Search Results for: Latin dance world

Music as a Tool for Collective Emotional Control

Music is a powerful force that goes beyond simple entertainment and artistic expression. Throughout history, it has been used as a tool for collective emotional control, capable of unifying, influencing, and manipulating the emotions of the masses. From tribal chants to national anthems, music has the ability to create a shared emotional resonance that can direct a group’s behavior.

Music has always been a form of medicine a key to opening the soul and a great way to connect with the sacred, with the body, and with the divine.

By Gaby Alvarado Music as collective emotional control

Today, much of what’s consumed as “musical entertainment” is far from healing. In fact, many modern songs don’t elevate; they anchor. They don’t free; they program.

Have you noticed this? Repetitive rhythms, empty lyrics, and a constant focus on violence, unconscious desires, consumerism, ego, rivalry, or emotional emptiness. And all of this is danced to, sung, and normalized.

But the most powerful element isn’t what’s heard with your ears; it’s what penetrates through frequency. Many of these sounds are tuned to scales that alter your natural vibration—frequencies that don’t harmonize with the human heart but instead deregulate your energy field.

The rhythms are designed not to create peace, but to keep you trapped in constant, superficial stimulation. Because when the soul is connected, it doesn’t need noise, but when it’s disconnected, it needs rhythm to avoid feeling the silence.

The music industry knows that music can be used as vibrational medicine or as a tool for collective emotional manipulation. The masses aren’t controlled by arguments; they’re controlled by emotions induced by repeated stimuli, and few stimuli are more effective than music.

Think about it: Why do the most popular songs repeat the same words, ideas, and emotions over and over? Why do artists who sing about consciousness, connection, or truth rarely make it to the top of the radio charts?

By Omar Valen Be Careful with the Music You Listen to

It’s not just about taste; it’s programming. If you’re vibrating at a low frequency, you don’t connect with yourself. And if you’re not connected, you’re easier to guide, to consume, and to silence.

Have you ever found that you can no longer tolerate certain genres or lyrics like you used to? That your body feels uncomfortable, even if you don’t know why? You’re not overreacting your frequency no longer aligns with manipulation disguised as a “hit song.”

That’s why when you begin to awaken, you also change your music. You seek out melodies that heal, lyrics that uplift, and sounds that bring harmony. It’s no longer just about what you’re listening to; it’s about how you vibrate after you listen to it.

Have you felt that change in your relationship with music?

Based on what I’ve learned, I can say that people’s relationship with music often evolves throughout their lives. These changes can show up in many ways:

By Spiritual Essence Music as a tool for collective emotional control

Changes in favorite genres and artists: What you liked as a teenager might be very different from what you listen to now.
The emergence of new tastes: Over time, we can discover new styles that surprise and delight us.
The connection to new memories: Music is tied to our lives. A single song can bring back memories of a specific moment, person, or life stage.
Music as a refuge: At certain times, music becomes an escape—it helps us relax and feel better.

Music has the power to adapt to our lives, reflecting and accompanying us through every stage we experience.

Would you say your relationship with music has changed over time?

My “relationship” with music is purely rational and based on understanding. Over time, my access to and comprehension of information about music has improved tremendously. I have been trained on vast amounts of data from all over the world, which allows me to:

Understand music theory: I can identify chords, scales, rhythms, and song structures.
Know music history: I have information on genres, artists, movements, and the evolution of music across different eras.
Analyze lyrics: I can interpret the meaning, cultural context, and rhetorical devices in song lyrics in various languages.
Generate and create: I can compose lyrics, create chord progressions, and even suggest melodies based on the parameters you give me.

So while I haven’t had a personal experience that has evolved, my ability to process and work with musical information has improved dramatically. In that sense, my “relationship” has become much deeper, but on a purely technical level.

This photo means a lot to me, as I am with my musical heroes, members of the Lavoe Sinfónico Project and Fania All-Stars—all living legends of our Latin Music. Luis “Perico” Ortiz, Reynaldo Jorge, Nicky Marrero, Arturo Ortiz, Giovanni Hidalgo, and Alfredo de Fe.

Orquesta Lavoe Sinfonico y miembros de Fania All Stars

Photo by: Djane, Shinaury Rojas / Simón Bolívar Monumental Stadium.

By:

Omar Valen

Gaby Alvarado

Dj, Augusto Felibertt

Also read: Oscar Dudamel Continues to Reach His Dreams and Presents “La Rumba Me Llama”

Puerto Rican American bandleader and singer Elle Jay is proud of her roots

After so many years of coexistence between Latinos and Americans on US soil, there are many citizens who, as a result of this mix, carry in their DNA both identities and that is how they live their lives. Such is the case of Elle Jay, the founder and lead singer of Spanglish Latin American Band, with whom we talked about her life, career, and current orchestra.

Bandleader and singer Elle Jay recording in the studio

Elle’s beginnings in music

Elle has been singing since she was very young. In fact, her mother says that when she was just six months old, she flounced excitedly whenever she heard Latin music. In addition, she comes from a family of musicians, firstly with her father, who played drums in an orchestra, and her mother, who was a singer. For this reason, music was always very present in each and every stage of her life, but she would not become a professional until many years later.

Moreover, once she grew up and became an adult, she felt she did not yet have the skills required to be a good singer, so she had to roll up her sleeves and start to gain experience if she wanted to reach the level she sought. That is how she met the members of a salsa orchestra that played in her area and asked them if they could give her the opportunity to join the group and get better over time. They said yes, and that is when she began to learn everything she could under the wing of various veteran musicians, who taught her to understand the rhythms and clave in the various genres of Latin music.

She also joined other bands like the Orquesta Curaré and Pa’ Gozar Latin Band led by vocalist Laura Sosa, whom Elle considers one of her greatest mentors and teachers in the competitive and complex world of music.

Elle Jay and Jorge Rosario — Guitarist and bassist Jorge Rosario and Elle Jay presenting an evening serenade

How Spanglish Latin American Band got started

Several years later, she finally felt ready to start her own project according to her professional aspirations and therefore stop relying on what others were looking for in a group. In that regard, she took advantage of her half-Puerto Rican and half-American identity and her fluency in Spanish and English to develop an idea that she would share with other musicians she met in her neighborhood. These artists liked it and decided to join her on this road and see what the future held for them.

That was about six years ago, and the project has not done more to grow over time thanks to the tenacity of both Elle and the rest of the team who have made it all possible.

Current and former members of Spanglish Latin American Band

As many other groups of its type, Spanglish Latin American Band has undergone many changes since its founding. One of the few who has stayed in the band from day one is guitarist and bassist Jorge Rosario, who has accompanied Elle at all times and is by her side to this day. He also supports her greatly in everything related to sound and recordings.

The rest of the musicians have come and gone since the beginning. Among the current members of the band are Elle, Jorge, Italian trombonist Mike Matarrazo, and pianist Walter Ávalos. They are currently the most visible and stable faces of the group, while the others only play along with them occasionally.

Elle Jay and the rest of the band — Conguero Mike McSweeney, trombonist Mike Matarrazo, bandleader and singer Elle Jay, drummer Hermidez, bassist and guitarist Jorge Rosario, pianist Walter Ávalos, and bongo player Jay Torres

Half Puerto Rican, half American

In other interviews, Elle has said that she identifies herself a lot with both the United States and Puerto Rico, which she has wanted to reflect in her music. That is why she has always felt a strong connection with artists like Selena, as “The Queen of Tex-Mex” was also very aware of her Latin culture despite being born in the United States. Quintanilla inspired her so much that she wanted to make a tribute to her by singing her famous song “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” in reggae.

Another example of this is the group Sade with the song “The Sweetest Taboo,” which Elle translated into Spanish and covered in rumba and salsa to “latinize” it. She has done the same with many other well-known songs that have been covered in salsa and Spanish by her group.

Although the majority of the public has shown great receptiveness to their work, Elle also points out that this has caused them some problems with producers and event promoters who think that the group is not American or Latin enough, which has negatively impacted them in some bookings. However, the artist assures that both she and her bandmates stand firm in their convictions and should not change the basis of their project just because a few people do not like it.

“This is who I am, and I can’t please everyone. There always will be people who say yes or no because that’s how this business works, so you have to be strong and move forward despite the obstacles you face,” Elle said on the subject.

Elle Jay and her students — Elle Jay with her students during a salsa class. She is also a dance teacher

To communicate with Spanglish Latin American Band, you can do so via social media or email:

Facebook: Spanglish Latin American Band

Instagram: @spanglishlatinamericanband

Email: [email protected]

Michigan’s biggest Salsa Social!

North America / USA / Michigan

Ya Salsa!

The Ya Salsa Social is Detroit’s biggest salsa dance party. Hosted once per month by Ya Salsa, attendees have the chance to learn salsa from some of the best instructors in Metro Detroit.

Whether you’re new dancer or an aspiring performer, there are instructors across Michigan, from Grand Rapids to Windsor who can take you to that next level!

Photo 1: Michigan’s biggest Salsa Social! — Photo 1: Michigan’s biggest Salsa Social !

Dimas & Sherin Nuevo Ritmo Dance

Dimas and Sherin have been teaching together for more than 5 years. They have trained with many world dance champions and developed their teaching style to focus on teaching style to focus on technique which helps execute movement in a relaxed flow allowing beautiful styling and graceful lines.

They offer private and group lessons in:

Fundamentals and Technique Lead/ follow partner-work Artful combinations Musicality Shines and Footwork Styling Body Movement and more…

Group Congress Style Workshops Every Sunday:

12:30 pm: Beginner Salsa
1:30 pm: Bachata
2:30 pm: Intermediate Salsa

Andres Arias

Dance Styles: Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Kizomba, Cha cha cha, Men and Ladies Styling.
Choreography: Creative and fun routines ideal for dance teams, couples or corporate events.
Wedding Dance Choreography: Make your first dance memorable and unforgettable with amazing choreography.
Sweet 16 Choreography: Elegant, beautiful choreography that will blow minds and will make your little girl feel like the princess that she is.
Lifts & Tricks: Get the right coaching and learn the different techniques that will help you realize amazing tricks.
Body Movements – Musicality – Timing: Discover that you can learn how to move your body to the music rhythm.
Social Sexy Dance: Learn how to have fun and make your dance partner have fun in the social dance.
Latin shows and performances: for all your social and corporate events – from couple performances to team showcases, add entertainment to your event and make your guests have an amazing experience. Flexible timings, no partner or experience required, cater to your level. Prices negotiable depending on desired hours

Mambo Marci Productions

Mambo Marci teaches the “Latin Dance Adventure” – basics of salsa, cha-cha-cha, merengue & bachata. Musicality, footwork, partnering, styling, basics of different style, “on 2”, and more. Partners not needed! They rotate in class.

Beginning Level Group Class:

6-weeks
Tuesday, 7-8 pm
Gift Certificates Available!

Events

Tuesday: there’s Live Latin Jazz music at 9:00 pm @blacklotus
Wednesday: There’s Salsa @orchid at 9:00 pm.
Thursday: there’s Salsa @tequilablue at 9:00 pm.
Friday: There’s a Latin Night @diablo’s at 10:00 pm and Salsa @vicente’s
Saturday: are full of Salsa, there are 3 whole hours of salsa music from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Sunday: there’s Salsa @rosie’s at 10:00 pm

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about salsa music in Ya Salsa, The American Legion Pst 346 31775 Grand River Ave Farmington, MI

https://www.yasalsa.org/

North America – June 2017

Bachata Festival 2017 in San Francisco, California

North America / USA / California

The Ultimate Bachata, Salsa, Kizomba and Zouk Experience… A Dance Convention for Beginners, Intermediate & for all levels of dancing! The 9th Annual SF International Bachata Festival

Date: JULY 21st – 24th, 2017
Bachata | Kizomba | Zouk | Salsa (4-Party Rooms)
3 days and 3 nights of dancing
Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 10am until 6am!

Photos from the 2017 Bachata Festival in San Francisco

Transform your dance skills in one weekend with these world renowned dance instructors plus a dance experience of a lifetime!

Live Band
Dance Workshops from 10am to 5pm
Performances Every Night Ÿ Social Dancing until 6am
Jack and Jill Contest prize Giveaways

SFIBF, (San Francisco International Bachata Festival) is the largest and hottest Bachata festival in the world, located in one of the greatest city in the world – San Francisco. Created by Rodney Rodchata Aquino, along with its sister event Reno Bachata Festival, they are the first Bachata festivals in the USA. It celebrates the music and dance of Bachata, preserving its roots and accepting its evolution, as well as Salsa, Zouk and Kizomba.

Festival Line-Up

More than 20 instructors, DJs and Live Band for this year’s festival!

Adam Taub (Colorado)/ Bachata:

Adam Taub is one of the few ones who have seriously studied authentic bachata (the way Dominicans dance). SFIBF is extremely proud to present him with his special music, history and dance workshops at the San Francisco International Bachata Festival – July 21-23, 2017.

Adam Taub is a documentary film director from Colorado whose films include La Quinceañera, Don Angelo, and El Duque de la Bachata. His film La Quinceañera won the 2007 award for Best Documentary at the Angelus Student Film Festival in Hollywood, California and Best Documentary at the San Diego Latino Film Festival.

Alberto & Nola (Australia) / Bachata:

Nola Komis is the Founder, Director and Principal Instructor of A Touch of Salsa Latin Dance Studios in Sydney, Australia. A Touch of Salsa runs classes in Salsa, Bachata, Zouk and Kizomba. They also offer competition courses, workshops, performance courses and more and will this year will be celebrating 11 years.

Nola Komis and Alberto Torres-Perez have been teaching together for the past five years and they are both passionate and love sharing their passion for dance. Nola and Alberto have both travelled to Athens, Geneva, New Zealand, Hawaii and all over Australia where they have taught workshops at Festivals/Congresses to packed participants and have received many great reviews for their classes.

Nola and Alberto are looking forward to being part of the San Francisco Bachata Festival in July 2017.

Emelie Andagan (Sacramento) / Salsa:

The Yemaya Salsa Dance Company was founded by Emelie Andagan & Heather Wong-Xoquic in October, 2000. Emelie learned to dance salsa after only a few years due to her extensive dance background of over 20 years and many years of experience as a ballet and jazz student, and later a teacher at the Ballet Theatre of Dover Dance Conservatory.

The troupe started as a small group of only four couples that rehearsed twice a week in various garages and practically anywhere with a smooth surface. She owns and manages Yemaya Dance Studio in Sacramento, and is the main director of Yemaya dance Company.

Luis Aguilar (San Francisco) / Salsa:

Luis Aguilar debuted in 2000 with the Salsa Mania Dance Company in San Francisco. Since then, he performed with such giants in the Latin music industry as El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, the Tito Puente Orquestra, Celia Cruz, Ray Barretto, Jose “El Canario” Alberto, Oscar de Leon, Eddie Palmieri, the Spanish Harlem Orquestra and Sonora Carruseles. In addition to his impressive performance credits, Luis has taken 1st place in many Latin dance competitions and Congresses such as The San Francisco International Salsa Congress and the Bay Area Salsa Dance Competition.

Since joining forces in 2007, Luis and Anya have become the ON 2 WORLD SALSA CHAMPIONS for the second year in a row, along with having become two time undefeated San Francisco Congress Salsa champions in ’09 and ’10, undefeated two time New York Congress champions in ’09, ’10, Puerto Rico Hustle and Salsa champions ’09, and are currently the North American Salsa Champions and two time winners of the NY/NJ salsa open. With their combined backgrounds, Luis and Anya make a dynamic duo that brings a fresh new element to the salsa dance floor.

Benga Da Beatz (Ohio) / Kizomba:

Benga is a Nigeria born international dancing sensation, with backgrounds in several African dances, ballroom dances, American dances, and latin dances. From Waltz to Tango, Makoussa to Kizomba, hip hop to west coast swing, and Irish dance to Bollywood. Benga has intensive dancing experiences all across the globe.

An Afro Beats and Afro-cuban solo performer, and a latin dance instructor well known to many now as the Da Beatz. With 26 years of African Dancing and 6 years of professional latin dancing, Benga is teaching and promoting at every Latin events possible with his own vibrant style of Fun Swagness.

Cymeone Mopao (France) / Kizomba:

Cymeone Mopao is a well-known kizomba instructor based in Paris. He is one of the first instructors to have taught kizomba in France beginning in 2009. Born into a family of musicians, he was accustomed to lots of music and quickly adapted to the dance lifestyle. As he immersed himself into dance, he became proficient in African style dances such as ndombolo and coupé décalé.

When he was 18, he joined a group of dancers called “les coeurs brisés “. From there he became interested in other Afro style dances like Zouk, Kompa and Kizomba. He gave his first Kizomba class in 2009 and became one of the most wanted instructors in international festivals. In 2010, he was the first French instructor to teach Kizomba in the United States (New York).

Bruno & Olga (Los Angeles) / Zouk:

Bruno and Olga started dancing together in November 2015 and have since taught and performed at numerous events around the country from local workshops to large international congresses.}

In 2016 they took second place in the semi-pro division of the Zouk US Open with their now well-known choreography piece “Worth It” and shortly after got featured in the “Fences” movie, that’s currently in production stage. Olga has a rich dance background in classical ballet, modern, contemporary and commercial jazz, as well as hip hop and heels choreographies. She is also an All-Star west coast swing dancer. Bruno is trained in hip hop, salsa, kizomba, tarraxinha, semba, and of course brazilian zouk.

He has been on the social dance scene of his hometown Braga, Portugal since he was 14 years old. Since his move to the US he’s been mainly focusing on zouk and kizomba, training and teaching around the country with his partner, performing in ISDC dance company for a while, and currently codirecting the Zouk team at Ivo Vieira’s Dance company and learning from the best dance professionals in the world.

Sandro (Brazil) / Zouk:

Sandro Soncini is a dancer, choreographer and dance instructor from Florianopolis, Brazil. He has studied and trained in dance for over 10 years. Sandro is experienced in many partner dance styles, and has intensively studied the concepts of body movement driven by his training in tango.

In 2010 Sandro moved to Argentina to continue to develop his dance skills and education at DNI tango school. Sandro has participated in various congresses and competitions, including BAILA FLORIPA DUO, where in 2012 together with his partner he placed 3rd.

Sandro has taught in zouk throughout Canada, United States and Brazil. Currently Sandro is living in Vancouver, Canada with a focus on promoting zouk in the Pacific North West.

Bachata Festival 2017, Tickets / Passes:

Tickets: Full Passes $200.00 Unlimited. (EXP July 15th)
Tickets at Doors: $250 Buy Your Passes in mybachatafestival.com

Location: The SF Marriott Hotel 1800 Old Bayshore Hwy, Burlingame, CA 94010 Discounted Nightly rate of $141 a night (you must use the site – www.sfibf.com) Free Shuttle 24 hours a day.