Salsa Around The World

Salsa Congress 2017

2016-07-15T23:32:00.000-04:00

Salsa Congress 2016

2015-11-29T15:20:00.005-05:00

Salsa Congress 2014

2013-09-10T17:36:00.001-04:00

Salsa Congress 2013

2013-09-10T17:17:00.001-04:00

EDDIE TORRES Modern Day Mambo Legend

2011-07-11T19:46:00.017-04:00

EDDIE TORRES

Modern Day Mambo Legend

by rita@salsacrazy.com

Eddie Torres," The Mambo King of Latin Dance" has been the driving force for the resurgence of interest in Mambo dancing ("New York Style on 2") since the 1980's. Eddie Torres was part of the Post-Palladium or "second generation" of Mambo dancers who kept Mambo alive. He has inspired thousands of dancers through his studio http://www.eddietorres.com/, the performances of his dance troupe-- Eddie Torres Dance Company and his instructional videos. He is world renowned as a creative, innovative Latin dance teacher, performer, and choreographer. After taking a series of his classes, I was able to spend some time interviewing Mr. Torres about his perspective on Mambo dancing.

Can Your Shoes Make You Dance Better?

2011-06-27T16:24:00.000-04:00

YES! They can.

Each specific dance has it's own shoe which facilitates and supports the type of movement done in that particular technique.

In this post I'm going to talk about Ballroom and Latin dance shoes which are made with suede or split leather bottoms. These materials on the sole help the foot to glide across the floor and at the same time it also has a certain amount of 'stick' which creates control.

There is nothing worse for a dancer than a dance floor that is too slick or a dance shoe that needs to be brushed (I'll explain shoe brushes in tomorrow's post). To be spinning and rotating around the floor, often simultaneously, and not have a good grip under your feet can be a little scary and very uncomfortable to the dancer.

Questions to determine when buying dance shoes

Are they comfortable?

You should feel like you'd be able to walk a marathon in your dance shoes, because by the end of the night it's very likely that you will do the equivalent in dancing.

Are they secure?

You don't want your shoes falling off your feet when you're walking down the street, can you image moving to the beat of the music and having the back of your shoe keep slipping off, or even the entire foot inside the shoe feeling wobbly? Make sure the straps feel secure.

Are the straps too tight?

Be sure that the straps are not digging anywhere into your foot, that's a horror scene. I had to buy a pair of shoes in a pinch last year at an event and they were just terrible. After the first hour, I was dancing in pain and most of the night until I just couldn't take it anymore. So, buy for comfort not hoping to break them in.

Are they YOUR style?

I know this may seem a little superficial but, it's true. I feel like I dance better when I am wearing my favorite Strappy Sexy Latin Dance Shoes! They are pretty, sexy, fun, and wearing them makes me feel the same. So pick out a pair of shoes that you just love!

Go ahead, pick out the ones that are outrageously glittery or bold in pattern or color. Your moving feet on the dance floor are often watched – why not dress them up?!

Dance, Move, Live!

Patty Rose

Salsa Congress 2011

2011-06-24T03:37:00.035-04:00

Salsa Congress 2012

2011-06-24T02:19:00.027-04:00