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Search Results for: Latin dance world

ROX’s new single “Cristal”

Cristal is dedicated to those strong women

“Composing is a magical process”, said a Venezuelan living in the United States that puts the name of her country very high. She is a multifaceted artist and this time presents her new single “Cristal”.

Roxana Frontini, her real name, known in the industry as “Rox”, unveils her new song: “Cristal”, inspired and dedicated to “all the queens of the world”, as its description dictates. Frontini wanted to consciously empower women and honor what they stand for. The song is within the Latin genre and has a very powerful message: “No one can stop her” is one of the phrases she mentions there, referring to “the glass woman.”

“Cristal” had the voice, melody and authorship of the artist, while the production and arrangements were in charge of Arturo Cabrera. The music video was directed by Nestor Cabrera. Since the beginning of December, it has been available on digital platforms. The positive comments have been increasing, as well as the support of her colleagues and followers; the views on YouTube exceed the 100 thousand.

“Cristal is a celebration of the Queen that each woman carries inside, whatever the path we have chosen, we all fulfill an essential role that contributes to the development of our society. The mother, the daughter, the sister, the cousin, the grandmother, the friend… We all matter”, stated the businesswoman.

In the music video, different women can be seen in their facets of everyday life as mothers and workers. This is the first song she has done in Spanish, and she hopes to release its English version soon.

“Our stories are full of challenges and victories that make us precious, like crystal. In each one of us there is a warrior, a friend, a teacher, an angel, and a queen. It is my greatest wish that by singing and dancing this song, each woman connects with her value, and together we shine more. This goes to my beloved, respected and admired Crystal Women all over the World!”

In the music video she wanted to reflect the process she went through while creating the song. She sought to stay fresh, natural, with little makeup, and everyday wardrobe. For this reason, she added some shots in her gym look, very constant in times of pandemic. With the phrase “This song is for each of you because we are all queens and together we shine more”, ends the credits of the music video.

“Part of the song came out one day exercising on my balcony (because we were in full lockdown); minutes before I had had a long conversation with my mother where we covered her life trajectory, and all the things she has overcome including cancer. Then, when the first part of the song was ready, I started working on a new fine art series called Reinas; this series shows very different women, all with something in common, Modern Crowns: hats of different styles, colors and sizes that symbolize the originality of each one. As this series began, the missing piece of Cristal emerged with total fluidity. Every time I sat down to work on the art pieces, it was like the information for Cristal was downloaded to me”

The work was made up of enterprising women who have obtained great merits in different areas: Almudena Álvarez, lawyer, LL.M, partner at Álvarez Lentner; Gisela Morichetti, Visual Communication designer; Lisset Galeyev, photographer, owner of Lisset Galeyev Photography; also Liz Nieves, fashion designer, owner of Ilogear Active & Dance Wear; and Ethel Schutz, Christian, faith leader, and the woman who taught Frontini to paint. All brilliant and worthy of admiration.

Rox is presenting her new single Cristal
Roxana Frontini better known as ROX.

ROX’s Biography

Rox is Venezuelan, born in Caracas and who has made her way internationally. She is an artist, a businesswoman, and has led projects in different areas. She has a very solid career in different aspects. She founded FashionCurators.com, a business that seeks to provide opportunities for stores, brands, and designers to broaden their horizons, and gain a further scope. She has combined her role as an artist and a businesswoman. She writes, paints, dances tango, sings, designs, creates content, and runs businesses. In fact, she has a personal blog. She has done volunteer work, is an expert in marketing and the digital area. A Crystal woman!

The singer began her musical career from a very young age. Her first steps were at the Juan José Landaeta National Conservatory, in her native Caracas. From the age of 15, she composed and collaborated with renowned artists signed by Sony Music. In addition, she is the daughter of a long-time musician, a member of the Fenix ​​Jazz Band, in Argentina. On many occasions, she accompanied him in his presentations, and learned many tips that she then put into practice, in addition to obtaining greater ease in the industry.

At the age of 17, she started in pop-rock covering songs by some greats of the genre and her favorite singers such as: Shakira, Soda Stereo, Fito Páez, The Police, Alanis Morisette, and No Doubt.

At an artistic level, she stands out for her beautiful pieces, inspired for the most part by the femininity that characterizes her so much. Elegant and very subtle pictures and illustrations. It also offers cell phone accessories, clothing, and details for home decoration. Frontini has other musical singles to her credit in English and Spanish. It fuses elements of pop, electro pop, and Latin music “Oasis”, “Your Groove”, “Better Choices”, among others.

She is one of the most renowned Latin exponents in the United States, and has achieved success in Europe, and Latin America. She has struggled to be successful and overcome life’s obstacles; among them, she had to recover from a facial paralysis that changed her perspective but gave her more strength to continue. Thanks to being a multifaceted woman, she was able to focus her energies in other areas.

Her passion for music, art and entrepreneurship gave her the hope she needed at that time. From this experience, she learned to value moments more, and that the greatest treasures are inner power, creativity, purposes in life, family, and wisdom. For this reason, she wanted to inspire others to grow and have tools to constantly face life.
The artist has been very excited about the release of her new single. She did not miss an opportunity to thank those who have supported her and the women who inspired her:

“Special thanks to all the women of the world, for inspiring this song”

For Frontini, composing is a magical process, she feels blessed to be able to collaborate with producers who challenge her as a singer and author. For her, it is a privilege that she is inspired to go beyond her own mental and emotional barriers.

Her musical career will continue to give something to talk about, and perhaps before we imagine, she will surprise us with her album!

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Los Angeles salsa and its origins

Salsa and its origins

Salsa is a musical genre of Latino origin that has become very popular around the world thanks to the enormous number of artists who have been responsible for spreading it far and wide. Neither salsa or any of the other genre remains static in time and this is because all the transformations and combinations suffered at the years begin to pass. This has given rise to a number of new styles that have also been spreading to many countries thanks to those interested in learning to dance them.

How Los Angeles Salsa Originated

Los Angeles salsa and how to dance it
Two people dancing Los Angeles salsa

One of those styles is Los Angeles salsa, which is named after the city where it was born. In Los Angeles, United States, a family of Mexican origin was directly involved in the origins of this style of salsa. Francisco Vásquez, who spent a significant part of his life in Los Angeles, was delighted with the way many of the greatest dancers of those years danced in nightclubs.

Around this time, this man began to mimic the movements made by these dancers, to perfect them and to add other Hollywood dance steps. After all this process experienced by Francisco, he gave rise to what would later be known as On1. Sometime later, Francisco would teach his brothers what he learned in these clubs, which gave origin to what would become a family business known as Los Rumberos. These brothers were real important in the expansion of this salsa style, but there were many other professional dancers and lovers of Latin culture who have created other companies focused on promoting many musical styles from Latin America.

A very important thing to say about this salsa style is that it was neither the only nor the first salsa rhythm to become famous around the world, as New York salsa has also become very popular in recent years and includes some of the sounds present in tango, jazz, among others.

The presence of Los Angeles salsa in Europe

Los Angeles salsa in Europe
A couple dancing Los Angeles salsa

A type of salsa that only emerged at the local level has become one of the most sought-after musical styles by European music festivals to give them a privileged place in their respective programs, which implies that Latin music has already expanded in its multiple variants to every corner of the Old Continent.

One of the most important reasons why this style has become so famous is the richness of its steps and the varied movements in relation to other typical dance forms of salsa. If Europeans were already very interested in Latin rhythms, such a diversity of rhythms and styles makes them even more curious about our musical culture.

These competitions and festivals held around Europe are very striking and prestigious, as they invite locals to learn to dance different rhythms in order to be eligible for one of the luxurious prizes offered therein. The best of all this is that these competitions include all levels, so you don’t have to be a professional dancer to have a good time and gain one or another recognition.

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Role of the Triangle Trade in the birth of Cuban rumba

What Cuban rumba is

As we all know, Latin music is a very diverse mix of a series of rhythms and musical styles from all over the world. What we know today as Latin music was the result of a whole concoction of historical facts that must come first in any story that seeks to explain the origins of any Latin rhythm that wants to be studied.

A good example of this that we have just said is the Cuban rumba, which is part of a set of cultural concepts that can be found in many parts of the world. There are certain musical rhythms that have allowed us to see that some seemingly alien places have made us discover each and every one of the common points they have, both historically and culturally.

How Cuban rumba starts

Cuban rumba and the Triangle Trade
Some people dancing rumba and and playing drums

One of the most important historical events that marked the birth of the Cuban rumba was the triangular trade carried out between Africa, America and Europe. This fact was the emergence of a large number of musical genres that were resulting from the mixture of rhythms and styles from all the aforementioned continents.

After the Discovery of America, Europe saw in the New World a useful territory for many of the economic activities that were not possible in their respective countries. In the case of labor, many African chiefdoms offered for sale to part of their inhabitants, something that was seen with very good eyes by the powerful Europeans of the time. This is how what historically would be known as triangular trade began.

This activity consisted of sending low-quality materials to be exchanged by African slaves to work with African and American resources in terrible living conditions. Once in America, some African ethnic groups were in charge of introducing the rumba in the Antilles, although the origins of the groups that brought these rhythms continue to be controversial among many scholars of the subject.

Although the slaves worked very hard during the day, they continued to practice their traditional rituals and rites at night. These practices were entirely based on their traditional music and religious customs to stay united with their Mother Earth despite the remoteness and the circumstances. Over time, these rites and percussion instruments were banned, so the new inhabitants of America had to adapt to the instruments allowed by the Spanish Crown. This made these sounds unknown to the Africans together with their forbidden dances in this land were merging until resulting in what we know today as rumba.

Rumba today

Cuban rumba and the role of the slaves
People dressed in white to enjoy Cuban Rumba on the streets

The characteristics of the rumba vary enormously from one place to another, since there are many variations and changes from one continent to another. In Africa, many see this genre as similar to zouk or benga, while Europeans refer to it as flamenco or Catalan rumba. There have been many artists who have taken on the task of making this genre their own and making it evolve to unsuspected levels to make it what it is today.

Today, we can appreciate a good number of subgenres that have their origin in the same parrones rhythms from which rumba derives in its different versions.

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Camilo and El Alfa release “Bebé”, a bachata song

Listen to BEBÉ the new song from Camilo and El Alfa

The Colombian singer Camilo, winner of a Latin Grammy in this year’s ceremony, joined forces with the Dominican El Alfa to surprise everybody with a bachata full of feelings.

El Alfa is a Dominican rapper that, with lots of professionalism, joined him in this adventure. Camilo has triumphed in the musical industry, and has left more than one surprised with this song in the bachata genre, after all it’s his first experience with it.

My approach to music is always from the illusion, from what my heart asked me, and in this moment it wants to dance pegaito (close)”, expressed Camilo. “It’s a tribute to Dominican Republic, a country that I love with all my heart”, he added.

Camilo and El Alfa
Colombia and Dominican Republic reunite with this song.

Within hours of its release, the song has more than four million views on YouTube, and keeps rising. Camilo looked very pleased with the final result and commented on YouTube:

ALL THE TRIBE DANCING PEGAITO (CLOSE)!!!! Thanks Alfa, you are an incredible human being, very unique! Colombia and Dominican Republic dancing together!!!”; he expressed.

Beside, he announced the release through his Instagram profile:

BEBÉ is released with @elalfaeljefe. This is going to be the soundtrack of my end of the year holidays!!! LET’S DANCE!!! Cheers. THE TRIBEEEE”, he said. The post was ended with emojis of the Colombian and Dominican flags.

Emanuel Herrera Batista, better known as El Alfa also took advantage of his social media profiles to share BEBÉ.

I thought that my first bachata would be with “THE KING” Romero Santos!! But it was my turn to work with the most worldwide mentioned artist, thanks @camilo for this chance! I have so much respect and affection for him”, El Alfa commented with two pictures together with the Colombian singer.

The music video was filmed in Samaná, a seaside city from Dominican Republic, and it was directed by Eva Luna, Camilo’s wife. It shows images from different parts of the island, and it’s focused on a couple’s love, and reflects couples dancing to the song rhythm. The production is under Sony Music Label.

Camilo is very excited about this song and working with El Alfa

It’s the first time that both artists share melodies, and they have been very pleased with the experience, and the final result. In fact, on a recent interview Camilo has given some words about the collaboration:

We met at an award show. I’ve always shown a curiosity for his identity. I think that he is a unique human being and I celebrate that identity, and the honesty above all. I celebrate his honesty in what he does, without asking anybody, without asking permission. He follows his hearts and wrote the songs that it dictates, for me that is something worthy to learn from him. It’s a tribute to the Dominican sound which is a second home for me, because it’s my parents’ home where they live, and each time I visit it, I fall in love more with a country that touches the heart from the first day that you land. I feel that I’m going to have the opportunity to enter the houses of many families with this song”, he commented to Diario Libre.

Could be the beginning of a new chapter for the Colombian singer’s career? Let’s wait and see!

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Rueda de Salsa Casino – Vzla

Venezuela land of the “Rueda de Salsa Casino”

Venezuela could be known as the country with the largest number of Cuban-style Salsa Schools (the so-called Salsa Casino) in the world.
In its territorial division, more than 18 states of the country register a hundred schools dedicated to the teaching of the “Rueda de Salsa Casino” as an elementary basis for the diffusion of dance. Fashion came to us in the 90s and to date it has been maintained, having a huge boom in children, youth and adults, some by training, others by distraction, registering to date more than 160 formal academies established throughout the world. national territory, for this element, could be counted more than three thousand people dedicated to this discipline.

The development of the Casino has reached a very professional level, to its credit Venezuela has high-level dancers, some who have managed to bring to this area of the Caribbean prizes from other latitudes, not in a round but in pairs and soloists, the first obtained in 2007 by Ana de la Torre and Leonel Villarreal at the Miami Rueda Congress in 2007 as a couple, in 2009 by Nathaly Navarro and José Manuel Pérez from 1st place as a couple and 1st in the GandPrix of the winners in Primavera Salsa Open in Wroclaw – Poland where Sandra Batista and José Castro also obtained the 2nd place, that is to say Creole sweep, closing in 2014 with the 2nd place obtained by Raimond Madrid in the Columbia competition and the 4th place of María Alejandra and Arturo Reyes in They are Cuban, both from the Guaguancó Festival in Barcelona.

Competencia de Casino - Venezuela
Practicing Salsa Casino

On May 15, 2016, a national Casino Rueda proposal was carried out, in which 16 states were able to participate, including the Capital District, Miranda, Aragua, Anzoátegui, Nueva Esparta, Lara, among others. We can highlight the best participation in the Carabobo state, achieving a national record of 1480 dancers with only 23 academies or schools in the state, among which stand out, Saoco Latino, Ashe roots and culture, Kimbara, Es Latino, passion and rhythm among others, unofficial record for record, but boy, how intimidating.

In the same order, there are already formal institutions that join forces to make improvements in the cooperative work of schools in Venezuela, there have already been about 6 associations or unions formed in some states of the country, this is the case of the newly born Federation Venezolana de Salsa Casino FEVESALCA, an entity that among its projects seeks to project the work of the Venezuelan Casino Wheel to the whole world, an example of them is one of the many articles that we will be reading about this great project.

Venezuelans are going for more and for 2017 they have prepared something very big, in November they were for the Guinness Record attempt for the longest Casino Wheel in the world, they have relied on their record of the largest and longest cable car to back this attempt, soon the state of Mérida could register a second Guinness, we will be closely monitoring this event, for the date the organizing academy could not be contacted, you are invited to be part of this attempt, do not stop writing to josemanuelperezchavez @ gmail .com and we will keep you informed.

Rueda Casino Elegant Competition Academies
Rueda de Casino

Due to the above, Venezuela seems to be the country with the greatest diffusion of this genre, everyone is invited to join this trend, a Casino Rueda in Venezuela is tempting, we all go together to dance to the sound of Venezuela.

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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.