I am just bringing a bit of different point of view, or maybe some realism, Or maybe it's just my own biased opinion
....
So, I was wondering if you think my above points are true and if so do you think they are important. I would love to understand better the feelings of the London salseros/bachateros/etc. Thanks
Hey amsbam1! Finally, I've found a free moment to reply to your post which certainly has a lot of validity:
I personally would agree that the London crossbody/Mambo scene could benefit from resurrecting a dialogue with the Latino community.
A Salsa scene that is short on Latin spirit could be uncharitably described as slightly bogus and there is a fear that dance teachers who have no affinity with the roots of Salsa will simply promote dancing (technique, moves, performances) to the detriment of the other aspects that made Salsa so successful - the vibe, fun & accessible image, the Latin Fiesta clubbing atmosphere. And we will end up with poor man's ballroom with a fake Spanglish accent.
Having said all that, there are a host of good reasons why I would be hesitant to overdo it with the criticism.
For one thing the scene is doing pretty well and has bounced back brilliantly from the slump a few years back.
There is much more interest in the music and musicality which instructors are trying to cater for but moves/turn patterns remain very popular - cuz they's well-cool, init. A few years back I myself posted some very scathing things about how the London scene appears oblivious to that weird noise thing called 'Salsa music' but credit where it's due, things are evolving, we're on the right track.
I would really like to know more about these sub-genres that you felt were missing because if there's one thing that is very good about London, it's our DJs, particularly when it comes to variety.
Finally, there is the problem with the Latino community itself or rather the way it manifests itself on the dance floor. I regularly try and go to Salsa nights outside the main xbody/on2 circuits and the problem with these nights is that it's very difficult to detect this Sabor of which you speak.
What we see is a massive imbalance between men and women which in itself makes me think that if Sabor was such a big factor why are Latinas voting with their feet and avoiding the opportunity to experience it?
Could it be anything to do with the conduct of their menfolk on the dance floor?
Next time you drop by please do let us know so I can point you to a few nights where you can observe for yourself. And then come along to one of the 'dancer' nights - let's do a compare and contrast, it will be illuminating, I promise.
Incidentally, I visited Paris a while ago and sampled Friday/Saturday/Sunday Salsa using this forum and the Internet to do the research. What I found was very similar to London except on a smaller scale: Friday and Saturday is more of a party night unless your timing is right and there is a big monthly event on.
(applicable to xbody/Mambo)
Which small French town do you mean in your post?
And do tell more about Dublin! I love the Irish as it is, are you saying their weekend Salsa parties are better than London?! I feel a cheeky weekender coming up..
So all in all, I think your post is perfectly helpful and I hope that our promoters do try and take into account what people like you – whose culture this is after all – are saying.
