Salsa Caliente Dance

Colombia Trip

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 22:48:17 GMT

COLOMBIA TRIP WAS AMAZING!

I just returned from an amazing trip to Colombia with Albert Torres for the Festival Mundial de la Salsa in Cali and I wanted to share the trip with you.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
I left Victoria for the start of my very long trip to Cali. Cleared customs in Seattle with no problems and got on an overnight flight to Dallas.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
Landed in Dallas early and took another flight to Miami to meet up with everyone else travelling with the group. After WAY too long in each airport and WAY too many flights we got into Cali and were met at the airport by Albert Torres and some of the kids from the Nueva Dimension dance school. The kids were so cute! We took pictures and talked with them for a while before getting on a bus to the hotel. After making a second trip to the airport, the bus was supposed to come back and take us to a Salsa club, but the flights were delayed so after a long wait, some people decided to chance taking a cab to the club alone. I decided going to bed seemed like a much better idea...

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
This morning we went to a press conference where the Mayor got up and danced Salsa with everyone at the end and then it was the opening of the festival, broadcast live on TV with speeches and some amazing performances. Swing Guys from Italy and Billy & Katie performed as well as some of the Colombian groups (a solo dancer, an older couple, a kids group and 2 of the couples competing in the worlds). After that we went and visited 2 dance schools- Mulato & Su Swing Latino (the current world champions) and Nueva Dimension (a kids school). We got to see them both performing. At the kids school they have 5 groups 4-6, 7-9,10-12, 13-15, 16-18. All of them performed for us and it was AMAZING. The littlest kids brought tears to my eyes. Wait until you see the video of how much they LOVE it. They are amazing performers and it is definitely coming from the heart. The oldest kids teach and choreograph for all of the younger kids and the parent support is incredible. Some of the kids don't have have dance shoes because they cant afford them and they were performing in socks!! Albert was also telling us how some of the dancers from the other school cant afford a place to live so they sleep on mats at the studio. These guys are rehearsing about 8 hours a day 6 days a week...even the tiny kids!!! We went out dancing at a club and had a great time with all the locals. They are all SO nice.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
After a great breakfast at the hotel of tamales, plantain, fruit, traditional Colombian breads and more we went over to the Cultural Centre for a workshop with Victor & Burju from Hacha y Machete in Boston. Our visits to the other dance schools got cancelled because the schools felt it might be to disruptive to their final rehearsals for the competition. I was disappointed because seeing the schools was the main reason I came on the trip, but at least we visited 2. We had free time instead so we took our bus and went to an area with some artisan's shops. Lots of jewelery, wooden boxes, hammocks, purses, blankets, woven baskets, etc... This was the first night of competition with 10 couples competing On 1 and 51 couples competing in Cabaret and only 7 from each category moving to the finals. Here is how the competition was scored:
Stage presence- 5 points
Visual presentation (costumes, makeup etc)- 5 points Choreography- 30 points
Creativity- 10 points
Technique- 20 points
Partnering- 20 points
Timing- 5 points
Difficulty- 5 points
I found it very interesting that choreography was worth so much and timing so little. It was a very different system then in Orlando where timing counts for 40%. The competition is held at an open air stadium called Los Cristales. The competition was amazing! There were thousands of people there all with noise makers and banners for their favorite couples. One of our group, Kunio Natorigawa from Japan, was asked to give a show as well and they loved him! After the competition we went back to the hotel to change quickly and then it was back to the Salsa club for some more great dancing. Every night they have one of the teams do a 3 song show too. You should see what they do in such a small space! Wish I had my camera there for that!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
After another great breakfast we went back to the Cultural Centre for 2 workshops, beginner Colombian Style and one with the Swing Guys from Italy. We had more free time after the workshops so our bus took us into downtown Cali where we went shopping at the market. For me, this was another highlight of the trip...we found a place selling old Salsa LPs and I got some really great ones. Tommy Olivencia, Tito Puente, Beny More, Celia Cruz, Fania All-Stars, Hector Lavoe, El Gran Combo, Sonora Poncena and more! I wish we had more time because there were a lot we didn't get the chance to go through. Make sure you listen to Salsa Del Barrio and come to Casablanca this Saturday to hear all of the great music!! Tonight's competition was the team semi-finals with 19 teams going for the 7 places in the finals. The teams are my favorite! You have to come and see the videos! I can't even begin to explain to you what it is they do. There were also performances by Hacha y Machete, Tito & Tamara from Puerto Rico, the Swing Guys, more local groups, and some of our group! Aki & Yasue Watanabe from Japan and Jake Brosevear from New Zealand got to get up and show their stuff!! After the competition, it was back to the Salsa club for more great dancing and another show.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
After yet another great breakfast it was back to the Cultural Centre for an advanced Cali Style Salsa workshop with Mulato from Swing Latino (World Champions) and then a lecture with Billy Fajardo from Miami about the importance of training, and using proper techniques for lifts. We had more free time, so we took the bus and did a quick tour before heading to a traditional restaurant of an old farm for lunch. This was the night of the finals with about 20,000 people turning us to cheer on their favorite dancers. There were even people in the trees around the stadium. We were really lucky to have VIP seats throughout the competition...in front of the judges. Can't beat that! 7 couples On 1, 7 couples in Cabaret and 7 teams. Prizes for the couples worked out to approx. $3000 for 1st , $1000 for 2nd and $750 for 3rd and for the teams about $7500 for 1st, $2500 for 2nd and $1500 for 3rd. The winners in each category also qualify to compete in the ESPN World Salsa Championships in Orlando in December. The On 1 winners were Jhon Lucumi & Lina Montoya, Cabaret was Montenegro Cristian & Eliana K. Feijoo and the Team division was won by Swing Latino Tigo with the kids school the we visited, Nueva Dimension placing second. There were also performances by Tito & Tamara, Billy Fajardo & Katie Marlow from Miami, Hacha y Machete and some local kids groups including Nueva Dimension..the school we visited. I'm really glad we got to see the competition and all of the support everyone there gives their dancers. It was a really great experience and I hope that some of you get to come with me next year to see for yourselves. After the competition was over, we went to a different club. We went to the famous club Chango in Juanchito. So many famous groups have played there and it is mentioned in so many Salsa songs. It was a lot of fun and we stayed until we only had enough time left to pack quickly before the airport.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
Didn't get any sleep at all. Ordered room service to stay awake while we packed and then we went straight to the airport. After having our luggage searched a TON of times, we left Colombia without any problems. Transferred home through Miami where we all said goodbye and then flew the long way home through Dallas & Seattle. Finally arrived home in Victoria around midnight.

It was an amazing trip and if Albert Torres organizes it again next year, I hope that I can be a part of it and that you will come along for the experience. If we go, I'd like to do some fundraising in advance to see if we can get some new dance shoes and some money for the kids schools. If you think you would like to be a part of a future trip, email me so I can start a list and let's go to Colombia together for the 2009 Festival Mundial de la Salsa!

Colombia Trip

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 06:39:50 GMT

CHRISTINA ON HER WAY TO COLOMBIA!

Christina is leaving tomorrow for a trip to Colombia with Albert Torres and other dancers from around the world to go to the World Festival of Salsa in Cali Colombia!

All classes will run as scheduled with dancers from the Touring Team teaching until she gets back on the 15th.
Check out the itinerary below and stay tuned for trip details when she returns!

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
6:55pm Depart Victoria. Change planes in
Seattle for an overnight flight.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
Change planes in Dallas and Miami.
7:20pm Arrive in Cali, Colombia and transfer to
the hotel to get ready
Midnight- 4:00am Welcome party at a nightclub

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
9:00- 10:00am Breakfast at the hotel
10:00- 11:00am Press conference
12:00- 2:00pm Visit to 2 dance schools
3:30- 5:00pm Workshops and lectures
5:00pm Exhibitions
11:00pm- ?? Party at a nightclub

FRIDAY, SPETEMBER 12
9:00- 10:00am Breakfast at the hotel
10:30- 11:30am Workshop
12:00- 3:00pm Visit to 3 dance schools
3:00- 4:00pm Lunch
??? Eliminations & shows
11:00pm- ??? Party at a nightclub

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
9:00- 10:00am Breakfast at the hotel
10:00- 11:00am Cali Style Salsa Workshop Level 1
11:00am- 12:00pm Workshop
12:30- 2:00pm Visit to 1 dance school
?? Eliminations & shows
11:00pm- ?? Party & a nightclub

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
9:00- 10:00am Breakfast at the hotel
10:00- 11:00am Cali Style Salsa Workshop Advanced
11:00- 12:00pm Lifts Workshop
12:00- 1:00pm Lunch
??? Finals & Exhibitions
??? Performances
10:00pm- sunrise Farewell party at a Salsa club

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
5:30am Depart for the airport. Change planes
in Miami, Dallas, Seattle
11:40pm Arrive in Victoria.

Performance Training Class

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:43:58 GMT

¡SALSA CALIENTE!
PERFORMANCE TRAINING CLASS

GET READY TO AUDITION FOR THE INTERNATIONALLY TOURING & LOCAL GROUPS

Ever dreamt of being part of a touring dance group?
Ever imagined yourself on an international stage?
Ever wanted to improve your dancing while having fun?

DATE:              Wednesdays, Sept 17- Nov 19
TIME:               8:00pm- 10:00pm
LOCATION:      Club Phoenix, 2122A Government St, Victoria, BC
COST:              $150.00 for 10 weeks
Class includes footwork, partnerwork, social dancing, stage presence, choreography and a practice audition.

2008 was a really exciting season for ¡SALSA CALIENTE!   We traveled to the Puerto Rico Salsa Congress in July, the New York Salsa Congress in August and we are on our way to Italy in November. For the 2009 season we are already officially confirmed to return to Puerto Rico and are also working on New York and China. In the past we have also toured to Atlanta, Chicago, Toronto, the Bahamas, and Italy.

Requirements:
A passion for dance, a willingness to learn & work hard, a positive attitude, the ability to work as part of a close group, a strong sense of commitment, good style, and stage presence.

For more info, or to register, call 250-881-6141 or email calientedance@gmail.com

2008 NY Congress- part 2

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 03:39:43 GMT

Saturday, August 30

Time	Grand Ballroom (East)	Grand Ballroom (West)	Rhinelander Gallery N.
9:00 - 10:00 am		Nourhan Belly Dancing All Levels	Marlon Mills On2 Extreme Salsa Raw Beginner - Part 2
10:00 - 11:00 am		Sonia & Morris - San Tropez On1 Beg./Int. Partnerwork	Amanda Estilo Styling All Levels
11:00 - 12:00 pm	Hache Machete On2 Beg./Int. Partnerwork	Maykel Fonts Afro Cha Cha Beg./Int. Levels	Carmen Lorenta Ladies Styling All Levels
12:10 - 1:10 pm	Dicky Colon A Taste of Puerto Rico Salsa Regaetton - All Levels	Al & Karla Espinoza On1 Beg/Int. Combo	Gupson On2 Beg./Int.Tricky Spinning Turn Patterns
1:20 - 2:20 pm CALL RADIO SHOW	Thomas Guerrero On2 Beg./Int. Partnerwork	Victor Karisma On2 Beg./Int. Partnerwork	Yesenia Peralta Styling All Levels
2:30 - 3:30pm	Eddie Torres On2 Beg./Int. Shines	Juan Matos on2 Beg./Int. Partnerwork	Jayson Molina On2 Beg./int. Partnerwork
3:40 - 4:40pm	Eddie Torres On2 Beg./Int. Partnerwork	Henry Herrera On1 Rueda Beg./Int.	Jorge Elizondo Bachata Intermediate Partnerwork

5:00- 8:00pm Social Dance in V Lounge

5:30pm Doors open for afternoon shows

6:00- 8:00pm Youth Afternoon Performances

(Dancers Dreamzzz Teen- NY, Freddy Salsa Flavor-CT, Fuego en 106-NY, Jr Dream Team- NY, Latin Fever Dynasty-NY, Latin Moves- CT, Latin Rythms- CT, Lorenz Jr- NY, Latin Kids- CT, Ondara & Bruno-PR, Raiza & Fransisco- PR, Salseros Del Barrio- CT, Santo Rico Take 2- NY, Santo Rico kids- NY, Santoriquitas- NY, Simply Salsa Dancers- NY, Unified- NY,Widalys & Shaquille- PR, Young Ambition- NY)

8:30pm Doors open for evening shows

9:00- 10:30pm Evening Performance

(Al Liquid Sliver & Karla- LA, Carmen Lorente- ES, Combination Perfecta- NY, Dave Paris & Yoli- NY, Delile “Mambo D” Thomas & Glenda- NY, Descarga Latina- NY, Eddie Torres- NY, Heartbreak Boys- NY, Hustle & Flo- NY, Kelvin Roche & Lori Ann Greenhouse- NY, Karisma- NY, Lorenz Latin Dancers- NY, Mykel Fonts & Candy Mena- IT, Micah & Kathy- IL, Plan B- NY, Rompe Cabeza- PR, Rumba Brava- PR, Santo Rico- NY)

10:30pm- 4:00am Dance to live bands- Ray Rodriguez & Sabroso Swing

Sunday, August 31

Time	Grand Ballroom (East)	Grand Ballroom (West)	Rhinelander Gallery N.
9:00 - 10:00 am		Edie On1 10 Deadly Sins of Lead and Follow Intermediate	Dave Paris Low Impact Lifts & Dips All Levels
10:00 - 11:00 am		Edie On1 10 Deadly Sins of Lead and Follow Intermediate	Carmen Lorenta Salsa Flamenco Beg./Int. levels
11:00 - 12:00 pm	Eddie Torres On2 Intermediate Shines	Hache Machete - Victor & Burju Body Movement All Levels	Kelvin Roche & Lori Greenhouse Latin Hustle Intermediate
12:00 - 1:00 pm	Eddie Torres On2 Intermediate Partnerwork	Al & Karla Espinoza On1 Choreograpy Int./Adv. Shines	Grissel All Levels Ladies Styling
1:10 - 2:10 pm	Thomas Guerrero Spinning Technique All Levels	Nelson Flores On2 Choreography Intermediate Shines	Dicky Colon A Taste of Puerto Rico Bomba y Plena All Levels
2:20 - 3:20 pm	Jayson Molina on2 Int./Adv. Cha Cha	Osmar - Yamulee On2 Int./Adv. Partnerwork	Maykel Fonts All Levels Cuban Rumba
3:30 - 4:30pm	Sekou Mambo Latin Jazz All Levels	Adolpho & Sheila On2 Int./Adv. Partnerwork	Henry Herrera On1 Rueda Intermediate

5:00- 8:00pm Social Dance in V Lounge

5:30pm Doors open for afternoon shows

6:00- 7:00pm Afternoon Performances

(Azucar Moreno- DC, Dance in Time- DC, Hacha Semi Pro- MA, Hooked On 2- FL, Hurricane Tumbao- OR, NYSC All Stars- NY, Joie de Vivre Salseras- DC, Lisa & Mark Con Tambor- GB, Reflejo Con Lorenz- NY, Salsa Divettes- SD, Solo Salsa- QC, Somos El Son- WA,Tsubaki- JP, Yemashun- MD, Yoruba Latino- MX)

7:00- 8:00pm NYSC Salsa Competition

8:30pm Doors open for evening shows

9:00- 10:30pm Evening Performances

(Adolfo & Sheila- NY & PR, Eddie Torres- NY, Hacha y Machete- MA, Henry Herrera- FL, Juan Matos & Candy Mena- NY, Mambo Dream Team- ON, Mambo Inn- JP, Maykel Fonts- IT, Mouaze- FR, Piel Canela- NY, Projecta Descarga- NY, Rompe Cabeza- PR, Rumba Brava- PR, Sabor Latino- PR, Victor & Gaby- MX, Yamulee- NY, Young Blood- PR)

10:00pm- 4:00am Dance to live bands- Orchesta Dicupe, Adalberto Santiago & Tito Allen

Monday, September 01

Day at leisure to enjoy New York.

For those of you interested, I will be taking people on a morning walking tour of New York and then we will be going on a Salsa cruise from 1:30pm to 6:00pm. There will also be an after party for those 21+ probably at Taj Lounge. Details and costs TBA.

Tuesday, September 02

Go to the airport for the flight home. Arrive in Seattle and drive back to the ferry. We should hopefully be back in Victoria on the 7:00pm ferry or the 9:00pm at the latest.

2008 NEW YORK SALSA CONGRESS

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 03:39:20 GMT

2008 New York Salsa Congress Itinerary for

Adeesha Wickremasinghe, Carmela Rodriguez, Charles Murison, Christina Morrison, Dominique Lacerte, Erica Horsfield, Holly Harris, Jasen Laveau, Julie Roberts, Karis Fisher, Liam Anderson & Tyler Lozowchuk
All times subject to change.

Wednesday, August 27

Carpool to the Seattle airport for the flight to New york.

Thursday, August 28

Arrive at 7:00am and transfer to the hotel.We won’t be able to check in yet so we’ll drop our bags at the hotel and then have free time to explore a bit around the hotel. We’ll go to the famous Carnegie Deli for lunch. Make sure you have your walking shoes and some sightseeing clothes handy.

TBA Salsa Caliente Rehearsal

6:30pm Congress Registration

Time	Grand Ballroom (East)
7:00 - 8:00 pm	Maykel Fonts Rumba

8:30pm Doors Open

9:00- 10:00pm Evening Performances

(Bean Town Flavor- MA, Bilongo Loco- PA, Dulce Bembe- NY, Elixe- NY, Mambo to Cha Cha- NY, Masaki & Manako- JP, Mythical Mambo-ES, Revelation Dancers- NY, Salsa Tito- IT, Shanghai Mambo- CN, Son y Pasos- SD, Tropical Image-NY, Xibicion-NY)

10:00pm- 3:00am Dance to live band- Nelson Gonzalez

Friday, August 29

TBA Salsa Caliente Rehearsal

12:00- 2:10pm Tech Rehearsal for both teams

Time	Grand Ballroom (East)	Grand Ballroom (West)	Rhinelander Gallery N.
12:00 - 1:00 pm	TECH	Edie On1Progressive Beg. Course Salsa Bootcamp	Marlon Mills On2 Extreme Salsa Raw Beginner - Intro
1:10 - 2:10 pm	TECH	Edie On1Progressive Beg. Course Salsa Bootcamp	Mario B On2 Beginner Partnerwork
2:20 - 3:20 pm	Eddie Torres On2 Beginner Shines	Adolpho & Sheila On2 Combo Beginner Partnerwork	Duplessy Monic-Walker Styling All Levels
3:30 - 4:30pm	Eddie Torres On2 Beg. Partnerwork	Sonia & Morris - San Tropez On1 Beginner Shines	Candy Mena Female Styling All Levels

4:00pm Girls Hair & Makeup for Break the Mambo
4:30pm Guys Join for Break the Mambo

5:00pm Backstage Call for Break the Mambo

5:30pm Doors open for afternoon shows

6:00- 7:00pm Afternoon Performances

(Dance Revolution-IL, Diamond Dancers-PR, Gabriela & Jose- PR, IFreestyle-TO, Emmanuel & Jessica- PR, Latin Motion- DC, Lizaydee & Heriberto- PR, Salseros Calientes-PA, Mambo Flower- AR, Mambo En2- AR, Muevete Dancers- PA, Onda Latina- NY, Pasamda Dance- IL, Rythmic Fire- CA, Rumba Buena- NY, Salsa Caliente Training-CA,)

7:00- 8:00pm NYSC Dance Championship Preliminary Round

7:00pm Girls Hair & Makeup for Ven Ven
7:30pm Guys Join for Ven Ven

8:00pm Backstage Call for Ven Ven

8:30pm Doors open for evening shows

9:00- 10:00pm Evening Performances

(Art in Motion- PA, Baila Society- NY, Bayari- NY, Caribbean Soul- NJ, Eddie Torres- NY, Fuerza Gigante- NY, Jorge Elizonda- SD, Latin Beat- FL, Laura & Leo- IT, mambo Classico- NY, Maykel Fonts & Davide- IT, Nouhan- NY, Sabor Latino- PR, Salsa Caliente- CA, Salsa Divas-SD, Salseras with Attitude- SG, San Tropez- CA, Sweethearts- NY)

10:00pm- 4:00am Dance to live bands- La Excelencia & Ocho y Mas

**RED NIGHT**- Dress in red for social dancing

Salsa Caliente Performing Live on the Internet Today & Friday!!

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:19:24 GMT

SALSA CALIENTE

PERFORMING LIVE

FROM PUERTO RICO

TODAY ON THE INTERNET!!!

TUNE IN FROM 4:00- 5:30PM TODAY!!

Salsa Caliente`s Touring Team will be performing their newest choreography Ven Ven at the Puerto Rico Salsa Congress today. Tune in to watch Adeesha, Christina, Dominique, Erica, Holly and Liam!

Tonight`s shows will be broadcast live on the internet at http://www.hitn.tv/puertoricosalsacongress/miercoles.html

The show will run from 4:00- 5:30pm (Victoria time).

Don`t miss it!

You can also tune in on Friday from 12:00pm- 1:30pm (Victoria time) to see Carmela, Jesse, Jasen, Julie, Laura, Nicole, Suzanne & Tyler from the Training Team dance Break the Mambo and Adeesha, Dominique, Erica, Holly, Liam, Nicole dancing Jayson Molina`s choreography Modesty featuring a solo by Christina dancing with Jayson Molina!
http://www.hitn.tv/puertoricosalsacongress/viernes.html