The rhythm of Latin America
If you want to spice up your life why not try a spot of salsa? There are plenty of places to learn while a large conference comes our way next month
A friend of mine was complaining the other day that there are just aren’t enough places to have fun on a night out. She didn’t want a club packed with teenagers, she didn’t want a typical bar where people barely bob their heads, she wanted a place with atmosphere, where people dance.
It was Wednesday night and she hesitated to believe that anywhere in Nicosia would be alive and kicking. But I knew something that she didn’t.
We reached our destination and it was as though we were transported to a faraway place with the rhythm and beat of salsa pounding through everyone as they enthusiastically swung their hips on the dance floor. Through the dense crowd, we noticed a band decked out in glitzy red attire, crying out ‘This is the rhythm of Latin America!’ Only if you stop to think do you realise that you’re still in Nicosia, actually in the very centre of the city at the Marco Polo bar at the top of the Holiday Inn.
I glimpsed round at my friend and smiled, pleased with myself that I had showed her a true party. She hardly even looked at me though as she was already making her way to strut her stuff on the dance floor as she tugged on my arm to follow her. “Come on let’s go,” she begged and, before I knew it, I was being twirled around by a young man who seemed to have been born to dance (no complaints there then). Having no idea how to dance salsa, or much else for that matter, I was slightly intimidated at first but somehow let go of all my inhibitions as I let myself feel the rhythm.
Synonymous to ‘flavour’ in Spanish, salsa is a highly expressive, dynamic and social dance. It’s also probably the best exercise you can do while having fun at the same time. A world away from Nicosia, it’s strange to think that this uplifting and ‘happy’ dance began centuries ago in the islands of the Spanish Caribbean in the context of colonialism and slavery. Years later, salsa became inextricably tied to New York City in the 20th century. It grew as the result of the musical evolution of various types of Latin rhythms, as the Latino community thrived and mixed their music with various other styles, including Afro jazz. As African, Cuban, and other Latin American rhythms fused, a very special recipe was cooked up.
The popular usage of the word ‘salsa’ for danceable Latin music began on a specific day in 1933 when Cuban composer Ignacio Pinerio wrote the song ‘Echale Salsita’. After tasting food that lacked Cuban spices, he envisioned the song as a protest against tasteless food. A man playing the song on the radio at the time exclaimed with enthusiasm, “the following rhythm contains salsa” and the word soon spread about this uplifting new sound.
Today, it stands as one of the most popular dances in the world, loved even in countries as far away as Japan. In the past eight years, salsa has become extremely popular throughout America and the UK, making it into the list of the top five hobbies. Salsa congresses are also being organised on a large scale annually in the UK, Russia, Poland, Bulgaria and Germany, to name but a few countries. One only has to look to the charts to see salsa influences in many of today’s hits. There’s no doubt that almost all of us have at some point been caught singing along to the words to Aventura’s ‘Obsesion’ or ‘Cuando Volveras’, probably not even knowing what the lyrics really mean, but loving it all the same!
There’s no doubt that salsa fever has hit the island for good as more and more people are signing up to take classes, while Latin nights have become a regular phenomenon at a number of clubs and venues throughout the island. According to Latin Dance Cyprus, there are approximately 4,000 regular Latin dancers on the island. Before Latin Dance Cyprus was founded, there was no central point in Cyprus where Latin dance or music activities were listed. Through the creation of this internet portal last year, the three founders have changed the way Cyprus informs its inhabitants and visiting tourists about the Latin scene. “We realised that there were so many people missing out on salsa events on the island, so we decided to launch a portal through which dance lovers could communicate,” explained one of the founders of Latin Dance, Malcolm Barrett.
The portal has united the masses of Latin enthusiasts in Cyprus helping local and global enthusiasts keep in touch with Cyprus’ ever evolving and vibrant Latin scene. “The aim is to make the world aware that Cyprus can fulfil their every Latin need,” Malcolm said. “Salsa has really taken off in the past 12 months, the whole thing has really seen a sudden boom with people keen to take part in events and wanting to go out and learn to dance more than ever before. Regular events are popping up all over the island and a great amount of schools are opening up everywhere… word spreads and it gets around about how much fun it is to dance salsa,” he enthused.
With the Cyprus Salsa Congress that took place last March at the Grecian Park Hotel in Protaras, the Latin scene reached an all time high as visitors poured in to enjoy a weekend of fun. “It was great to see so many people unite under the common umbrella of dance,” Malcolm said. “The event was more successful than anyone had envisioned as locals, people from across the border, and many from overseas all came together”. And there is no discrimination when it comes to salsa. Individuals between 18 to 70 of all nationalities enjoy swinging to the beat”.
I just had to ask, what exactly does salsa have to offer people that’s different to most other dances? “Its vibrancy!” exclaimed Malcolm. “Certain music fills you with passion, excitement and energy and salsa does exactly this, and more.”
If you wish to dance the night away with some of the most famous dancers in the world then look no further than the Cyprus International Salsa Festival set to commence on September 29. It promises to be a fun filled weekend for all Latin lovers in Cyprus, with attractions including two outdoor dance parties and dance workshops in both Limassol and Nicosia. The parties will feature local Latin bands and fashion shows hosted by Latin dancewear designers Suzi-Q from the UK.
With Alex Lima and Eddie the so called ‘salsa freak’ arriving on our shores especially for the occasion, it’s set to be one of the biggest salsa celebrations Cyprus has ever seen. Lima is one of the most famous Brazilian dancers in the world, accredited for his fusion between salsa and samba. As the creator of ‘Salsa Brazilian Style’, his technique is based on incredible footwork and a certain amount of spontaneous improvisation that many dancers seem to forget when trying to remember their figures and routines. As an instructor and performer, Lima receives standing ovations wherever he performs. “Lima really stood out among the world industry professionals when I saw him perform. He simply stole the show among the world’s best dancers,” said Malcolm.
Eddie the ‘salsa freak’ is one of the world’s most renowned, respected and successful female salsa teachers, dancers and choreographers. She has performed for Nelson Mandela, the Prince of Jordan and the President of Ireland to name but a few.
As one of the most sought after salsa entertainers worldwide, her world tour has encompassed more than 45 countries. Bringing her powerful dance style, amazing speed, and expert moves to Cyprus she is awaited with much anticipation. “Eddie is one of the biggest names in the world when it comes to female salsa dancers. When she accepted my proposition to visit our island I was over the moon,” Malcolm said. Perhaps we all need a little salsa in our lives to take us to the moon and back.
The Cy
prus International Salsa Festival
With Eddie the Salsa Freak (USA) and Alex Lima (Brazil). 3 open-air parties, 8 hours of workshops, 4 hours of instructor’s seminars, live band and fashion shows. September 29-October 1. Tel: 99-921971. For further information visit www.latindance.com.cy
Schedule
September 29
Open Air Rooftop Party Under the Stars
With live music by Colombian band, UK DJ Mike Parr and fashion show. Shows by Eddie the salsa freak and Alex Lima. Marco Polo, Holiday Inn Rooftop, Nicosia. 10pm. £10.
September 30
Workshops
Conference room, Holiday Inn, Nicosia. 11am-3pm.
Open Air Courtyard Party
With DJ Chris Martin accompanied by live bongo player and fashion show. Shows by Eddie the salsa freak and Alex Lima. Los Amigos, Limassol. 10pm. £10.
October 1:
Workshops
With after party to follow at nearby beach. Ajax Hotel, Limassol. 12pm-4pm.
Where to go
Nicosia
Holiday Inn, Marco Polo Bar
Atmospheric rooftop bar with in-house Columbian band ‘Majagua’.
70 Regaena St, Nicosia. Tel: 22-712712
Dot Club
Parties are organised by Shakalis dancing school. Also Latin nights every Friday with Salsa, Merengue, and Argentine Tango between 11.30 and 01.30 am.
12 Salaminos St, Nicosia. Tel: 99-333003
Evohia Club
Latin nights and shows every Wednesday under the management of Argentinian instructor, Gerando Daniel. 9.30pm. Tel: 22-376219
Larnaca
Kition Hotel, Blitz Roof and Pool Bar
Regular salsa events every other Friday. Featuring DJ Escobar. Blitz Roof and Pool Bar Terrace, 4th floor, Kition Hotel, 35 King Paul Square, opposite Finikoudes. 10pm until late. Tel: 96-717271
Limassol
Four Seasons Hotel
Live salsa band, Cuba Tropical playing at the hotel’s Vista bar every Tuesday evening. Amathountos, Nicosia Road. Tel: 25-858000
Los Amigos
Mainly salsa music by DJ Chris Martin on Wednesday and Saturday’s.
7 Themidos St, Old Town of Limassol. Tel: 99- 615455
Paphos
Notos
Latin night every Thursday.
Kato Paphos, Harbour Area. Tel: 26-939616
Famagusta District
Guru Bar
Latin Fever nights every Thursday with DJ Dimi, bongo players and Brazilian dancers. 11 Odyseos St, Ayia Napa. Tel: 23-721838
Nissi Bay Beach Bar
Latin music on Sunday mornings featuring DJ Zevlaris and D. Tropico. 10am-1pm. Nissi Bay Avenue, Ayia Napa. Tel: 23-723310
Want to learn how?
Schools in Nicosia
Agapiou Escuela de Danza
Tel: 22-516909/ 22-516929
Dance Studio Caliente
Tel: 7000 7576
www.caliente.com.cy
Connect Salsa
Tel: 99- 588417
www.connectsalsa.com
Latin School of Dance
Tel: 99-686296/ 22-763081
www.latins-cyprus.com
Latin Dance Studio
Tel: 99-416400
Shakallis School of Dance
Tel: 99-689823/ 22-439992
www.shakallis.com
Schools in Larnaca
Dance Studio Caliente
Tel: 7000 7576
www.caliente.com.cy
Mambo School of Dance
Tel: 99-540447/ 24-531741
www.mambo-dance.com
Athanasia Dance School
Tel: 99-764153
Zorba’s Dancing School
Tel: 24-638237
Schools in Limassol
Bailando Salsa
Tel: 99- 524484
Dancing School Alexastero
Tel: 70007007/ 99-410888
www.alexastero.com
Debbie’s Latin Classes
Tel: 99-834902
Latin Dance School
Tel: 99-416400
Club Dance With Me
Tel: 99-672393
International Dancing Club
Tel: 99-816999/ 25-430432
Swing Latino
Tel: 25- 328512/ 99-548344
Schools in Paphos
Learn 2 Dance
Tel: 99-104629/ 99-754078
REF school, Posedonia Health and Fitness centre
Tel: 99-921971
