02.05.12

Our latest newsletter is now out for you folks - click the link to view it, or contact me to be added to our list.

> read newsletter

by Angus Peters

25.04.12

Ron Renaissance, trombonist with La Excelencia, to teach "Musicality" workshop

We are very happy to announce that we now have Ron Renaissance booked to take our "Musicality" workshop.  Trombonist for La Excelencia and with his own solo album out soon Ron Renaissance is also a Salsa dancer in NYC and has featured in "The Magic of Salsa Kingdom" by Maria Torres - singing, dancing, acting, rapping and playing trombone - who better to take our "Musicality" workshop..!

Here's Ron's biog from his website renofron.com

"Born and raised  New Yorker, Ron "Renaissance" Prokopez, began his professional musical career at the young age of 14 playing trombone in various clubs and venues throughout the city. It wasn’t long before his raw talent was recognized and afforded him opportunities to perform around the world and record with a number of artists including Gloria Estefan, Kool & The Gang, Tito Rojas, Don Omar, Rock-A-Fella Records, and La Excelencia just to name a few.

After graduating from Fiorello H. La Guardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, Ron continued to expand his curriculum as an artist and began studying salsa and mambo in New York. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Performance in 2007 from the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College. Ron’s unique style of infusing hip-hop, mambo and salsa have allowed him to stand apart from other dancers in the industry establishing him as an innovator in the NYC salsa scene. Which offered him the opportunity to appear in multiple music videos, TV shows and perform on stages around the world   He currently teaches mambo and salsa classes in New York City.

Ron has continued broadening the scope of his artistry engaging in new endeavors over the past few years. In 2007 he became the lead singer, composer and lyricist of The Element Band. In 2009, Ron made his musical theater debut starring in “The Magic of the Salsa Kingdom” directed by Maria Torres where he was featured singing, dancing, acting, rapping and playing trombone. Ron has also played the role of musical director for two-time Grammy award winning singer Willy Torres’ NYC Salsa Project and hip-hop’s rising star from Ghana, Blitz the Ambassador.

Like any true artist, Ron has drawn inspiration from life experiences and his upbringing in the culturally rich neighborhood of Washington Heights. With his debut solo album Ron hopes to share some of his story as a socially conscious lyricist along with his signature fusion of hip-hop, salsa, pop and Jazz."

25.04.12

Bill & Denise retiring from Salsa

Hi all, you may have noticed that there have been some changes to our Clevedon class pages, as after almost five years Bill and Denise have taken the difficult decision to retire from teaching. Fear not though Clevedon dancers as the Clevedon classes will continue to run as normal with new team members Nicola and Eddie taking over from Wednesday 25th April.      

Many of you have got to know Bill & Den over the last few years and I know lots of you have already contacted them to wish them well.  Although they have promised to keep in touch they will be missed by me and the Abanico team as they have been an integral part of Abanico Salsa for over 5 years now.  Two more loyal and friendly people you won't meet - you've only got to talk to their regular students to see in what high regard they are held!

I would like to extend a huge thank you to Bill & Den for all of their hard work, support and help over the last 5 years - and wish them nothing but good things for the future.

 Here's a message from Bill & Den:

'Bill and I are very sad to announce that we are retiring from teaching and leaving Abanico Salsa. Many of you will know that I suffer from arthritis in my knees, which great impacts on my dancing and recently Bill's migraines have become more debilitating.  As a result, we are no longer able to continue with our classes and duties as Directors.  This was one of the hardest decisions we have had to take, as those of you who have been to our classes, will know that salsa is a real passion for us. 

We have made so many friends along the way and have taken a great pride in seeing our students develop over the years.  We have been overwhelmed by your messages, cards, presents and kindness over the last few weeks, which we are very grateful for and have been extremely moved.

Our retirement has been made easier, as we can rest assured that our class and students have been left in the safe hands of Nicola and Eddie, who have been working with us for a few weeks now.  We have no doubt that things will go from strength to strength in Clevedon under their management and we would like to take the opportunity to wish them all of the best for the future.

We must also thank our friends for their support over the years, particularly Julie Bowers, who has been with us from our very first night, helping out in class every week and taking an active role in making the class run.

I am sure we will see you all out and about in future and thanks again for making our time such fun' Denise, April 2012.

Check out the Clevedon page to find out more about Eddie & Nicola and our Salsa classes in Clevedon.

15.04.12

Here it is folks... the one we've been waiting for!  "Ecos Del Barrio" - the latest album from La Excelencia - has now hit the stores and you can get your hands on a copy (digital only as they have posted that they have already sold out of CDs and are waiting on their next delivery!)

At the time of writing it is not available on iTunes but you can buy/download it from cdbaby.com (no doubt it will pop up on iTunes before too long).

Those of you that bought the first two albums from La Excelencia will know that they don't do things by halves... in your face Salsa Dura is their style and we love it!  As a result they were going to have to do a good job to live up to their previous output and they have certainly done it - we reckon that there could be even more for you on this album in terms of dancer friendly Salsa.

We love an "Intro" and they start with a short one here before launching into the opening track "Pa'l Mundo Entero" - this one is classic La Excelencia and right from the opening riffs from the horns you know that this one will get people off their seats and onto the dance floor... a catchy start and it just gets better!

There is too much good stuff here to write about - a variety of tempos which we love, great Cha Cha, and the wonderful addition of strings to the band (on the track "Maria") - but above all top quality Salsa for the dance floor and a sure fire soundtrack to your Salsa Summer.

Expect to hear lots of this... we are now even more impatient to see them live again!

04.04.12

We are very happy to welcome Eddie & Nicola to the Abanico Salsa Team.  Many of you will know them already as they are two of the South West's best travelled dancers!  With 13 years of Salsa dancing experience between them we are looking forward to having them on board.  Be sure to grab them and say 'hi' if you see them out and about...

From Wednesday 25th April you will be able to find Eddie & Nicola teaching every week in Clevedon.

> Find out more about Eddie
> Contact Eddie

> Find out more about Nicola
> Contact Nicola

> Wednesday evenings in Clevedon

Great news folks... just got the word that we have been able to extend the license and now we will be continuing the party until 4.00am at The Extravaganza... better book in some early nights between now and the 2nd June to prepare for it..!!

> click here for event info

> click here for latest online discounts

27.03.12

Get yourselves down to the Moose this Saturday (31st March) to check out the debut performance of the Abanico Angels - they've been working hard and are ready to show you what they're made of folks... don't miss it..!!

> Moose Salsa

27.03.12

Check out our Featured Videos page to see/hear the sampler released by the band for their 3rd CD which will be out in April - looks like this one will be rocking the dance floors like the previous ones!

> click here to check out the sampler

> click here to buy tickets to see the band live in Bristol

27.03.12

Don't be fooled by the name folks... this one isn't just for beginners!

DJ Lubi is back with his latest compilation is the "Beginner's Guide" series - this is the 4th to date - and at the time of writing it is number 2 in the world music charts... only 1 day after it's official release!

Don't miss out on one of the best bargains of the year - it's currently less than £5 on amazon.co.uk - 3 CDs... 36 tracks... no brainer!  CD1: Salsa Classica (classic from the 70s, 80s & 90s), CD2: Salsa Moderna (anthems from 2000 - 2010), and CD3: Salsa Dura (contemporary modern hard Salsa).

Stand by to hear a load of these tracks in class & on the dance floor..!

> click here to buy on amazon.co.uk

More teachers added to line-up

We are very happy to announce the latest additions to our line up for the 2nd June... we have added some UK favourites, more international talent, something for you ladies, and some UK up-and-comers & Abanico favourites.

> click here for full teacher & DJ line-up

> click here to buy tickets online

We are very happy to announce the latest additions to our line up for the 2nd June...

- Patrick Mussendijk from Holland - director of "Guateque Dance Co." and "Crazy Mambo Brothers" - and a popular choice on the European & World Salsa Congress scene

- Tim Williams - from "Love to Dance" who will be bringing a Kizomba flavour to the day with some workshops and DJing in the Kizomba party room

> click here for more info

> click here to buy tickets online

Watch this space as more teachers yet to be confirmed....

Abanico Salsa are very happy to announce one of our hottest events of 2012...

"The Extravaganza"

Join us for a full day of workshops with top teachers - and a party to beat all parties... 3 party rooms and "La Excelencia" live..!

All this will be happening in Bristol on Saturday 2nd June - we hope you can join us!

> click here for full event details

We are busting with excitement to announce that La Excelencia are coming to BRISTOL at the start of the summer folks..!

As part of their "Ecos Del Barrio World Tour 2012" they will be playing 3 dates in the UK:

London - Thurs 31st May
Leeds - Fri 1st June
Bristol - Sat 2nd June

Their new CD "Ecos Del Barrio" will be out in March.

Based in New York, these guys are without doubt the hottest Salsa band in the world at the moment and haven't been in the UK since the beginning of 2010 - when their performance was televised for the BBC.

If you missed them in 2010 you don't want to miss them this time around... this will be THE GIG of 2012..!

> Click here for event details...

A short clip of some great bongos & trumpet from the 2010 La Excelencia gig in London

Biography

La Excelencia is "The New Generation of Salsa Dura", bringing a modern vitality and social consciousness to the genre. These revolutionary salsa ambassadors take their bold new sounds to dancers and hardcore salsa fans worldwide, breaking the mold while remembering their roots. Their music is full of powerful arrangements of free-flowing horns and lively percussion (Latin Beat Magazine). The hard life of the barrio is reflected in La Excelencia’s music through their hardcore salsa sounds known as “salsa dura”. 

La Excelencia is a 11-piece salsa orchestra that was started in 2005 by Julian Silva and Jose Vazquez-Cofresi. In 2006 La Excelencia released their first album 'Salsa Con Conciencia' described by the New York Times as "The real deal doesn’t show up that often, and here it is. Celebrate it". 'Salsa Con Conciencia' sold over 11,000 copies independently around the world. The demand for another album was realized in 2009 with the release of 'Mi Tumbao Social'; claimed by world salsa critics and disc-jockeys as the Best Salsa CD of 2009. "Salsa Dura" off of 'Mi Tumbao Social', became a overnight sensation and the official video has gotten lots of attention being aired all over the world on major television networks. 

Following the successful world release of 'Mi Tumbao Social', La Excelencia was chosen to be on the cover of 'Latin Beat Magazine' with the headline reading "Young, raw, raging musical weapons of mass destruction..." A world tour would follow which would visit 16 countries performing at world renown festivals, venues, dance congresses and every performance would be sold-out. The impact La Excelencia is making caught the attention of the 'Latin Music USA' documentary and BBC Television who would choose La Excelencia to represent the "New Generation of Salsa Dura" at the world famous Barbican in London, UK. The concert sold out to capacity and was broadcast live on BBC; it would become part of La Excelencia’s own unique stamp on salsa dura. La Excelencia has also been featured in 'The New York Times' (Full Story), 'So You Think You Can Dance', 'Zumba Fitness', countless salsa/world music compilations, motions pictures, instructional DVDs, and their music can be heard on radio stations and satellite radio both nationally and internationally. 

With the demand for La Excelencia and their salsa dura sound, the orchestra has built a strong international fan base and created a new movement in their genre. La Excelencia's concerts are full of energy and won't let you down. They draw you in and take you on a musical journey and by the end of the performance they leave you wanting more. It's not unusual to hear the crowd chanting, “Encore, Encore!” or "Otra, Otra!"; in Spanish. The performance is team work, with every member of the orchestra having their moment to shine. They know how to captivate and work the crowd and give you a show like no other. But even after all the fame La Excelencia has built for themselves, they continue to be humble, and down to earth. The orchestra signs CD's, takes pictures with their fans, and takes the time to listen to what their fans have to say. La Excelencia keeps it real, they never forget where they came from, and are thankful for all their success.

01.03.12

Our March newsletter has now gone out - click the link to view it... our get in touch if you would like to be added to our mailing list.

>> March newsletter

As you may have heard folks... we will be leaving The Grosvenor Hotel after over 10 years of weekly Salsa classes...

But - all is looking good as we will be moving across the road and taking up residency at THE RAINBOW HOTEL on Wednesday evenings from WEDNESDAY 7th MARCH.  So it looks like The Rainbow is now the place to be for Salsa in Torquay with classes and parties there every Wednesday & Thursday..!

Last class at The Grosvenor - Wednesday 29th February

First class at The Rainbow - Wednesday 7th March

Venue details: The Rainbow International Hotel, Belgrave Road, Torquay, Devon. TQ2 5HJ.

29.01.12

We've been getting a few requests for some music recommendations in class over the last week so be sure to check out our Music page for some great recommendations... as well as some great practice music.

If you are looking for SoBoogi dance shoes check out the facebook page - details & info are there for the time being.

>> Click here to go to SoBoogi facebook page...

06.11.11

In case they passed you by you may want to check out these two stars of UK Salsa... DJ Lubi - and Alex Wilson...

DJ Lubi has been a leading light on the UK Salsa scene for 30 years now and, as well as bringing over to the UK some of the hottest Salsa bands from around the world, has put out some of the best Salsa compilations that you can get your hands on... > check a selection out here...

Alex Wilson has been putting out some of the most popular Salsa music to hit the UK's dance floors over the last 10 years and has recently released a new album... > Click here to listen/buy it...

Big shout to the UK Salsa scene..!

31.10.11

Here's some recommended reading for you folks... and just in time for Christmas..!

Matt popped into class last week in Bristol with a box of books and a few of you wisely snapped them up! I'm only a couple of chapters in at the moment but am enjoying it a lot - some great stories about the birth of the UK Salsa scene... from the Colombian perspective.

There are some good stories here and some good insights into some of the characters who influenced the UK Salsa scene in it's early days.  Matt also shares some the personal experiences (good & bad!) that he has had in Salsa.  I look forward to posting a more detailed review once I have finished it...

... in the meantime check out the video Matt shot in Colombia... enjoy!

>> Check out Matt's book on amazon.co.uk...

06.11.11 - update:

I have just finished chapter 7 and am really enjoying this book folks - great anecdotes & stories about both the UK Salsa scene and Salsa in Colombia - based on the first seven chapters I recommend you grab a copy...