Groove News, October 2006

Inside This Issue

1        Congratulations

1        From the editor

1        Contacts

2        Salsa Rueda is back

2        Planning a dance trip

2        Upcoming events

2        Dance tips from Doctor Smooth

3        New courses timetable

3        Latin dance party

3        Breaking news

4        Workshops

Congratulations to Smooth Latin Groove

Smooth Latin Groove has been ‘hand picked’ to teach a workshop in Zouk at The 3^rd Annual Sydney Salsa Congress.

The Sydney Salsa Congress is an internationally recognized event that brings together more than 4000 dancers for a weekend of dance celebration. The biggest and brightest gig on the Australian dance calendar, the line-up includes some of the best Latin dance instructors in the world.

It’s a huge honour for SLG to be among the elite few invited to teach at this year’s Sydney Salsa Congress!

Friday 26 January – Sunday 28 January 2007

http://www.sydneysalsacongress.com.au/

From the editor

Desley and I were lucky enough to attend the West Coast Salsa Congress in Los Angeles in May, 2005. More than 25,000 dancers attended this four day event, a hot pot of Salsa talent and energy. Forty-two countries and 235 cities were represented.

Desley and I were thrilled by dozens of outstanding performances from some of the world’s best dance schools and by some absolutely breathing-taking social dancing. We also sampled many of the workshops on offer.

The music, too, was a sensation. We were to be treated to some of the best Salsa musicians around, such as Jimmy Bosch, José Alberto ‘El Canario’, Afredo de la Fe, Johnny Polanco and Conjunto Amistad and more.

But the best was saved for the last night of the congress when, directly from , the one and only Oscar D’León & His Orchestra took to the stage.

For me this was the highlight of the congress. The audience anticipation was so great that the crowd pushed forward until there was not room to dance. The 16 musicians on stage built the excitement until at last Oscar D’León took to the stage. What a show!

The Congress showed how big the world-salsa scene is today, along with the amazing possibilities for both the dance and music.

So here’s my tip: get yourself along to a salsa congress soon. Luckily you can as has one of its own: The Third Annual Sydney Salsa Congress will run from 26-28 January 2007.

Desley and I hope to see you there!

-- Ian Corbett

Salsa Rueda is back at Smooth Latin Groove!

Every Latin Dancer should be able to dance a Rueda: it is social and a lot of fun!

Rueda is danced to lively, up-beat salsa music and there is a constant changing of partners, which makes it a seriously fun and joyful spectacle.

Rueda means ”wheel” Salsa Rueda or Rueda de Casino is a Group Dance originating in Cuba. The Rueda can be as small as two couples, or as large as a space can hold.

The couples dance in a circle executing moves called out by a leader: adios (goodbye), besito (little kiss), dame (give me) and so on. The leaders, usually the men, initiate the execution of the moves, and the followers, usually the ladies, follow through on the moves.

Check out both the new SLG timetable and Term Break Workshops for your chance to get into Rueda!

So you’re planning a dance trip to Brazil? 

Here are few tips which will save you thousands!

1. Go during the cooler months of July, August or September when it is also much cheaper for accommodation.

2. Book your flight tickets well in advance – say, 6 months before you go and pay less than $2800 return.

3. Book your accommodation on- line and stay in Copacabana or Leme close to the Metro for easy access to the best dance schools and night-life. Twin-share in quality two-bedroom apartment can be as little as $300 a week.

4. Find the best independent English speaking dance teacher you can: talk to Ian about this.

Viagem boa! (Have a good trip!)

Upcoming events

Workshops                                               October 16, 17, 18

SLG dance party                                                 October 21

SLG dance courses begin                          October 23

SLG dance party                                               November 4

SLG dance party                                         November 18

SLG dance party                                               December 2

Dance tips from Doctor Smooth

For the Girls 

Be patient while learning moves in group class – the leaders often have a lot more to think about than the followers. Focus in on your following skills and, most importantly, the connection you are giving to your partner. Encourage your partner to ask for the move rather than back-leading the pattern for yourself.

For the Guys

When taking a partner on the floor to dance, take some time to get comfortable with each other. Start out easy at first and gradually move up the level of patterns after feeling out whether you and your partner connecting well. Then you are ready to move on to more advanced moves. Remember when you make her look good, in return you will look good as well.

New SLG courses start 23 October

Breaking news

Sydney’s hottest dance festival will be heating up

Darling Harbour once again this October Long

Weekend. The Darling Harbour Fiesta is ’s

largest annual Latin American and Spanish Festival.

Smooth Latin Groove and Latin Steps

will be performing

Harbour-side Aqua Shell

Sunday 1 October from 3-3:30pm.

Choreographies include Axe, Bachata/Merengue

Salsa/Tango, Cha-Cha-Cha, Butucada, Zouk and

Gafieira Samba.

        Adriana Lopez * Carlos Galiano * Chantal Huntley *              Cynthia                 Forbes * Desley Brimblecombe * Elli Torres * Helen  Gramotnev * Ian Corbett * Rachel Webber

Workshops (during term break)

Merengue is a fun, festive and very popular Latin Dance. It’s characterized by fancy turns and a simple relaxed basic step. The simple footwork and steady beat makes the merengue very easy to learn. Develop rhythm, animation and flair. You’ll love it!

Cha-Cha-Cha is a very groovy dance rhythm popularized most recently by Santana. The dance developed when dancers began noticing the “triple” sound made by their shoes on the floor while dancing the mambo. The dance consists of three quick steps (cha cha cha) and two slower steps on the one beat and two beat. Be warned – it’s addictive!

Your investment

1 Workshop:  $25 

2 Workshops:  $45 

3 Workshops:  $60

Contacts

Website
www.smoothlatingroove.com.au

E-mail
info@smoothlatingroove.com.au

Phone
Ian Corbett:  07 3848 2001 or 0438 461 577