Salsa & Mambo Video Reviews

Alex Lima

(Salsa for fun) Intermediate/Advanced Shines

Level: Int/Advanced

Style: On1

Content: Shines, Footwork.

General Comment: Very, very cool. The dancer, the shines, the setting... very cool.

Alex Lima is a great dancer, famous for his shines, musicality and fast, very fast footwork. Just to get an idea of the calibre of this dancer, jump to the 'Show' section and enjoy his performance. You will be stunned. In this DVD Edie the Salsafreak explains to us that Alex's distinguishing feature is his ability to 'play' with the music in his shines and to mix these shines with his partner work. With the appetite whet, Alex shows a set of 'solo' shines. This is the best part of the DVD. The shines are made up of 'standard' salsa shines and some occasionally 'cheekier' decorations and body moves. What makes them special is Alex's style.. very, very quick and fluid, very smooth footwork combined with elegant arm and body motion. It is a pleasure to look at (and envy) him. Here Edie's words come to life, because you clearly see his ability to adapt the shines to the music and to make you see the music while he dances.

Teaching-wise, the shines are first demonstrated, then broken down and finally executed again to music. Alex speaks French and you can follow the explanations via the subtitles. The explanations are a bit quick, no precise break down is provided, but by using the remote control a few times you should be able to work them out.. it is surely worth the effort.

In the second part of the DVD Alex dances with Edie, showing a different set of shines which he mixes with his partnerwork. This part is a little less convincing, but this is understandable since mixing shines with partnerwork is mostly an improvisation art and bringing that to a DVD is not easy. Nevertheless, you will learn a few ideas and get some inspiration to further work on the concept. The DVD editing, with multiple views and the gorgeous scenery are a pleasan addition to an already very nice DVD.

Reviewed by Fabio from SalsaIsGood - Recommended