Almost a year ago, I wrote a blog sharing my fears and trepidations on the impact of a Salsa Congress on the continent of Africa. And while Africa is a vast continent comprised of several unique countries and nationalities which make broad generalizations inappropriate, my recent trip to Ghana and to its salsa clubs was more disturbing than usual.

 Darnell, of all people, sent this to me.  Very interesting article from the Latin American Folk Institute about the history of Tango and Milonga -- and the influence of African slaves on both.

This is in response to Darnell's blog: "Paradise Found".

I saw this on YouTube. Fantastic! It's why I love the dance and the music so much. Just had to share!

Pardon the liberties taken from that old classic movie, "Paradise Lost", but Tony's Salsa Socials are a "Paradise Found" for any brother who loves to salsa, regardless of his skill level. I don't know about you, but I've gotten tired of hearing stories from all of the old school salseros about "how it used to be in the clubs". They would rave on and on about the disproportionate number of women who would come out to the salsa joints to get their swerve on and leave the clubs frustrated because of the few numbers of men dance partners available. They would tell me how the brothers (two and three deep) would get dressed up in their two-toned salsa shoes, baggy clothing, with brim tilted to the side and make their royal entrance into the clubs. You know, with that strut that says that "I'm here to bring it"..."can you hang"? They would tell me about the walls of the clubs being adorned by gorgeously attired women, eyes agleamed and full of adoration and anticipation. Aw man, it was "pick and choose" because the odds were in your favor; you couldn't go wrong. You were guaranteed a night of serious, steamy and sweaty salsa dancing.

To a degree, I'm a little embarrassed posting this particular blog, BUT, I have no idea as to how you really meet salsa women. Being thoroughly addicted to salsa, I go to clubs six nights a week to get my salsa groove on. Man, I see my share of beautiful women on the dance floor. There is nothing as beautiful, stimulating, and intriguing as seeing a woman, gracefully moving to the music, adding those special steps and girations, that attitude, that smirk, that skirt/dress flying in the wind as she does a "cross body lead" or solo, etc. Damn, they are sexy!!!! But, how do you get her "slowed down" so that you can really talk to her when the beat of salsa in the background remains constantly driving.

Below is the e-mail I just received from Tony El Pana about his Friday nights @ Ariake.  The reason I'm blogging this is because cliquishness is, I think, an important issue.  The fact is that no matter how good a Salsa dancer you are, there are Salsa clubs you can go to where people will shun you simply because they've never seen you or you don't *look* like a good dancer. 

I wrote a few months ago about my own run-in with the "clique" mentality at Saffire (http://www.randbsalsa.com/node/142) -- and I'm a trained Ballroom dancer!  I recently read with great interest a thread on rec.arts.dance where this guy from Paris, France described a Tango Clique hell. His case is a little extreme, but it still points out an ugly truth: People can be at best indifferent and at worst downright cruel to others based solely upon their perception of their dance ability.  I mean, how superficial is that!

Using Salsa to feel good about yourself. That's a novel concept. Good thing this guy isn't in L.A.

Actually, I've found dance to be very good for a lot of psychological inhibitions, shyness being the biggest (for me).

I wouldn't say that Salsa is an activity that makes me feel good about myself. In my case, dancing in general makes me feel good period.

The key is not to get caught up in the rudeness, egos and general lack of etiquette we have discussed here... Always remember that dancing, any dancing, is supposed to be fun. Yes, if you want to get good at it, some hard work will be required. But, at the end of the day, we do this for the sheer joy of it. Proceed with that attitude, and not only will it be a positive experience for you, but for everyone you come in contact with.

It seems that over the last 1 - 2 years, I have become a "rebellious" participant in the majority of salsa classes that I've taken. While I don't try to be disruptive or troublesome to the instructor, or to my partner, I oftentimes find myself "doing things my way" in a class or lesson. Out of respect for my fellow participants and for the instructor, I always get or stay in the back of the class during lessons. However, when it comes time to "pair up" and practice the routine/pattern just taught, it becomes a bit trying for my partner because she wants me to mirror the routine/pattern exactly as it was taught. Unfortunately, it is against my nature to do it "that way". I always feel compelled to take and use the parts of the routine/pattern that compliments my style of dancing....that resonates with me; I don't believe in mirroring anyone else's approach to a move, pattern/routine because its not me...my spirit can't own it (if that makes sense).

Ballroom dancing offers fitness gains - This is London - [Salsa News Feed (Google)]

As one who does a lot of ballroom dancing around L.A., I can tell you that most of the folks I run into are older, and in great shape.  If you could see what I see, you'd understand why I believe that dancing is the closest mankind will ever get to a real "The Fountain of Youth".