than a month.
An extra shirt on the car's trunk. Yeap this goes along tip number one - the salsa towel. Especially for guys that do know that they sweat a lot - save your partner from feeling that she is swimming in your shirt by having an extra change in your trunk. Just finish your salsa set and head to your car and dry yourself before changing shirts. . . your ladies will appreciate you!
Baby powder. . . it does work - when things get sticky - particularly after dancing soo many songs, apply some babypower in the sole of your shoes and you will be to have more flexibility while dancing.
Red bull? I'm not a fan of energy drinks - but i have to admit that after dancing for soo long or having a long long day at work, a can of red bull helps me fire up my salsa moves and keep me all night dancing with less breaks. . . After the effect is gone though, i crash in my bed and sleep like a baby. . . Do not over do it, I have never run into an occasion of having to drink more than one can per dance night.
A card holder or a trustworthy guy. . . Ladies, if you care about not losing your purse at the club or not having several bumps in your outfits from all that stuff that you put in your pockets, then you need to get a card/key holder - Look up Eddie the Salsa Freak and you will find some accessories that function as such. . . otherwise hopefully you know a guy that you frequently dance with that can hold your belongings and not run away and spend all your cash or steal your identity.
Water. . . your own bottle, the club's or tap water - whatever reason you need, just hydrate
Off the dance floor
Pandora Radio - this is an amazing free website featuring custome radio stations that you create using salsa artists that you know. Pandora will study the artists and their songs and even recommend you some that you have not heard before thus discovering new music or realizing who was the artist and name of the song that you like so much. Go to www.pandora.com and register for free adn start adding artists (radio stations) You can go back to your playlists anywhere you are connected to the internet. (tip: I added a Pandora Radio gadget at the end of this blog. . . just sign in and start listening)
Shazam - this is an amazing application for the iphone (and now Android G1). When there is a song that i like but i don't recognize the artist or i can't guess the name of it, i reach for my iphone and open the Shazam application and let it "listen" to the music. After 15 seconds, the application connects to its server database and 90% of the time sends me back the name of the artist, title of the song, name of album and label. . . Just amazing. Go to http://www.shazam.com/ to learn more.
Youtube - now a household name, YouTube have videos of hundreds if not thousands of salsa dancers from around the world. Need a new move to add to your repertoire? Just search for salsa patterns, world salsa competitions, name of famous dancers like Liz Lira, SuperMario, Leon Rose, Ruby Karen, Magna, etc and you will get so many options - like a candystore - but for free, just get with your dance partner and start practicing. Go to http://www.youtube.com
Back to http://www.latindancefactory.com/ A site dedicated to sharing the amazing Latin American Dance Culture with dancers of all ages and backgrounds. For salsa classes in Houston, Pearland, Alvin and surronding areas, check our calendar of classes and events!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Job Listing for a Hardcore Salsero/a
JOB LISTING Ref# HS-123-567
Location: Various locations
Job Availability: ASAP
Qualifications: Applicant must enjoy working in a fast paced constantly changing environment. Must have superior timing and stamina. Must be willing to work late odd hours and become familiar with every Salsa club in town. Must be a people person. Applicants who sign to the lyrics without understanding them and have CPR training are preferred.
Requirements: Ability to dance on both the "1" and the "2" is essential, but not necessary. Knowledge of more than one salsa style, including Ricki Martin's, is required. Specific Duties: Applicant must be willing to dance salsa minimum 4 nights per week. Successful applicant will be expected to dance non-stop all night long. There will not be any scheduled breaks; however, the applicant will only stop dancing when the salsa set is over (i.e. when d.j. plays merengue or house set) or when they can physically no longer dance (Either because of blisters/other injuries or because need to dry off/ change shirt.)
APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT AS A HARDCORE SALSERO/A
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Surname:____________________ Given Name__________________ Initial/s_________
Sex: [ ] Male [ ] Female [ ] Yes please [ ] No thanks [ ] Maybe after the next salsa set
IQ: ________ Real IQ: ________
How many nights a week do you dance currently? (Please check one)
[ ] 4 [ ] 5 [ ] 6 [ ] 7
How would you classify your species (style) of dancing?
[ ] Tasmanian Devil (Outof controla) -- This species must have a very large natural habitat. They are all over the dance floor, constantly doing lots of spins and intricate turn patterns without proper execution, still able to crash into other dancers and step on toes even when the club was near empty near the end of the night
[ ] Millipede (Tenleft Feetus) -- This species has a unique skill that makes it falsely appear to have more than two feet. It can simultaneously dance on every beat, completely ignoring the rhythms and beats of the music. It is very easy to spot as it is moving completely out of sync with everyone else on the floor.
[ ] Clam (Concentratae Reallyhardae) -- This species appears to be mute. They never talk and rarely smile while dancing, very serious.
[ ] Deer (Juststarted Todanceous) -- Appear really anxious when dancing. They are definitely prey to many of the species in this habitat. They seem to be afraid of intricate patterns and often look like they're caught in the headlights of a vehicle.
[ ] Leech (Stickus Likegluetus) -- The leech tries to cling onto their partner for the entire night. They don't leave their partners after one set of salsa. If their partner is dancing with someone else they will stand very close to them instead of finding another partner to dance with.
[ ] Skunk (Horriblus Smella) --This species have a very pungent odor; they appear to be part of a very strict sect which bans showers or the use of deodorant or perfume.
[ ] Peacock (Showoffious) -- This species always needs to be the center of attention. They prefer to only dance with other peacocks or animals that will enhance their image while on the dance floor. Their desired partners are either good-looking or good dancers.
[ ] Gazelle (Ideale partnera) -- Beautiful species to observe. They are really graceful and light on their feet. They have very sharp reflexes and quick response times. Therefore they are very desirable to all the other species and are almost always engaged in dance throughout the night.
How many hours of sleep do you require per night?
[ ] 1-2 [ ] 3-4 [ ] 4-5 [ ] sleep is for suckers
On a scale of 1 - 10 (with 10 being the best) how would you rate yourself as a dancer?
[ ] 8 [ ] 9 [ ] 10 [ ] 11
Do you enjoy dancing to merengue? (Pick one)
[ ] no [ ] no [ ] no [ ] no
Why do you think Merengue exists? (Check all that apply)
[ ] To rest between Salsas
[ ] To remind you that the Saxophone is alive and well
[ ] To make you appreciate just how much you Truly Love Salsa..
[ ] To give the DJ time to find more Salsa
[ ] It's closing time and the bar wants the customers to leave
People want to dance with me because ___________.
[ ] I have lots of energy [ ] I'm really attractive [ ] they enjoy my singing
[ ] my creative styling [ ] raw sex appeal [ ] all of the above
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
What's is the longest period of time you've gone without dancing?
[ ] 1 hour [ ] 1 day [ ] 1week [ ] always dancing
How many of the following surfaces have you danced on (please check all that apply)
[ ] wood [ ] tile [ ] concrete/cement [ ] asphalt
[ ] cobblestone [ ] grass [ ] gravel [ ] sand
How many people have you stepped on/hit while dancing within the last month?
[ ] less than 5 [ ] 5 - 10 [ ] 10 - 20 [ ] 20 +
Have you lost at least 10 lbs from dancing so much?
[ ] yes [ ] no
Have you listened to Marc Anthony and started crying?
[ ] yes [ ] no
Have you become jealous when watching your dance partner, whom you have no relations with, dance with another person?
[ ] yes [ ] no
Do you cruise downtown blasting salsa music?
[ ] yes [ ] no
Have all your "former nonsalsa" friends have now abandoned you?
[ ] yes [ ] no
Do you don't even miss your "former nonsalsa" friends, as long as you have your salsa?
[ ] yes [ ] no
Have you ever watched the MTV music awards and didn't recognize any of the new groups/singers because you don't listen to that music anymore?
[ ] yes [ ] no
Have you ever drank water straight from the tap at a nightclub?
[ ] yes, once I was desperate [ ] yes, so what
[ ] yes, on a dare [ ] yes, it's fresher that way
Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence?
[ ] yes [ ] no
Have you ever been thrown out of a salsa club?
[ ] yes [ ] no
Have you ever used a sick day to recover from a great night of dancing?
[ ] yes [ ] no
Have you ever been the cause of a salsa accident/injury?
[ ] yes [ ] no
Have you ever danced offbeat?
[ ] yes [ ] no
(Note: A Yes answer to the above five questions will not automatically ban you from employment. Factors such as age at time of offence, seriousness and rehabilitation will be taken into consideration)
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Have you ever taken a salsa class/workshop?
[ ] once [ ] sometimes [ ] regularly [ ] never needed any
Have you completed 8th grade? [ ] yes [ ] no
Do you have a Salsa Diploma or equivalent? [ ] yes [ ] no [ ] In progress
Please indicate other dance experience if any. (Check all that apply)
[ ] ballroom [ ] hip-hop [ ] afro-cuban [ ] ballet
[ ] hustle [ ] tap [ ] jazz [ ] interpretive
Please list any other special talents (e.g. CPR, gymnastics, juggling, combat training)
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
GENERAL INFORMATION
When I enter a salsa club people ____________. (Fill in the blank)
[ ] know me by name [ ] start lining up to dance with me
[ ] clear space on the dance floor [ ] ask me for lessons
After a dance with me my partner feels ___________.
[ ] exhilarated [ ] exhausted [ ] violated [ ] satisfied
Do you own dance sneakers? [ ] yes [ ] no
If no please explain ____________________________________________
I love salsa because__________________________.
[ ] it's a great way to meet people [ ] It's good exercise
[ ] I have nothing better to do [ ] it's an excuse to touch people of the opposite sex
I confirm that the information given on this form is, to the best of my knowledge, true and complete. Any false statement may be sufficient cause for rejection, or, if employed dismissal.
Signature______________________________________ Date____/____/____
Please note that only pre-selected candidates will be called.
Back to http://www.latindancefactory.com/ A site dedicated to sharing the amazing Latin American Dance Culture with dancers of all ages and backgrounds. For salsa classes in Houston, Pearland, Alvin and surronding areas, check our calendar of classes and events!
Location: Various locations
Job Availability: ASAP
Qualifications: Applicant must enjoy working in a fast paced constantly changing environment. Must have superior timing and stamina. Must be willing to work late odd hours and become familiar with every Salsa club in town. Must be a people person. Applicants who sign to the lyrics without understanding them and have CPR training are preferred.
Requirements: Ability to dance on both the "1" and the "2" is essential, but not necessary. Knowledge of more than one salsa style, including Ricki Martin's, is required. Specific Duties: Applicant must be willing to dance salsa minimum 4 nights per week. Successful applicant will be expected to dance non-stop all night long. There will not be any scheduled breaks; however, the applicant will only stop dancing when the salsa set is over (i.e. when d.j. plays merengue or house set) or when they can physically no longer dance (Either because of blisters/other injuries or because need to dry off/ change shirt.)
APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT AS A HARDCORE SALSERO/A
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Surname:____________________ Given Name__________________ Initial/s_________
Sex: [ ] Male [ ] Female [ ] Yes please [ ] No thanks [ ] Maybe after the next salsa set
IQ: ________ Real IQ: ________
How many nights a week do you dance currently? (Please check one)
[ ] 4 [ ] 5 [ ] 6 [ ] 7
How would you classify your species (style) of dancing?
[ ] Tasmanian Devil (Outof controla) -- This species must have a very large natural habitat. They are all over the dance floor, constantly doing lots of spins and intricate turn patterns without proper execution, still able to crash into other dancers and step on toes even when the club was near empty near the end of the night
[ ] Millipede (Tenleft Feetus) -- This species has a unique skill that makes it falsely appear to have more than two feet. It can simultaneously dance on every beat, completely ignoring the rhythms and beats of the music. It is very easy to spot as it is moving completely out of sync with everyone else on the floor.
[ ] Clam (Concentratae Reallyhardae) -- This species appears to be mute. They never talk and rarely smile while dancing, very serious.
[ ] Deer (Juststarted Todanceous) -- Appear really anxious when dancing. They are definitely prey to many of the species in this habitat. They seem to be afraid of intricate patterns and often look like they're caught in the headlights of a vehicle.
[ ] Leech (Stickus Likegluetus) -- The leech tries to cling onto their partner for the entire night. They don't leave their partners after one set of salsa. If their partner is dancing with someone else they will stand very close to them instead of finding another partner to dance with.
[ ] Skunk (Horriblus Smella) --This species have a very pungent odor; they appear to be part of a very strict sect which bans showers or the use of deodorant or perfume.
[ ] Peacock (Showoffious) -- This species always needs to be the center of attention. They prefer to only dance with other peacocks or animals that will enhance their image while on the dance floor. Their desired partners are either good-looking or good dancers.
[ ] Gazelle (Ideale partnera) -- Beautiful species to observe. They are really graceful and light on their feet. They have very sharp reflexes and quick response times. Therefore they are very desirable to all the other species and are almost always engaged in dance throughout the night.
How many hours of sleep do you require per night?
[ ] 1-2 [ ] 3-4 [ ] 4-5 [ ] sleep is for suckers
On a scale of 1 - 10 (with 10 being the best) how would you rate yourself as a dancer?
[ ] 8 [ ] 9 [ ] 10 [ ] 11
Do you enjoy dancing to merengue? (Pick one)
[ ] no [ ] no [ ] no [ ] no
Why do you think Merengue exists? (Check all that apply)
[ ] To rest between Salsas
[ ] To remind you that the Saxophone is alive and well
[ ] To make you appreciate just how much you Truly Love Salsa..
[ ] To give the DJ time to find more Salsa
[ ] It's closing time and the bar wants the customers to leave
People want to dance with me because ___________.
[ ] I have lots of energy [ ] I'm really attractive [ ] they enjoy my singing
[ ] my creative styling [ ] raw sex appeal [ ] all of the above
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
What's is the longest period of time you've gone without dancing?
[ ] 1 hour [ ] 1 day [ ] 1week [ ] always dancing
How many of the following surfaces have you danced on (please check all that apply)
[ ] wood [ ] tile [ ] concrete/cement [ ] asphalt
[ ] cobblestone [ ] grass [ ] gravel [ ] sand
How many people have you stepped on/hit while dancing within the last month?
[ ] less than 5 [ ] 5 - 10 [ ] 10 - 20 [ ] 20 +
Have you lost at least 10 lbs from dancing so much?
[ ] yes [ ] no
Have you listened to Marc Anthony and started crying?
[ ] yes [ ] no
Have you become jealous when watching your dance partner, whom you have no relations with, dance with another person?
[ ] yes [ ] no
Do you cruise downtown blasting salsa music?
[ ] yes [ ] no
Have all your "former nonsalsa" friends have now abandoned you?
[ ] yes [ ] no
Do you don't even miss your "former nonsalsa" friends, as long as you have your salsa?
[ ] yes [ ] no
Have you ever watched the MTV music awards and didn't recognize any of the new groups/singers because you don't listen to that music anymore?
[ ] yes [ ] no
Have you ever drank water straight from the tap at a nightclub?
[ ] yes, once I was desperate [ ] yes, so what
[ ] yes, on a dare [ ] yes, it's fresher that way
Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence?
[ ] yes [ ] no
Have you ever been thrown out of a salsa club?
[ ] yes [ ] no
Have you ever used a sick day to recover from a great night of dancing?
[ ] yes [ ] no
Have you ever been the cause of a salsa accident/injury?
[ ] yes [ ] no
Have you ever danced offbeat?
[ ] yes [ ] no
(Note: A Yes answer to the above five questions will not automatically ban you from employment. Factors such as age at time of offence, seriousness and rehabilitation will be taken into consideration)
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Have you ever taken a salsa class/workshop?
[ ] once [ ] sometimes [ ] regularly [ ] never needed any
Have you completed 8th grade? [ ] yes [ ] no
Do you have a Salsa Diploma or equivalent? [ ] yes [ ] no [ ] In progress
Please indicate other dance experience if any. (Check all that apply)
[ ] ballroom [ ] hip-hop [ ] afro-cuban [ ] ballet
[ ] hustle [ ] tap [ ] jazz [ ] interpretive
Please list any other special talents (e.g. CPR, gymnastics, juggling, combat training)
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
GENERAL INFORMATION
When I enter a salsa club people ____________. (Fill in the blank)
[ ] know me by name [ ] start lining up to dance with me
[ ] clear space on the dance floor [ ] ask me for lessons
After a dance with me my partner feels ___________.
[ ] exhilarated [ ] exhausted [ ] violated [ ] satisfied
Do you own dance sneakers? [ ] yes [ ] no
If no please explain ____________________________________________
I love salsa because__________________________.
[ ] it's a great way to meet people [ ] It's good exercise
[ ] I have nothing better to do [ ] it's an excuse to touch people of the opposite sex
I confirm that the information given on this form is, to the best of my knowledge, true and complete. Any false statement may be sufficient cause for rejection, or, if employed dismissal.
Signature______________________________________ Date____/____/____
Please note that only pre-selected candidates will be called.
Back to http://www.latindancefactory.com/ A site dedicated to sharing the amazing Latin American Dance Culture with dancers of all ages and backgrounds. For salsa classes in Houston, Pearland, Alvin and surronding areas, check our calendar of classes and events!
How did I get started in Salsa Dancing
I think it was in Fall of 2003 the day that I discovered Salsa. My friend Lindsey was having a birthday party at Havana Grill in downtown Houston and she invited a big group of us to celebrate with her. Up to that day, I thought I could dance some descent salsa - just occasionally touch your partner for a turn or two and do your own thing, feel the music, move your hips, feet and shoulders, just move around the floor. Did you noticed what I said? "Occasionally touch your partner for a turn or two" haha... Well that is the way my parents used to dance in Peru as well as other friends from other Latin American Countries that we have met here in the States. Anyways, I was having a good time, actually the best time, I didn't know what the heck I was doing, but I was feeling pretty good about it... Then, all of the sudden, my eye catches this girl doing turn after turn after turn and moving so gracefully across the dancefloor that I had to stop dancing to see the bigger picture. And there was this couple doing the most amazing moves that I have ever seen: their footwork were synchronized, the guy was providing good support and lead (actually touching the girl) and the girl was just flying from one end to the other catching the attention of every guys in the club - most of which were doing a good impression of Deer caught in headlights. . . . I bet every single guy there was just waiting for a chance to dance with her. After their dance was over, I decided my old ways of Salsa dancing has got to be retired, so I approached them with the sole questions: "Would you teach me?" Their names were Mike and Tali, very fun to talk to and watch dancing. After a few drinks, they gave me their card and actually opened up a whole new world for me. Little I knew that that was the start (Day Zero) of my chronic addiction towards Salsa dancing and the Latin Dance Culture. Up to this day, five years, I still love the dance and the culture and I now help expand and support this worldwide phenomenon with whom I get the honor and priviledge to teach what once was taught to me. . .
Back to http://www.latindancefactory.com/ A site dedicated to sharing the amazin Latin American Dance Culture with dancers of all ages and backgrounds. For salsa classes in Houston, Pearland, Alvin and surronding areas, check our calendar of classes and events!
Back to http://www.latindancefactory.com/ A site dedicated to sharing the amazin Latin American Dance Culture with dancers of all ages and backgrounds. For salsa classes in Houston, Pearland, Alvin and surronding areas, check our calendar of classes and events!
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