Manic Monday - Peter

February 28, 2005

Craziest Monday routine yet! I got a hair cut in the morning. Cinzia was not present as she was still teaching beginners for Mauricio as a substitute.

1,2,3 break right hand left hand high (partner turns counterclockwise 180) and both facing the same way (outside the circle)
5,6,7 partner continue to turn clockwise while my right hand goes to her waist - end up with a wrapped position and both facing inside the circle
nudge partner to left with left hand up... a 180 clockwise turn results in open basic
1,2,3 two handed enchufe
5,6,7 give partner a hat and end up with wrapped position
1,2,3 name? (like cross body lead ... into the circle and back)
5,6,7 left hand up ending on partner's shoulder in partner's forward step, right hand up and wrap partner again
1,2,3 name? (like cross body lead into the circle and back)
5,6,7 left hand up ... unsure.,. ending with left arm-lock
1,2,3 cross body lead to outside the circle
5,6,7 end with right arm lock
1,2,3 end with back to back
5,6,7 a bit of turn (difficult to explain or remember)
1,2,3 cross body lead
5,6,7 back to open position
1,2,3 double handed enchufe
5,6,7 another hat?
1,2,3 cross body lead unlock wrap
5,6,7 back to original position

First set of Advanced with Johnny & Serap

February 25, 2005

This was revised on Mar 26 using memory and reasoning (possibly faulty)

1,2,3. cross body lead start
5. lead partner forward
6,7. turn partner counterclockwise 1 1/2
7,8. I turn clockwise 180 (my L hand is behind my back!)
1. move to left to lead partner across my behind to left then let go of L hand
2,3. walk to right then behind partner and turning clockwise 90 (big steps may be needed) and prevent partner from moving further forward with R hand on partner's stomach {R hand could be on stomach by as early as 2}
4. get hold of partner L hand with L hand (L-L hold stays for a while)
5,6,7. lead partner backwards as I move to partner's L to get to cross body position
1,2,3. stylize while getting ready for another cross body lead (or simply step forward and back)
5. lead partner across
6,7 turn partner counterclockwise 360 (L-L hold high) and place R hand on partner's right shoulder to prevent further turn
1. forward and side-step to right with left foot as left hand is lowered on (I think L hand may have to go over partner's head on 2,3 though)
2,3. back to original position with partner turned 180 on 3 -- switch hands (actually get partner's left wrist with my right hand

last week's variation
5,6,7. lead partner back and to a free-spin (counterclockwise) on 5,6,7 (can turn myself at the same time)
end facing each other

this week's variation
move partner forward on 5 (like cross body lead) then spin partner counterclockwise and forward on 6,7
end facing each other

Johnny does hat - Johnny & Serap Intermediate

February 25, 2005

Basic
Do a pivot (12 o'clock) turn 180 on 2 and change hands
steps in place on 5,6,7
step forward on 1 (basic)
right foot goes to behind and to left of left foot on 5
lead with right hand to move partner around my right (turning her counterclockwise 180)
Basic

option after 5
turn partner 360 and place left hand on partner's left shoulder to prevent further turning ... right arm is stretched outwards
lower right arm as left foot moves forward and right on 1
feet back together on 3
right arm up by 5 (let go with left hand)
turn partner counterclockwise on 6,7,8

more afterwards
pretend to make a hat... place right hand on partner's left shoulder in preparation for cross body lead
do one of cross body lead variations (basic, counterclockwise turn (pull partner's arm towards you on 5-6), or clockwise (push partner's arm away from you)

Titanic - Johnny & Serap Intermediate

This was demonstrated couple of weeks ago and written down from memory on February 25, 2005.

crossed hand hold with L hand on top
1,2.3. cross body lead start
5. lead partner across to my left & both hands go up
6,7. turn partner 360
8. position ends with arms stretched out (but not high) with partner in front of me & both facing same direction
1. lower both arms as L foot moves to forward and right
2. R foot in place
3. feet back together to 1 position
5. R arm up & let go with L hand
6,7,8. turn partner counterclockwise on 6,7,8

similar to Titanic
R-L hold only
1,2,3, cross body lead start
5. lead partner across to my left
6,7. turn partner 360 and stop partner from further turning by placing L hand on partner's left shoulder
8. partner is in front and facing same direction
1. lower R arm asL foot moves to forward and right
2. R foot in place
3. feet back together to 1 position
5. R arm up again
6,7,8. turn partner counterclockwise on 6,7,8

Hip as button - CDC Sergio Intermediate

February 24, 2005

This routine also has been edited a bit since the original note was taken.

1,2,3. get to cross body lead position with both hands on partner's hips; this should trigger her arms to move upwards (like pressing a button according to Sergio) [note. get hands on partner's hips as early as possible]
5. lead partner forward with left hand
6,7. turn partner counterclockwise 1 1/2 (free turn)
turn partner counterclockwise starting on 6 (left hand should lead)
8. tight closed hold
1. forward and get ready to cross body lead
2. cross body position but also start lead partner to a counterclockwise walk for my partner (about 90 counterclockwise?)
3. left foot goes into hook-like position as partner continues to walk counterclockwise
5. continue leading partner to walk counterclockwise (foot in place)
6. continue leading partner to walk counterclockwise (foot in place)
7. continue leading partner to walk counterclockwise (foot in place) & right foot is adjusted to face partner
8. you should have turned 360 since 1 (as in forward on 1...)

next 1 could be another hook if more walk is involved

Adios-like - CDC Sergio Improvers

February 23, 2005

Sergio inspired me to take notes for salsa lessons in the first place. This routine has been heavily edited since the original note was taken.

"Adios"-like
open hold
1. open break start
2. (my option - right foot positioned to left and forward of left foot = step slightly to left)
3. overtake and scoop up partner to closed hold (partner is turned ~90 clockwise)
5. right foot preferrably on hook position (continue turning partner clockwise)
6. forward and left with left foot (continue turning partner clockwise)
7. forward and right with right foot (continue turning partner clockwise back to original position by 8)

"Adios con la hermana"-like
open hold
1. open break start on 1
2. (my option - right foot positioned to left and forward of left foot = step slightly to left)
3. overtake and scoop up partner to closed hold (partner is turned ~90 clockwise)
5. L hand up for my turn, right foot possibly on hook position
6. walk underneath the arch formed with my L hand (L-R hold)
7. turn counterclockwise 180 to face partner

Three Sombreros - CDC Rhona & Helen Intermediate

February 23, 2005

Sombrero-like
crossed hand hold - R above L
1,2,3. cross body lead start
5. lead partner across leading mainly with R hand
6,7. turn partner counterclockwise 1 3/4 with R hand going over partner's head first followed by L hand (optional: I could turn myself a bit to reduce the amount of turn necessary for my partner)
8. place L hand behind partner's neck and partner's R arm behind my neck to achieve "Sombrero" position

option 1. reverse cross body lead
1,2,3. step in place and release all hands while R hand goes to partner's back
5,6,7. lead partner across to my right side (270 clockwise turn for partner)
8. back to open or closed hold

option 2. underarm turn
1,2,3. step in place & release hands & R hand on top of partner's L shoulder
5,6,7. lead partner to an in place under arm (my L arm) (1 1/4 clockwise turn for partner)
8. back to open or closed hold

option 3. counterclockwise turn with L-R hold
1,2,3. step in place & release hands & drop L hand to R waist of partner to get hold of partner's R(?) hand
5,6,7. raise L hand and turn partner 270 counterclockwise
8. back to open or closed hold

Latin Music Collection

Last updated January 7, 2009

Adalberto Alvarez

Jugando Con Candela 1999

Adalberto Santiago

Tremendo Trio 1983 (with Celia Cruz and Ray Barretto)

Africando

Tierra Tradicional 1995
Baloba 1998
Mandali 2000

Afro Cuban All Stars

Toda Cuba Le Gusta 1997

Alfredo De La Fe

Latitudes 2000
La Llave De Oro 2005

Angel Canales

Sabor 1975
El San Juan 1976
Different Shades of Thought 1982
Historia De Una Leyenda (compilation)

Azabache

Azabache 2000

The Big 3 Palladium Orchestra

Live At The Blue Note 2004

Bobby Montez

Jungle Fantastique 1958

Bobby Valentin

Rey Del Bajo 1974
La Boda De Ella 1978
Siempre En Forma 1981
25th Aniversario Del Rey Del Bajo 1991

Cachaco

Con Distincion 1995

Cachao

Master Sessions 1 1994
Master Sessions 2 1995
Ahora Si 2004
From Havana to New York (1957 in Cuba & 1961 in New York)
Descarga (EMI 2002 compilation – note: Cachao has different albums with same title Descarga or Descargas)

Cache

Blended 2004

Cal Tjader

Los Ritmos Calientes (Ritmo Caliente 1955 & Mas Ritmo Caliente 1957)
Latin Concert 1958
Black Orchid (Cal Tjader Goes Latin 1959 & Cal Tjader Quintet 1956)
Latino! (Demasiado Caliente 1960 and Latino! 1950s)
Soul Sauce 1964
El Sonido Nuevo 1966 (with Eddie Palmieri)
Bamboleate 1967 (with Eddie Palmieri)
Descarga (Agua Dulce 1971 & Live At Funky Quarters 1972)
Primo 1973
Fried Bananas 1960s compilation (Skye recordings)
Latin Vibe 1970s-1980s compilation (Concorde Picante recordings)

Celia Cruz

Latin Music's First Lady 1940s-1950s compilation with Sonora Matancera
Duets 1970s to 1990s compilation
Absolute Best - Salsa 1940s-1950s compilation?
Tremendo Cache 1975 (with Johnny Pacheco)
Tremendo Trio 1983 (with Ray Barretto and Adalberto Santiago)
A Lady And Her Music: Azucar! Fania compilation

Cesta All Stars

Cesta All Stars Vol 2 1990

Charanga De La 4

Charanga De La 4 1979

Cheo Feliciano

Cheo 1974
Pura Salsa (compilation)

Chivirico Davila

Exitos De Chivirico Davila con la Orquesta de Joe Cotto 1960s compilation

Conjunto Imagen

Ayer, Hoy, Y Manana 2004

Conjunto Yumuri

La Paella 1980

Crystal Sierra

Morena 2000

Cubanoson

Recordando A Cuba 2006

Dark Latin Groove (DLG)

Lo Esencial (compilation)

Direct Latin Influence

DLI II 2005

Dominic Marte

Intimamente 2004

Don Perignon

Con Sabor A Don Perignon 2005

Eddie Palmieri

La Perfecta 1962
Echando Pa'lante 1964
Azucar Pa' Ti 1965
Mambo Con Conga Is Mozambique 1965
El Sonido Nuevo 1966 (with Cal Tjader)
Bamboleate 1967 (with Cal Tjader)
Champagne 1968
Justicia 1969
Superimposition 1971
Vamonos Pal Monte 1971
El Rumbero Del Piano 1998
Obra Maestra 2000 (with Tito Puente)
La Perfecta II 2002
Ritmo Caliente 2003
Sugar Daddy 1962-1967 compilation
Gold 1973-1976 compilation
Best of Eddie Palmieri (Charly compilation with questionable sound quality)

Eddie Torres and His Mambo Kings Orchestra

Dance City 1994

Erick

Aquel Cantor 1995

Edwin Bonilla

Edwin Y Su Son 1999
Pa' La Calle 2004

Estrellas Caiman / Estrellas Cobo

Descarga Del Milenio 1997
Descarga Bravo 2000! 2000

Fania All Stars

Salsa Caliente Du Nu York! (Nascente compilation)

Francisco Aguabella

H2O 1986
Cubacan 2002

Frankie Dante

Different Directions 1968
Beethoven’s V 1975 (with Mark Dimond)

Frankie Ruiz

Exitos Eternos 1980s-1990s compilation
Gold 1980s-1990s compilation

Fruko Y Sus Tesos

La Verdadera Historia De (compilation)

Fulanito

Hombre Mas Famoso De La Tierra 1997

Los Gatos

Cats Got Your Tongue 2001

German Villarreal & Mambo Big Band

Con Permiso De Mis Mayores 2007

Gilberto Santa Rosa

Punto De Vista 1990
Dos Tiempos De Un Tiempo 1992
Esencia 1996

Gloria Estefan

Mi Tierra 1993

El Gran Combo

Nuevo Milenio 2001
Aqui Estamos y… De Verdad 2004
30 Aniversario 1992 compilation?
35th Anniversary 1997 compilation?

Grupo Caribe

Somos Caribenos 2007

Grupo Gale

Afirmando 1995

Grupo Latin Vibe

Mambo City 2003
All That Vibe 2005

Grupo Niche

Cielo De Tambores 1990
Un Alto En El Camino 1993
Huellas Del Pasado 1995
20 Exitos Originales 1990 to 2001 compilation

Har-You Percussion Group

Har-You Percussion Group 1969

Hector Lavoe

La Voz 1975
De Ti Depende 1976
Comedia 1978
El Sabio 1980

Hector Tricoche

The Greatest Salsa Ever 1980s-1990s compilation

Henry Fiol

Fe, Esperanza Y Caridad 1980
El Secreto 1981
La Ley De La Jungla 1983

Isidro Infante

Dancemania 2006

Ismael Miranda

Asi Se Compone Un Son 1973
Cantar O No Cantar (with Junior Gonzalez) 1995

Ismael Rivera

De Todas Maneras Rosas 1977
Esto Si Es Lo Mio 1978

Javier Vazquez

Salsa Y Montuno 1970s compilation
Linda Leida Y La Bahia con Javier Vazquez 1984

Jimmy Bosch

Soneando Trombon 1998
Salsa Dura 1999
El Avion De La Salsa 2004

Jimmy Sabater

El Hijo De Teresa 1970
Jimmy Sabater Con Son Boricua "Mo" 2002

Joe Arroyo

Echao Pa' Lante compilation

Joe Cuba

Diggin’ the Most 1964?
Bang! Bang! Push, Push, Push 1966
Cocinando La Salsa 1976
Best of Joe Cuba Sextet (Charly compilation with very poor sound - missing instruments, etc)

Johnny Colon

Boogaloo Blues 1960s-1970s compilation

Johnny Pacheco

Tres De Cafe Y Dos De Azucar 1973 (with Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez)
Tremendo Cache 1975 (with Celia Cruz)
A Man And His Music: El Maestro 2CD Fania compilation

Jose Alberto "El Canario"

Back To The Mambo: Tribute To Machito 1997
Herido 1999
Serie 32 1990s compilation

Jose Curbelo

Live At The China Doll 1946-1954 compilation

Jose Mangual Jr.

Tribute to Chano Pozo 1977

Juan Luis Guerra

Grandes Exitos De Juan Luis Guerra 4.40 (compilation)

Junior Gonzalez

Cantar O No Cantar (w/ Ismael Miranda) 1995

Kako Y Totico

Siguen Pa'Lante Y Pa'Lante 1970s (early?)

La Excelencia

Salsa Con Consciencia 2006

La 33

La 33 2004

La Charanga New York

La Charanga New York: Canta Yesid Perez 2005

Laba Sosseh

Laba Sosseh 1982

Larry Harlow (Orchestra Harlow)

Salsa 1974
Live In Quad 1974
Best of Orchestra Harlow 1970s-80s? compilation

Latin Giants Of Jazz

Trip To Mamboland 2007

Lebron Brothers

Psychedelic Goes Latin 1967 and Brooklyn Bums 1969 (Nascente)
Salsa Y Control 1970
Criollo 1982
Super Hits Vol. 2 1960s-1980s? compilation

Lenny Kravitz

Thinking of You 1999 single (3 songs)

Linda Leida

Con Sabor A Montuno! 1979 probably
Linda Leida Y La Bahia con Javier Vazquez 1984

Los Nemus Del Pacifico

La Historia Musical Del Los Nemus Del Pacifico 2 CD compilation

Louie Ramirez

King Of Latin Vibes 1991
Louie's Grooves 1961-1976 compilation

Louie Ramirez & Ray De La Paz

Exitos 1983-1986 compilation

Luisito Rosario

Rumba Del Barrio 2005

Machito & His Afro-Cubans

Ritmo Caliente 1941 to 1949 compilation
Relax and Mambo 1942 to 1954 compilation
Yo Soy La Rumba (Mucho Mucho Machito 1965 plus 2 tracks)(featuring Graciela & Marcelino Guerra)

Mana

Por Fin... Mana! Comenzo La Fiesta 2007

Mandingo Y Su Son

Salsa Fever 2001

Manny Oquendo

Con Salsa, Con Ritmo 1976
Mejor Que Nunca 1994
Los Nu Yorkinos 2000

Marc Anthony

Todo A Su Tiempo 1995
Valio La Pena 2004
El Cantante 2007

Mark "Markolino" Dimond

Brujeria 1971 (also released as Mas Sabor by Angel Canales)
Beethoven’s V 1975 (with Frankie Dante)

Marvin Santiago

Exitos Eternos 1994-2004 compilation

Miles Pena

Torbellino De Amor 1996

Mon Rivera

Que Gente Averigua 1962

Monchy & Alexandra

Exitos (compilation)

Mongo Santamaria

Mambo Mongo 1993
Best of Fania Years (presumably 1970s Vaya recordings)

Monguito

Lo Mejor De Monguito compilation

New Swing Sextet

Back On The Streets 2008
Monkey See Monkey Do 1960s compilation

N’Klabe

I Love Salsa (Special Edition) 2005

Ocho Y Mas

Juega Bailar 2006

Orquesta Aragon

The Heart Of Havana Vol 2 1957-1958

Orquesta Broadway

La Charanga Que Manda... A La Cabeza En Los 40 1990-1997 compilation

Orquesta De La Luz

Lo Esencial (compilation)

Orquesta Guayacan

Xtremo 2005
V.I.P. Edition compilation

Oscar D’Leon

Infinito 2003
Collecion De Oro (compilation released 2003)
Esenciales vol 1 (compilation)
32 Mas Grandes (compilation)

Papo Lucca

Herencia compilation

Pete Rodriguez

I Like It Like That 1967

Perez Prado

Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White 1940s-1950s compilation

Poncho Sanchez

Baila Baila 1980s to 1990s compilation

Pucho & His Latin Soul Brothers

Tough (Tough 1966 & Saffron Soul 1967)
Heat/Jungle Fire (Heat 1969 & Jungle Fire 1972)
Rip A Dip 1995
Caliente Con Soul! 1999
How'm I Doin? 2000
The Hideout 2004

Raphy Leavitt

Somos El Son 1986

Ray Barretto

Together 1971
Carnaval 1973 (Pachanga with Barretto 1961 and Latino 1962)
Indestructible 1973
Rican/Strucion 1979
Tremendo Trio 1983 (with Celia Cruz and Adalberto Santiago)
Soy Dichoso 1992
Salsa Caliente De Nu York 1971 to 1982 Fania compilation (Nascente)
Descarga Criolla 1965 to 1967 United Artists compilation
A Man And His Music 1960s to 1980s Fania compilation
Salsa Legende compilation

Regina Carter

Rhythms Of The Heart 1999 (mostly Jazz)

Rey Reyes

12 Super Exitos compilation released 1996

Ricardo Ray & Bobby Cruz

Ricardo Ray Arrives / Comejen 1964 or 1966
El Bestial Sonido 1971

Roberto Roena

Roberto Roena Y Su Apollo Sound 5 1973
Roberto Roena Y Su Apollo Sound 6 1974
Roberto Roena Y Su Apollo Sound: Lucky 7 1976

Ry Cooder

Buena Vista Social Club 1997

Santiago Ceron

Exitos De Santiago Ceron 1980s compilation - Released 1994

Shakira

Pies Descalzos 1996
Donde Estan Los Ladrones? 1998
Laundry Service 2001
Fijacion Oral Vol 1 2005
Oral Fixation Vol 2 2006

Son Boricua

Son Boricua 1998
Mo - Jimmy Sabater Con Son Boricua 2001

Sonora Carruseles

Espectacular 1996
Heavy Salsa 1999

Sonora Matancera

En Grande (mostly Javier Vazquez solo album?)

Sonora Poncena

Musical Conquest / Conquista Musical 1976
Explorando 1978
Determination 1982
On Target 1998
45 Aniversario 2000
Herencia (under Papo Lucca) compilation

SonSublime

Bailando Con SonSublime 2006

Spanish Harlem Orchestra

Un Gran Dia En El Barrio 2002
Across 110th Street 2004

Tabaco Y Ron

Tumbando Cabeza 2005
Paquete Salsera (compilation of 3 albums all released in 2003?)

Tito Puente

Dance Mania 1957
Dance Mania vol 2 1960
Tito Puente And His Concert Orchestra 1973
Hot Timbales! (Out Of This World/Mambo Of The Times) 1991 and 1992
Live At Birdland 1998
Mambo Birdland 1999
Obra Maestra 2000 (with Eddie Palmieri)
50 Years of Swing 1940s to 1990s multi-label compilation
Oye Como Va 1984 to 1996 Concorde Picante compilation
Doctor Feelgood 1984 to 1996 Concorde Picante compilation
King of Kings 1950s and 1960s RCA compilation
Rough Guide 1950s to 1970s compilation
King of Timbales 1940s to 1950s compilation
Absolute Best - Mambo 1940s to 1950s compilation

Tito Rodriguez

Live At The Palladium 1960
Tito Tito Tito 1964
El Doctor De La Salsa 1969
Un Retrato De Tito Rodriguez - El Hombre, Su Musica, Su Vida 1969-1972 compilation
The Legend's 30th Anniversary compilation WS Latino 1959-1970 compilation

Tito Rodriguez Jr

Curious? 1978

Tommy Olivencia

Plante Bandera 1975
Pura Salsa 1980s compilation

Toque D’Keda

Picante Alador 2005
Version 2.0 Tour promotional CD 2006

Los Van Van

Llego… Van Van 1999
30 Years of Cuba’s Greatest Band 1969-1989, 1990s

Willie Colon

La Gran Fuga 1970
El Juicio 1972
Asalto Navideno - Deluxe Edition (vol 1 1972, vol 2 1973)
Lo Mato 1973
Crime Pays 1968-1970 compilation of his first four albums

Willie Colon & Ruben Blades

Siembra 1978

Willie Rosario

Nuevos Horizontes 1984
Afincando 1985
Viva Rosario 1990
The Roaring Fifties 1991
Back To The Future 1999
Pura Salsa 1970s-1980s compilation?

Misc. Compilations

A Gozar: Latin Grooves On Blue Note 1960s-1970s compilation
Colombia! The Golden Age Of Discos Fuentes 1960 to 1976 compilation
Grandes Soneros De Ayer Y Hoy 1970s to 1990s compilation
Greatest Salsa Classics Of Colombia 1970s to 1990s Discos Fuentes compilation
New York City Salsa 2 1960s to 1980 Fania compilation
New York Descargas 1960s to 1970s compilation
Panama! Latin, Calypso And Funk On the Isthmus 1965 to 1975 compilation
Que Viva Salsa Dura - Originals and Remixes compilation
RMM 20th Anniversary Volume 9 (Latin Jazz compilation)
Rumba At The Palladium Vol 1
Salsa Fresca 1987 to 1994 compilation
Salsa.IT compilation volume 2 2005 or 2006
Salsa Magic misc. compilation

Travelogue

Here I present links to blog posts regarding my Salsa travels outside the United Kingdom.

June 24, 2005 - Portland, Oregon I - Special event at PPAA

June 25, 2005 - Portland, Oregon II - Fernando's Hideaway

November 28, 2005 - Washington DC I - Clarendon Grill

November 29, 2005 - Washington DC II - Barking Dog

December 2, 2005 - Washington DC III - Divino's Lounge

December 4, 2005 - Washington DC IV - Stuck on Salsa Sunday Social

December 8, 2005 - Washington DC Summary - Finding Salsa Spots in DC


Here I present links to blog posts regarding my Salsa travels within the United Kingdom. I included some unusual London trips but not my SOS visits.

December 16, 2006 - Ealing (Greater London)

December 24, 2005 - Bar Latina (Tottenham - Greater London)

Brit Salsafest at Blackpool - February 3-5, 2006
post 1 - the arrival
post 2 - first night
post 3 - first day of workshops
post 4 - second night
post 5 - second day of workshops
post 6 - last night
post 7 - drive back
post 8 - final thoughts

Salsa basics - my interpretation

Many useful basics are already covered by others including this one, which I think does a nice job of explaining basics and some simple salsa routines.

Listed below are links to selected posts, which I think are relevant and hopefully useful.

[note added May 27, 2006 - I no longer think these are very useful and are in fact problematic. These are being kept simply as record of my learning process.]

Feet positions on beat 4 and 8 - This is useless

Basic steps for absolute beginners - This is useless

Beyond beginner steps LA style - This is useless

--

Self-assessment

Shoes

Histories and Commentaries

Feet positioning

Categorizing Beginner, Improver, Intermediate and Advanced Salsa Dancers

Qualities of Beginner Salsa Dancers

My Salsa History to May 2005

Joe Davids

July 24, 2006 - Start with single and pseudo sombrero II (Joe again)
July 17, 2006 - With Russell
July 10, 2006 - Start with single and pseudo sombrero I
July 3, 2006 - Start with double (follow) and single (lead) II
June 26, 2006 - back to Joe - Start with double (follow) and single (lead) I
June 19, 2006 - With Tiz for the third time
June 12, 2006 - With Tiz again
June 5, 2006 - With Tiz and back to drawing board with a 2 hour format
May 29, 2006 - Over and Under III from Copa
May 22, 2006 - Over and Under II
May 15, 2006 - Over and Under I
May 8, 2006 - Matrix-like Windmill and others
May 1, 2006 - Windmill
April 24, 2006 - Cross Pass III (High)
April 10, 2006 - Cross Pass II
April 3, 2006 - Cross Pass I
March 27, 2006 - Slam Dunk
March 20, 2006 - Drop Catch III
March 13, 2006 - Drop Catch II
March 6, 2006 - Drop Catch I or Hand-off
February 27, 2006 - Pulling down the zipper II
February 20, 2006 - Pulling down the zipper
February 13, 2006 - The Launch

Ivan & Sally

April 27, 2006 - with Jane substituting for Sally
March 2, 2006
February 16, 2006 - Intermediate & Improver
February 9, 2006 - Intermediate
February 2, 2006 - Intermediate
January 26, 2006 - Intermediate & Improver
January 19, 2006 - Intermediate & Improver (latter Cuban)
January 12, 2006 - Intermediate & Improver
January 5, 2006 - Intermediate
January 4, 2006 - Intermediate (Substituting for Cristian & Dee)
May 21, 2005 - 3 hour Intermediate workshop

Miscellaneous

June 15, 2006 - Jay substituting for Sally
May 21, 2006 - SOS level 3
May 20, 2006 - Cambridge Latin Central redux
April 23, 2006 - SOS level 3
April 18, 2006 - Tony & Daniela
March 25, 2006 - Cambridge Latin Central
February 19, 2006 - SOS level 3
February 12, 2006 - SOS level 3
February 6, 2006 - Tony & Claudia encore
January 29, 2006 - SOS level 3 (around the world envy)
January 1, 2006 - SOS level 3 (the shine that stuck)
December 18, 2005 - SOS level 3 - Tamambo
December 11, 2005 - SOS level 3
November 28, 2005 - Clarendon Grill
November 21, 2005 - Tony & Claudia's Bachata workshop
November 20, 2005 - SOS level 3 - Got something out of it
November 6, 2005 - SOS level 3
October 30, 2005 - SOS level 3
August 23, 2005 - SOS level 3
July 17, 2005 - SOS level 3 - What a treat!
June 19, 2005 - SOS level 3 - 40 min late and with Bachata
June 4, 2005 - Steve Reid Casino Rueda workshop
May 2, 2005 - Mauricio substituting for Peter & Cinzia
May 1, 2005 - SOS level 3
April 15, 2005 - Ivan & Zina
March 20, 2005 - Nelson

Sally

July 20, 2006 - with Chris again
July 13, 2006 - with Chris
July 6, 2006
June 29, 2006
June 22, 2006
June 8, 2006
June 1, 2006
May 25, 2006
May 18, 2006
May 11, 2006
May 4, 2006
April 20, 2006
April 13, 2006
April 6, 2006
March 30, 2006
March 23, 2006
March 16, 2006
March 9, 2006
February 17, 2006 - LeL
December 22, 2005
November 17, 2005
November 10, 2005
October 27, 2005
October 20, 2005
October 13, 2005
October 6, 2005

Cristian & Dee

These guys emphasize lowering hands on 1 and 5 during cross body leads more than other teachers.

September 7, 2005
June 29, 2005 - Intermediate
April 27, 2005 - Improvers
April 27, 2005 - Intermediate
April 13, 2005
April 6, 2005
March 30, 2005
March 23, 2005

Sergio at CDC

May 19, 2005 - Intermediate
May 19, 2005 - Improvers
May 12, 2005 Intermediate
May 12, 2005 Improvers
May 5, 2005 Intermediate
May 5, 2005 Improvers
April 28, 2005 Intermediate
March 10, 2005 Intermediate
March 3, 2005 Intermediate
March 3, 2005 Improvers
February 24, 2005 Intermediate
February 24, 2005 Improvers

Rhona & Helen Casino Rueda

September 29, 2005 - More commands with unclear names (to be updated when the names become available)

September 8, 2005 - Setenta (revised), Pelota moderna, Por ti por mi, Sombrero mambo, other commands with unknown spelling

Week 15 overall - Sombrero doble, Three way stop, Setenta complicado, Setenta y nueve

Week 14 overall - truncated and nothing new

Week 13 overall - Intermediate week 7 - Siete loco, more commentaries on Tuma Francessa and Siga May

Week 12 overall - Intermediate week 6 - Ponle sabor, Parada enchufe, Pulpo, Con manos

Week 11 overall - Intermediate week 5 - Sambucco, Ponle sabor, Besito, Beso, Ida y vuelta, Pelota

Week 10 overall - Intermediate week 4 - Adios y enchufe, Puente, Dedo guarapo y bota

Week 9 overall - Intermediate week 3 - more Lasso & Patine los dos commentaries, Ajo y perejil (pronouced Huckleberry Hill by Helen), Babosa, Ocho ending (scooping follower), Puente, Abanico, Dame complicado, Dos con dos

Workshop with Steve Reid - Patine los dos, Cuba libre, Lasso, Cero (from Guapea), Cero giro, Roca, Dereto, Abajo (from Guapea)

Week 8 overall - Intermediate week 2 - Name?, Dedo guarapo y bota (still uncertain), Once, Coca cola, Coca cola por atras, Siete y coca cola, Ocho, Ocho doble (from al medio and from Guapea), Salute nino, Salute nina and several other incomplete

Week 7 overall - Intermediate week 1 - Mochila, Dame pa fuera (a little confused), Siete, Setenta, Patine (mujeres) (incomplete), Pulpo (not mastered)

Week 6 - Rosate, Babosa, Dame y no le llegues, Pasate, Pasate arriba (name?), comments on Mochila & Montana, ending of Ocho (incomplete)

Week 5 - Ocho, Ida, Fly, Media, Ping pong, Sientala los dos, Enchufe pa'arriba, Pasan las manos, Bajala, Al medio, Tarrito (fake..name?)

Week 4 - Otro, Enchufe y casate, Arriba and Abajo (from Enchufe y casate), Exibela, Tarrito, Tranca

Week 3 - Kentucky, Dame al medio, Enchufe al medio, Rosa/flor, Hombres/Chicas/Mujeres derecha/izquierda (con manos), Treinta tres, Cero, Dile que no (from al medio)

Week 2 - Pimienta, Sombrero, Sombrero complicado, Enchufe casate, Para mi para ti, Chicas no, Festival enchufe (or adios)

Week 1 - Guapea, Dame, Dame dos, Enchufe, Enchufe doble, Salute mujeres, Croquetta, Evelyn, Sacala, Sientala, Vacilala, Vacilala y cambio, Adios, Adios con la hermana

Rhona & Helen at CDC

March 9, 2005 Intermediate
March 9, 2005 Improvers
March 2, 2005 Intermediate
March 2, 2005 Improvers - Deleted
February 23, 2005 Intermediate

Peter & Cinzia

June 27, 2005 - Vacilala y coca cola & Balsero redux
June 20, 2005 - Ajo y perejil and Enchufe doble again
June 13, 2005 - Setenta Nuevo
June 6, 2005 - Dedo saboreado with minor alteration at the end, comments on Lasso
May 30, 2005 - Once, Coca cola & Juana Cubana
May 23, 2005 - Sordo
May 16, 2005 - Dedo saboreado & Balsero
May 9, 2005 - Simple Rueda & orthodox Setenta
April 25, 2005 - Mezcla & Havana
April 18, 2005 - Montana & Mochila
April 11, 2005 - Cinzia's special
April 4, 2005 - Adios con la hermana sentada
March 28, 2005 - missed class
March 21, 2005 - Abazala & Setenta (unorthodox finish)
March 14, 2005 - Kentucky
Coca cola variation - Coca cola from memory (BAD)
February 28, 2005 - Manic monday

Johnny & Serap

February 10, 2006 - Hand on stomach flat from open position
January 28, 2006 - Intermediate workshop (just helping)
January 27, 2006 - Sliding hand through arms and neck
January 20, 2006 - A couple of cute moves
January 13, 2006 - Copa followed by change of line (needs space)
January 6, 2006 - Struggling with CBL and needs revisiting
November 18, 2005 - Massive class with three shorts
November 11, 2005 - More than Sombrero
October 28, 2005 - Putting follower into a straighjacket
October 22, 2005 - Trips & Dips from Big Salsa Party
October 21, 2005 - Hammerlock, not-quite Lasso and Apache with stylizations
October 14, 2005 - Three tricky spots
October 7, 2005 - Touch of Cha Cha Cha
September 30, 2005 - Tricky to do with unsuspecting follower
September 23, 2005 - Leading traveling 2 1/2 turn - 1st anniversary
September 16, 2005 - Cut short by Wolfson College trip - Copa
September 2, 2005 - Announcement about Piers
August 26, 2005- new killer move
August 19, 2005 - stylized cross body lead part II
August 12, 2005 -stylized cross body lead part I
August 5, 2005 - Advanced - pretty easy ... too easy?
July 29, 2005 - Advanced - long routine with lotsa reverse turns
July 22, 2005 - Advanced - cutting down number of lessons
July 15, 2005 - Advanced - After the jamboree
July 8, 2005 - Advanced - lesson not learned
July 1, 2005 - Advanced - Reverse cross body and a block with flourish
June 17, 2005 - Advanced - Apache
June 10, 2005 - Advanced - Lots of turns for leaders
June 3, 2005 Advanced - Heinz called it easy ... starting from Setenta and involving some nice wraps
May 27, 2005 Advanced - Another way out of Setenta + hands on stomach + Peter's explanation of Coca cola
May 20, 2005 Advanced - Fairly easy but useful
May 13, 2005 Advanced - Advanced doesn't seem so advanced today
May 6, 2005 Advanced - Similar to the SOS routine
May 6, 2005 Intermediate - Useless but for a brief BBC-like demonstration, which I managed to decipher
April 28, 2005 Intermediate - Totally useless
April 8, 2005 Advanced - Difficult and ends with shines for followers
April 8, 2005 Intermediate - Cuban wheel incorporated
April 1, 2005 Advanced - Small class with short tough routine (strange Coca cola upon review)
April 1, 2005 Intermediate - Very large class and dumbed down
March 25, 2005 Advanced - Shine incorporated
March 25, 2005 Intermediate - My first dip and other goodies
March 18, 2005 Advanced - Double turn for follower and others
March 18, 2005 Intermediate - "This is very nice"
March 11, 2005 Advanced - What was the ending?
March 11, 2005 Intermediate - Frustrating but nice?
March 4, 2005 Advanced - Plenty of time for ladies styling
March 4, 2005 Intermediate - Bits and pieces
February 25, 2005 Advanced - First entry into the advanced class
February 25, 2005 Intermediate - Johnny does hat
Titanic

About this blog

After struggling with salsa for almost four months with many different teachers, I decided to start documenting what was taught in various classes I attended. The idea of writing down what was taught in class was inspired by a suggestion from Sergio. Because I have a pretty good memory to begin with, this was fairly easy to start with and I got better at it quickly. Soon thereafter, another student was amazed that I could remember so much and started asking me about previous week's routine, etc. This led me to thinking that I should make my notes public because it might help others remember also. For me, it does not take much more time to publish this in a web-log (blog) form; note-taking takes much more time.

These notes will not be very useful for people who did not take the lessons and are not intended to replace real lessons or practice. I suspect it won't be helpful for everyone who took the lessons as well since different people have different methods for learning. It's written more for leaders, but I think this is an understandable bias.

I'd like to thank all my Salsa teachers past and present including:

  • Johnny & Serap, my salsa teachers for the longest amount of time, are technically the most challenging, and I feel we have become good friends.
  • Mauricio taught me the importance of footwork, and I first heard the beat of salsa music in his class. His class was instrumental in me actually starting to dance salsa.
  • Peter's class helped me get comfortable with longer routines at moderate speed and build up my confidence.
  • Helen and Rhona's classes have been great for getting comfortable with dancing at faster pace and with many stylizations.
  • In addition to inspire me to take notes and thus become a better student, Sergio's shines made everyone else's seem easy by comparison.
  • Others, including Enrico, Angelique, Tamambo, Nelson, Cristian and Dee (listed in chronological order) also helped me to varying degrees.

I also thank all my dance partners and other friends I met during lessons, many of whom have been very helpful and supportive.

Last updated April 17, 2005