Upcoming workshops...

[Catarina]

So, there are a couple of workshops coming up in Nov put on by some people I don't know/have never heard of.
One is by Magna (who I have heard of)...spinning workshop
Ana and Joel Massicot from Boston doing partner combinations (i don't have a regular partner...would this be worth it then?)
Gordon Neil from Atlanta doing AFro Cuban body movements
and Beto Herrar from North Carolina doing open shines

I could theoretically go to all four (back to back...)but then at the social that night hosted by the same people, I'd be a zombie with sore feet...

So, who would you suggest I go learn from?

[squirrel]

Go for all... anyone can teach you something of value.

[Salcero]

So, there are a couple of workshops coming up in Nov put on by some people I don't know/have never heard of.
One is by Magna (who I have heard of)...spinning workshop
Ana and Joel Massicot from Boston doing partner combinations (i don't have a regular partner...would this be worth it then?)
Gordon Neil from Atlanta doing AFro Cuban body movements
and Beto Herrar from North Carolina doing open shines

I could theoretically go to all four (back to back...)but then at the social that night hosted by the same people, I'd be a zombie with sore feet...

So, who would you suggest I go learn from?

All of those instructors are well respected in the salsa community. Wheather you should take a class, salsa or otherwise, probably depend on your needs, expectations, budget, etc. You've already identified that you may not have the energy level to do all the workshops and social dance. That being said, perhaps you want to prioritize or rank the importance of each workshop based on the factors I mentioned and/or any criterion that is relevant.

[naturallove]

All of those instructors are well respected in the salsa community. Wheather you should take a class, salsa or otherwise, probably depend on your needs, expectations, budget, etc. You've already identified that you may not have the energy level to do all the workshops and social dance. That being said, perhaps you want to prioritize or rank the importance of each workshop based on the factors I mentioned and/or any criterion that is relevant.
Agreed with salcero. I've taken classes from each of these instructors several times--one of them is one of my regular salsa instructors. I'm a glutton for punishment, so I'd take all four! :raisebro: Seriously, I would say you should utilize the workshops which will help you in areas of relative weakness. If you have spinning issues, Magna's workshop is excellent. If you want to work on body movement in particular, you should try another workshop. Are you a leader or a follower? If you give me an idea of what you'd like to work on, I can recommend which classes you should take and why.

[Catarina]

haha--I guess I could always take a good long nap between the workshops and the social too :)
I'm a follow. Although I could definitely use work on spinning, I'd guess that body movement & shines would be areas I'd need the most improvement and more confidence in. In terms of partner work, as I mentioned, i'm not sure how helpful that would be as i do'nt have one person that i regularly dance with, so would it be learning new combinations that i wouldn't necessarily use again since i'm not a lead, or something else?

[alemana]

you don't need a partner for that class. but you're right that, sometimes, partnerwork classes are actually more for leads than follows, especially if the jist of the class is "let me teach you this pattern" rather than "let's work on partnerwork." since most teachers do the former (which is easier,) it's up to you if you want to spend your money/energy basically serving as meat for a leader.

OTOH, if you go to that class you'll meet and rotate in with the leads who will probably be at the social later, which is always useful in terms of getting dances.

[GayleR]

I attended Anna and Joel's workshop On2 Intermediate Turn Patterns at the Toronto Salsa Congress and I am sorry to say it was one of the worst workshops I have ever taken. They are glorious dancers and beautiful performers, but they are very poor instructors. They didn't break anything down they just showed the pattern and then people were to follow. They kept interrupting each other and switching the mike back and forth between them. Anna's styling was not even explained. Most people I spoke to agreed and quite a few walked out. Just my opinion, I know others think they're great but I didn't enjoy this workshop at all.

Partnerwork workshops are really important IMHO. Usually the partners rotate so you have the opportunity to follow the pattern with a variety of leads and styles. Since one of my goals is to be a fantastic follower, I find partnerwork to be invaluable.

[naturallove]

Since you say body movement is what you want to work on...
I'd recommend Betto's workshop. He is one of my instructors and I think his dancing is highly infused with lots of afro-cuban body movement. He'll give you footwork and styling you can take the dance floor solo. If that's what you need, he'll deliver.
Gordon's workshop on Afro-Cuban body movment will give you a bit more understanding of how the different rhythms come together and also how to isolate various parts of your body. Be ready to sweat in both Betto's and Gordon's workshops.
The spinning workshop is lower in intensity since Magna works on techniques for single and multiple spins.
I'd also agree with alemana. Partnerwork workshops are less useful for me since I've been taking lessons from another instructor who emphasizes following technique rather than turn patterns for the sake of turn patterns. Seaon Bristol is a huge exception to this rule--possibly because he was a follower first. But I digress! I love Ana and Joel's workshops (and Ana is an AMAZING stylist) but I think they may not be as useful for beginning-level dancers and/or people that are not used to their teaching style and need more breakdown. I would say if Ana was teaching a body movement class, that should be your top choice, but it looks like she's not.
HTH!

[smartone]

So, there are a couple of workshops coming up in Nov put on by some people I don't know/have never heard of.
One is by Magna (who I have heard of)...spinning workshop
Ana and Joel Massicot from Boston doing partner combinations (i don't have a regular partner...would this be worth it then?)
Gordon Neil from Atlanta doing AFro Cuban body movements
and Beto Herrar from North Carolina doing open shines

I could theoretically go to all four (back to back...)but then at the social that night hosted by the same people, I'd be a zombie with sore feet...

So, who would you suggest I go learn from?

Would you mind posting the details regarding the workshops? The specific date/time/place of the workshops? Maybe even a URL?

Thanks!

[naturallove]

Would you mind posting the details regarding the workshops? The specific date/time/place of the workshops? Maybe even a URL?

Thanks!
If you go to either:
www.lavozdelmambo.com (http://www.lavozdelmambo.com) or
http://www.myspace.com/hotsalsakitchen (more details on workshops), you can get the information. Apparently the workshops are part of an event celebrating the release of the latest issue of La Voz del Mambo magazine.

[anam]

Hey Guys, This is Ana from Masacote. I read this thread and thought I'd post a remark. For the Chicago workshop, the level isn't stated, so we'll more than likely give an intermediate level class. No partner is necessary since there will always be rotations within the class. As far as for the followers, I always give tips for following, break down the steps, and provide some styling examples. Usually, what I do for styling is pick one or two components to work on to utilize throughout the pattern so the styling makes more sense on how to apply it to various situations (example: hips and arms, etc).

Gayler, I'm saddened to hear you didn't enjoy the workshop in Canada, more so that you would categorize us as the "worst" instructors. Anyone that knows us will tell you that quality is the most important thing to us in everything we do. I wish you had come up to us after the class and asked us any questions you may have had. We're always available after class to answer any questions.

The irony is that we had such different comments from others after the class. There was a group of people who approached us or emailed us after mentioning they'd enjoyed it.

After reading your comments, we asked around to people who had taken the class, and again, we heard the opposite. I guess in the end, it all comes down to who's style of teaching you can relate to. It's happened to me in the past where I liked one instructor's teaching style and not another's. It didn't necessarily mean that one was a bad teacher, but more so that I just didn't relate to that style of teaching.

As far as the class itself, there were two problems I remember. First, the classes before were running late, and we had to stop on time, so we only had time for about a 45 min class. Second, the mikes....Unfortunately, we were only provided one mike, so I do remember switching the mike between the two of us. We tried to alternate it between us so I could give my breakdown/comments to the ladies, but I kept getting feedback from the mike, I think because it wasn't directly on me. So, I gave up and tried to shout my comments as loud as I could. My voice was hoarse by the end of the class, but unfortunately, I think a lot of my comments, suggestions, and styling explanations were still missed because of this.

Also, we were prepared before the class began to teach an intermediate class. Levels range from area to area (an int class in one place may be too beginner for another place), so we always observe the class to see how everyone is picking it up. If the majority of the class follows it, then we continue to add on. If the majority is having trouble, then we stop to breakdown the pattern more, or provide an easier way of doing it. Of course, the hope is that everyone will get it after the breakdown.

At the Canada Congress, there were a few couples who weren't picking it up, but the majority was. So, we stopped to still breakdown some of the things we could see people were having trouble with without trying to call anyone out, and we asked people if they had questions. When no one asked questions, we had to move on to cater to the majority of the class who was getting the pattern.

Natural Love, I would agree with you that the level of our workshops when we visit different areas are not usually for complete beginners unless we're asked to teach that. However, there are some beginner that have attended advanced classes and learn very quickly so they can keep up. We are always ready to teach complete beginner workshops (sometimes those are the most fun since people are just happy to be learning basics -- I think advanced dancers sometimes forget how important the basics are), but when we are brought somewhere new, we are almost always asked to teach intermediate or advanced.

Anyway, again, I'm sorry you had a bad experience Gayler. I hope it doesn't deter others from taking our classes and finding out for themselves. We really enjoyed the class and our time in Toronto. We love the vibe and energy Canadians have towards dancing.

Maybe we'll see you in class Catarina. Regardless, I hope you drop by and say hi and enjoy the event.

Thanks! Ana :)

[Salcero]

Ana welcome to the forum. I hope you will continue to participate, as much as time allows. I've never taken a workshop with you, but look forward to seeing you on the dance floor.

[naturallove]

Ana-
I've loved your workshops everytime you've come to NC! Welcome to DF!

[GayleR]

Hi Ana,
Thanks so much for taking the time to reply in such detail. You provided some very good explanation and provided more information and a different perspective which I obviously hadn't considered. I apologize. My comments were entirely based on my one isolated experience with this workshop as compared to the other 10 I took over the weekend.

I am glad you had good feedback and so many people enjoyed the class. I hope my comments won't inhibit people from taking your workshops because as you said everyone should decide for themselves. Perhaps I'll have another opportunity down the road to experience your beautiful style.

[Catarina]

For the Chicago workshop, the level isn't stated, so we'll more than likely give an intermediate level class. No partner is necessary since there will always be rotations within the class.

Maybe we'll see you in class Catarina. Regardless, I hope you drop by and say hi and enjoy the event.

Thanks! Ana :)

I definitely will stop by, and maybe even see you in class! I've still got time before I have to decide...and hopefully it won't sell out (for my benefit in decision making, obviously--I'm sure everyone putting the event on would love for the workshops to sell out).

Ana- This is probably a silly question as it's a mambo weekend, but will your workshop be On2 or 1?

Naturallove- your comments are really helpful--thanks!

Since this will be afirst for me (going to workshops). how do you all dress for these things? like you would for any other class normally? body movement classes seem to be easier when not in jeans though...obviously not going-out clothes. I'm really such a freshman at this all :D

[naturallove]

I definitely will stop by, and maybe even see you in class! I've still got time before I have to decide...and hopefully it won't sell out (for my benefit in decision making, obviously--I'm sure everyone putting the event on would love for the workshops to sell out).

Ana- This is probably a silly question as it's a mambo weekend, but will your workshop be On2 or 1?

Naturallove- your comments are really helpful--thanks!

Since this will be afirst for me (going to workshops). how do you all dress for these things? like you would for any other class normally? body movement classes seem to be easier when not in jeans though...obviously not going-out clothes. I'm really such a freshman at this all :D

In general I don't wear jeans --it's very tough for me to really move in them. and feel comfortable. I like to wear something comfortable and casual. I'd suggest either a pair of comfortable fitting pants, a sports bra and a t-shirt. Your clothes can be more fitted or loose, but if you are taking the body movement workshops, you may want to wear something that allows you to see all of your movements. I'm sure it will be cold in Chicago, so you know how to layer!
If you do end up taking all four classes, or even two, I suggest bringing some water (always!) and maybe a snack like a pria bar or some fruit to keep your energy up. HTH and have a good time!

[MacMoto]

I could theoretically go to all four (back to back...)but then at the social that night hosted by the same people, I'd be a zombie with sore feet...

Do all four -- take a pair of comfortable shoes for workshops.
(That's what I would do if a lineup of teachers like that ever came to Edinburgh! I'm soooooooo jealous...)

[Catarina]

I'm starting to lean towards taking all four workshops :) afterall, social dancing happens every weekend, but i can't do workshops every weekend...macmoto, you've inspired me/pushed me over the edge!

[MacMoto]

Good :cool:

[SalseraLaura]

I would highly recommend Gordon Neil's workshop, I really enjoyed the one I took with him last year and I found his style of teaching really worked for me, very practical. Have fun and let us know how it went.

[Catarina]

Well, the workshops were great!
My friends and I went to all four workshops this past weekend and all of us agreed that they were great.
Magna was so specific and practical in explaining spinning...makes me wonder what my problem has been up til this point (still have to practice lots obviously). I also learned that in spinning, it's really hard to spot when facing a big white wall :roll: . Ana and Joel were so fun! The combination was good and well-explained, plus the arm-styling pointers were again so practical and helpful. They have great chemistry as a pair and just float around together so gracefully. The workshop with Gordon Neil was awesome as well--got a few new exercises to add to work on isolations and incorporate in general. The shines workshop was fun too. At that point, I was starting to get tired, but Beto kept it moving and interesting throughout and I still worked my butt off til the very end.
Overall, the workshops were great and I'm really working my brain to retain as much of what I heard/learned as possible.

Saturday night was a social at the same place--HELLO, it was packed and hot in there! Oh wow, so many incredible dancers. People were filming the social dancing bc there were just so many fantastic people out! There were two sets of performances that were fun to watch, but standing for an hour straight from 12-1am just wore me (and a lot of other people) out and I crashed at that point. I feel really fortunate to be in Chicago and get to see stuff like this!


pielcanela--sorry never found you! you were right though-there were a lot of guys in jeans and white shirts....next time!

[naturallove]

Well, the workshops were great!
My friends and I went to all four workshops this past weekend and all of us agreed that they were great.
Magna was so specific and practical in explaining spinning...makes me wonder what my problem has been up til this point (still have to practice lots obviously). I also learned that in spinning, it's really hard to spot when facing a big white wall :roll: . Ana and Joel were so fun! The combination was good and well-explained, plus the arm-styling pointers were again so practical and helpful. They have great chemistry as a pair and just float around together so gracefully. The workshop with Gordon Neil was awesome as well--got a few new exercises to add to work on isolations and incorporate in general. The shines workshop was fun too. At that point, I was starting to get tired, but Beto kept it moving and interesting throughout and I still worked my butt off til the very end.
Overall, the workshops were great and I'm really working my brain to retain as much of what I heard/learned as possible.

Saturday night was a social at the same place--HELLO, it was packed and hot in there! Oh wow, so many incredible dancers. People were filming the social dancing bc there were just so many fantastic people out! There were two sets of performances that were fun to watch, but standing for an hour straight from 12-1am just wore me (and a lot of other people) out and I crashed at that point. I feel really fortunate to be in Chicago and get to see stuff like this!


pielcanela--sorry never found you! you were right though-there were a lot of guys in jeans and white shirts....next time!

I'm so glad you had a great time! I always have a good time with each of the instructors you mentioned and learn so much from them! Maybe we'll see each other at an event at some point!