Salsa with the Stars
New Moves on1, on2 & Cuban

This page contains the "Script" (that is the spoken part) of the DVD. This may help non English speaking students to follow the instructions, as well as all students to practise the figures when you are not in front of the TV.

Introduction

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This video is a demonstration that at times dreams come true. We always wanted to celebrate the richness and diversity of salsa. This time we do so with the help of some 40 international dancers, including some world renowned stars like Seaon the Stylist, Amanda Estilo, Ismael Otero, Griselle Ponce, Duplessey Walker, Troy Anthony and many more talented dancers. Never before have so many dancers collaborated in an instructional DVD series. Never before has so much talent, creativity, and salsa magic been collected into a single work. Never before have the best from all corners of the salsa world been brought together in 2 DVDs for you to learn from. Normally you have one teacher and 40 students. In this video there is one student, you, and 40 of the best instructors in the world, for you to choose from.

Here is how the video works. You have 15 turns patterns organised into 5 routines. The turn patterns feature all the SalsaIsGood trademark ingredients: tricks never seen before, surprising ideas, unexpected solutions, a mixture of Cuban and NY elements. The routines are explained via the SalsaIsGood leading edge editing: parallel multiple views, slow motion, beat counter on every frame and vocal explanations. And here comes the best part!! The turn patterns are then demonstrated by our international guest stars. They interpret the turn patterns according to their salsa style. More importantly, they modify the turn patterns in their own personal way. You will see the very same moves enriched by Seaon’s sublime touch, by Amanda’s dazzling decorations, by Duplessey’s magic turns, by Griselle’s bursting energy, by Ismael’s arm tricks, by Troy’s knots, by Patrice’s intricate Cuban style, by Ana’s sensuous styling.... and all the others… we even have a rueda group! You will see how ‘they did it their way’, and from it, choose your way...

No matter what you look for in a salsa DVD, you are bound to find it here. No matter what your taste, you will find plenty to impress you in these DVDs, Volume 1 and Volume 2. There is enough material here to keep you busy for months: not only the turn patterns but their endless variations. There are so many ideas for styling and personal interpretation with decorations from NY, LA, DC, Paris, Havana, Boston, Chicago, Houston, the Dutch Antilles and Australia. And you will even be entertained by some great music from Jimmy Bosch!! Don’t miss out on the most original, rich and diverse salsa DVD ever produced!!!

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Routine 1

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Figure 1

Description. In this figure the guy starts a X BodyLead by bringing his right hand around his neck and over his left shoulder. He leads the X BodyLead with two inside turns, which are checked into an embrace, while at the same time he performs a hook turn.

Now, with the right hand at waist level, he leads a right turn followed by a Pretzel and then two more right turns. In the last turn he performs an arm loop round the lady's neck.

Here the guy releases the hold with his left hand, and catches the lady's right again in front. He leads a X BodyLead with inside turn, by gently twisting her hand with his left. He then sneaks behind her, reaches for her right shoulder with his right hand and immediately leads her into another X BodyLead with inside turn. At the same time, he turns quickly left in order to check her again with his right hand over her right shoulder.

1½ right turns for the lady and a left turn for the guy complete the figure.

Now that you have learned the first figure you can admire and study how some of the stars decided to interpret it.

Ismael & Juliette. Here you have Ismael and Juliette from Caribbean Soul.

Ismael is one of the first generation of NY dancers. He has been around for a while and he knows all the tricks. Actually, many tricks which are today considered standard are his own! Complicated arm work in NY style and unusual hand flips were part of his repertoire far before many others incorporated them.

Maybe for this reason, Ismael took it as a challenge to learn this en tire routine as it is, in only a few minutes and film it, rather than changing it with his own material. The entire session la ste d some 45 minutes.. Quite an achievement Ismael !!

Joel & Ana. Here is a real treat.. Joel and Ana from Masacote Entertainment with their on2 interpretation to timba rhythm. Another of the highlights of the video!

After the guy's turn, Joel and Ana decide to add several spins for the lady.. and look at the quality of the spins!!

Here Joel decides to ask the lady for a half turn rather than a full turn, so the dancers end up facing the opposite direction than in Fabio and Anna's version. They finish with a double check.. and several more great turns..

Ladies.. talk about treats.. enjoy Ana's beautiful decoration and precision throughout the figure. Notice the way she uses her entire body in the dance even down to her finger tips..

Oren & Julia. Oren and Julia, two pearls from Sydney , Australia . Julia is another amazing spinner and Oren is clearly having a great time. We love your attitude Oren!!

Oren and Julia decided to keep the figure very similar to the original, and simply added several spins, but.. what spins!!

And here are a few moments which are worth capturing..

Sekou & Leah . This is another couple we saw performing and we rushed to ask them to be in the video. Sekou and Leah, in their interpretation gifted us with some really lovely touches. They are so nicely 'on the music'.

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Figure 2

Description. After the X BodyLead, the guy catches right to right. The dancers swap positions, while the guy goes into a hook turn, releases the hand-hold and lets the lady's right fall into his left hand.

What follows looks and feels very unusual, but, in fact is nothing but a fancy copa. The guy catches the lady's left with his right, in a man's hammer lock position. With his left behind his back he leads her into a copa. In the second part of the copa, he turns left and brings the right hand down. The result is a hammer lock on the lady. From the top view you can recognise the copa and the guy's left turn.

Now the couple are in a lady's hammer lock on her left. He leads her into a hammer lock on her right, with three right turns.

Now he releases his left hand and they swap positions, while he performs a hook turn, and gently pushes her with his right hand so that she performs 2½ right turns. Ladies, by following unwritten salsa rules, you have left your left arm behind your back, which the guy can quickly catch again with his right.

Now, we have another swap of positions, which the guy decorates with 1½ under arm turns.

Ismael & Juliette. We are really indebted to Ismael ' Eternal Smile' Otero, for helping us so much in this video. Ismael is known as one of the nicest and friendliest guys in the salsa scene, a reputation very well deserved. He was enthusiastic about participating in this project from its inception and he has helped a lot in promoting this idea to other stars. Thanks a lot once more Ismael!!

Here is Ismael and Juliette in their 'on 2' version. The only difference is in the guy's double hook turn after the change of position, where Fabio executed a single turn. Enjoy the close up of their interpretation.

Joel & Ana. Here notice the different lead from Joel. he brings his right hand down sooner, and then leads from the waist level.. a nice solution to a difficult lead..

Here they change hammer lock position via a XBL with double outside turn .. another nice idea..

And here Joel decided to lead Ana into her right turn by pushing Ana's right hand with his left, unlike Fabio who pushes with his right.

And then he delights us with this double spin. And completes it with slightly different arm work..

And BTW, don't miss out on Ana's decoration in the close up view..

Oren & Julia. In recent times Australia started to make a name for itself in the international salsa scene and Oren and Julia are among the best examples, If you ever pass by Sydney don't miss out on meeting them.

Just notice the different lead from Oren who decided to lead with the inner arm on the inner arm of Julia.

And again.. a few moments which are worth watching..

Sekou & Leah. Here we have Sekou and Leah, anther couple from whom it is worth savouring every little detail..

You will notice their version of this figure is fairly similar to Joel and Ana's. Indeed these two couples are good friends and worked partly together in adapting this specific figure.. it was great to see such talents working together and exchanging ideas.. what a treat for us to be there..

Here come a few drops of salsa magic which are worth sipping slowly..

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Figure 3

Description. After a X BodyLead, the guy catches right to right. He leads another X BodyLead with inside turn by throwing the hand of the lady and catching it with the left. Now he leads her into three under arm right turns and brings his left down. He then goes into a right turn, catches right to left, releases the hold on his left, and, by gently twisting her hand, leads her into a right turn. At the same time he turns left and swaps hands behind his back. Then, he simply swaps hand hold behind her back, and goes into another left turn. He ends up facing her with his right behind his back as planned.

Here is the cheeky part of the figure. The guy catches the lady's left with his left, leads her into 3 right turns and then puts her left hand back into his right hand, which he had kept behind his back.

With the momentum of his own body, and no arm action, he leads her into a X BodyLead with inside turn. Maintaining the hand hold and performing a ½ right turn automatically generates a check. She does 1½ right turns and he does 1 left turn to complete the figure.

Ismael & Juliette. Let's enjoy Juliette's spins and Ismael's arm work in their version . Notice Ismael's additional turn here, and his different arm work here. And remember, as David Melendez says at each salsa congress, if you see Ismael around, don't hesitate to ask him for a dance, he will always make you feel welcome.

Joel & Ana. This is a couple to watch over and over and over again. They also have clips of their performances on their own web site, which we really recommend you have a look at. Here is the first variation from Joel and Ana. Rather than grabbing the hand from Ana's back, Joel leads her into a half left turn and he goes into 1 and ½ left turns to catch the hand again behind his back.. I like it..

And what about this check?? Very nice.

Again ladies.. what about Ana's decoration in the close up.. this is something!! And nice spins here.

Oren & Julia. Here again Oren and Julia keep close to the original version.. just notice how Oren here decides to turn first, and then lead the XBL with inside turn with his hand, rather than using his body as Fabio does..

And we just can't help watching all the details in Oren and Julia's salsa.

Sekou & Leah. Their version of this figure starts with a little stylistic gem and offers a different finale. First Sekou adds an extra turn during Leah's double, then, like Oren did, he decides to turn first and lead the XBL with his hand, then, during the check, sneaks in front of Leah, goes on her right hand side, and leads her in this sequence of turns..

Again, there are details which by themselves are worth having this DVD in your collection..

DanceInTime & Bailatina. Turning a figure into a rueda move requires two ste ps. First, in order to respect Rueda tradition, a figure needs to be "cubanised".  BTW, we have a video which explains how to do that on our web site if you are intere ste d. Second, a figure may need to be simplified and somehow shortened, since not all dancers in the rueda circle may be at the same level. Hadar and Barb achieved this by keeping the beginning & end of the original figure and replacing the challenging knots in the middle with some simpler turns and DileQueno.

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Routine 2

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Figure 4

Description. After a X BodyLead with underarm inside turn, the guy performs a right turn, which is completed with a 'touch and go' comb on the lady with his right arm. This is immediately followed by a left underarm turn and another comb, again with his right arm, which is now under the lady's left forearm.

While his right hand still holds the comb, he brings his left hand up , above his head, and then down , performing an embrace.

Keeping the comb hold, he releases the embrace and catches the right hand of the lady in front . Next she goes into a copa and afterwards he goes to her side. From the top view we can see the copa, and the guy moving to the side. They then walk in a circle for 1 bar of music, before the end of the figure.

Patrice & Juliette. Because of the knots in the armwork, this Routine makes a natural transition to Cuban Salsa. Our friends Patrice and Juliette from Paris are experts in these sorts of complicated patterns. Here you can enjoy their Cuban version of this Figure.

Notice how they constantly walk around each other, rather than keeping 'on a line' like in NY or LA salsa.

Notice also, how here they replaced the last set of rotating XBLs with typical Cuban armwork.

Troy & Marizca. There are not many dancers from the NY school who are comfortable with these Cuban-inspired knots. Troy is an exception and well-known for incorporating them into his choreography. Because of this, we saved some of the hardest moves for him and notice what good job he and Maricza did, both on 1 and on 2. Notice also the seamless switch between on1 and on2.

Troy and Maricza are among the several couples who managed to learn and film the 3 figures in roughly one hour. Amazing work.! Here they modified Figure 1 according to their own style. Notice how Troy performs the second comb and the embrace in a single action. And notice here how they replace the anti clockwise walk with another XBL.

Mike & Janet. Here are Mike and Janet. We were in a club in NY when we happened to see them dancing and immediately rushed to invite them to be in the video. We were impressed by their cool and smooth dancing. After having designed this figure and having danced it so many times, we are still amazed at how Mike makes the armwork look so smooth and effortless. Try and dance it yourself and you will see what we mean :)

Sherif & Debbie. Sherif and Debbie are members of the Salsation Dance Company in Curacao . You will see other dancers from this amazing group in the rest of the video. Debbie filmed this even with a painful knee injury and after one figure she was unable to go on. Unfortunate, because they are great dancers.  Notice the combination of good technique and fluid and agile body movements. They too make the figure look very simple.  At the end of the figure, unlike Fabio, Sherif decides to complete the XBL with two outside turns, which he leads on Debbi's shoulder. A good alternative finale.

DanceInTime & Bailatina. A video can not claim to display the full variety of salsa styles without including rueda as well. So, here is the rueda version of this figure, from DanceInTime and Bailatina, a combination of two rueda groups from NY and Washington. They did a good jobof preserving the features of this fairly long figure and 'cubanizing' it. This finale in particular looks really Cuban.

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Figure 5

Description. Here comes a challenging move, which BTW was inspired by Troy Anthony, thanks Troy !! First, there is a right turn and a X BodyLead with double inside turn, then a check into an embrace. The guy then leads the lady into a X BodyLead with 1½ outside turns. At the same time he lifts his right arm, and turns right to face her. To do this, when he brings his right arm down, he needs to twist the hand gently , to signal the final right turn to the lady.

At this point, he quickly takes her right hand into a hammer lock and leads her into a X BodyLead with inside turn. By bringing his left arm under the right, he makes clear that she should duck gently backwards.

To complete the figure, he throws her right hand, swaps position and leads her right arm into 1½ right turns, while he goes into 1 ½ left turns.

Patrice & Juliette. Well, we really do not think it would have been possible to 'cubanise' this figure better than Patrice and Juliette. They kept all the distinctive features of the original pattern and blended them into a figure which flows so naturally. it looks like it comes straight out of Santiago de Cuba . Great job Patrice and Juliette!!

Notice in the slow motion how their interpretation seems so incredibly different, but how the elements of the original pattern are all there..

Troy & Marizca. For this figure we originally found inspiration from Troy .. in particular for this very passage, so we are very pleased to see him and Maricsa interpret it for us. Troy is a magician at choreographing creative and unusual patterns like this one, so we really recommend you have a look at his videos.

Mike & Janet. Another masterpiece of smoothness from Mike and Juliet.. they make it look so easy. we never get tired of watching this..

They also personalised the figure with two modifications. First, Mike adds an extra left turn during this XBL, which needs to be very quick, in order to catch Janet's hand behind her back. Then, Janet performs the left turn with duck on the spot rather than during the next XBL and Mike throws a hand-catch immediately afterwards. As a result their interpretation is shorter by a few bars of music.

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Figure 6

Description. First the couple go into Crossed hand position with the right on top. The guy leads the lady into a reverse hammer lock and he brings his right hand behind his back. After that he leads a X BodyLead with inside turn and then leads her to duck slightly. This allows his right arm to run over her back. Without stopping the action, he brings his right hand underneath the left and both dancers go into a left turn, while she ducks again.

From below the lady's right arm, the guy brings his left hand up to perform a 'touch and go' comb. He then performs a hook right turn, and executes another comb, this time with his right hand.

After that he releases his left hand, flicks her left hand and leads a X BodyLead with inside turn and a head duck. He then does a shoulder check before leading her into 1½ right turns while he turns left.

Patrice & Juliette. Another great interpretation from Patrice and Juliette. Notice again how they kept all the elements from the original pattern and turned them into a perfect Cuban figure. They do so by taking each element of the original pattern, and finding the closest equivalent from the Cuban repertoire and then joining them together in a natural flow. Something worth studying carefully and learning.

Troy & Marizca. Speechless? We were too! ( here is where she does the 15 spins. ) ...and agaaaain!!! Maricsa.. how do you do this??

Troy added two modifications to this figure. After Maricsa ducks the first time, Troy performs a ½ left turn and a ½ right which gives him momentum for the next difficult lead. I think this is a great idea and I recommend you incorporate it when you dance this figure. good tip Troy !

Here Troy decided to add a couple of bars of music between the combs and he then performs this surprise check during the final XBL.

Mike & Janet. And here is again Mr and Ms. SuperSmooth.

Notice how Mike travels with the lady when some complicated moves need to be performed during the XBL.. it looks nice and makes the move smoother and easier to lead.

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Routine 3

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Figure 7

Description. After the initial X BodyLead the guy goes into crossed-hands position, and leads a touch-and-go double right turn.

He now leads a copa and a right shoulder check. Notice that he moves to her side for the check. Now the guy passes under his left arm, goes in front of the lady, turns left and by gently twisting her hand, leads a right turn into a reversed hammer lock.

Now he catches right to right and leads the lady into another copa which he checks with his left hand on her right shoulder. He then leads 1 ½ turns while he turns left, before the resolution.

Seaon & Nari. Seaon 'the stylist' does not need much introduction. He is surely one of the finest and most accomplished dancers in the salsa scene. Here he dances with Nari

during one of his trips to Korea . Seaon has a very special place in this video, not only because is one of our very favourite dancers, but also because he was one of the very first to agree to be in this project.

Amanda Estilo. Fabio says that in this video Amanda had the misfortune of having to dance with him! A Ferrari driven by a cyclist. Still, she managed to decorate this figure as only Amanda can. This is 5 star lady's styling. Ladies, we suggest you study this frame by frame..

Ah, BTW.. She took less than 45 minutes to learn, decorate and film the 3 figures.

Griselle & Josh. Griselle and Josh, one of the highlights of this video. They have it all, super technique, style, attitude, big smiles, bursting energy, and the modifications they added to the figures are just so very very nice.

After the first copa Josh turns the check into a new XBL. Now Griselle delights us with this beautiful sequence of travelling turns.

Here, rather then performing the new check, Griselle decides to go into this new series of turns with final duck. We believe this should be marvelled at in complete silence.

Jeffrey & Candice Jeffrey and Candice, the most recent flowers to bloom in Curacao . I spent hours watching all the minute details of their dancing, frame by frame. Not a single beat goes without a decoration, a head flick, a hand gesture, a body swing. Their natural, obvious way of being elegant, this elegant way to look so natural.

DVD - $30

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This page contains the "Script" (that is the spoken part) of the DVD. This may help non English speaking students to follow the instructions, as well as all students to practise the figures when you are not in front of the TV.

Introduction

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This video is a demonstration that at times dreams come true. We always wanted to celebrate the richness and diversity of salsa. This time we do so with the help of some 40 international dancers, including some world renowned stars like Seaon the Stylist, Amanda Estilo, Ismael Otero, Griselle Ponce, Duplessey Walker, Troy Anthony and many more talented dancers. Never before have so many dancers collaborated in an instructional DVD series. Never before has so much talent, creativity, and salsa magic been collected into a single work. Never before have the best from all corners of the salsa world been brought together in 2 DVDs for you to learn from. Normally you have one teacher and 40 students. In this video there is one student, you, and 40 of the best instructors in the world, for you to choose from.

Here is how the video works. You have 15 turns patterns organised into 5 routines. The turn patterns feature all the SalsaIsGood trademark ingredients: tricks never seen before, surprising ideas, unexpected solutions, a mixture of Cuban and NY elements. The routines are explained via the SalsaIsGood leading edge editing: parallel multiple views, slow motion, beat counter on every frame and vocal explanations. And here comes the best part!! The turn patterns are then demonstrated by our international guest stars. They interpret the turn patterns according to their salsa style. More importantly, they modify the turn patterns in their own personal way. You will see the very same moves enriched by Seaon’s sublime touch, by Amanda’s dazzling decorations, by Duplessey’s magic turns, by Griselle’s bursting energy, by Ismael’s arm tricks, by Troy’s knots, by Patrice’s intricate Cuban style, by Ana’s sensuous styling.... and all the others… we even have a rueda group! You will see how ‘they did it their way’, and from it, choose your way...

No matter what you look for in a salsa DVD, you are bound to find it here. No matter what your taste, you will find plenty to impress you in these DVDs, Volume 1 and Volume 2. There is enough material here to keep you busy for months: not only the turn patterns but their endless variations. There are so many ideas for styling and personal interpretation with decorations from NY, LA, DC, Paris, Havana, Boston, Chicago, Houston, the Dutch Antilles and Australia. And you will even be entertained by some great music from Jimmy Bosch!! Don’t miss out on the most original, rich and diverse salsa DVD ever produced!!!

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Figure 8

Description. The guy leads the lady into a standard X BodyLead while he raises his right hand and turns right to meet her. He then ducks down, passes under her right arm, and comes up again.

At this point, both dancers go into a back-to-back turn. Now he leads her into a basket, by walking around her and performing an embrace at the same time.

Now they repeat the action again. This is possible because the guy releases and catches the hand hold with his right hand. Now, holding both hands he leads her into a X BodyLead with inside turn. He briefly raises his hand to allow her to duck, but immediately rests it back on her shoulder, automatically generating a check.

The check is completed by 1 ½ under-arm right turns for the lady followed by his left turn into the resolution.

Griselle & Josh. Another stunning interpretation from Griselle and Josh, who also enriched the figure with some very nice variations. Notice the double back to back turn.

And this beautiful triple left turn which replaces the second basket. After the head duck, they complete the figure with this nice double change of position with check.

Amanda Estilo. Another glorious interpretation from Amanda. Enjoy all the details of the foot work, the arm work, the body waves and the visual expression in the slowed down version.

Jeffrey & Candice. Isn't it nice how Jeffrey and Candice's salsa is so rich with decoration and still looks so simple? Candice, how did you learn to move so nicely? Jeffrey, where did you learn to lead so elegantly?

Don't miss out on the close up views.

Patrice & Juliette. If you ever pass by Paris , don't miss out on Patrice and Juliet's classes, because Cuban salsa can hardly get any better. Admire another example of perfect conversion to Cuban style. And by the way.. they do have only 2 arms.. we checked!!

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Figure 9

Description. The guy leads the lady into a X BodyLead, raises both hands and walks around her. During a second X BodyLead, he throws her right hand with his left, checks her with his right hand at waist level, brings her behind him, and, without looking at her, leads her into two right turns.

He then rests her left hand on his right shoulder, catches it with his left and turns to face her. Now, whilst holding both hands, he raises his left, and brings it down on his right side. This leads the lady into a X BodyLead with inside turn.

He now catches right to left, and shows the lady into another X BodyLead with inside turn, while he also turns left into the resolution.

Amanda Estilo. More great decoration from Amanda. Ladies, we recommend you don't miss out on her Ladies Styling video or her classes if you pass by NY!

Griselle & Josh. If you think that dancing of this quality can be achieved only via endless rehearsals, think again! Because Griselle and Josh, like others, learned, interpreted, modified and filmed the 3 figures in less than one hour. As you see from the smiles it was a fun hour too! Griselle and Josh, it is great to have you with us!!

You can learn more from Griselle with her video. Check the details coming up.

Jeffrey & Candice. More Antillean salsa elegance. This couple have lived and taught in Holland and now dance in the Salsation dance group with Rudsel and Marysol. Like so many Caribbean dancers their movements are so easy, smooth and sensuous  - they must have it in their blood!..

Seaon & Nari. Seaon, you dance so well. just notice the elegance, and the decorations.

Seaon is not only a great dancer but also an excellent instructor. His videos are among the very best around. We have every single one of them and we really recommend them to you, for spinning technique, style and patterns.

And BTW, Seaon is also an accomplished jazz singer, have a look at his web site!

Nari from Korea is a rising star on the salsa scene and dances a typical LA style with sharp and precise styling.  We have seen some clips of her acrobatics - amazing!

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Routine 4

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Figure 10

Description. The figure starts with a lady's right turn into an arm loop. The guy uses the loop to change hand-hold into a left to left and right to right. With the left on top, he leads a rotating X BodyLead and brings the lady's left hand on his shoulder. While still holding right to right he

• checks the lady,
• unwinds the embrace,
• swaps hands behind his back,
• brings her in front,
• leads a right turn with a whipping movement of his left into a new check ,
• brings her around again,
• catches left to left behind his back,
• and finally leads a right turn while he turns left.

Eric & Odaysis. Notice how, in order to convert this pattern into son style, Eric and Odaysis rotate clockwise, one around the other, for the entire figure.

Odaysis, we wish you good luck for your dancing career in and out of Cuba

It was great to ste al you and Eric from your world tour for one hour.. we had a great time..

Maria & Lee. We saw Maria and Lee performing and we were immediately impressed. Asking them to be in our video was then inevitable. Like a few others, they learnt and modified the figures in a jiffy, and before we knew it they were ready to film.

They enriched the figure with a few ideas. First, by pushing Maria and forcing her to walk behind his back, Lee brings her in front at the end of the first XBL. He then leads a XBL on his right hand side, with 2 inside turns, which he completes with the arm loop. A nice idea Lee!

Rather than using the hand loop to change hand hold, Lee instead unwinds it by leading another XBL on his right side and generates the reverse Hammer lock position by leading a travelling turn for Maria, once again on his right hand side. Another very nice idea!

The figure proceeds close to the original until the end, when Lee adds a check into a copa. Very nice indeed.

Duplessey, Andy & Adolfo. Here is a very fast and flashy, performance style, interpretation from Duplessey and Andy. Duplessey was one of the very first Eddie Torres dancers, and you may recognise her from Eddie Torres' videos and from the Latin Madness show. Here she dances with Andy from Los Soneros del Swing dance company based in Chicago . Y ou may notice how they shortened the figure, by removing the last basket, and how they enriched it with a few of Duplessey's trademark super-spins.

Duplessey also provided us with a more informal and relaxed version, filmed with Adolfo from Mamboss Dance Company , which follows more closely the original version.  

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Figure 11

Description. Here is our favourite. In crossed hands position, the guy leads a touch-and-go double right turn and then flicks the right hand and catches it again. Now he performs a basket, with the arms crossing in front of the lady. He releases the left, walks in front of the lady and offers the left again, which she takes. He brings her in front and leads a right turn. He turns ½ left, drops the left and offers the right. He gently pulls her in front again, leading an outside turn into a check. This action is quite unusual and will take the lady by surprise, so guys you need to lead it very clearly. Now the guy catches left to left in front of the lady, leads a double right turn into a reversed hammer lock. With the right hand, he leads a X BodyLead with double outside turn, into another reversed hammer lock and a comb, and the final rotating X BodyLead.

Andres & Maria. Here is Andres. In typical Salsa Y Control style, his salsa is very rich and busy, with many decorations both in the body and foot work and the ability to take advantage of any available gap for a quick extra spin. It's really a pity that time allowed him to do only one figure in our video. A valuable contribution nevertheless.

Lee & Maria. Lee and Maria did quite a remarkable job at modifying these figures by adding a few tricks and several interesting changes of direction. First Lee leads a XBL with outside turn, which is lead with a wide arm movement into a comb behind his neck and a change of hand- hold. Here is the first change of direction, and another XBL with outside turn, again lead with a wide arm motion, which goes straight into 3 right turns via a change of hand-hold. Watch it carefully, this is a very nice idea since the outside turns in the XBL allow Maria to flow smoothly into the 3 right turns, avoiding the usual check. Here Lee performs a check by changing hand hold behind his back and walks around Maria before the new XBL with outside turns. A number on further quick change of direction complete the figure.

Duplessey & Andy. Well, if you like performances, you will surely be dazzled again by Duplessey and Andy. So much elegance from Duplessey, even at this fast pace, and we really enjoy Andy's energy and attitude.  

Notice how, after the first basket,  Andy leads Duplessey into a  XBL with outside turn, unlike Fabio who brings Anna in f ront on his left hand side. Andy then performs a drop, catch AND throw with his right hand, to catch left to left to execute this check before a new XBL and this emphatic drop. A very nice variation.

BTW.. Here is an interesting story. Duplessey and Andy filmed without music, and we added both music and counting on top. While we were doing that we discovered that they kept the tempo exact ly to a 25th of a second.. amazing..

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Figure 12

Description. In this figure the guy leads a X BodyLead with under-arm inside turn and then brings both hands up and combs with the right, while still holding the left. Now, very quickly , he swaps hands into right to right, lowers it, turns right and retrieves the lady's left from the comb.

With the right hand down, he leads a X BodyLead with inside turn with the left raised and moves behind her. He then leads another X BodyLead with inside turn, which he checks on the shoulder with the right hand. After the turns he completes the pattern with a rotating X BodyLead.

Eric & Odaysis. To respect Cuban style, Eric and Odaisis use an enchufle, rather than a XBL to reach the double hand comb. Rather than using a left turn to change hand hold, Eric simply releases his hand hold with the right and catches again. He leads a left turn into an embrace followed by a right turn into a hammer lock. In classic casino style he then goes into a pretzel while he ducks, and goes into this arm hold, called casate in casino jargon.

Lee & Maria . Lee and Maria put their own trademark on this figure as well. Notice how, after the last check, rather than completing the figure, they add an extra XBL with outside turn, followed by two more right turns for Maria and one for Lee.

Duplessey & Adolfo. And here is the more relaxed and cosy version of Duplessey's dancing, together with super elegant Adolfo. It is a pity that technical problems and time constraints did not allow Duplessey to provide us with better footage of this beautiful dancing.

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Routine 5

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Figure 13

Description. We love Cuban salsa and it can be seen from the choreography of this figure. The guy leads the lady into a right turn which is completed with an arm hook on the right.

Then he releases his right hand and catches her right hand by passing his arm under her left arm so that the hand is quickly taken from inside the embrace . Similarly, he releases his left hand and catches her left from behind his right shoulder.

Now the dancers swap positions. They then go into a X BodyLead with inside turn, which he checks into this tight embrace.

After this he releases her left hand and leads her into another X BodyLead with inside turn, which he checks with the left hand while they face opposite directions .

Next he leads 1½ right turns while he goes into a left turn and brings his left arm on his right shoulder.

Now he performs a comb with his right hand and releases the hand hold. He leads the X BodyLead by gently pushing her on her left shoulder while his left hand rests on his shoulder so it unwinds automatically.

Johnny & Maria. Very nice interpretation from Johnny from Salsa Y Control and Maria. They also learned the entire routine and filmed it in less than one hour. Notice how a series of XBLs with outside turn allow them to reach the same complicated hand hold as Fabio and Anna by swapping hand hold during the hook hold.

Patrice & Juliette. When are you going to produce your own Cuban salsa video Patrice? Let us know, because we will be the first to buy it!!

Rudzel & Marysol. Nice, tropical flavour in Rudsel and Marisol's salsa. Notice how, like Johnny and Maria, they also chose to avoid the complicated hand swap in the arm-lock and opted for the two XBLs with outside turns instead. They really look like they are enjoying themselves when they dance. Great to have you in our video Rudsel!

DanceInTime & Bailatina. Turning a figure into a rueda move requires two ste ps. First, it order to respect Rueda tradition, a figure needs to be "cubanised".  BTW, we have a video which explains how to do that in our web site if you are intere ste d. Second, a figure may need to be simplified and somehow shortened, since not all dancers in the rueda circle may be at the same level. Hadar and Barb achieved this by keeping the beginning and end of the original figure and replacing the challenging knots in the middle with some simpler turns and DileQueno.

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Figure 14

Description. Holding right to left, the guy leads a X BodyLead with inside turn, while, with a whipping movement, he throws the left hand of the lady up. He catches the same hand with his left and moves in front of her, which leads her into another left turn. Once in front of her he brings his left hand first down and then up to lead a right turn.

He then performs a hand drop with his left, catches right to right, passes her left hand into his left and leads her into a left turn. Before she completes her left turn, he holds her by the waist and quickly rotates around her before the resolution. From the top view, notice how the guy performs an entire circle around the lady.

Johnny & Maria. Plenty of decorations from Johnny, in particular in the footwork, as is typical of Salsa Y Control style. We like the busy, colourful approach of Johnny's salsa. Notice how he decided not to walk in front of the lady after the initial XBL. Rather, he keeps the standard man's position, from which he executes the hand drop and turns. I like the series of close, rotating XBLs at the end.

Eric & Odaysis. What do you do when the Bar at Buena Vista show comes to town? You get the 2 leading Cuban dancers and invite them to be in your video, of course! Yep.. that's what we did. Dancing legend Eric Turro, the ma ste r of all Cuban dance styles including old style son choreographs the dance troupe for the show . The youngest of the group, 21 year old Odaysis, straight from Havana, dreams of making a career abroad as a dancer. They are a spectacular couple, with a repertoire of show tricks to keep you entertained for hours. Here is their very free, son inspired, interpretation of our idea.

Rudsel & Marysol. When Rudsel dances, it looks to us as if he was playing, both with his partner and with the music. This is a natural skill we have admired since we met him years ago. We literally travelled the seven seas to go and film him and Marisol in Curacao . Curacao in the Dutch Antilles is an island full of dancing talent, music and many good salsa schools. You may consider a visit, especially during their annual Curacao Salsa Tour.

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Figure 15

Description. Here is a simple figure. The guy leads the lady into a X BodyLead with inside turn and then loops his left arm around her neck. From this position, he makes space for her and leads her into another X BodyLead with inside turn. After this he performs the loop around her neck a second time.

After the second arm loop, he leads her into a third X BodyLead with inside turn, into a check. Here

• he brings her back,
• leads her into a right turn,
• twists his hand gently to suggest another right turn,
• performs a left turn,
• and swaps hands behind his back into a reversed hammer lock.

They complete the figure with a X BodyLead.

Johnny & Maria. This figure gives us the opportunity to say a few words about Maria ( is this sentence necessary? ). In a single afternoon in DC, within 2 hours, she learned and filmed 3 figures with Lee, 3 different figures with Johnny and one figure with Andres from Salsa Y Control. An inexhaustible and inspirational salsa machine!

Eric & Odaysis. More old style son tricks from Eric and Odaisis, with these nicely executed plancias. You need to be in quite good physical shape to attempt this. This is true for both the guy and the lady who has to support him. Guys, never try this, unless the lady knows in advance and agrees to what you are planning. You may get intimate with the floor if you get this wrong!

Notice how Eric decided to perform these series of arm loops on the right hand side, rather than the left, to maintain the traditional circular flow of Cuban figures.

Rudsel & Odaysis. Rudsel, can you teach us to play like you do. It must be fun..

DVD - $30

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