Ok, so this time I’ve actually been out to salsa, which is a good start for a blog about salsa! This week I chaperoned my newly introduced salsa side kick James to the Gregson Centre in Lancaster. Two classes are taught here every Thursday, starting at 7, by Janik, with social dancing afterwards. We were a little late and so missed the start of the class (my fault as the designated driver!), but James quickly joined in, whilst I went to get the drinks in. The class was full, starting at a beginner level going through some of the basic steps before quickly moving on to a more improver level. James stuck with it, and was keeping up well, I thought! I do think though that James, and possibly the majority of the class, could have benefited more from the class being split in two, to give people the opportunity to make sure they are thoroughly comfortable with the basic steps and have had an introduction to timing in music before moving on to turn patterns that are more of a improver sort of level. Just my humble opinion! So, with the 1st class over, James sat out the second, a definite improver level class, which he will be ready for in a month if he practices (you listening Jim bob?!?), again the class was really full, obviously a popular choice for Lancastrian salseros. It was getting on for 10 when the second class ended, and Janik kept the music going, as people continued the dancing. James and I had some dances before heading off.
At the end of the last blog, an SC member requested I mentioned the types of music that are being played at the places I’m going to… so here goes! First a disclaimer, I’m no expert, but I’m learning… you can’t live in a house of TWO salsa DJs (when I’m in Birmingham that is) and be part of the SC team and not pick up something, they’d kick me out! I’m aware of the debates of the sorts of music played out in the clubs and at different events. My honest preference is for what I consider to be good quality salsa by the likes of Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz; El Gran Combo, Larry Harlow; Roberto Roena; Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe; Brooklyn Sounds; Jimmy Bosch and etc etc. Good strong base-lines and strong melodies either from brass or piano that MOVE YOU , rather than you moving just because there’s some music playing. I’m not a fan of the so called “funky salsa” or r’n’b salsa and I confess I get irritated when Ricky or Shakira come on at a salsa night. So that’s my musical taste briefly summed up! The music at the Gregson last Thursday included tracks such as a remix of “I like it like that” (a track I love in its original state by Pete Rodriguez) and the ever popular “Aisha” by Africando, there were a couple of tracks I didn’t recognise, salsa with a dance beat underneath, and Ricky did make an appearance. The music at the Gregson was admittedly not my cup of tea, but… everyone else seemed happy and the atmosphere was good (….The debate continues…).
On Saturday I went to the bi-monthly event hosted by Phil and Karen of Salsa northwest at the Longridge civic hall, just outside of Preston. The guest teacher was Dr Rumba and his dance troupe E4:24 who came over from Ireland especially for the night. Classes started at about 8.30, Phil and Leah took the beginners class on the stage which James took part in, whilst I took part in (most of) Dr Rumba’s class, disappearing to take some pics for the blog. He was a funny guy and a clear instructor, assessing the level of the class and pitching it accordingly, introducing some more complex moves towards the end of the routine, whilst his partner Dee made sure the ladies were happy with their steps. He had an infectious fun attitude that had the class relaxed and everyone seemed really receptive.
Apparently it was a quiet night for the Longridge, but there was space on the dance floor and no stubbed toes, so I was happy with that. Now let me rack my brains to try and remember the music… thinking…anyone who knows me will know what a dizzy forgetful thing I am and will be impressed at me remembering anything…. I remember a few Alex Wilson tracks of his newest album Inglaterra, and (sorry Phil!) I also clearly remember Shakira at one point! On the whole though, there was a mix of music, catering to a range of tastes, never getting as “dura” as I would have liked, but you can’t please everyone! Besides, the DJ kept the majority of patrons off their bums and on the floor and the atmosphere was good.
At this point I must apologise to the lady who asked me if I would lead her! I’m learning how to lead, but I bottled it! I promise I will practice and next time hopefully I will be able to lead without boring you to tears or treading on your toes too much!
The performance by E4:24 who flew in especially that night went down well, performed to the Salsa Celtica track: “El Agua De La Vida” combining Traditional Irish dancing with cross-body style salsa.
James and I headed off shortly after this as we had a bit of drive back to Cumbria. Nearly running out of fuel when we got off the motorway, because I didn’t check the gauge until after I’d dropped James off and then had to drive to find a 24 hour garage in south Lakes at 1 am, not an easy task! Oh well, wouldn’t be an SC trip (even though its only one team member there L ) without something going wrong would it!
Next events: Penrith this Saturday hopefully, dependant on transportation! Also the Gregson on a Sunday at some point! Also the new party night starting on the 8th March at Fever Dance Company Dance Studios in Preston.
Any other events people know about then please let me know!
Take Care Salseros,
Cat.
Well its 2 weeks since my last (and first) blog entry documenting my experiences of Salsa up north (more specifically north-west i.e. Lake District/Cumbria and north Lancashire), and well I haven’t done any more salsa since… except for practicing shines and spinning drills in my bathroom, but an interesting salsa blog that does not make! (Speaking like Yoda, suddenly am I…hmm…strange that in’t it?!)
Anywhooo, my lack of salsa has not been due to the lack of salsa on offer, far from it, more a sudden surge in productivity PhD wise, net result, no salsa! So to make up for my failings as self appointed salsa blogger of the Lake District I thought I would post a list of the places I intend or would like to get to, found by web searches and recommendations…
1) Salsa Party in't Keswick on't 26th Jan.
I’ve put the details of this on the Salsa Central calendar, Keswick is such a lovely town (see pictures below) on the shores of Derwentwater surrounded by some of the most dramatic summits in the Lakes including Skiddaw and Blencathra with the Helvelyn range to the south, my second favourite Lake in the Lake District, firmly in Wordsworth Country, John Ruskin and all of that! Such a wonderful part of the world, salsa here would be simply magical! This was on my list of places to go and report back on, alas I won’t be able too anymore. But at the next party I will be there, camera ready!
2) Salsa In't Pe nr ith
After the last blog I’ve had several recommendations to try Salsa Silhouette (guest teachers at the Keswick Salsa Party) in Penrith (north Cumbria) … so they are definitely on the list… offering classes followed by a social every Thursday.
3) Salsa In't Lancaster
Moving out of Cumbria to north Lancashire, I’m yet to visit the Gregson Arts and Community Centre in Lancaster (picture of lancaster to the right) this year, where salsa is held two nights a week. On a Sunday its Jason of Dance with Passion with classes and social dancing and on a Thursday its Janik. I’ve been to these previously, with really positive experiences, so again these are also “on the list”!
So that’s it for now, below is a list of websites of teachers and promoters that I’ve found so far for this region of the UK, please if you have any more post a comment below or send be a message ( jex@salsa-central.co.uk ) and it will be added to the growing list. I heard a rumour of a Cumbrian Salsa Festival this year… if anyone has any details please let me know! Any road, tara for now, ass gan yam! (See here for translation from Cumbrian to English!)
Back soon with some sort of actual review of Salsa in’t North! Meanwhile I leave you with another Cumbrian view, this time Borrowdale across Derwent water, enjoy!
Salsa North West: http://www.salsanorthwest.co.uk/
Salsa Silhouette: http://www.carletonwebsites.co.uk/salsa/class.htm
Sizzling Salsa: http://www.sizzlingsalsa.com/
Club Latino: http://www.clublatino.org.uk/index.html
Sacred Salsa: http://www.sacredsalsa.co.uk/
Photo courtesy of me ol’ man!
As this is my first blog I'd best introduce myself.... My name is Catherine or Cat for short and up until Christmas I was living in Birmingham, doing a PhD and salsa wise, training with Mel C and Carpe Diem Dance Company. For January and February I've moved back to my home town (or village) of Arnside in south Cumbria to have some quiet to finish writing up my thesis and was a little worried that whilst I was here I would, god forbid, miss salsa. Sooooo many folks said to me "oh, you're going back up north... bet there's no salsa there" blah blah blah.... so I've decided whilst I'm here to let everyone south of Manchester know exactly what salsa there is up here! That way you Salseros can visit the Beautiful English Lake District in Cumbria (for instance) and shock horror, maybe dance some salsa too!!!
To succeed in my mission I'm going to try to go to one or two salsa things a week in south Cumbria/ Lancashire region and report back about my experience! To help me I've enlisted fellow salsero James, to accompany me (i.e. taxi me! You don't get far without a car “up here in't fells”!) and make sure I don't make too big a goof out of myself as I usually do! James is a brand spanking new salsero, still wet behind the ears after having started learning just 3 months ago. I'll put a picture up soon so that the ladies can recognise him, grab him, and get him on the dance floor so he can practice his moves! Lol. My little sis Lizzie may also tag along from time to time, for some moral support for James, but mostly she thinks she’ll get her drinks paid for if she comes out with me! Tight fisted northerner!
So my first outing was to an on2 class on Monday evening in Preston... yes that’s right folks... on2... in Preston! Actually maybe I should attach a map to show the location of Preston.... and Cumbria! ……..
Ok see map for locations! The class was by Thanassi and Kasia of Sizzling Salsa in Preston ( www.sizzlingsalsa.com ) and Salsology, Manchester. They run on2 classes on a Monday and a Thursday at the same venue (Roper Hall, Preston city centre) between 7 and 10pm. There are 3 levels; beginners, improvers and intermediate with social dancing until 10pm. James and I both did the beginners as leads. I’m working on my lead on1 so thought I’d try on2. I then did the other two classes as it was only £4 for all three classes with an NUS card, £5 without NUS, bargain! Meanwhile James went to get some chips instead of practicing his on2 timing for his basic steps and turns… tut tut tut!! Nice chips though!
The classes had a good turn out, but not so busy that Thanassi and Kasia couldn’t dance with everyone and give individual advice on technical aspects and styling, and the atmosphere was really great. Lots of laughs, people weren’t afraid to ask questions and all the steps were clearly broken down whilst keeping a swift pace to the class. My fellow class mates were all really friendly, everyone introducing themselves, which is a small thing, but nice! No egos anywhere in sight! After the classes there was time for social dancing before the venue turns back into a “normal” club. Shame it had to end really! Chatting to one guy after the class, he was surprised I’d come down from Arnside, and gone “south of the border” to Preston, but at a 30-35min drive, its really nothing. In fact it’s the sort of class that people form nearby towns/villages should really make the effort to drive to and support. There are larger cities with bigger salsa scenes that don’t have these kinds of classes with such good and friendly instructors available. Preston, Lancaster, Kendal etc get your asses there!! And anyone else from further a field, why not check it out your selves?
Ok, that’s enough of that…. Next blog will probably be for a social dancing thing in Lancaster, a little closer to home this time, and will try to get some pics for that one and for this class too as I’ll no doubt go back whilst I’m here! Tune in for more “Salsa in’t North”! Ta’rah for now and I leave you with a beautiful Cumbrian view to entice you!
