With the last few days of the ‘aughts in our midsts, it’s time to state for the record my salsa resolutions for 2010. While not all of these may apply to you, I encourage anyone else to join me in fulfilling these during the new year…

Do you have New Years’ Plans? I know some of you already have your Hotel and Salsa Glam tickets purchased but if you’d rather save the cash to hit up an all-inclusive trip later in the Winter – Check out the most recession-friendly Salsa Party in the City! Not only are the $45 advanced tickets a great value but you’re also dancing on one of my favourite floors at Acrobat lounge.


So, not only do you get an amazing night of salsa but check out the many other great things that are in the works:

• A not-to-be-missed performance from the lovely ladies of the TDS Pro-Team! Come see Emely, Sarah and crew perform for the first time!
• An Argentine Tango and a Salsa performance with Tracie and Daniel (if you haven’t seen these two dance, and especially to the Tango then be prepared for some serious dance-candy!)
• A Checkerboard Helper game – win great prizes for dancing with the most amount of Helpers/ Teachers (and Sharon is notorious for giving away amazing prizes)
• Champagne toast at midnight and hors d’oeuevres 
• Dress is semi-formal and the colours are Black and White (hence the MJ props in this blogs’ title)
• Beginner and Intermediate lessons (always good for learning new moves)
• Lots of parking and close to the Subway

While Jay Z may be singing the praises of New York on the radio, the growing community of On 2 dancers are most definitely stepping theirs. I recently had the pleasure to attend the Beginner to On 2 Workshop held at Empress and I must that while at first I was a bit skeptical, I now can confidently say that I absolutely love On 2 Salsa. While it’s a bit tricky to get the basic, once you do, I bet you’ll find that it’s pretty easy to convert over all of your moves too!


Here are a few observations that I learned from the workshop taught by Gen and Young from Korkoa:

• On 2 is the dominant style of dance in New York (On 1 is mostly West Coast/LA).
• While On 1 focuses stepping on the 1, On 2 focuses on the second and sixth beat and is stepped, slow | quick | quick, instead of quick | quick | slow
• Because of the pausing at the beginning of the step, partnering becomes easier as there’s more time for turns and styling…this makes dancing to fast songs much easier.
• Emphasizing the second beat changes your basic, it feels almost jazzier/funkier when you’re doing your basic.
• On 2 dancers assume more of a ‘walking’ basic and seem to float back and forth whereas On 1 dancers are a bit more bold in their basic.
• Ladies turn on the 2-3 and men on the 6-7.

While On 2 may not be for everyone (many people like to become an advanced dancer before learning this style) I highly recommend that you learn it earlier on as it increases your dance card, will improve your styling and you won’t be afraid to check out the New York Congress next year!


I’m including a pretty solid video of the On 2 Basic that I found on YouTube. I hope that this gives you a sense of how the basic differs from On 1





Do you dance On 2? In your opinion, how does it differ from dancing On 1? Would love to hear your thoughts,


Till then,
Stay Shining Salseros!

Casino Rueda is coming to TDS! For those of you who aren’t quite familiar with this infectious dance, check out the video link I’ve posted with just one example of casino (fast-forward to about 45 seconds in).

Basically it’s a type of ’round’ dancing where everyone gets in a circle and does the moves the caller yells/signs out. The best part of it is that you continuously switch partners and it’s super fun. Think double-dutch ala grade 4 but with a dozen or more couples all dancing with each other!

Instructed by Daniel Guajardo and Tracie Yee, you’ll definitely be in good hands as you learn the moves and signals of Casino. Having attended the Dips & Tricks workshop, I was extremely impressed with their excellent instructional skills and look forward to Casino-ing with you all next weekend! And while you’re out to the workshop, why not stick around and check out the Sunday social?! Make sure you ask your helpers and instructors for a dance.

Till then,
Stay Shining Salseros!

One of the most common requests I hear from people is for a list of salsa songs to practice to. Whether you’re new to the scene or on your way to advanced moves, having a solid arsenal of salsa songs will improve your timing, styling and steps! With this, I’ve put together a quick list of slow, medium and fast songs. Remember if you’re looking for amazing lists of songs, check out DJ Duck’s great blog where he lists his fav songs every month!


Slow Songs:
Thinking of you (salsa version) – lenny kravitz
Chinita – Gilberto Santa Rosa
Juliana – DLG
Fuiste Mia – Maelo Ruiz
Micaela – La Sonora Carruseles
Lloraras – Oscar De Leon
Yay Boy – Africando
Yamulemao – Joe Arroyo
La Comay – Sonora Carruselles

Medium Songs:
Cumbia Boogaloo – King Bongo
La Cura – Frankie Ruiz
La Pantera Mambo – Orquesta La 33
Me Libere – El Gran Combo
Ni Frio Ni Calor – Oscar De Leon
Yo No Se Manana


Fast Songs:
Ran Kan Kan – Tito Puente
Aguanile – Marc Anthony
Comerte a besos – Frankie Negron
El Avion de la Salsa – Jimmy Bosch
Meniando La Cola – Sexappeal


I hope these help! Remember if you do decide to procure these songs, be sure to do so legally!
Till then,


Stay Shining Salseros!

I’m quite nervous to say, but I’ve decided to join the Helper Only Performance Class. While I’m not too sure if I’m ready for it, I’m really looking forward to challenge that lies ahead.