Salsa Dance DVD: Learn How To Dance Salsa DVDs

Archive for the 'salsa dancing' Category

01 19th, 2009

There are several great ways to learn salsa dancing, and it helps to try each and every possible way.

Regardless of which type of learning method you choose, you will always have a great time and always learn something fresh in the world of salsa dancing … it’s such a vibrant culture!

Going to salsa dancing classes can give you practice with real partners and real instructors. Watching instructional salsa dancing videos allows you to move at your own speed. And going out to the clubs and getting a feel for real salsa dancing culture and dance helps keep you in touch with the unplanned and vibrant nature of salsa.

There are so many phenomenal reasons why to learn to salsa dancing and to develop your steps. It keeps you on your toes socially, physically, and in the way of dance, coordination, and connection. But keep in mind that there are many many different places and ways to practice. As long as you allow yourself to learn from every angle, you will become a great salsera or salsero!



It is party time in the United States with the Cinco de Mayo fiestas around the corner. So raise your tequila glass and rock out Mexican style to celebrate the holiday that commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French.

Cinco de Mayo is one of the most celebrated Mexican national holidays in the United States, where many U.S. businesses and restaurants are decorated in green, white and red, the colors of Mexico’s flag, to observe this important day in traditional Mexican fanfare. Although Cinco de Mayo celebrates the determination of Mexicans to remain free from foreign control, it is not Mexico’s Independence Day.

HISTORY

Following the devastating loss of the Mexican-American War in 1848, Mexico was both financially and morally defeated. In 1861, president Benito Juarez issued a moratorium in which all foreign-debt payments would be suspended for a period of two years. Furious and eager to collect payment, England, France, and Spain invaded Mexico.

Unbeknownst to the other countries, France had its own agenda, ultimately aiming to impose a monarchical government upon the nations of Central and South America. Shortly after President Juarez offered a type of promissory note that guaranteed payments on its debt after the two years, England and Spain returned home, but the French continued their siege on Mexico.

On May 5, 1862, Juarez commanded General Ignacio Zaragoza to block the advance of the French forces at the fortified hills of Loreto and Guadalupe near the city of Puebla. With only 2,000 men, most of them local Zacapoaxtla Indians from the Puebla region with no formal military training and little weaponry, the Mexicans were able to briefly defeat the French army of 6,000.

The victory was short-lived, though soon after, France conquered Puebla and the rest of Mexico, ruling until 1867. Through a popular revolt, Juarez was finally restored to power, remaining leader of Mexico until his death in 1872.

BEYOND CINCO DE MAYO

Cinco de Mayo was born in the central Mexican state of Puebla. Its capital city, also called Puebla, is one of the most impressive and oldest colonial cities in Mexico. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique beauty, the magnificent historic center is an ideal starting point for a Cinco de Mayo tour.

While in Puebla, visitors can enjoy the historical Cinco de Mayo sites such as the tomb and monument of Ignacio Zaragoza, the general who led Mexico to victory over France. The site of the battle is also a popular destination, featuring a museum with a display of hundreds of toy soldiers set up to show what happened on that day. Art expositions, concerts of both contemporary and classical Mexican music and a Mexican film series are also part of the attractions.

An annual parade is held down Cinco de Mayo Avenue, and festivities include a reenactment of the famous battle. Men dress as French and Mexican soldiers and generals, and women wear the clothing of the “soldaderas,” the women who cooked and looked after the soldiers in wartime. In some representations, the Mexican soldiers carry machetes and old gun-power rifles, and the French soldiers carry bags with wine bottles and fruit.

Puebla has much more to offer besides its traditional Cinco de Mayo sites. Also worth a visit are the museums displaying archeological objects, paintings, railroad cars, and other historic treasures, as well as many shops that specialize in Talavera pottery and traditional treats. Wander through the Los Sapos district to buy antiques and to sample wonderful poblano dishes including mole and chiles en nogada (when in season) from a wide range of restaurants.

Puebla State offers other beautiful cities to visit in addition to its capital city. Cholula, located about 5 miles from the city of Puebla, has a very important archeological site that includes the “Gran Piramide” (the Big Pyramid), also known as the Tenapa Pyramid, occupying more space than any other pyramid in the world. Built on top of the pyramid is the church Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios which was completed in 1666. Its symbolic position stands witness to the role of the Catholic church in the conversion of the indigenous people.

CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES

Typically held during the first week of May, Cinco de Mayo boasts carnivals, street fairs and multi-day festivals held over the U.S. Below is a list of some of the largest celebrations in the United States.

ALBUQUERQUE (New Mexico): May 5 –The New Mexican capital, Albuquerque, will be hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration with Ballet Folklorico. This troupe from the Mexican state of Nayarit, showcases a vast wealth of artistic tradition from Nayarit and throughout the Mexican republic.

ATLANTA (Georgia): May 6 –Considered the largest outdoor Hispanic family festival, Fiesta Atlanta takes place at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta, the day after Cinco de Mayo. Over 25,000 people are expected to attend this event with a day-long celebration of Latino culture, music, food and handicrafts.

AUSTIN (Texas): May 3–6–The Texas capital city of Austin hosts the annual Cinco de Mayo Music Festival, featuring an array of activities including Little Cinco, a Jalapeño Eating Contest, and dance contests including Salsa, Jitterbug, Polka and more.

CHARLESTON (South Carolina) –Charleston’s second annual Cinco de Mayo Festival will take place on Cinco de Mayo, at the Visitors Center Bus Terminal in downtown Charleston from 7 to 11 PM. The celebration featuring an authentic mariachi band will also have performances by DJ Luigi Bravo of Latin Groove and professional salsa dancers, as well as a variety of Mexican food, margaritas and beer.

CHICAGO (Illinois): May 4–6 — From Friday to Sunday, Plaza Garibaldi will be home to a Cinco de Mayo festival in Chicago. With over 25,000 people expected to attend, this event at Little Village, sponsored by UNIVISION, is sure to be a festive hit.

DENVER (Colorado): May 5–6–Touted as the largest Cinco de Mayo Festival in the United States, Denver’s festival is lo maximo. Now in its 19th year, the festivities emphasize the celebration of freedom and culture, Denverites enjoy six stages of live entertainment, dancing, food and crafts at the Civic Center Park. In addition, the celebration includes a special concert with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra among others, on May 4 and a Cinco de Mayo Civil Rights Award event held (date to be announced).

EL PASO (Texas): May 5 — This “Taste of the Border” festival featuring mariachis, margaritas, tequila and a mole extravaganza kicks off at 3:00 and goes into the wee hours of the night.

LITTLE ROCK (Arkansas): May 6 — Organized by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), this 9th annual Cinco de Mayo party will be held in the River Market Pavilion in downtown Little Rock. Miss Cinco de Mayo will be crowned at this all day event.

NEW BRUNSWICK (New Jersey): May 5 — Featuring a variety of different Mexican foods and musical talents is the Cinco de Mayo Festivities in New Jersey, supported by Mexico Americana at Joyce Kilmer Park.

NEW YORK (New York): May 6 — Organized by the Fiestas Patria de Casa Puebla committee is the Cinco de May Festival in Queens. From 10 to 6 on Sunday, there will be a variety of musical talents, foods and handicrafts at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

OAKLAND (California): May 5 — This traditional celebration which had over 100,000 attendees last year, the Cinco de Mayo Fruitvale Festival & Parade, located in the Fruitvale district of Oakland. The family festival will feature stages of entertainment, more than 200 vendors, children’s activities and arts and crafts.

PORTLAND (Oregon): May 3–6–Portland’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is a family oriented, fun-filled event featuring four entertainment stages, delightful activities for children, artisans and vendors from the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Visitors can also enjoy the Third Annual Mariachi Festival, folkloric ballet and delicious food from some of the finest restaurants in the Northwest.

ST. PAUL (Minnesota): May 4-5–Festivities include salsa-tasting contest, a children’s area, sports zone, craft vendors, a parade, a history area and live music and entertainment, featuring a variety of Hispanic/Latino dancers, performers and musicians.

SAN ANTONIO (Texas): May 4-6–San Antonio draws about 30,000 to its festivities with food booths at its historic Market Square, street dancing, handicrafts, concerts and other commemorations. Everyone from mariachis and folkloric dancers to Tejano and conjunto groups provide plenty of entertaining activities.

SAN DIEGO (California): May 5-6–Visitors will enjoy a weekend of festivities including open-air entertainment featuring more than 200 performers at eight venues, also more than 100 specialty booths handcrafts and a Mexican feast featuring a delicious variety of regional cuisine.

About the Mexico Tourism Board

The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments, municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico’s tourism attractions and destinations internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico’s tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

# # #

Erick Laseca

Mexico Tourism Board

312-228-0517

erick.laseca@bm.com

http://www.visitmexico.com

Erick Laseca
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/cinco-de-mayo-tequila-mariachis-chiles-oh-my-140751.html



We have done it a few times and our friends get kind of uncomfortable. What? we are a close family

No… just as long as there’s no incest going on…



We have done it a few times and our friends get kind of uncomfortable. What? we are a close family

No… just as long as there’s no incest going on…



Part 3 of a educational series I'm doing on the history of salsa dancing. This third video talks about how Mambo eventually came to be called salsa. It also summarizes the evolution of salsa from it's African origins to modern day America. http://www.nysalsa101.com

Duration : 6 min 33 sec

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11 17th, 2008

Salsa & Samba DVD

Award-winning dancer and choreographer Cal Pozo designed the Partner Dancing 101 series to reveal the secrets of professional dancers’ sculpted bodies and top-notch conditioning. The Salsa and its Brazilian cousin, the Samba, are today’s most popular Latin dances. And this DVD is a complete beginner course that will get you dancing both dances quickly and with confidence. Salsa and Samba teaches you all the basic elements of partnered dances: what your feet need to do, where your feet need to go, how to lead and follow any partner, how to find and stay on the beat, and how to link basic steps into dance routines you’ll enjoy doing and others will enjoy watching you do. 61 minutes. USA.

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11 16th, 2008

Tanja & Nery from Fort Myers tearing up the dance floor… Born to Salsa social, Canadian Club, Hallandale, FL…

Duration : 0:3:37

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11 16th, 2008

recorded:18 July, 2006
CBL w/ lady's-double-hand-L-turn;
open-break into back-to-back-crucifix;
CBL into lasso;
2nd lasso w/ man's-BTB-switch-hand (to Rr);
CBL into face-to-face position(RR);
Lady's-right-turn into hammerlock position;
hair-comb (Ll);
CBL w/ lady's-L-turn(1.5 turns)…

Duration : 43 sec

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11 16th, 2008

Salsa & Samba DVD

Award-winning dancer and choreographer Cal Pozo designed the Partner Dancing 101 series to reveal the secrets of professional dancers’ sculpted bodies and top-notch conditioning. The Salsa and its Brazilian cousin, the Samba, are today’s most popular Latin dances. And this DVD is a complete beginner course that will get you dancing both dances quickly and with confidence. Salsa and Samba teaches you all the basic elements of partnered dances: what your feet need to do, where your feet need to go, how to lead and follow any partner, how to find and stay on the beat, and how to link basic steps into dance routines you’ll enjoy doing and others will enjoy watching you do. 61 minutes. USA.

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Learn how to do an inside turn as a couple salsa dancing with expert Latin dancing instruction from a professional salsa dancer in this free online dance lesson and choreography video clip.

Duration : 0:2:24

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Salsa Dancing DVD: Instructional Salsa Dancing Videos