Europe

God and Salsa: the rhythm with purpose

European Union

Dancing has a special characteristic; it makes the dancer have total concentration in the moment. No past, no future, no problems, just the joy of the present, music and movements. That’s one of the therapeutic reasons to join the salsa movement.

Dancing has changed the life of many people, with this begins the journey of “God and Salsa”, mixing two worlds that are usually separated: faith and dancing.

A project created with love in the core, Jess and Anayancy Thomas, writers and producers of God and Salsa, they want to spread a message of love, faith and awareness.

Jess Thomas, writer, producer and director has enjoyed a career in both the technical side of Broadcast TV, which included Project Management and the production side of video and film as a Producer, Director and Final Cut Pro editor. He brings a high level of enthusiasm to any task at hand. Jess is an excellent communicator and tends to get along well with everyone. He understands the ground up nature of the work and has an uncanny knack for seeing the big picture. These traits have proven themselves essential when managing a project or Producing a low budget film.

Jess is excited at the prospect of taking on the nuts and bolts activities necessary to maintain a high level of excellence. He would be honored to be a part of an entertainment or broadcast companies staff and would take great pride in having the opportunity to be a part of a company that brings quality entertainment to millions of satisfied customers.

The project begins with the desire of talk about an important issue: How children are affected by divorces in families.

With her personal experience, Anayancy created the story of Raquel, a 40-year-old therapist and divorcee is trying to cope with the loss her daughter to suicide. Her trust in God has suffered because of it. Matt, 45 asks her to see his son Shane 17 who has attempted suicide due to depression brought on by the conflictive divorce of his parents. Shane’s mother, Monica 40, is self-absorbed and has turned Shane and her other children against Matt.

Raquel struggles to regain her faith, but in the meantime Salsa dancing is her only solace. Against Monica’s will, Raquel takes on the challenge of trying to help a belligerent yet severely depressed Shane and prevent him from successfully killing himself. What follows is an intense emotional struggle that Raquel is only able to overcome with the help of God & Salsa.

The goal for this film is to stop the terrible situation that many children go through their early years. There are different levels of damage: family dissolution, emotional damage, self-blame, depression, etc. The child always suffers the consequences of separations.

The Thomas knows that personal experiences are very powerful to pursue a goal and getting people’s empathy. The film goes with the character-story line, going through all the darkness, how Raquel takes the personal tragedy that she was going through with salsa dancing to redeem herself, with a very dark beginning she overcomes everything to change her life.

The film is the combination of different stories and experiences. The salsa is on the story thanks again to Anayancy’s personal experience. When she decided to explore other parts of her life and herself, salsa dance was the best option, because she could get away from all the troubles, getting the mind occupied with an incredible activity. “When I dance, I’m in a bubble” she say, a proof of how dancing gets you in the present.

With a special air of a fairytale story, Jess and Anayancy met at the Presbyterian Church in Bel-Air, here their journey begin. Jess told International Salsa Magazine why you should go and watch the film: because every family member can relate with an aspect of the story, parents, teenagers, seniors, etc. Faith, love, drama and a lot of salsa dancing make this film so amazing. This film will touch a special part of everyone’s heart. Don’t miss it!

Salsa in Berlin: The Best Clubs for Latin Music

Europe / Germany / Berlin

Salsa hit Europe like a pandemic, spreading from the jazz clubs in the big cities and hitting Germany in the 1980s. No wonder Salsa found so many followers – the Latin beats get directly under the skin and the rhythm moves hips and hearts just by itself. There is a sense of freedom in the music, and the widespread habit of Salseros asking Salseras for a dance makes it a piece of cake to meet new people in a relaxed and unrestrained atmosphere.

Berlin is famous for its nightlife and the immense diversity of scenes on offer for all kinds of people, tastes, and styles. Hence, it goes without saying that Germany’s capital has a thriving Salsa scene. Every year in October, it finds its peak during the three-day Berlin Salsa congress with famous Salsa stars from all over the world and around 6,000 participants.

But Berlin wouldn’t be the nightlife capital if it didn’t have a Salsa party every night of the week. Here are the best of the best Salsa parties in town to get hips swinging.

Havanna

Every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, Salsa-obsessed dancers can move their hips in Berlin’s leading Latino and Black music club Havanna. The parties are spiced up by a one-hour dance lesson beforehand and some instructed Merengue in between on up to four dance floors.

Table reservation: +49 (0) 176-216 77 012 | [email protected]

Schedules: Miércoles 21:00 | Viernes 22:00 | Sábado 22:00

Dirección: Hauptstraße 30, 10827 Berlín.
Havanna Berlin Photo 1

RED Ballroom

This wonderful location heats up the floor for Salseros every Tuesday and Saturday. There is a compulsory dance instruction session beforehand, and the parties are free and handy for a newcomer to Salsa. The size of the location and the attached restaurant give the parties a more intimate feeling and professional dancer Fernando Zapato is on hand to ensure the right Latin atmosphere for a party night.

Genthiner Straße 20 10785 Berlin – Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 30 3151 8618
Email: [email protected]

Clärchens Ballhaus

Clärchens’ Ballroom | (c) Clärchens Ballhaus

In an outstanding historical atmosphere, you can shake a leg every Monday. The so-called mirror hall is a secret tip in the Berlin club scene. Built in the late 1800s, the flair of the Wilhelminian era is still present in this location. Furthermore, it has a wonderful wooden dancing floor and is highly frequented by true Salseros in Berlin.

Auguststraße 24
Berlín
+49 30 2829295
@claerchens.ballhaus

Soda Club

Known for its immense parties, the Soda Club Berlin plays Latin and Cuban music every Sunday and Thursday. The four dance floors are impressive, and revelers can expect to find Mambo, Kizomba or Bachata DJs serving up an eclectic mix of these styles so dancers can switch things up throughout the night.

Address: Knaackstr.9710435 Berlin +49 30 44315155 +49 30 44315199
[email protected]

Beachmitte

Salsa parties at this location are organized by the Salsa dance school Cumbancha, which is located in Kreuzberg. They always draw in a huge crowd of Salseros and Salseras, where everyone kind of knows each other and which gives these parties a very familiar atmosphere, although the uninitiated should not be put off, these are friendly folks!

Caroline-Michaelis-Str. 8 10115 Berlin Tel. 030-4679 5997 Fax: 030-4140 8890

Mail: [email protected]

Monbijoupark

Monbijou Park | © Palickap/WikiCommonsThis is definitely the most beautiful location to dance in Berlin, although there is the small drawback that it is closed during the winter. That just heats the anticipation for the next spring, and, frankly, being outside in Berlin’s winter is a zany plan, even if you are dancing. So when winter starts to abate, and this open air location reopens its dance floor directly in front of the Bodemuseum on Museum Island, things start to swing. Even Tango and Swing lovers can enjoy their hobby; just visit their website for more details when they play which style of music.

El Chinchilla

Europe / Spain

With his characteristic jovial and cheerful nature, just like the Flamenco Rumba he creates and performs, this extraordinary singer, born in Alcázar de San Juan, Ciudad Real, greets us with smiles and hugs, as if we were family or lifelong friends. Perhaps this is one of the keys to Miguel Chinchilla “El Chinchilla’s” success: simplicity and humility through and through.

Without further ado, to make the most of the limited time available, we begin the interview.

-Chinchilla, when and how did you get started in the art world?

Well, I have to say that before I was a musician, I was a painter. I painted my first oil painting when I was 7 years old, and I’ve never really put down the brushes. I couldn’t start developing my musical side until I managed to save enough money to buy my first guitar. I was 17 then, and from then until now, music has been my whole life, and I dedicate all my energy and time to it.

And when did you create that “magic” fusing Flamenco Rumba with genres like reggae, rock, and ska?

In my early days in music, I had a fusion rock band where we mixed everything imaginable: punk, rock, ska, reggae, flamenco, hip hop, and so on. That way of creating and understanding music is what marked me forever, and to this day, although I have a more defined flamenco and rumba style, my songs always have an open door to fusion, and that’s something I love because it makes me feel free. I don’t like to be pigeonholed or locked in any kind of mental cage.

For the album Quejios del Alma, for example, I collaborated with “El Gato” José Luis Morán on the track “Quiere que la Quiera,” and that combination—because, as I always say, Flamenco Rumba and Salsa are like cousins—turned out sensational and full of flavor. It was a real pleasure to share and record that track with “El Gato.”

— You write, compose, and perform your own music. Which of these roles brings you the most satisfaction?

Every part of the creative process for a song has its own charm, but for me, the ultimate payoff is being able to get up on stage and share it with my fans. That’s the most beautiful part—the part that makes everything else worth it. Giving your all on stage, interacting with the crowd, and feeling that energy coming off the stage that feeds back into me from my people… that’s priceless. It’s a one-of-a-kind feeling.

— You’ve released several albums, and with each one, your success grows. In fact, your music is playing on the top radio stations in Spain and even as far as Israel, just to name a couple of places. Why do you feel the need to start preparing a new album when you’ve barely finished the last one? Is your creativity just overflowing?

Well, I wouldn’t say it’s overflowing. The thing is, even if I’ve just finished a track and I’m thrilled with the result—and I’m thinking I’ll finally take a well-deserved break—it’s usually only a matter of weeks before my mind feels the need to let out the new ideas that are bubbling up and I head back into the studio. Maybe one day I’ll learn to relax in that sense, but it certainly won’t be anytime soon because I have this massive urge to tell the world how I feel.

– You’re preparing to release a new single along with its accompanying music video. When will it be released, and where can we see your other music videos, which, by the way, have thousands and thousands of views?

That’s right. My new single will be available starting January 2nd, and it will be accompanied by a beautiful music video filmed in Gran Canaria. The song is called “MI TESORO” (My Treasure). For me, the greatest treasure is nothing more and nothing less than the time I have to do with it as I please: come and go, do, undo, fly, live… That’s my treasure, the time I’m lucky enough to have. To see and enjoy my music, just go to YouTube and search for Miguel Chinchilla; that way you’ll find my official channel.

– As we mentioned before, you’re already working on a new album, and what are your expectations for 2017 in terms of concerts?

My expectations now are, initially, to release the songs one by one, giving each one the time it deserves.

As for concerts, I plan to do all the shows that come up along the way, since a whole professional team at my agency is working on that. Above all, I want to enjoy myself with my fans; that’s the ultimate goal.

– Now, to say goodbye, Chinchilla… What are your future projects and a message for both your fans and the artists who want to walk the path to success in the art world?

Well, my future project would be to keep going strong in terms of music, living, suffering, and enjoying this tough but beautiful profession. To my fans, I send thousands of kisses and thanks because they help me so much and they are the best.

To people who want to dedicate themselves to this, I’d say that it’s hard and they’ll have a tough time, but if it’s really what they want, they must do things from the heart and persevere because in the end they will achieve their goal. That will be the reward that will make them happy for the rest of their lives.

We say goodbye just as we did when we met, with joy and laughter. El Chinchilla’s vitality is contagious, and that’s exactly what he transmits in his live performances. It’s impossible to remain unmoved at his concerts; it’s impossible to stop dancing and singing because that’s precisely this artist’s objective. Let’s keep an eye on their upcoming performances because they won’t leave anyone indifferent.

The Latin sensation in Zurich. Salsa Passion

Europe / Spain

Salsa passion is known as one of the best Salsa Dance School in Zurich to build your foundation. More than 15 years of teaching experiences. See why it’s rated as one of the best in tow.

Zurich. Salsa Passion - Photo 1 — Zurich. Salsa Passion – Photo 1

Salsa, Kizomba, Bachata, Cha Cha Cha, Lady Styling, Rhythm and dance Technique. Salsa dance Courses and Workshops for Beginner to Advanced levels. As a student you would benefit from Winny’s and diverse dance and music background. From leading to following technique, from rhythm to musicality, Spin, Body control, styling and footwork technique.

Good teaching strategies can be borrowed, but a good teaching heart is unique and cannot be replicated. Whether you want to become an excellent dancer, for fun or just for social reason, we love to help you to achieve your goal and teach with our hearts and passions.

Director of Salsa Passion – Winny. She is one of the best female instructor in Switzerland that can both lead and follow equally well in all Latin Styles such as Salsa Cubana, Cross Body Style, Mambo on2, Salsa Puerto Rican, New York On2, L.A style on1, Son and Cha Cha Cha.

Zurich. Salsa Passion - Photo 2 — Zurich. Salsa Passion – Photo 2

Whether you are completely new to the art, or experienced dancer, we have the patient, the knowledge, the experience to bring you further.

Dancing is about social and fun, but while you are investing your time and money to learn, why not learn it properly.

They’ve developed a “step by step” method that is fun and efficient for everyone to learn. We teach the “know how”. You will learn the vocabulary and the techniques of how to put them together, so you can become creative in a long run, and not just coping or try to memories a program.

“For us, teaching is not just a job, is an opportunity to give, and we love it!” Salsa with a smile, Salsa with passion!

What do we teach

Rhythm

How to dance into the rhythm with the style that you have choose to learn.

Music and Interpretation

We teach our classes with live percussion. We also have special training CD to help you to develop your skill.

Coordination, body movement and Posture

We love to show you how to look good while dancing, not just walking around and making steps. They have warm up and exercise at each course, to help you to perfect your coordination and body movement.

Partner Work – turn patterns and combination for all levels

Any figure or combination without technique is no different then it’s like just making a bunch of movements. We will show you how to makes each figure leadable, what makes a combination easy to follow or the opposite. We taught each figure with leading and follow technique, and how you can become a “smooth dancers”. Read our tricks and tips.

Footwork

Steps and combination to help you develop your dancing technique with balance, speed, and “shine” on the dance floor.

Zurich. Salsa Passion - Photo 3 — Zurich. Salsa Passion – Photo 3

Turning /Spinning technique

How to keep your balance when turn, how to gain speed and avoid getting dizzy. We have exercise to develop your turning technique at each of our course, plus tricks and tips how to turn during Partner Work.

Información de contacto:

Email address: [email protected]
Telephone: +41-76-5173138
Location: 4th Floor, Militärstr 84. 8004 ZH

Jorge Duran

Europe / Germany

Interview to Jorge Duran & his Jalea de Mambo

Now settled in Europe, venezuelan vibraphonist Jorge Duran is leading Jalea de Mambo band which mix musicians from different nationalities recovering the swing and mambo of the 50s with the smart flavor of the New York Palladium, the famous Broadway dance-hall, and the color of the best Latin Jazz that can be heard in Europe right now. Its characteristic vibraphone sound makes this band a unique and raw example in the current music panorama.

Recently documentary “We Like It Like That” has been released worldwide http://latinboogaloo.com/ emphasizing that cultural revolution where boogaloo, mambo, among other genres, were considered the so-called “Latin Soul” creating that cultural movement which day by day takes more strength everywhere.

1) Jorge, tell us a little bit about your background, your roots, and your musical influences.

Well, I started playing Latin American percussion in Venezuela (Caracas) having the chance to share with great musicians beside studying with amazing percussion players but my degree was focus in composition. Then I begun to play jazz vibraphone and it took me a few years to play again Latin American Music although here I am ready to give my very best.

2) How did you come to the idea of Jalea de Mambo?

The idea of Jalea de Mambo came to me long time ago (10 years ago or more) when I first heard the album Cal Tjader Modern Mambo Quintet, quite old album indeed (1955). That record change everything for me and blew my mind up focus then on mambo, latin jazz and what so called “Latin Soul”.

3) Mambo, Boogaloo, what many people called “Latin Soul” was a revolution during the 50s. Do you think that nowadays these genres could reach something similar?

I really think everything is possible if you work hard, I’m not trying to make a revolution my idea is that every single person come to see us playing, enjoying magic music, having a great time. Obviously that “revolution” happened once but its essence has come along the years in all musicians who play caribbean rhythms. Nowadays, this genre is getting popular again but honestly I believe it has never lost validation.

Photo of Jorge Durán and his band members in the music world

4) What are your feelings coming from Venezuela performing in Europe and worldwide? Is the musical movement opened and active enough over there?

My feeling is that in Europe we, musicians, have more opportunities to show our culture and most of the people here are opened enough to hear or see our projects.

Beyond Europe is quite the same because I have Heard about concerts with more tan 100.000 audiences in Arab Countries, for instance. It simply means that latin and caribbean music “hook” people hearts so they enjoy it full.

5) Now that you are settled in Europe tell us a bit more about your projects and expectations.

I’m living in Germany now and it is a huge challenge for me as it is a real different culture and language but my idea is to spread the Latin American culture and music not only in Europe but worldwide. We are living very tough moments at this very moment and firmly believe that músic and culture are more needed than ever because music tame the beasts, as people usually say, and that’s what we need now, I mean, peace, calm and mainly love.

Photo of Jorge Durán and his team at the live concert

6) Looking for these goals, are you working on your own or you are supported by a company, agency or similar.

Now I have the great pleasure to say that I’m not alone in this business because Cat 7 Production is my new family and they are really focused in spreading my music to reach more people. I think this is the idea, music is a language we need to be heard as I said before.

7) Finally Jorge, let’s share a message for all your fans beside colleagues who work hard to achieve similar goals you are looking for.

Well, I’m always very grateful when some one takes time to send emails or messages after watching us in a concert, I love it and love fans who give me strenght to keep doing what my heart says. My humbly advice to all musicians who have an idea or project is that never stop making music because everything is possible in life and the real power is inside us. This is one of more beautiful and hard profession but sure worth it!