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Salsa & Mambo Video Reviews

MasSalsaBrava

Int/Adv Turnpatterns vol 1

Level: Advanced

Style: LA

Content: Turn Patterns

General Comment:This DVD contains 8 turn patterns, all of advanced level and obviously on1 LA style. All the material is very flashy, very flamboyant, very energetic, very impressive, as the style requires, and definitely better suited for the stage rather than the floor; indeed, as a bonus track, you will find the clip of a performance from Mas Salsa Brava, in which you will be able to recognise some of the very moves contained in the DVD. The turn patterns are first demonstrated to music and then explained both in the male and female part so all instruction you need is available.

Unfortunately the editing of the DVD is extremely poor, barely existing. We all agree that the dancing and the instruction are the core of the DVD and the editing only a support, but here there is not even a screen or a title to separate the turn patterns, so you will need to use the root menu to know where you are in the DVD;also the gap in the sound level between the music and the vocal part is so wide that you will need to adjust it manually for a comfortable view. A little more care would have made watching this DVD more pleasant.

If you are able to close an eye (and a ear) on this and you like LA style you will find some material for your next performance presented by two of the most renown representatives of the style.

Reviewed by Fabio of SalsaIsGood - Good

Int/Adv Turnpatterns vol 2

Level: Advanced

Style: LA

Content: Turn Patterns

General Comment:This DVD follows the same style and format of the Mas salsa brava advanced Vol 1 and, as often happens in these cases, it is safe to say that your opinion of Vol 1 will probably extend to this one too. On top of some performance clips, it contains 8 turn patterns, all in explosive LA style. The turn patterns are combinations of fairly common moves; what distinguishes them is the rich and flashy styling, lots of it, which gives the MAs Salsa Brava flavour to them. The strength of the DVD however is in the instruction, which I find very rich and detailed. Melissa first and then Louis go thought the moves carefully, explaining all details, including their styling and taking the opportunity to revise technical fundamentals when needed, like posture and lead and following for multiple spins. This delivers content underneath the apparent bubbling of this super rich LA style.

Reviewed by Fabio of SalsaIsGood - Good