• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

International Salsa Magazine

  • HOME
  • Previous editions
    • 2026
      • ISM / March 2026
      • ISM / February 2026
      • ISM / January 2026
    • 2025
      • ISM / December 2025
      • ISM / November 2025
      • ISM / October 2025
      • ISM / September 2025
      • ISM / August 2025
      • ISM / July 2025
      • ISM / June 2025
      • ISM / May2025
      • ISM / April 2025
      • ISM / March 2025
      • ISM / February 2025
      • ISM / January 2025
    • 2024
      • ISM / December 2024
      • ISM / November 2024
      • ISM / October 2024
      • ISM / September 2024
      • ISM / August 2024
      • ISM / July 2024
      • ISM / June 2024
      • ISM / May 2024
      • ISM / April 2024
      • ISM / March 2024
      • ISM / February 2024
      • ISM / January 2024
    • 2023
      • ISM / December 2023
      • ISM / November 2023
      • ISM / October 2023
      • ISM – September 2023
      • ISM – August 2023
      • ISM July 2023
      • ISM Edition June 2023
      • ISM – May 2023
      • ISM April 2023
      • ISM March 2023
      • ISM February 2023
      • ISM January 2023
    • 2022
      • ISM December 2022
      • ISM November 2022
      • ISM October 2022
      • ISM September 2022
      • ISM August 2022
      • ISM July 2022
      • ISM June 2022
      • ISM May 2022
      • ISM February 2022
      • ISM January 2022
    • 2021
      • ISM December 2021
      • ISM November 2021
      • ISM October – 2021
      • ISM September 2021
      • ISM August 2021
      • ISM July 2021
      • ISM May 2021
      • ISM April 2021
      • ISM June 2021
      • ISM March 2021
      • ISM February 2021
      • ISM January 2021
    • 2020
      • ISM December 2020
      • ISM November 2020
      • ISM October 2020
      • ISM September 2020
      • ISM August 2020
      • ISM July 2020
      • ISM June 2020
      • ISM May 2020
      • ISM April 2020
      • ISM March 2020
      • ISM February 2020
      • ISM January 2020
    • 2019
      • ISM December 2019
      • ISM November 2019
      • ISM October 2019
      • ISM Septembre 2019
      • ISM August 2019
      • ISM July 2019
      • ISM June 2019
  • Download Salsa App
    • Android
    • Apple
  • Spanish

Search Results for: Dancing

Kizomba and the protagonism of the woman in dancing

Women in dancing

A society has a large number of art expressions that reveal how each one of its members is perceived in the cultural field. One of them is the dancing, which permits us to illustrate how men and women are seen by everybody. It is no coincidence that the man has always been the one to set the pace for his female counterpart to follow during any given social dance, so we can say that the woman was nothing more than a passive element who had to await her partner’s instructions. 

After decades of intense struggle for women’s rights, a number of profound cultural changes were taking place that led to the biggest transformation we have ever had as a society. Music and the arts in general certainly could not escape this reality. 

One of those changes came about with a greater role for women in social dances, who are no longer so dependent on their male partner as they used to be in the past. Now, both members of the dance couple are very important for the execution of any choreography. 

What role did kizomba play in this change? 

Role of women in kizomba and dancing in general
Two women dancing kizomba

We all know women are no longer seen in the same way as decades ago, but there is still limited understanding on how this situation changed in dance. Well, one of the events that marked the end of male hegemony at the dance was the emergence of kizomba. This was the first musical genre in which both the man and the woman could be the ones who direct the dance pace. That does not mean men cannot remain the guide of the steps, but it does not have to be this way all the time. Gender roles no longer play an important role during the dance. 

Due to the ease with which kizomba is danced, the roles of the partners of the couple can change at any moment without any problem. In the same way, the two can learn to carry on and be carried away to decide when the best time is to change the role of each of them. The wonderful thing about it is that both the man and the woman have greater freedom to follow or change the performance of the dance. 

Women and its role in dancing
Women dancing kizomba in pairs

After the birth of kizomba, there has been the emergence of many other musical styles that further take into account women and give them a much more active role when dancing. That has enabled them to be more confident and secure in their movements on the dance floor. 

In view of the fact that more and more women are encouraged to take charge during the dance, it is possible that both she and her partner begin to experience new sensations and emotions that none of them knew, which may be extremely beneficial for both of them. Along with exercising certain areas of the brain that we do not even know, we can also explore new personalities and ways of looking at life, which very important in dancing. 

Home

Tips for dancing salsa with style and elegance

Dance tips for salsa

Elegance and good taste are very personal aspects for each of us, since we all perceive the world in a very different way. We can have some rather general ideas of what to be regarded as elegant and what not, but we are never going to agree on everything. This can be applied very well any aspect of life, but today we are going to focus on music. 

For several years, salsa was seen as a low-level and often vulgar musical rhythm, dancing it in certain circles of society was not well received by a number of people. Fortunately, all that has changed radically in the last decades. What is even more, this Latin genre has earned so much prestige that it is now present in those same social circles that rejected it before. However, dancing salsa with a lot of class is not as easy as it is believed. 

If it is true that this type of music is no longer perceived as vulgar, there are certain aspects to take into account when dancing it with great style and subtlety. 

Tips for dancing salsa with style and elegance 

One of the most important details to be in mind is good coordination between the members of the couple and the memory of an elephant that allow those involved to learn all the steps in the best way possible. Additional to that, one has to adapt to certain rules so that everything turns out as planned during the dance. 

Learn the most basic you need to dance salsa 

Dancing salsa with elegance and style
Two young people dancing salsa

First thing that should be taken into account is the learning the most basic things and their execution in the best way possible. One of the best-known characteristics of salsa is that it consists of three basic steps of a short sequence that are danced in a 4/4 beat. After having mastered this structure, dancers are trained to add more complexity to their movements. 

Hear and understand the rhythm and the time 

If you want to dance salsa with style, you have to understand music and rhythms as much as possible. The rhythms, the times and speed are the aspects that help dancers to coordinate their movements in the right way. If there is some ne interested in learning to dance salsa that feels that he is completely lost, he can start listening to salsa a lot more often. This will help him immensely to better understand this music and the rhythms that make it up. 

What you have to do during learning ballroom dances 

Dance tips for salsa
Young couple dancing salsa

If there is something that should never be missing in salsa is the partner dance, which makes this musical genre a much more pleasant experience for the two members of the dance couple. If they both want to dance as well as possible, they must understand each other’s movements to perfection. In the same way, both the man and his partner must perfectly understand each other’s speed and movements in order to anticipate them. In this sense, the members of the dance will be able to achieve a good harmony, which is an essential detail to achieve success in this sensual dance. 

After future dancers have followed these tips, they will be trained to demonstrate their dancing skills on the dance floor. 

Home

Puerto Rican bandleader and musician Diana Sosa talks about her many projects in Nashville, Tennessee

We had a wonderful and very nice conversation with Puerto Rican percussionist, timbalera, conga player, and cuatro player Diana Sosa, who kindly told us about all the projects she has in the pipeline. Her husband and bandmate, guitarist and vocalist Chuck Nelson, put us in touch with her so we could learn more about both the project they share and the one she has undertaken on her own.

Then these are the things the talented Puerto Rican shared with us on this warm Sunday before Easter.

Diana Sosa is playing
Diana Sosa is posing for the camera while playing the timbales

How Diana got into the world of music

Diana was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where she began to love music and play, but not professionally yet. She was just experimenting with some traditional instruments of her homeland, such as the Puerto Rican cuatro, which she even studied with a private teacher. 

At the age of 39, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where she finally got her first big opportunities in music, and the background she brought for years helped her a lot. It all started with a short rehearsal she was invited to, and from there, she has done nothing but prove what she is really made of. 

Of course, she keeps studying and preparing to improve every day. When she is not learning to play with fellow musicians like John Santos, she is taking online courses to solve any doubts she may have.

Diana’s first opportunity with The Bicho Brothers

The first serious group that gave Diana the opportunity to develop professionally—and with which she keeps to playing to this day is The Bicho Brothers, a classic rock band whose members really appreciated the contribution provided by Diana. For this reason, it is she who brings that Latin flavor, the product of her heritage and years of training in these genres.

Something that really attracted the audience was that she was the only woman in the group and, incidentally, she played the timbales, which was uncommon back then. In addition, she added atypical sounds to certain well-known songs, which was also remarkable.

Diana Sosa and the rest of the Bicho Brothers
The Bicho Brothers from left to right: Jeff Krinks (guitar and vocals), Ron Krasinski (drums), Diana Sosa (timbales, congas, percussion, and Puerto Rican cuatro), Chuck Nelson (guitar and vocals), and Kenny Zarider (keyboards and vocals)

Another important personality who encouraged her to follow this route was the great producer Bill Cuomo, who told her she was very good at playing but needed to improve her technique. Twenty years later, it can be said that she took him at his Word seeing all she has achieved since then. From that point on, there have been many other projects and opportunities that make her very happy and keep her fulfilled.

Soul Sacrifice

Soul Sacrifice is a Santana tribute band founded in 1969 that has won a high reputation in Nashville by becoming one of the best tributes to Santana to date. The mix of familiar melodies and infectious rhythms they play at every show transports audiences to the biggest classics of the legendary Latin rock group created by Carlos Santana.

The band also includes some of the same members of The Bicho Brothers, such as the cases of Diana and Chuck due to all the years they have spent playing together, but including Cuban musician John Santos. He plays a fundamental role in making people feel they are listening to the original Santana rather than an imitation, which is why both he and Diana are key to the band’s performance.

Diana Sosa with Diana's Mambo Maniacs
Diana Sosa playing with Diana’s Mambo Maniacs

Diana’s Mambo Maniacs

Diana also has her own project, which she decided to call Diana’s Mambo Manics. This Latin music group was founded in the early summer of 2025 as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. In that time of year, there are always many festivals dedicated to Hispanic and Latin music in the United States and around the world, so Diana and a group of musicians she had been in contact with for some time took the opportunity to play wherever they were able to make themselves known.

Among some of the musicians in the band we can mention John Santos as singer and timbalero, whose presence is essential at every show. The group also includes conga player Josvany Cordero, bassist Isoel Villareal, pianist Kenny Zarider, trumpeter Joe Mercado, and trombonist Huge Lindsay.

The main difference between this band, The Bicho Brothers and Soul Sacrifice is that it plays exclusively Latin music, but of the great artists in the 1950s and 1960s who performed at the Palladium Ballroom, the Copacabana, El Corso, Chez José & 3 and 1, among many others. Diana feels that, to a certain extent, she pays tribute to her parents, who used to go dancing and enjoying these rhythms to some of these places in their youth.

However, not all are covers. She is about to release an original song featuring Puerto Rican cuatro player Prodigio Claudio, but she did not have the details to share with us yet.

Diana and Tito Puente Jr.
Diana Sosa Playing with Tito Puente Jr.

Read also: Bandleader and bongosero Ray Degaldo is here to talk about his life and career

Salsa Viva & Tango Vivo

Latin America / Colombia /Cali

Located in Cali, Colombia, the artistic company “Salsa Viva & Tango Vivo” has been in business for 12 years. They are dedicated to teaching, presenting, and producing dance shows, boasting a distinguished cast of artists, instructors, and professional dancers in all styles.

Salsa Viva & Tango Vivo
Salsa Viva & Tango Vivo

The company’s services offer a wide variety of high-quality options, ranging from personalized dance classes to shows featuring over 80 artists on stage.

Photo 1: Salsa Viva & Tango Vivo
Photo 1: Salsa Viva & Tango Vivo

Shows and Performances

Among the most captivating “Salsa and Latin” shows are:

Salsa Viva and Latin Dance: This show includes dances such as Salsa, Mambo, Cha Cha Cha, Boogaloo, Bolero, Pachanga, Bachata, and Merengue.

“The Majesty of Salsa vs. The Majesty of Tango”:

Here, you can witness the fusion of the joy, energy, and acrobatics of Salsa with the passion and elegance of Tango.

Photo 2: Salsa Viva & Tango Vivo
Photo 2: Salsa Viva & Tango Vivo

Colombia Dances: Here, traditional and joyful Colombian folk dances come together with a fusion of Salsa and Latin dances. You can appreciate the beautiful and colorful typical costumes that bring to life the diverse cultures and dances of Colombia’s regions, taking you on a journey through dances such as cumbia, bambuco, sanjuanero, mapalé, currulao, and others.

Children’s Salsa: This show features children in the learning process who have grown into professional dancers, showcasing their trajectory and international recognition.

Photo 3: Salsa Viva & Tango Vivo
Photo 3: Salsa Viva & Tango Vivo

It’s worth mentioning that the venue doesn’t just offer Salsa and Latin dances; it also features Tango, Milonga, and Arabic dance shows, Samba, Capoeira, Spanish dances (Pasodoble, Sevillanas, Flamenco Rumba, and a banderilla show), Colombian dances (Cumbia, Bambuco, Sanjuanero, Mapalé, Currulao, among others), and urban shows (Hip Hop, showcasing different styles such as breakdancing, sexy style, popping, locking, dancehall, kromp, and others).

The Dance School offers the opportunity to learn one or more rhythms. You can even combine Salsa and Latin dance classes, Zumba Fitness, Tango, or any other rhythm you desire, whether with a group of friends, family, children of all ages, and there’s even a special program for babies where parents and their little ones share the dance experience and learn the baby’s first steps.

Zumba Fitness and Zumba Toning: This is a fun way to practice Latin rhythms, exercise to stay in shape, learn, and have fun. The team is trained and certified to lead both Zumba classes.

  • Crazy Hour
  • Children’s Entertainment
  • Quinceañera and Wedding Preparations
  • Flash Mob
Photo 4: Salsa Viva & Tango Vivo
Photo 4: Salsa Viva & Tango Vivo

The Salsa Viva & Tango Vivo Artistic Company is part of the main cast of the Ensálsate Show. They are World Tango Champions, International Champions in choreographic groups, World Salsa Runners-Up, and finalists on the Caracol Television reality show LA PISTA. They have delighted thousands of spectators in Colombia and around the world with performances on seven international cruise ships and tours in countries such as Panama, Cuba, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Uruguay, Trinidad and Tobago, Curaçao, Aruba, Korea, Japan, Turkey, Dubai, Cyprus, France, Italy, and Spain.

  • Crazy Hour
  • Children’s Entertainment
  • Quinceañera and Wedding Preparations

Flash Mob Dance schools in Colombia have two specially equipped locations in San Fernando and Ciudad Jardín, with programs for children, youth, adults, foreigners, business groups, family groups, home classes and summer courses.

Photo 5: Salsa Viva & Tango Vivo
Photo 5: Salsa Viva & Tango Vivo

Productions, Works, and Shows

  • “Dance Christmas” Show (2016)
  • “America Dances…Dancing Without Borders” Show (2016)
  • 2nd Comfenalco Valle de la Gente Salsa Encounter (2016)
  • “Colombia Dances” Show (2016)
  • Comfenalco Valle de la Gente International Tango Festival (2014 and 2015)
  • 1st Comfenalco Valle de la Gente Salsa Encounter (2015)
  • “Dances of the World” Show (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015)
  • “Salsa Viva & Latin Dance” Show (2014)
  • “Tango Vivo – Tango Forever” Show (2013, 2014, and 2015) 2015)
  • Show “Her Majesty Salsa vs. Her Majesty Tango” (2014)
  • Show “Oriental Magic” (2015)
  • Show “Merry Christmas” (2014 and 2015).
  • Show “Merry Christmas” (2014 and 2015).
Photo 6: Salsa Viva & Tango Vivo
Photo 6: Salsa Viva & Tango Vivo

Awards and Recognitions

  • World Salsa Championship Runners-Up, Ensemble Category – Santiago de Cali (2016)
  • World Salsa Championship Champions, Cabaret Couples Category – Santiago de Cali (2016)
  • Fourth Place – World Salsa Championship, Ensemble Category – Santiago de Cali (2016)
  • Champions, Cabaret Salsa Team – 7th Ecuador Salsa Congress (2016)
  • Runners-Up, Salsa Team (No Acrobatic) – 7th Ecuador Salsa Congress (2016)
  • Runners-Up, Tango Show Dance – 7th Ecuador Salsa Congress (2016)
  • Champions, Amateur Salsa Couples – 7th Ecuador Salsa Congress (2016)
  • Champions, Cabaret Salsa Couples – 7th Ecuador Salsa Congress (2016)
  • Champions, Stage Tango – 7th Ecuador Salsa Congress (2016)
  • Third Place, Stage Tango – 7th Ecuador Salsa Congress (2016)
  • Professional Solo Champions – 7th Ecuador Salsa Congress (2016)
  • Professional Same Gender Couple Runners-Up – 7th Ecuador Salsa Congress (2016)
  • International Salsa Champions and Runners-Up at the II Pan American Dance Championship
  • Sports: III Open “Al Ritmo del Cielo” – Santiago de Cali (2016)
  • World Salsa Runners-Up – Santiago de Cali (2014)
  • World Salsa Runners-Up – Quito (2013)
  • World Tango Champions – World Tango Championship (2012)
  • International Choreographic Group Champions (2011)
  • Fourth Place in the World Tango Championship at the Trex Games Busan, Korea (2008)
  • Don Juan del Corral Order of Merit – Gold Category – Mayor’s Office of Medellín (2006). For all these details, we recommend visiting, Participate, learn, and enjoy the services offered by this successful company.
Salsa Viva & Tango Vivo shows
Salsa Viva & Tango Vivo shows

If you would like more information, you can contact them at:

  • Web: http://www.tangovivoysalsaviva.com/quienes-somos.php
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salsavivatangovivo
  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/salsavtangov
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salsavivatangovivo/
  • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/salsavivatangovivo
Salsa Viva & Tango Vivo social media
Salsa Viva & Tango Vivo social media

10th Festival Salsa Cubana

Europe / Germany / Munich

Circulo Events presents 10th Festival Salsa Cubana

Circulo Events presents 10th Festival Salsa Cubana
Circulo Events presents 10th Festival Salsa Cubana
Munich - Germany / January 27th - 29th 2017

“In January 2017, Munich will be able to experience a high class weekend full of dance and music, again. Inspired by “Baila en Cuba”, the annual dance and music event in Havana (Cuba), we brought this festival to life. And moreover we want to import a part of the wonderful atmosphere of its big Cuban counterpart to Munich”…

Cuban atmosphere and total joy of life!

Let yourself get carried away and dive into the world of Salsa & Co.

“Salsa Cubana is more than a dance – it’s an attitude towards life! Who does not inevitably associate typical Cuban music, Cuban ambience and Son cubano (the most traditional of all Cuban dances) with these words?

Festival Salsa cubana stands for this very diversity. No matter if dancer, music lover or just fancier of the Caribbean atmosphere – you will get your money’s worth!

This year again with the Percussion Ensemble Live: Drums Secret”

http://www.festival-salsa-cubana.de/en.html

This winter’s music and dance event!

  • Top event for all dancers in and around Munich! • Salsa, Afro, Reggaeton and a lot more!
  • Great party with show acts!
  • Taster’s session Salsa Cubana
  • Rueda de Casino: Dancing Salsa with other couples in a circle. Nice combinations with the exchange of the dance partners provide pure fun!
  • Up to 50 workshops with the best in class instructors • For all dancers and future dancers a “must do”: authentic teaching with guest instructors! From beginner to masterclass!
  • Awesome and high class parties and show acts!

http://www.festival-salsa-cubana.de/en/the- festival.html

WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOPS - 10th Festival Salsa Cubana
WORKSHOPS – 10th Festival Salsa Cubana

Up to 70 lessons in 5 rooms. Be inspired by the best teachers and artists and enjoy a weekend very special cuban weekend!See the workshops schedule at:

http://www.festival-salsacubana.de/en/festival/kursplan.html

Workshop Topics and ContentFestival Salsa Cubana offers up to 70 high class workshops and training lessons!

  • Salsa elegante / Musicalidad en la Salsa
  • Salsa figuras / Nudos en la Salsa
  • Salsa con rumba – Rumba en la Salsa!
  • Salsa con pasitos / Pasitos en la salsa • Rueda de Casino
  • Son cubano
  • Manstyling
  • Ladystyling
  • Salsa suelta
  • Cubaton/Reggaeton
  • Afro – Movimientos afrocubanos • Afro-cuban Dances (ACD)
  • Makuta / Palo
  • Guaguancó – black soul of the Cuban Salsa!
  • Columbia
  • Bantu
  • Shangó
  • Ογά
  • Kizomba
  • Semba

Photo 1: 10th Festival Salsa Cubana
Photo 1: 10th Festival Salsa Cubana

Photo 2: 10th Festival Salsa Cubana
Photo 2: 10th Festival Salsa Cubana

See the information about workshop content and topics at: http://www.festival-salsa-cubana.de/en/festival/kursinhalte.html

Location

The festival is located in the rooms of the CIRCULO. CIRCULO is the biggest dance shoool for Salsa Cubana in Munich. Additionally, as a salsateca, with legendary salsa parties and a lot of Salsa live concerts, CIRCULO is an integral part of Munich’s salsa scene. CIRCULO’s address is Rosenheimerstrasse 139, in Munich. With its seven, highly equipped rooms, it is predestined for the realization of all classes and parties that are part of the Festival Salsa Cubana.http://www.festival-salsa-cubana.de/en/location.html

See more information at:

  • http://www.circulo.de/
    http://www.festival-salsa-cubana.de/en.html
    https://www.facebook.com/events/1121917691219559/
  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  • Page 5
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 65
  • Go to Next Page »

International Salsa Magazine (ISM) is a monthly publication about Salsa activities around the world, that has been publishing since 2007. It is a world network of volunteers coordinated by ISM Magazine. We are working to strengthen all the events by working together.