Archive for February, 2010

Zen Lounge is a fantastic place for Salsa in the South Bay. Lessons are taught by Tenia every Wednesday night, starting at 7:30 pm. On Wednesday, February 24th, mention Tenia and get $3 off the cover charge.

Click on the photo to be taken to the venue website…

For more info on classes by Tenia visit www.LearntoSalsa.com

Tenia is listed in our directory of trusted South Bay dance instructors.

SalsaSouthBay.com is hosting a 1 Hour Salsa Ladies Styling workshop at Hype Studios in Torrance, CA this Saturday February 27th, from 1pm to 2 pm. Since this is our first workshop, we are working with a small group. The class is limited to 10 ladies only! The class is just $10 per person and is open to all levels…beginners are highly encouraged to attend.

If you are interested in joining the class, please send an E-mail to info@salsasouthbay.com to reserve your spot. You can either pay at the door (after you receive an e-mail from us confirming we’ve saved you a spot) or use the paypal button below to pre-register and pay.

Hope to see you there!

HYPE Studios
1951 W. Carson St.
Torrance, CA 90501

Salsa Ladies Styling Class will meet in “The Green Room”.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact SalsaSouthBay.com staff at 310-755-6515.

Your Name: (First & Last)

My First Jack & Jill Contest

By Yana Moultrie

Yana & Diego

Despite the gloomy weather the week prior to the event, I was looking forward to attending the 1st Annual Long Beach Salsa Expo. I often enjoy the low-key-ness of the salsa scene in the Long Beach and South Bay area. The salsa expo turned out to be an unforgettable experience, because it was my first time competing in a Jack and Jill Salsa contest.

A friend of mine, prompted me to give it a try. I had little time to prepare myself. Less than five minutes after I signed my name on the list, the host announced that we were to line up at the front of the stage. My heart began to race and my hands became numb with coldness. I looked at my friend with trepidation, wondering, what in the world did I just get myself into. She smiled enthusiastically and gave me a hearty two thumbs up. I appreciated her vote of confidence, but I can’t say it eased my nerves at all.

At the direction of the host, we began to line up, women on one side and men on the other. We introduced ourselves. Just when I was beginning to feel comfortable now that I knew who I’d be dancing with, the host yelled “rotate!” Was he kidding?! Just like that I was back at square one as we walked around and around until being asked to stop again. Finally I met my partner Diego. He was a very attractive guy, with a friendly smile, which helped a little. The host gave us all about 45 seconds to dance and get acquainted with our partners. Diego was a great dancer. I immediately became worried that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with him, or that I would mess up and make him lose out on the prize.

Competitors Lining Up

The host stopped the music and had all of us line back up at the stage. Then he had, the first couple go out and perform. Then the next couple went and so on. As each couple went and my turn came fast approaching, I clapped and cheered the other couples on to release some of my own nervous energy. Diego asked me, how I felt about styling. I honestly told him, I’m not very good at styling, but I could throw in some Hip Hop moves.

As I finished my sentence, low and behold, the host comes up to us and says “couple number six!” (I think it was six, I was so freaked out I really can’t recall). I stated my name, as does Diego. The crowd claps for us. Diego said ready, and the music started. I was on my toes, trying to anticipate what to do. I put a few extra steps in, because I lost my rhythm for a moment. Diego performed smooth movies, and I shimmied a little. The crowd cheered. Diego spun me around twice. And the music stopped. I thought to myself “whew, it’s over!”

The host made a comment about how all the couples were wearing the “whew it’s over” expression on their faces. We all laughed.

Other Competitors Giving It Their All!

The couples that were chosen for the next round and as winners of the competition in general were selected by the audience. The host came to each couple and the audience chose their favorites by applause. The audience was very gracious in giving each couple a big cheer. When the host came to me and Diego, I was surprised and relieved to hear a swell in the cheering. We were actually taken to the side and nearly made it to the second round of judging. Not bad for my first time performing Salsa in front of a crowd.

I spoke with my friend after the contest and she said I did a great job. She also offered me a little advice for the next time, which is to not worry so much about technique or messing up, but do something that people will remember. I had no idea it was more important to leave an impression on the crowd so that they would remember you the most. Although Diego and I did not win, I’m happy to have tried and opened myself to something new. And who knows, maybe I’ll be at next year’s Jack and Jill contest, with something shocking in mind to show.