December 23, 2007
Six days without Salsa. I guess it could be considered a holiday. I suppose bigger issue was that I didn’t see any Salsa event of overwhelming interest.
Supposedly the best weekly events are Clarendon Grill on Mondays and Barking Dog on Tuesdays. I wasn’t going to go to Barking Dog right after a long flight, and every option thereafter fizzled into oblivion. Timing is unfortunate this year – both Barking Dog and Clarendon Grill are closed for the rest of December.
The event I had pencilled in as worth checking out finally was DC Salsa Meetup Holiday Party at Cecilia’s (salsa.meetup.com/162 and www.ceciliasclub.com). DC Salsa Meetup has nearly 2500 members – the number of active members must be far fewer, but it is impressive nevertheless. There seemed to be quite a high interest in this party – 338 people said yes for their RSVP with another 35 maybes. I think this event set a new record for attendance from this organization.
The venue was quite spacious – larger dance floor compared to SOS wood surface at the Royal Sonesta Hotel (but smaller if carpeted surface at the hotel is included). I’m guessing there were over 300 people – maybe close to 400. The overall level of dancing was slightly below SOS – more or less about the same as the Coventry party. My best guess is that most of the top flight DC dancers were absent (aside from the die-hards).
After getting a little lost and searching for parking, I arrived around 10:30 and stayed until essentially closing time at 2 AM. The music seemed promising early (they were playing Cuando Te Vea (Bobby Valentin – probably from Rey Del Bajo) when I arrived), but not so good for a rather long time thereafter. They ran a contest, which dragged a bit as these things always do. I think they were conscientious about trying to keep it short though. I’m not sure if there was a DJ switch afterwards, but next 15-20 songs were all fused together and were generally uninteresting. Re-start of the Mambo (the DJ announced it) with Muneca (version unknown) coincided with start of large exodus. Songs thereafter included Descarga Cachao (version unknown), Vamonos Pal Monte (Eddie Palmieri – gets real fast towards the end), Ublabadu (Fania All Stars), En El Balcon (Tito Rodriguez), Aguanile (Willie Colon/Hector Lavoe – as the second to last song or the last song before lights were turned on – I thought it was a little insane) and finishing with a Marc Anthony.
I had decided to be a bit more choosy about picking dance partners after the contests based upon my experience up until then. Thus despite ending up dancing with same person for 3 songs or more on a few occasions, I ended up enjoying them anyway. I’m not sure but I might have asked some of them for a second song etc even if there were clear breaks between the songs. Otherwise the dances were just fine – at least as long as my partner has a sense of dancing in time to the music, I can do something. Not everyone was capable of this – even very late into the evening when most people had left. Being a stranger to the scene with a distinct style and some unique moves, I must have come across as being a bit flashy – at least based upon some reactions. This is nothing to make a big deal about considering I did not notice an abundance of performer/teacher types – I learned later that the best follower I had there had been dancing for less than 2 years. Also I had about 4-6 refusals for dance (I have no idea if they saw me dancing) also including one or two cases of choosy-partner syndrome.
SOS with Cyrille and Zern
December 16, 2007
With help from Ali, the headlight bulb was replaced – it only took about 50 minutes. This was important because this made going to SOS a simpler decision. Cyrille decided to come along. Zern would meet us in London. Traffic was unusually light so we got there in record time.
SOS was on time too. I was half expecting to see class still in session, but no – the social was underway by the time we arrived. I was so surprised by this that I ended up not dancing until the third or the fourth song. A part of the indecision was caused by my inability to spot quickly good prospective dance partners.
It was great once I got started though – surprisingly so. Things were great until around 10. Everyone I danced with was at least half decent and even the not-so-good ones were fairly enjoyable for one reason or another. The only exception was a Cha Cha – poor timing issues. My dancing mood tended toward leading more spins and more complicated moves compared to typical recent SOS outings.
Unfortunately it was a performance night. Even worse, there was a raffle, which went on for a rather long time because about half of the winners were not there to collect. The performances were decent. I had a good view too – central and 2-3 rows behind seated on the floor. The first to go were Mauro and Aiste – same routine more or less as the one at Club Salsa couple of months ago. The second was by Leon Rose Project – a new one for me. Some of the finger pointing antics by Leon was pretty funny. There was too much sitting on the floor still.
Even worse, the dances after the shows were considerably worse than ones before. I must have had about four quite unsatisfying dances in a row before having a pretty good Cha Cha followed by a reasonably good Salsa. The last dance was not too good unfortunately, and I wasn’t able to get another for the last song of the evening – maybe I could have but I thought the options were pretty slim generally after the shows.
The drive back (joined by Zern) was dominated by geography quizzes.
With help from Ali, the headlight bulb was replaced – it only took about 50 minutes. This was important because this made going to SOS a simpler decision. Cyrille decided to come along. Zern would meet us in London. Traffic was unusually light so we got there in record time.
SOS was on time too. I was half expecting to see class still in session, but no – the social was underway by the time we arrived. I was so surprised by this that I ended up not dancing until the third or the fourth song. A part of the indecision was caused by my inability to spot quickly good prospective dance partners.
It was great once I got started though – surprisingly so. Things were great until around 10. Everyone I danced with was at least half decent and even the not-so-good ones were fairly enjoyable for one reason or another. The only exception was a Cha Cha – poor timing issues. My dancing mood tended toward leading more spins and more complicated moves compared to typical recent SOS outings.
Unfortunately it was a performance night. Even worse, there was a raffle, which went on for a rather long time because about half of the winners were not there to collect. The performances were decent. I had a good view too – central and 2-3 rows behind seated on the floor. The first to go were Mauro and Aiste – same routine more or less as the one at Club Salsa couple of months ago. The second was by Leon Rose Project – a new one for me. Some of the finger pointing antics by Leon was pretty funny. There was too much sitting on the floor still.
Even worse, the dances after the shows were considerably worse than ones before. I must have had about four quite unsatisfying dances in a row before having a pretty good Cha Cha followed by a reasonably good Salsa. The last dance was not too good unfortunately, and I wasn’t able to get another for the last song of the evening – maybe I could have but I thought the options were pretty slim generally after the shows.
The drive back (joined by Zern) was dominated by geography quizzes.
Run-in with the law
December 14, 2007
No Joe. Danie and Vish were sole instructors. I hear there will be a class on Monday but not Friday next week. Vish had a song queued for the start of the social - it was the exact same song I was going to start with. The only difference was that Vish had the song set to be played slowed down, and I changed it to normal speed.
Playlist
La Llave - Grupo Latin Vibe (1)
Yamulemau - Joe Arroyo*
Espiritu Burlon - Santiago Ceron
Que Quiere La Nina - Kako Y Totico
La-La-La - Direct Latin Influence
Asi Son - El Gran Combo*
Nunca Que Quedas - Frankie Ruiz
Cancion - La Sonora Poncena (live)*
Que Bueno Baila Usted - Oscar D'Leon
Son Diez Lagrimas - Lebron Brothers*
El Hueso De Maria - Tito Rodriguez
La Cartera - Orchestra Harlow (Live in Quad)
Apretoncito - Toque D' Keda
Quiero Enamorarte - Marco Ferretti*
--break for 6-8 songs--
Clasiquiendo Con Ruben - Afro Cuban All Stars (2)
Margarito - Bobby Valentin
Rumbera - Willie Chirino*
Baila Que Baila - Jose Alberto "El Canario"
Fuego A La Jicotea - Marvin Santiago
Sin Negro No Hay Guaguanco - Lebron Brothers*
Nadie Como Ella - Marc Anthony
Lejos De Ti - Angel Canales
El Abaniquito - Pucho and His Latin Soul Brothers
Calle Luna Calle Sol - Willie Colon*
Conmigo - Eddie Palmieri*
Guaguanco Del Gran Combo - El Gran Combo
Violent's Guaguanco - Johnny Rodriguez & Angel Rene Orquesta*
Abran Paso - Orchestra Harlow
El Que Se Fue - Tito Rodriguez (WSLatino)* (3)
El Titere - Louie Ramirez & Ray De La Paz*
A La Yumbae - Tommy Olivencia (4)
No Aguanto Mas - Celia Cruz & Johnny Pacheco
Musica Ligera - Toque D' Keda
Te Extrano - Extreme (5)*
Hay Craneo - Bobby Valentin
Babarabatiri - Tito Puente (studio)
No Critiques - Eddie Palmieri
Dejame En Paz - Johnny Colon* (6)
No Quiero Na Regala'o - Gilberto Santa Rosa
Rompe - Daddy Yankee* (7)
Se Me Fue - El Gran Combo
Chango Ta Beni - Willie Rosario (8)
Soulsa - Estrellas Caiman
Hace Tiempo - Angel Canales (9)
(1) Vish and me thinking the same way.
(2) The song before this one was some Timba. Vish had it queued. I could have chosen not to play it, but I did anyway. Sergio and Cyrille arrived shortly before I started the Timba song. It took two songs afterwards to build up momentum sufficiently once again.
(3) I meant to play Bilongo. No big problem.
(4) Vish had asked me for the second time whether I had Merengue shortly before this.
(5) Two Merengue, two Bachata… I was thinking a Reggaeton next possibly, but Vish begged me to play Salsa. Who am I to argue? Enough is enough, right?
(6) People are beginning to leave. It is getting late.
(7) Reggaeton (belated?) did not help at all.
(8) A comment received - "I want to go home!" …and there are no women to dance with either. Hehehe.
(9) Vish was going to put on a different disc thinking there was no one left for Salsa until he spotted Cyrille and Sergio still around. He then asked me to play a little more. Cyrille and Sergio were ready to go home, so I told them that this would be my last song.
Total 44 songs. 4 Bachata - 2 new. 2 Merengue. 1 Reggaeton - 1 new. 37 Salsa - 11 new. I wasn't planning on playing that many new songs. It just worked out that way.
It was an interesting night attendance-wise. It looked precarious at start. Second wave (Sergio et al) did not arrive until around 11 with there being very little influx of people between 10 and 11. Influx of people was better after 11 and continued til some time after midnight. I think some of the people might have come over after the end of the Bravo X-mas party, but I'm not sure.
I danced with only one person. Not by design. During the break, I was hoping to ask at least one more except she was either nowhere to be seen or were busy dancing with others. During my second session, I was playing too many short songs (most ranging between 2 3/4 min and 3 3/4 min) between Fuego A La Jicotea and No Critiques (or a span of 19 songs). [note: The exceptions are El Abaniquito and Nadie Como Ella at just under 5 min each and El Que Se Fue at 4 min 20 sec.] Also, Vish decided to send home most of his staff shortly after 11 thinking that the night would be a bust (whereas it became surprisingly busy afterwards).
Drive back was a bit unusual - once again. After dropping of Cyrille and nearing Sergio's place, I was stopped by a police patrol in Chesterton. I stopped and rolled down my window.
"Please turn the engine off."
"Okay."
"Do you know why we stopped you?"
"I have no idea."
"One of your lights is out."
"Really? It must have gone out very recently. I had no idea. Too bad this happened now - especially since I'm going out of country early next week."
"What were you doing tonight?"
"I was at a club. I was deejaying mostly."
"Did you have anything to drink?"
"I had one beer. Around 10-11."
"Please step out of the car"
"Okay."
"We are going to perform a sobriety test. Is this okay with you?"
"Sure. I don't think one beer is going to cause me a problem. The proprietor was trying to get me to drink more. I guess he got me once."
I was led to walk around to the pavement/sidewalk.
"Have you ever used a breathalyzer?"
"No."
"Have you ever blow balloons?"
"Yeah."
"It's just like that. You take a deep breath and blow as hard and long as you can."
"What if I run out of breath? Do I take another breath and blow again?"
They ignored this question. They got ready - getting a disposable unit out of packaging, etc.
"By the way, if you had refused to comply, we would have had to arrest you. Because you said you had a drink, we were legally required to test you."
"Okay. Take a deep breath and blow please."
I take a couple of deep breath and get my fingers on the analyzer to stabilize it.
"Take your hands off the machine please."
I complied and start to blow.
Nothing happened. They talked to each other.
"I don't think it was turned on."
"Please do it again."
I did it again. Nothing happens.
"I think the batteries are dead."
I started to laugh.
"We think you're okay. Please don't drive the car tomorrow even in the daylight. First go to a store and get the light replaced."
"Okay."
That was that. A few things. It's probably a good thing that I did not accept Vishal's offer of beer just before I was leaving the club. I would have been interested to know what my alcohol level would have been with just one beer. How close to the limit would I have been? Replacing the light won't be easy. I have the bulbs already, but I've seen people at Halfords struggling half an hour replacing the bulb in that car. I don't think I could do any better - without any tools no less.
Another amusing point. When I dropped Cyrille off last Thursday, we were followed by a different police patrol. I guess we looked suspicious. They drove off after seeing me drop off Cyrille.
No Joe. Danie and Vish were sole instructors. I hear there will be a class on Monday but not Friday next week. Vish had a song queued for the start of the social - it was the exact same song I was going to start with. The only difference was that Vish had the song set to be played slowed down, and I changed it to normal speed.
Playlist
La Llave - Grupo Latin Vibe (1)
Yamulemau - Joe Arroyo*
Espiritu Burlon - Santiago Ceron
Que Quiere La Nina - Kako Y Totico
La-La-La - Direct Latin Influence
Asi Son - El Gran Combo*
Nunca Que Quedas - Frankie Ruiz
Cancion - La Sonora Poncena (live)*
Que Bueno Baila Usted - Oscar D'Leon
Son Diez Lagrimas - Lebron Brothers*
El Hueso De Maria - Tito Rodriguez
La Cartera - Orchestra Harlow (Live in Quad)
Apretoncito - Toque D' Keda
Quiero Enamorarte - Marco Ferretti*
--break for 6-8 songs--
Clasiquiendo Con Ruben - Afro Cuban All Stars (2)
Margarito - Bobby Valentin
Rumbera - Willie Chirino*
Baila Que Baila - Jose Alberto "El Canario"
Fuego A La Jicotea - Marvin Santiago
Sin Negro No Hay Guaguanco - Lebron Brothers*
Nadie Como Ella - Marc Anthony
Lejos De Ti - Angel Canales
El Abaniquito - Pucho and His Latin Soul Brothers
Calle Luna Calle Sol - Willie Colon*
Conmigo - Eddie Palmieri*
Guaguanco Del Gran Combo - El Gran Combo
Violent's Guaguanco - Johnny Rodriguez & Angel Rene Orquesta*
Abran Paso - Orchestra Harlow
El Que Se Fue - Tito Rodriguez (WSLatino)* (3)
El Titere - Louie Ramirez & Ray De La Paz*
A La Yumbae - Tommy Olivencia (4)
No Aguanto Mas - Celia Cruz & Johnny Pacheco
Musica Ligera - Toque D' Keda
Te Extrano - Extreme (5)*
Hay Craneo - Bobby Valentin
Babarabatiri - Tito Puente (studio)
No Critiques - Eddie Palmieri
Dejame En Paz - Johnny Colon* (6)
No Quiero Na Regala'o - Gilberto Santa Rosa
Rompe - Daddy Yankee* (7)
Se Me Fue - El Gran Combo
Chango Ta Beni - Willie Rosario (8)
Soulsa - Estrellas Caiman
Hace Tiempo - Angel Canales (9)
(1) Vish and me thinking the same way.
(2) The song before this one was some Timba. Vish had it queued. I could have chosen not to play it, but I did anyway. Sergio and Cyrille arrived shortly before I started the Timba song. It took two songs afterwards to build up momentum sufficiently once again.
(3) I meant to play Bilongo. No big problem.
(4) Vish had asked me for the second time whether I had Merengue shortly before this.
(5) Two Merengue, two Bachata… I was thinking a Reggaeton next possibly, but Vish begged me to play Salsa. Who am I to argue? Enough is enough, right?
(6) People are beginning to leave. It is getting late.
(7) Reggaeton (belated?) did not help at all.
(8) A comment received - "I want to go home!" …and there are no women to dance with either. Hehehe.
(9) Vish was going to put on a different disc thinking there was no one left for Salsa until he spotted Cyrille and Sergio still around. He then asked me to play a little more. Cyrille and Sergio were ready to go home, so I told them that this would be my last song.
Total 44 songs. 4 Bachata - 2 new. 2 Merengue. 1 Reggaeton - 1 new. 37 Salsa - 11 new. I wasn't planning on playing that many new songs. It just worked out that way.
It was an interesting night attendance-wise. It looked precarious at start. Second wave (Sergio et al) did not arrive until around 11 with there being very little influx of people between 10 and 11. Influx of people was better after 11 and continued til some time after midnight. I think some of the people might have come over after the end of the Bravo X-mas party, but I'm not sure.
I danced with only one person. Not by design. During the break, I was hoping to ask at least one more except she was either nowhere to be seen or were busy dancing with others. During my second session, I was playing too many short songs (most ranging between 2 3/4 min and 3 3/4 min) between Fuego A La Jicotea and No Critiques (or a span of 19 songs). [note: The exceptions are El Abaniquito and Nadie Como Ella at just under 5 min each and El Que Se Fue at 4 min 20 sec.] Also, Vish decided to send home most of his staff shortly after 11 thinking that the night would be a bust (whereas it became surprisingly busy afterwards).
Drive back was a bit unusual - once again. After dropping of Cyrille and nearing Sergio's place, I was stopped by a police patrol in Chesterton. I stopped and rolled down my window.
"Please turn the engine off."
"Okay."
"Do you know why we stopped you?"
"I have no idea."
"One of your lights is out."
"Really? It must have gone out very recently. I had no idea. Too bad this happened now - especially since I'm going out of country early next week."
"What were you doing tonight?"
"I was at a club. I was deejaying mostly."
"Did you have anything to drink?"
"I had one beer. Around 10-11."
"Please step out of the car"
"Okay."
"We are going to perform a sobriety test. Is this okay with you?"
"Sure. I don't think one beer is going to cause me a problem. The proprietor was trying to get me to drink more. I guess he got me once."
I was led to walk around to the pavement/sidewalk.
"Have you ever used a breathalyzer?"
"No."
"Have you ever blow balloons?"
"Yeah."
"It's just like that. You take a deep breath and blow as hard and long as you can."
"What if I run out of breath? Do I take another breath and blow again?"
They ignored this question. They got ready - getting a disposable unit out of packaging, etc.
"By the way, if you had refused to comply, we would have had to arrest you. Because you said you had a drink, we were legally required to test you."
"Okay. Take a deep breath and blow please."
I take a couple of deep breath and get my fingers on the analyzer to stabilize it.
"Take your hands off the machine please."
I complied and start to blow.
Nothing happened. They talked to each other.
"I don't think it was turned on."
"Please do it again."
I did it again. Nothing happens.
"I think the batteries are dead."
I started to laugh.
"We think you're okay. Please don't drive the car tomorrow even in the daylight. First go to a store and get the light replaced."
"Okay."
That was that. A few things. It's probably a good thing that I did not accept Vishal's offer of beer just before I was leaving the club. I would have been interested to know what my alcohol level would have been with just one beer. How close to the limit would I have been? Replacing the light won't be easy. I have the bulbs already, but I've seen people at Halfords struggling half an hour replacing the bulb in that car. I don't think I could do any better - without any tools no less.
Another amusing point. When I dropped Cyrille off last Thursday, we were followed by a different police patrol. I guess we looked suspicious. They drove off after seeing me drop off Cyrille.
Last Thursday of 2007
December 13, 2007
It was very quiet. I didn't know that this was to be the last Thursday of the year for Sally's classes. I guess it's just as well - I wouldn't have been around next week anyway. I have no idea if there'll be much Salsa opportunity over holidays anyway. I feel rusty already.
Andrea was one of few taking part in the class. Polly arrived later - around same time as me. Neither of them stuck around for the social, and Lindsey who was essentially giving a private lesson left very early too. When Ivan complained about this fact and commented that it left Jane only among his regular partners, I took it as a cue to ask Jane and further deprive him.
That left Kate, one of her friends, someone more used to Cuban style, a pair who have been taking lessons for a couple of months but have been shy about venturing into social dancing (and one of whom looks a bit like Megan R), another who make them a trio, and one other girl who have been around for several months, and Sally. I chatted briefly with Ed and Heinz too.
The social ended around 11. There isn't much happening for the rest of the month aside from Sally party and New Year's Party, both of which I will miss. Oh, and Vish asked me to DJ a little tomorrow night.
It was very quiet. I didn't know that this was to be the last Thursday of the year for Sally's classes. I guess it's just as well - I wouldn't have been around next week anyway. I have no idea if there'll be much Salsa opportunity over holidays anyway. I feel rusty already.
Andrea was one of few taking part in the class. Polly arrived later - around same time as me. Neither of them stuck around for the social, and Lindsey who was essentially giving a private lesson left very early too. When Ivan complained about this fact and commented that it left Jane only among his regular partners, I took it as a cue to ask Jane and further deprive him.
That left Kate, one of her friends, someone more used to Cuban style, a pair who have been taking lessons for a couple of months but have been shy about venturing into social dancing (and one of whom looks a bit like Megan R), another who make them a trio, and one other girl who have been around for several months, and Sally. I chatted briefly with Ed and Heinz too.
The social ended around 11. There isn't much happening for the rest of the month aside from Sally party and New Year's Party, both of which I will miss. Oh, and Vish asked me to DJ a little tomorrow night.
Club Salsa X-mas party 2007
December 7, 2007
Lotsa work again. Left work at 8:55. Got home. Prepared and ate a quick meal, then headed to Club Salsa by 9:45. Not bad.
Vishal was at the entrance. Joe was about to start the final run-through for the class. I said a quick hello to Lee and Shelley – established that I live here and that they were here for the first time for Salsa dancing.
Just before the cool-down started, Vishal let me know (and Joe) that I would be the first DJ of the evening. There was going to be five DJs tonight – the others being Joe, Sally, Cristian and Vishal. Here’s my set.
Playlist
La-La-La – Direct Latin Influence
La Muy Muy – Roberto Torres
Borinquen – Sonora Poncena (studio version)*
Sientate Ahi – Oscar D’Leon
Anuncio Clasificado – Willie Rosario
Bongo Loco – Lebron Brothers
Mambo Sentimental – Machito*
Bailando – Frankie Ruiz
El Que Se Fue – Roberto Roena
Bilongo – Tito Rodriguez*
El Guaguanco Del Gran Combo – El Gran Combo
Chanchullo – Fania All-Stars
Total 12 songs. 11 Salsa. 1 Cha Cha. 3 new. I guess the number of songs was the highest one I guessed. I like to think I played a good set, and Vishal complimented me on my set three times (once during, once right after and once toward the end of the evening). Who knows if everyone was pleased? There were plenty of people keen on dancing so keeping the floor reasonably busy was not a problem.
It was a big party all right. Rico and Natalie came up from London. Sally, Cristian et al came down from Peterborough. Non-regular Friday people like Lindsey and Nicola were there. Non-regulars like Aurelei, Sam and Liz were present too. Add to them Cyrille, Liam, Mark, Jane, Richard, Polly, Andrea, Kate, Sharon and hundreds more.
Joe was the next DJ. I would say that he played for the common denominator. The floor was packed, but I managed to dance with three or four people (Aurelei, the girl from Mondays from way back, etc). Many of these dances were in pairs – mostly two Salsa and sometimes a Bachata and a Salsa. I guess I was dragged onto the floor for one Merengue too.
Ivan was there too. I don’t remember if I spotted him before the shows were about to start. Some Shakira-themed thing came on before Lee and Shelley. I was not able to see either of the shows – too many people. I told Ivan that he probably saw this one already – it was the one with Indestructible by Ray Barretto. Things were about the same with the same-sex competition. I was able to glimpse the contestants only – Vishal and partner, Jane and Natalie, Sally and Lindsey, Jay and Cristian. Vishal came in last. Jay and Cristian won. Because I managed to get myself into the DJ booth, I was able to get a decent view of the best costume competition – won by Richard and one of the regulars I don’t know the name of (I think of her as a friend of Sharon’s).
Sally was the third to DJ. The floor space situation became a bit more manageable during this time. The music started with fairly standard Thursday material with a brief interlude with maybe two unfamiliar songs. I think I had first of my dances with Shelley during her stint (I thought it might have been one of Cristian’s songs but I think Sally is a better guess). It was one of the most difficult songs in recent memory – I was unsure of timing at several different occasions, and Shelley might have been just as lost and possibly more. I think things were difficult also because she was anticipating for more complicated moves than I was ready for. It was a confidence-breaker in many ways despite nice words from Shelley at the end of the dance.
After a few more dances in order to get used to dancing with more space and with more speed, I decided to ask Lee next. I must say that I was really nervous – I don’t think I ever felt so nervous about asking anyone – not since after the first year. I was exceedingly nervous during the dance too – I relaxed only a little after the first minute or so. Strange. I have danced with other men. Not just in class settings. I’ve done it in Cambridge in social setting (albeit with very few people around very late in the evening). I’ve done it in a Congress type event – in Madrid. In any case Lee was very good follower. I could see why people say that Lee is a better follower than most women. One thing though, Lee still followed like a man rather than a woman – his spins had something of a forced quality to it – self-propelled and rather obviously so. I thought it interesting that Hayden might have been better at disguising self-propelling aspect when spinning. Like Shelley, Lee found time to say nice things about the dance, and I repaid in kind (well … sort of) by telling him that he followed me better than Shelley. Wrong. I danced with Shelley much later in the evening, and based upon second impression I will say that Shelley is better follower (and have higher upside).
Believe it or not, both of my dances with Shelley were a bit depressing. The first one was the worst dance of the evening by far. Second one was much better, but I thought I sucked big time - I was not in sync with the music (despite knowing the song quite well – it was Mambo Mongo). After the first dance, I thought Shelley was not a good follower. During the second dance, that initial impression was shattered because the connection and her following were both impeccable. Instead I simply felt inadequate. Certainly I could have danced better (I already lamented being out of sync with music – here I’m referring to musicality rather than timing), but even at my best (current or foreseeable future) it felt like she was used to having much more interesting dances. By the way, all of this was in my mind (perhaps warped) and none was it was caused by anything Shelley said verbally or otherwise.
Lest anyone think otherwise, I think both Lee and Shelley are great. They are friendly to everyone and will dance with anyone. They seem to be kind to everyone. They seem to be smiling even when the dance is not going so well. They are excellent show dancers, and they are really good and enthusiastic social dancers too. I can’t imagine anyone accusing either of being snotty, unfriendly, cliquey – I’ll even go further and say that I can’t fathom anyone finding a cause to say bad things about them.
Cristian was the fourth DJ. It was an interesting set. The only songs I recognized were Cuando Tu Quieras (Chivirico Davila) and a Merengue (the one starting with the word Wyando). I’m not a big fan of some of his Bachata selections, but his Salsa selections were pretty nifty. As matter of fact, I think it could be said that some of the songs he selected were the most challenging and sophisticated ones played tonight – and difficult to dance to in some cases. I definitely did not think that many of his selections were geared towards the masses or beginners, and frankly I don’t know what to make of it either.
Vishal was the final DJ. Mambo heaven with a few popular Bachata selections thrown in. Avisale A Mi Contrario (Tito Rodriguez), La Palomilla (Joe Cuba), Merecumbe (Johnny Colon), Asia Mood (Tito Puente), Mambo Mongo (Mongo Santamaria – from Afro Indio), La Llave (Grupo Latin Vibe), Vamonos Pa’l Monte (version?), a Chivirico Davila tune, La China De Mi Barrio (Javier Vazquez), La Salsa Nunca Se Acaba (Susie Hansen – played twice) and a version of Fragile. The only regret was that it was very late and many people were too tired to dance by near the end of the evening.
When it was all finished – a little after 3:30 AM and with Lee and Shelley staying to the bitter end (Joe and Olga left a little before 1?). It really was the biggest party of year for Club Salsa. The topic on the drive back (I gave ride back for Liam and Cyrille) included music tonight – I got Liam to admit that Vish played some good music tonight (Liam also thought positively of Cristian’s selections too). Liam and especially Cyrille voiced an opinion that they had more fun tonight than at the SOS. For me, I wouldn’t go that far. The last SOS was quite good for me, and tonight gets some demerits for a few not-so-hot dances (Strangely the only other negative incident while dancing I could think also involves Shelley – although I think the fault was the her dance partner. I got stepped on by Shelley first, then her partner also stepped on my foot while somehow ending up between me and my partner – taking too big steps). I think getting something like five declines for a dance (many of whom admittedly were tired and I already had danced with – sometimes more than once) were a definite negative. Also maybe I was disappointed about not seeing some people – one or a set of two or three who I hoped would show up would have made a difference.
Lotsa work again. Left work at 8:55. Got home. Prepared and ate a quick meal, then headed to Club Salsa by 9:45. Not bad.
Vishal was at the entrance. Joe was about to start the final run-through for the class. I said a quick hello to Lee and Shelley – established that I live here and that they were here for the first time for Salsa dancing.
Just before the cool-down started, Vishal let me know (and Joe) that I would be the first DJ of the evening. There was going to be five DJs tonight – the others being Joe, Sally, Cristian and Vishal. Here’s my set.
Playlist
La-La-La – Direct Latin Influence
La Muy Muy – Roberto Torres
Borinquen – Sonora Poncena (studio version)*
Sientate Ahi – Oscar D’Leon
Anuncio Clasificado – Willie Rosario
Bongo Loco – Lebron Brothers
Mambo Sentimental – Machito*
Bailando – Frankie Ruiz
El Que Se Fue – Roberto Roena
Bilongo – Tito Rodriguez*
El Guaguanco Del Gran Combo – El Gran Combo
Chanchullo – Fania All-Stars
Total 12 songs. 11 Salsa. 1 Cha Cha. 3 new. I guess the number of songs was the highest one I guessed. I like to think I played a good set, and Vishal complimented me on my set three times (once during, once right after and once toward the end of the evening). Who knows if everyone was pleased? There were plenty of people keen on dancing so keeping the floor reasonably busy was not a problem.
It was a big party all right. Rico and Natalie came up from London. Sally, Cristian et al came down from Peterborough. Non-regular Friday people like Lindsey and Nicola were there. Non-regulars like Aurelei, Sam and Liz were present too. Add to them Cyrille, Liam, Mark, Jane, Richard, Polly, Andrea, Kate, Sharon and hundreds more.
Joe was the next DJ. I would say that he played for the common denominator. The floor was packed, but I managed to dance with three or four people (Aurelei, the girl from Mondays from way back, etc). Many of these dances were in pairs – mostly two Salsa and sometimes a Bachata and a Salsa. I guess I was dragged onto the floor for one Merengue too.
Ivan was there too. I don’t remember if I spotted him before the shows were about to start. Some Shakira-themed thing came on before Lee and Shelley. I was not able to see either of the shows – too many people. I told Ivan that he probably saw this one already – it was the one with Indestructible by Ray Barretto. Things were about the same with the same-sex competition. I was able to glimpse the contestants only – Vishal and partner, Jane and Natalie, Sally and Lindsey, Jay and Cristian. Vishal came in last. Jay and Cristian won. Because I managed to get myself into the DJ booth, I was able to get a decent view of the best costume competition – won by Richard and one of the regulars I don’t know the name of (I think of her as a friend of Sharon’s).
Sally was the third to DJ. The floor space situation became a bit more manageable during this time. The music started with fairly standard Thursday material with a brief interlude with maybe two unfamiliar songs. I think I had first of my dances with Shelley during her stint (I thought it might have been one of Cristian’s songs but I think Sally is a better guess). It was one of the most difficult songs in recent memory – I was unsure of timing at several different occasions, and Shelley might have been just as lost and possibly more. I think things were difficult also because she was anticipating for more complicated moves than I was ready for. It was a confidence-breaker in many ways despite nice words from Shelley at the end of the dance.
After a few more dances in order to get used to dancing with more space and with more speed, I decided to ask Lee next. I must say that I was really nervous – I don’t think I ever felt so nervous about asking anyone – not since after the first year. I was exceedingly nervous during the dance too – I relaxed only a little after the first minute or so. Strange. I have danced with other men. Not just in class settings. I’ve done it in Cambridge in social setting (albeit with very few people around very late in the evening). I’ve done it in a Congress type event – in Madrid. In any case Lee was very good follower. I could see why people say that Lee is a better follower than most women. One thing though, Lee still followed like a man rather than a woman – his spins had something of a forced quality to it – self-propelled and rather obviously so. I thought it interesting that Hayden might have been better at disguising self-propelling aspect when spinning. Like Shelley, Lee found time to say nice things about the dance, and I repaid in kind (well … sort of) by telling him that he followed me better than Shelley. Wrong. I danced with Shelley much later in the evening, and based upon second impression I will say that Shelley is better follower (and have higher upside).
Believe it or not, both of my dances with Shelley were a bit depressing. The first one was the worst dance of the evening by far. Second one was much better, but I thought I sucked big time - I was not in sync with the music (despite knowing the song quite well – it was Mambo Mongo). After the first dance, I thought Shelley was not a good follower. During the second dance, that initial impression was shattered because the connection and her following were both impeccable. Instead I simply felt inadequate. Certainly I could have danced better (I already lamented being out of sync with music – here I’m referring to musicality rather than timing), but even at my best (current or foreseeable future) it felt like she was used to having much more interesting dances. By the way, all of this was in my mind (perhaps warped) and none was it was caused by anything Shelley said verbally or otherwise.
Lest anyone think otherwise, I think both Lee and Shelley are great. They are friendly to everyone and will dance with anyone. They seem to be kind to everyone. They seem to be smiling even when the dance is not going so well. They are excellent show dancers, and they are really good and enthusiastic social dancers too. I can’t imagine anyone accusing either of being snotty, unfriendly, cliquey – I’ll even go further and say that I can’t fathom anyone finding a cause to say bad things about them.
Cristian was the fourth DJ. It was an interesting set. The only songs I recognized were Cuando Tu Quieras (Chivirico Davila) and a Merengue (the one starting with the word Wyando). I’m not a big fan of some of his Bachata selections, but his Salsa selections were pretty nifty. As matter of fact, I think it could be said that some of the songs he selected were the most challenging and sophisticated ones played tonight – and difficult to dance to in some cases. I definitely did not think that many of his selections were geared towards the masses or beginners, and frankly I don’t know what to make of it either.
Vishal was the final DJ. Mambo heaven with a few popular Bachata selections thrown in. Avisale A Mi Contrario (Tito Rodriguez), La Palomilla (Joe Cuba), Merecumbe (Johnny Colon), Asia Mood (Tito Puente), Mambo Mongo (Mongo Santamaria – from Afro Indio), La Llave (Grupo Latin Vibe), Vamonos Pa’l Monte (version?), a Chivirico Davila tune, La China De Mi Barrio (Javier Vazquez), La Salsa Nunca Se Acaba (Susie Hansen – played twice) and a version of Fragile. The only regret was that it was very late and many people were too tired to dance by near the end of the evening.
When it was all finished – a little after 3:30 AM and with Lee and Shelley staying to the bitter end (Joe and Olga left a little before 1?). It really was the biggest party of year for Club Salsa. The topic on the drive back (I gave ride back for Liam and Cyrille) included music tonight – I got Liam to admit that Vish played some good music tonight (Liam also thought positively of Cristian’s selections too). Liam and especially Cyrille voiced an opinion that they had more fun tonight than at the SOS. For me, I wouldn’t go that far. The last SOS was quite good for me, and tonight gets some demerits for a few not-so-hot dances (Strangely the only other negative incident while dancing I could think also involves Shelley – although I think the fault was the her dance partner. I got stepped on by Shelley first, then her partner also stepped on my foot while somehow ending up between me and my partner – taking too big steps). I think getting something like five declines for a dance (many of whom admittedly were tired and I already had danced with – sometimes more than once) were a definite negative. Also maybe I was disappointed about not seeing some people – one or a set of two or three who I hoped would show up would have made a difference.
Brooms and mops
December 6, 2007
It was an unusually busy week at work - at least by my UK standard. After picking up Cyrille, it was past 10 by the time I got to Club Salsa. There were many cars, but not very many people. Supposedly a lot of people left because of the floor - although that happens regardless of floor or of music or of people (ummm - let me correct that - I think people do make a difference). It was really bad - very slippery and very sticky interspersed. After some useless struggling, we decided to sweep and mop the floor. Then we waited until the floor dried sufficiently. The floor seemed okay by the end, but then the music wasn't so hot by then - too many fast songs. Indestructible at normal speed. Barrunto - I simply don't like this song - especially for something that gets played nearly every week. Another fast one followed. La Pelota - I think it is insane to include this song in a pre-programmed disc to be used extensively (although I would object to reusing same set of discs (meaning predictable sequence of same songs) as standard practice). I was there til 11:45, but I think it was because of inertia.
It was an unusually busy week at work - at least by my UK standard. After picking up Cyrille, it was past 10 by the time I got to Club Salsa. There were many cars, but not very many people. Supposedly a lot of people left because of the floor - although that happens regardless of floor or of music or of people (ummm - let me correct that - I think people do make a difference). It was really bad - very slippery and very sticky interspersed. After some useless struggling, we decided to sweep and mop the floor. Then we waited until the floor dried sufficiently. The floor seemed okay by the end, but then the music wasn't so hot by then - too many fast songs. Indestructible at normal speed. Barrunto - I simply don't like this song - especially for something that gets played nearly every week. Another fast one followed. La Pelota - I think it is insane to include this song in a pre-programmed disc to be used extensively (although I would object to reusing same set of discs (meaning predictable sequence of same songs) as standard practice). I was there til 11:45, but I think it was because of inertia.
Advertising for Vish
December 5, 2007
Club Salsa X-Mas Party is this Friday at Dec 7th from 9:30 PM to 3 AM. It should be their biggest party of the year - it's always packed. Club entry is £6 in advance or £8 at the door so it probably would be good idea to RSVP in advance if not buy tickets in advance.
Showcases including Lee & Shelley - 2007 UK Champions.
Whopping five DJs - Vish, Joe, Sally, Cristian and me. Maybe someone else will jump in too. Hmm. I guess it means I should have plenty of time for dancing - I'll plan on playing anywhere from zero to six (best guess) to twelve songs.
Optional dress up (70's theme). Prizes for best costume. Same sex competitions, etc.
Club Salsa X-Mas Party is this Friday at Dec 7th from 9:30 PM to 3 AM. It should be their biggest party of the year - it's always packed. Club entry is £6 in advance or £8 at the door so it probably would be good idea to RSVP in advance if not buy tickets in advance.
Showcases including Lee & Shelley - 2007 UK Champions.
Whopping five DJs - Vish, Joe, Sally, Cristian and me. Maybe someone else will jump in too. Hmm. I guess it means I should have plenty of time for dancing - I'll plan on playing anywhere from zero to six (best guess) to twelve songs.
Optional dress up (70's theme). Prizes for best costume. Same sex competitions, etc.
SOS with Cyrille, Liam and other characters
After trying to decide between four so-so looking options for Saturday, we opt
After arriv
It was an invasion of
Liam thought the music was very good. I thought it was pretty good too – more because there were fewer bad songs rather than there being a lot of re
For the first hour or so, Liam look
The shena
The drive back was uneventful except for a crazy swerving car on M11 between Stanst
Time for hibernation?
"What in the world…?" I wonder
I was playing songs from the Bachata CD I obtain
The idea was to go out for a drink before heading to Club S
The food at Mai Thai was good in qu
By the time we arriv
I lik
Perhaps because of my poor experience with San Miguel last time, I found myself drinking
Around
On the drive back, there was a t
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