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Salsa & Mambo Video Reviews

SalsaVentura

Advanced 2

Level: Advanced

Style: On 1

Content: Turn Patterns.

General Comment: If what you want from a salsa DVD is to learn nice turn patterns, this DVD is highly recommended. It contains 9 patterns, danced on 1, of advanced, but surely reachable, level. The patterns are original, not only in the combinations but in the individual ideas too; you will surely find some novel hammerlocks or copa to include in your repertoire. Each figure is first demonstrated, then explained in the arm work and footwork separately, then demonstrated twice again with voice counting and finally 2 more times with music. All explanation are clear, well paced and helped by the camera zooming in when needed. There is no slow motion or fancy effects, but all the details are there. The instructors are not fancy, but their technique is solid. Explanations are focused on the leading, since they come from the male instructor, but the footwork is covered for ladies as well. The editing is simple, but done with care. A well worth buy.

Reviewed by Fabio - Recommended

Shines

Level: Beg-Adv

Style: On 1

Content: Shines.

General Comment: I was told this was a very good DVD and it's true. Salsaventura has collected into a single DVD most of the 'classic' shines you are likely to learn in standard salsa class and does not make a secret of it by explicitly acknowledging his inspiration: Salsa Brava, Los Rumberos, Eddie Torres, Nelson Flores and Marlon & Annetje Castillo. All together, there are 42 (!) shines in this DVD, for 90 minutes of condensed teaching. The shines are divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced level; for each level they are further divided into sequences of 3 to 4 shines, which are first taught in isolation and then connected as a short sequence. In each sequence, the shines are connected without basic steps in between; this results in short choreographies which will challenge your memory as well as your coordination.

Each shine is first demonstrated from the back, then zoomed in on the close up view of the footwork. It is then broken down twice to counting and finally danced to music with front and back view. The DVD menu is very well organised so you will find quickly the shine you want to practise. The beginner shines are very easy, and can be managed by students capable of executing the basic steps. Naturally the further you go in the DVD the more challenging the shines become, but none is beyond the reach of a reasonable dancer. Plus, the point of shines is not to execute them, but to execute them well so this DVD can keep you busy for a while.

Everything is taught and demonstrated on1. Morry is very confident in his teaching and smooth in his dancing, keeping the styling to the minimum required, which avoids the material becoming intimidating. If you are after a shine DVD and you are happy to dance on1, this is surely recommended.

Reviewed by Fabio - Recommended