In mid-August, I spent 8 gruelingly hot and humid days digging around the jungle that is New York City...looking for that illusive Fantastic Salsa Dance Experience. I'd heard great things about New York City, the style of dancing there, the clubs, etc. I've brought you back a report from "the city where salsa began in America". Here's what I found:
First off, let me say that it was not easy, in any way. Finding the clubs, teachers, and best scenes was a challenge. It's almost like the event promoters don't believe in promoting! The clubs tended to be small, EXTREMELY HOT with terribly inadequate air-conditioning, and usually a very SMALL number of dancers! Though that doesn't mean I didn't have a good time at some of the events I attended. I did have to get over my initial repulsion to swimming in my own sweat, which took a few days It's amazing...we live in an air-conditioned BIOSPHERE here in= the Bay Area!
There was one club that far surpassed all the others: The Copacabana. The shear numbers of people dancing was a site to behold...probably over 1,000 on the floor at a time! The bands were fantastic. The drinks were refreshing and the place had adequate AC! Another club worth noting was the Latin Quarter, in Midtown. Great small venue, with good dance floor and a lively crowd. People were very friendly and open to dancing with someone new. One of the surprising discoveries about New York is that far more dancers dance "On-1" in the clubs than they dance "On-2"! This is supposed to be the center and the source of "On-2" dancing! Well, I guess it's still better to learn to dance "On-1"....where ever you are!
In general, the dance studios were VERY small, crowded, and extremely HOT. No one seems to believe in opening the windows, even when there is no AC. So it's hard to breath! You can find some great classes and there are some great teachers in NYC, and I'm honored to have studied with some of the best. One down-side for most is that most of the classes I saw advertised were Intermediate to Advanced Level. There seems to be almost no one teaching Beginners. Easier classes were hard to find!
Comparing San Francisco to New York?... I'd say that S.F. has as much to offer, if not more, than New York City for an accessible and lively Salsa scene. Which is pretty amazing, considering NYC is probably 10 times bigger than S.F.! You're living in an incredible city and you should take advantage of the great classes, clubs, bands, and events available at your fingertips right here in the humble Greater Bay Area.
And Here's the latest news from
SALSA WITH TOMAJ:
Our Fall classes are showing a HUGE ENROLLMENT OF STUDENTS. You can still register for the BEST Salsa Dance Classes in the Bay Area! Learn to dance this Fall and meet some great new friends and dance partners! No need to register, just come to any class as a drop-in. You'll be glad you did.
All the information is available at:
www.SalsawithTomaj.com
Hope to see you on the dance floor soon!
Tomaj
