| Directory of Australian and New Zealand nightclubs | ||
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
Search Results for: Bachata
The best of Cuban music in Tampa with Cuband Son Band
We are very happy to be able to talk with Lizandro Muñoz, Liaudriz Fuentes, and Alfredo Sotolongo, who are part of the Cuban music group Cuban Son Band. We will know a little about each of them and the orchestra as such so that the public can get to know them and identify them.
Although all the musicians are coming from Cuba such as the genres they play, they met in Tampa, Florida, where they currently reside and have developed their respective musical careers.
How Lizandro, Liaudriz, and Alfredo became interested in music
Lizandro was the first who talked a little about himself and started by describing how his father played the guitar and began teaching his son to do the same. After attending the pre-university studies and playing guitar along with a group for about four years, he did his military service and moved to Spain to work with a number of groups at many Latin music events, especially Cuban music, which was what he played most.
Itis at this point in the conversation that Liaudriz, the group’s keyboardist, joined the meeting. After saying hello and introducing himself, he began to explain that he started in music at a very young age in Cuba, more specifically on the Isle of Youth or the Isle of Pines, as it was known before. As a child, he already had a lot of affinity for the guitar just like Lizandro, but also for everything related to percussion, which led him to take the respective tests to enter a music school.
That was when he went through the elementary, middle, and part of the upper levels. He did not complete the latter, as he got the opportunity to move to the United States.
When Alfredo, Cuban Son’s violinist, slipped into the conversation, he and the boys joked about whether he remembered how he started in music due to his age. He then relates starting in music at about 10 and is now 66, so much water has flowed under the bridge since then. He studied at the National School of Art up to the fifth level for five years, where he trained as a percussionist, singer, and violinist, but had to withdraw due to family problems. However, his great strength helped him keep the lights on.
By not being enrolled in any institution, he began his training at home. Several members of his family were helping him to continue his dream and one of whom was his uncle, a flutist who played in Los Van Van, who inspired him to follow his path in the world of music. This is how he resumed his academic training and received an A grade in singing and an A grade in violin lessons.
He was in the Cuban Institute of Radio and Television Orchestra, better known as ICRT for its acronym in Spanish, and made some recordings with Los Van Van as a violinist. In 1998, he emigrated to Israel, where he worked as a musician for 10 years and even played in an orchestra known as Jerusalem Salsa Band, in which he alternated with several great artists such as Alfredo de La Fe, Buena Vista Social Club, and many others.
After those 10 years, he moved to the United States in search of new opportunities, which led him to make contact with Lizandro and Liaudriz from Cuban Son, which he joined about two years ago.
Alfredo added that one of the things that brought them together was that his now bandmates were following the way of son, the same path as their ancestors, who were soneros. It is in their blood and they had that in common.
How Cuban Son Band got started
Liaudriz again takes the floor and assures that the affinity between them was also due to the need Cubans feel to continue making music from their native land despite the distance and the way many of them come together to do this work. This is something that has mushroomed in Tampa in recent years due to the large number of Cubans who have arrived there.
“Cuban Son Band emerged from our need to share the music of our country not only here in Tampa, but also in other cities in Florida,” said the young keyboardist on this subject.
Lizandro added that several members of the group came from a much larger orchestra, but for economic and practical reasons, they left it and opted for a smaller, more compact format. This also gave them the freedom to make the music they wanted without consulting many people.
The biggest challenges Cuban Son faced at first
Regarding the receptivity of the people to Cuban Son Band’s work, Alfredo pointed out that they always try to make their music as traditional as possible so that the audience may know it. What has made things easier for them was his senior audience that misses these genres and enjoys listening to them, even if they are not what is trendy right now. There are many new genres in Cuba, such as reggaeton and cubatón, but the audience between 30 and 40 years old are not fans of that kind of music, but of more traditional genres such as bolero, bachata, changuí, and others.
Lizandro also added that as long as they offer something traditional, original, and authentic, language barriers should not be a problem, even though most of their fans are American. One of the biggest challenges for the group has been communication, precisely because of the language of their lyrics, but that has not prevented them from being listened to and fervently supported.
In addition to that, they rely on covers of well-known English songs to connect even more with their non-Latin listeners, which has made them accept their work even more willingly. Their traditional foundation and open mind to new things have been the key to their progress.
Current members of Cuban Son Band
Alfredo pointed out that they always try to be as loyal as possible to their main project, which is Cuban Son Band, but they are also aware that it will not always be possible for them to play only with their main orchestra, as they will have to work on other projects due to their economic situation.
Liaudriz also said that something that benefits them is that Tampa is a city that is growing a lot as for the Latin music scene, resulting in more and more work for them and groups with the same characteristics. This allows them to call each other and help each other without egos or pettiness.
Inspirations for each one
Alfredo was inspired as a singer by artists such as Ibrahim Ferrer, Pacho Alonso, Felix Chappottín, Pedrito Calvo, Oscar D’ León, Gilberto Santa Rosa, among others. in one way or another, all of them have honored Cuban music and that makes them bastions of what Cuban Son wants to achieve.
For his part, Lizandro mentioned Buena Vista Social Club, Omara Portuondo, Compay Segundo, Adalberto Álvarez, Chucho Valdez, Juan Formell, Bebo Valdéz, and Benny Moré.
Read also: Tito Planas talked to us about his Orquesta Afinke and its members
Steps Dance Studio Inc.
North America / Canada / Toronto
Steps Dance Studio
Steps offers a complete curriculum of Salsa, Bachata, Hustle and Latin Dance for all skill levels. Working from a comprehensive dance syllabus designed by Jennifer Aucoin and refined by 20 years of Salsa teaching experience, their professionally trained instructors are patient, dedicated and passionate about their craft. Want you to leave your class and the dancefloor feeling great. The program is designed to allow students to begin anytime! Start any week, even absolute beginners. And come as often as your schedule allows. Steps Dance Studio has classes every night and on weekends, and most levels are offered twice a week or more.
Located just a few minutes walk from Bloor & Wellesley subway stations. 819 Yonge St. 3rd floor. Toronto, ON M4W 2G9 SE corner of Yonge St. & Davenport, north of Bloor St.
Meet Jennifer Aucoin, Founder, Executive Director and Instructor.
A full-time salsa instructor, choreographer and event organizer. She is co-artistic director for Steps Dance Company & co-founder of the Women’s Salsa Retreat. As a trained adjudicator, Jennifer has judged competitions in Puerto Rico, Ecuador, New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami, Detroit, Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto. She has also represented Canada on the judging panel for the World Salsa Championships televised on ESPN.
She is on the judging panel for the prestigious Global Salsa Championships at the World Salsa Summit. Jennifer was also the first instructor in Canada to be certified to teach Latin Hustle by the IHDA. Jennifer is the founder and organizer of the annual Canada Salsa & Bachata Congress, an international salsa festival that takes place in Toronto every October.
This 4-day extravaganza, now in its thirteenth year, is the largest salsa event in Canada and features nightly performances by over 60 dance companies from all over the world and daily salsa workshops given by worldrenowned instructors. The Canadian Salsa Championships, part of the Canada Salsa & Bachata Congress weekend, is the largest and most widely recognized Salsa & Bachata competition in Canada.
Classes offered in Steps Dance Studio
Salsa
- Salsa Level 1: No previous dance (or salsa) experience required. Start this class at any time. Each class starts with an explanation and review of the basic Salsa step and the timing and rhythm of Salsa music, followed by a new beginner level turn.
- Salsa Level 2: Geared to those who are comfortable with the basic Salsa step, basic right and left turns and Cross Body Lead. Build on Level 1 material and learn new turns and combinations, add footwork (i.e. Salsa shines) and reinforce your timing and partnering skills. Learn proper posture, frame, weight transfer and connection.
- Salsa Level 3: Cross body lead patterns, traveling turns, back breaks, checks and different hand hold variations will be linked into fun turn pattern combinations. Start developing a flow of motion between the moves that will make you feel good and look good on the dancefloor.
- Salsa Level 4: This course will focus on high intermediate level turns and turn pattern combinations, how to maintain balance and connection with your partner while incorporating directional changes & intricate moves, improving musicality, how to remember shines and turn patterns and use them in different combinations, tips on how to be a better leader and follower, adding styling to your dancing – in short, how to be a more complete dancer!
- Salsa Level 5: This course focuses on taking your dancing to the next level. Advanced level turn patterns, technique and skill development. Execute double spins, multiple turns and variations, intricate choreography, advanced level syncopations and sexy styling. Adapt and combine your moves to suit the level of your partner.
Bachata
- Bachata Level 1: Bachata is a seductive and flirtatious dance that originated in the Dominican Republic and is played in all Salsa nightclubs. Learn the basic Bachata footwork and how to lead and follow some fun and simple Bachata turns and turn pattern combinations.
- Bachata Level 2: Learn new turns and turn pattern combinations while focusing on the correct connection, tension and movement of Bachata dancing. Learn body isolation exercises and drills to help make this dance look smooth and sexy.
- Bachata Level 3: Learn more intricate and complex Bachata turn pattern combinations. Learn how to execute syncopated Dominican style footwork. Learn body isolation exercises and drills to help you to incorporate the sensuous Bachata body movement needed to make this dance look effortless.
- Bachata Level 4: Learn more intricate and sexy Bachata turn patterns. Add syncopated Dominican style footwork into your partner dancing. Learn how to incorporate the sensuous Bachata body movement needed to make this dance look effortless. Refine your leading & following technique in order to build a connection with each dance partner. And much more… For more information about schedules, classes, lessons, workshops and contacts, visit
Orange County (OC) Salsa with Esteban Conde
North America / USA / California
Salsa dance classes in Orange County by Esteban Conde, no partner or experience needed. Weekly and weekend Salsa and Bachata classes at the Costa Mesa dance studio. Salsa classes and dance instruction will give you the tools to learn how to dance salsa in no time.
The goal is to help you go from classes to dancing fast! And you will not only learn how to dance, but make great friends, increase your confidence and add joy to your life. Come give these salsa and bachata classes a try!
Salsa, Bachata, Salsa Parties and Events
- Saturday Salsa Class: Every Sat 4:40pm-5:30pm Come and learn how to dance SALSA and have fun! This class teaches the basics and new moves each week. Don’t miss it Beginner level, no partner needed at 2980 Mcclintock way ste a and b, Costa Mesa, 92626. $15
- Monday & Thursday Salsa: Class Every Monday and Thursday evening are the nights for Salsa classes. No partner or experience needed. Fun and Friendly atmosphere! Class starts at 8pm. No reservation needed. Each class is $15, with discounted prices for packages and monthly membership options. Come check us out!
- Monday and Thursday Bachata Class: OC Salsa Studio, 2980 McClintock way, Costa Mesa. Bachata Class 7-8 every Monday and Thursday, rain or shine. Beginner level class, no partner, registration or experience needed. $15, this class covers basics and steps and specializes for those with 0 experience and new to dancing altogether.
“I’ve always loved latin music and wished I could dance. Deciding to give it a try, i tried a free class with Esteban and crew at OC SALSA. What a pleasant surprise to feel so comfortable and welcome with a group I didn’t know, doing something I had never done. It was fun, great exercise, and I couldn’t wait for the next session. I was hooked because the instructors and atmosphere make it so easy to learn, you get plenty of personal attention, and can learn at your own pace”.
“Nice people, high quality instruction, and very reasonable cost. If you want to try, improve, or perfect latin dance, this is the place for you!” Student Testimonial
OC Salsa at 2980 McClintock way # A & B, Costa Mesa, 92626 2980 McClintock Way, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, EE. UU. Call On: 949-813-0412 [email protected] http://estebanconde.com
ISM / June 2025
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
“We are the Latin music world network”
Do you enjoy Latin music? Would you like to get more involved in this genre and share your passion for Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Merengue and more. Why not joint our Global Team of volunteers as a correspondent?
You can ask for more details with no obligation and we’ll be happy to talk to you about the benefits that come with the role [Read more…] about ISM / June 2025