Ways of learning - Social

Hi everyone.

I've thought about this topic for some time now. And I've written couple of drafts and came to a conclusion, that I should break it down, and write down, in some detail about my thoughts, pro's and cons of each, with maybe some tips.

There's no denial, that of all the forms of dancing, I'm a social dancer. So please forgive me if I am biased towards the social. But from what I have/can see, the other method of improving our dancing are,

1) Social
2) Class/Private
3) Choreography

In this blog, I'm going to cover Social, where I would attribute as one of the greatest influence in my dancing.

In the realm of dancing, ESPECIALLY in Salsa, I consider Social dancing to be a key ingredient to dance, dancer and the wider "community" of dancers. I think for the majority of people who dances, the social aspect is one of the draw card of dancing. I have known some of my friend, who have never, or went to nothing more than one or two classes and the rest, all "practicing" through social.

So here's what I see as some of the Pro of Social dancing.
1) Social - It's a "duh" statement to start with, but I can atleast comment for myself, that my circle of friends, is mainly composed of what I call "salsa friends". When I first moved to Australia, I had no problem making/finding a circle.
2) Unpredictability/variety - Unless you have a rediculously large class, the chances are, you would end up dancing with the same people, over and over. That, in the beginning, isn't bad at all. But over time, the only way you can get better, is to keep exposing yourself to new "stimulus". Different style, movement, strength of leads, etc. This is particularly so, if you compare to classes, where you learn the move, so you may predict the pattern.
3) Cost - Genrally speaking, if you ONLY dance socially, Salsa/Latin, is a pretty cheap hobby. There are places that you can dance for free, or else, in Sydney, the highest cover charge I have seen is $15. Yes, going to special parties can cost $30~ but, these events are often not the norm and it's usually worth the ticket price, considering the number and variety of people you get the opportunity to dance with.

Cons
1) Learning curve may be too steep - Myself included, beginners may get better benefit from having a few proper classes to start you off. One cycle, one class, it doesn't matter, but just knowing the basics, or not, can be a difference of wether you get another dance for the night. There's "beginner" and there's "someone who doesn't even know the basic".
2) Draw of the luck - The variety mentioned above can also be a Con. You don't always know what level of dancer the person is, in a social environment. If you are dancing in a "Class" you would expect this person to be "around the level" of the class. This is not so in a social scene. Not everyone will "dance to your level", or you may be a beginner, and end up dancing with someone who doesn't even know the basics.
3) No structure - Unless you make good friends, you would rarely get "feedbacks"pointing at what you have done wrong, or right, or how to improve. It's entirely up to you. This can be a good thing, or a bad thing.
4) Not dancing - The basic rule of thumb is, if you don't ask, you won't get. And a beginner's misteke often made, is that they don't ask people for a dance. I have seen/known people, who went out and never had a single dance, or a couple, over 2 hours. In class, at theast they will "pair you up" with someone.

I use the description, that Social, is like a conversation you have with your frend over coffee. It's something you go, do, relax, have fun and go home. Choreography to me, is the opposite, more structured, precise, just like what a speech is. Class, goes somewhere in between.

In my view, the pro's out-weighs most con's, but for some people, it's not for them. But I think a really good dancer is capable of doing both perforamnce, and the impromptuness of social. How far you go to either extreme, is up to you.

Till next time

It's time for a long-overdue update to the website.

I've found this, while searching around for events to goto in Melbourne, Aus, when I go visit my friends. The site was a friendly one, so I thought I'll share it..

http://www.melbournesalsa.com.au - Seem to have the "where to" for all Melb salsa. Classes, events, etc for those who wants to check it out.

Though for me, what I thought would be worth sharing for the blog, was their "tips", seeing what I've covered so-far.

So here's what THEY have on their site - Courtecy of the Melbourne Salsa community.

Together is better

The principle aim of all basic step patterns, and all figures, is to allow two people to coordinate their movements to music without any other communication. So long as the people are moving in sync with each other, it doesnt matter on what beat they are dancing, whether the figures are executed according to routines, or anything else. Grace and connectivity are what dancing is about.

Know your role

The aim of the lead in a partnership is to create a frame of movement in which the follow displays their musicality. It is not for leads to detract from the follows efforts by grandstanding or showing off, leaving their partners doing nothing. In the case of less experienced follows, the lead facilitates the movements of the follow by extending their range of movement, teaching the follow to realize their capabilities. When the follower is more experienced, they can take more initiative as distinct from back-leading and provide the leader with more options into which the couple can move.

Melbourne Salsa offers great salsa dancing classes at various venues in Melbourne at reasonsable prices. We are focused on providing you a fun enjoyable experience. Many of our dancers continue to refer their friends and family to our services. Try out your first salsa dance lesson today.

Less is more

Unless performing, use styling only to accentuate points in the music, not points in a figure. When best executed, these will coincide, but frequently, parts of figures suited for accent do not match the music, so leave the head/arm-flick out until the time is right for it.

Be Happy

No matter what their level of skill, happy, joyful people are much more fun to dance with than over-focused, unhappy or attitude-ridden people. You will have more fun, and so will you partner, if you relax and enjoy the experience, than try to force it to conform to your expectations of what it should be.

Minimize thought

Dancing is more about feeling intuitive, spontaneous response to music than about thought. While learning a figure or working on something in a class, thinking is all to the better understand what you have to do, so you can remember it to practice later but once the foundation is laid, you will enjoy it more if you let it flow than spend all your time trying to remember while dancing (as opposed to practicing dancing). If you think too much, you will forget to breathe, and to enjoy yourself.

Create your own style

Many students/dancers get caught up in trying to copy or become the carbon copy of their instructor. Whilst it's great to be inspired by others and have a mentor, it is more satisfying to know you have created your own style or your way of dancing. To do this, watch others around you. When out social dancing look around at the styling other dancers use, something some one does will catch your eye. Watch salsa videos of congresses from all over the world and then practice, at home in front of a mirror or in your dance studio, with a dance partner. Try new things and keep trying until you think you've got it right, if it doesnt work for you go onto the next thing.
Keep trying until something fits with you and in the process you may come up with our own way of rolling your shoulders or flicking your head. The way you sway your hips or the shimmy or body roll. Trying to fit into someone elses mould may take you years or a lifetime, wouldnt you prefer to dance like YOU for a lifetime.

Practice Patience and Perseverance

Dont expect to be the best Salsa dancer overnight! That just won't happen, for some it takes months and for others years. The way to make it happen for you is to practice at least 3 times a week or more, to be patient with yourself and to persevere even when it gets tough and you think you'll never get it. Try private lessons, as one on one with an instructor can catapult you to becoming a better dancer faster. Also after group classes stay back and dance to the music. Get used to dancing and practicing with out the voice of your instructor. See live bands as well, feel and hear the music. The more you dance and listen to the music the more you will connect with it and your partner and the better dancer you will become.


Points 1-5 were generated by Clem Stanyon...Salsa dancer/performer & friend.

Points 6 & 7 by Gabby Torrisi.

Credit to Original Uploaders.

Salsa Location Review - The Kingslander

Hola.

Well, I thought it's about time I share some of my knowledge of the location I used to dance in NZ. This is one place that I used to go frequently, with a decent balance of social and dancing happening. The Kingslander.

Location - 470 New North Road, Kingsland
Auckland, New Zealand

Using the train, I believe you can get off the Kingsland train station, but to be honest, I haven't been on the train. Parking isn't too bad, but with the number of bars/pubs in the area, you might have to take the roads in the neighbourhood.

Venue - It's a classic pub, with a decent sized bar. There's a half decent wooden floor, until someone decides to spill their beer. Pretty standard setup when it comes to dancing in a bar/pub. The usual "non-dancer coming through" rules applies.

Time - It takes off on Wednsday nights. There's a class between 8 to 9 pm, taught by Coco. It takes a little to pick up, but if you go with someone you know, it's also a good time to utilise the space. It finishes at 1am.

Cost - The venue is free to get into.

Music/Style - The music can be repetitive over time, but it's a half decent cover by the band "Banda Latina" (that is, recorded music in the background, with live music played). Good mix of Salsa, Bachata and merengue, maybe at a 5:1:1 ratio. No Zouk (when I left), as the band doesn't play zouk. There's no set rules, but at the back, where the bands are playing, has more cuban-isque dancers, and more at the entrance, you have more linear dancers.

Level of dancers - The location is a regular hang-out for Auckland's more experienced dancers, male and females. People of all levels should be able to enjoy the venue.

Notes/Comments : Venue as a whole, this was one of the venue/day of the week I have looked forward to, every week. Even if I wasn't in the mood for dancing, I could hang out with people I knew with a beer, which was nice.

More of NZ venues to come.

How to Be a Better dancer - Hacks and Tricks.

Welcome back.

Those who knows me will know me as a systems guy, but also of hacks and shortcuts, when it doesn't comprimise quality. The concept of work smarter, not harder. So today, I'm sharing some of the hacks and tricks that I've learned through my time dancing, which can help or dramatically improve your dancing.

So in no specific order.

1) Close your eyes.
This trick particularly is effective for the ladies, in the late beginner to the intermediate level, when they are past the steps and counting stage and learned a few moves. The trick is dead simple as "closing your eyes while dancing".

What this does is three things.
a) It makes you concentrate on the music and the rhythm. Helping you maintain beat.
b) It makes you less distracted by things outside you, especially footsteps, excessive hand movements of guys etc.
c) It makes it harder for the ladies to "lead" as it's harder to predict what the guys are doing.
- I have seen time and time again, people improve in their level of dancing simply by closing their eyes.

2) Tip-toes.
This is useful for both guys and girls, but more so for Guys, as they don't wear heels. Again, the trick is dead simple. You dance tip-toeing, without letting your heel touch the ground.

This
a) Forces you to shift your weight correctly when stepping
b) Make smaller steps
c) Easier to do the "hip movement".

When I dance with someone who I find is just there, but isn't quite there, I ask them to do the closed eye and tip-toe for one dance. You will be amazed at the level of difference this simply does. After doing that for a couple of songs, and you can feel how easy it is to move, etc, you have to just keep doing it to make it part of your normal thing.

3) The 90 degree rules.
One of the common road block that ladies (and gents to some extent) has with Salsa, is the frame. Frame is a very difficult concept that, though over time, it becomes intuitive, it's difficult to teach. Eddie, Salsa freak uses the "egg shell" concept, though I this can sometimes be confusing. I prefer to use the 90 degree rule to start with, as it's easier to visualise.

The rule for this is simple. Never allowing your elbow to extend or contract from the 90 degree bent position. So push back, if it bends, pull back, if it extends, but never ever "jerk" the movement. Think of it as a spring, there's a constant tension.

Once you master this, if you can connect this to your shoulder, then you pretty much have "frame" nailed.

4) Tennis ball
Once you have the above "elbow" trick nailed, the next is to connect the elbow to the shoulder. I have not personally tested the technique, but when I sit and think about it, it makes sense, so I decided to add this.

The trick states to hold a tennis ball under your arm when dancing. Obviously, this is not to be done in social scene....

The idea behind it is rather simple. If you aren't holding the ball, then you don't have your arms tight enough (and open enough) and if it hurts holding it, then you have it too tight. I'm happy to get feedbacks on how people got on with this, as logically it makes sense, but if it works or not....

5) Planking

Well, that's a joke, but the idea is none the less, same. With this exercise, the follower will dance with their arms crossed across their chest. Practice dancing by being lead just by the waist and shoulders.

The idea now, is to practice connecting the hand frame to the leg frames. People who seem "heavy" often has this problem, of the hand movement not corresponding to the body movement.

That's it for the day chaps.

Most of these aren't that complicated and you should be able to practice one or two things at a time. Over time, the basic concept should come second nature.

Happy dancing.

How to be a Better dancer - Hints, tips, cheats Pt 2

Welcome back!

Well today's posting is from a suggestion from my Salsa buddy, Christian. Thanks dude.

Today's topic is about Etiquette and manners.

Anyone with any experience in dancing would have had the "bad" experience. Today's topic will cover some of Do's and Don'ts. The idea is to give as pleasant time for you and the people around you.

1) Hygine
Ladies and Gents. Let's start with the real basic stuff. Salsa, at the end of the day, is a social gathering. So all Social convention applies. So the likes of shower, shaving etc would be a good idea. If you are a smoker, additional mint/cologne/deodorant etc would be nice.

2) Dress, dress code
Ladies. If you want to wear something nice, us guys love to see it. But let's think a little about it. Skirts that flare when you spin, or rides up over time, makes it difficult to dance. It's rather annoying to dance with someone who is more concerned of their dress than their partner or the dance!. Give it a quick twirl or a shuffle at home, before you come out.

Same applies to flimsy fabrics. Don't complain if someone's watch snags your dress and tears it. Similar logic applies to hair and jewellery. Wear something practical, unless you know you can get away, or willing to risk it. I have seen someone's watch get caught by a ear-ring, so anything is possible.

3) Change of cloths.
This is more for the gents. If you know you will probably end up sweating, it's nice to see you have a change of shirt. Ladies appreciate this and you will feel refreshed. Obviously it is a little more difficult for ladies.

4) At arrival
Meet and greet. Like said before, it's a social occasion!. It's polite, and will also give you more dances.

5) When waiting for a dance.
Please keep out of the way of the dancers. Dance is for dance floors. Be seen, but don't get in the way. I try to clear obstacles for people as well, chars, tables etc, which is nice.

6) While dancing
We differ in opinion here, but some people insists on sticking to one style. In a nut-shell, Circular vs Linear. Some of us are very ok with it, some of us are not. I suppose knowing who you dance with, is the key here.

Watch out for - Excessive shines, over-extending arms, or steps, unnescecary or fast dipping, moving your partner to where you have not checked (there might be an obstacle in the way). The key is to keep the moves simple, if you don't have space.

7) After the dance.
Thank your patner, hug/kiss as appropriate. Getting to know their name may also be a good move. In addition, it's ok/nice to have a chat with your partner after, but please move away from the dance flor.

8) Asking for a dance.
Again, usual social convention will be nice. If the prospective dance partner is talking an "excuse me" would probably be a nice move. I have seen occasions of someone just coming up to a guy/girl and grabbing them without aucknowledging the person they are talking to.

9) Drinking
Here's a little paradox. It's a nice gesture to the establishment to purchase something, especially if there is no cover charge. If you want the venue, or the event to stay alive, the venue needs some form of return, most likely financial. However, getting drunk and stumbling/harming your partner, is a bad, bad move.

Well, that probably covers a large portion of it. I will no doubt get feedback and more to list, so there may be a part 2.

Happy Dancing!

How to be a Better dancer - Hints, tips, cheats Pt 1

I've decided, in my own little way, what I can do, to give back to something that's given me so much. I'm not a teacher, so I can't really teach, and I'm not a performer, so I can't really provide someone with a performance.

But I thought, as an geek, I can give people, what we call hacks, cheats, tips and shortcuts. I've decided to drop some of these in between my blogs, to try to help the community. :)

Today, I'm going to try to cover some hints, or practices you can do, before hitting the dance floor.

I've talked previously about the importance of practice, and how to get more dances = practice. But we all have a life. Work, family, etc and you can't always go dancing. What then?

Tip 1) Listen to music. - Some of the people who take their time improving, I have noticed that they expose themselves to the dance once a week, at the class. That's it. Now, who can learn a language at once a week? Play the piano? Drive a car? Probably not. Dancing is the same.

While doing the basics in the bus or train has the potential to be arrested, or at least getting the occasional glare, listening to the music is free for everyone to do. Speaking geek, the music and the rhythm gets memorised in your memory. It's good for you. This isn't to stop you from doing the basics when you are alone at home.

Tip 2) Counting - Anyone up for shortcuts? Two things at once? Well, we do this all the time. Ask a personal trainer for a superset. Twice the workout at half the time.

While listening to your music above, count the beat. 1-2-3, 5-6-7. This would be the next best thing to actually taking the steps. If you had to lose concentration because you are crossing the street, try to see if you can pick up the 1 again. This is just like when you are dancing, and you lose the 1, and have to try to get back. It's a good practice.

Tip 3) YouTube - Beside my friends and the dance floor, my next greatest teacher was YouTube. Once you have your basics nailed, there are great classes online, that you can watch and practice. Mental images, match it with counts. Just don't bust it out on the social floor with out practicing it thoroughly first.

Tip 4) Dave from Paradizo Dance told me about when he was learning to dance. He made a list prior to going social, and ticked off the moves as he did it. I think this is a good way of "not panicking" when you get to the dance floor, as beginner leads can. Stick with a few moves, and get better with it, use the tick list, like a shopping list, and expand it as over time.

OK guys. Those are a few stuff you can do at home, at your office, at your time, alone without a partner. Hope it was helpful.

Happy dancing!

How to Be a Better dancer - How to get more dances.

Hi All.

Since moving to Sydney, I have been very fortunate are receiving many compliments for my dancing. In between, I have noticed some common thread of "where did you learn?". This on it's own, can be a thread, but I believe that the best dance school, is called the dance floor.

Now, I want to put a disclaimer first. I would never say I'm the best dancer in the world. I still see fantastic dancer, and one of my friend has this Groove, that I would love to learn, yet he has been dancing for less than half of what I have been. My intention is to get more people who are comfortable to have a dance, at any speed, for a song, without embarrassment and have fun.

Also, for me, a good dancer, is not about moves, this too, I will cover on another topic.

So off to the main point - How do you get more dances? As my philosophy on "getting better" in anything is practice, dancing as much as possible, is key to this. So, how?

1) Ask. - Duh! Obvious, but I am never amazed at the number of times you over-hear the "this sucks, I came all the way and haven't had any dances". Why? Because this person never asked for another for a dance. Unless there is a real reason (being stubbed by a heel, danced 4 fast songs in a row is all good enough reason) most dancers at ANY level will not say no. Part of it is because it's Karma (most people find it hard to say no to someone, and they don't want to be seen as a snob), but also it's an ego thing. Who wouldn't want someone to come up to you and say "I like your style, and I want your attention for 3 mins"? - So Ask. That's what you are there for, to dance.

2) Engage - When you are dancing, look at your partner, smile, laugh, make a step closer. This shows that you are enjoying the dance. Think of a coffee with a friend. Do you want to be with a friend who wants to listen to what you say, or someone who is always distracted, always looking at their phone. Will you ask them for coffee again? I once got into a conversation with a new found friend. She told me she enjoyed dancing with me. This came to a shock, as I thought that I was scaring her or something, as she didn't smile much. It turns out, she is still scared and still a beginner, so is a little tense. I know it's hard, but having some human reaction to a dance is good. And by engaging, it's also another good idea to thank the person for a dance after. After paying for your coffee, do you just leave, or do you stand for a bit, ask what their plan for the rest of the day is, then leave? Again, it's about leaving a positive impression. If you could relax because the song is finished, and you can now smile, it's not too late. Hug and a kiss on the cheek (if the person seems ok with it) for a bonus point.

3) Be seen - Most social dances happens in bars/pubs. Rarely (but sometimes) in studios.
If you are sitting on a high stool or a cubicle, then assume that you will either a) blend in with the background, or b) be seen as just another drinking patron. Stand at the edge of the dance floor, do some basic shuffle, to give a sign that you want to dance. Ladies, being shy here isn't cute, sometimes, it's just annoying. Go and ask. Another aspect of "being seen" also referrs to being seen on the dance floor. If people do not know your level, they will hesitate. If they see you, know you are at some level, or at least know the basic, the chance of someone asking you will increase.

4) Referral - This sounds like a sales pitch, but it's a variation to No1. If you met a guy/gal who is at or around your level, ask them if they have any friends that you can dance with. Or ask them to point out other people who they think you should dance with, etc.

Doesn't make sense? If you want to make more friends, what will you do? Meet more people, talk to more people, be polite, be friendly, have something in common, etc. Those basic "social principles" apply.

In a conversation last night, I realised that I go out with one crude principle, and this can be turned into a game to make it useful. I call this the "once only" rule. Basically, you dance with one person only once. If you have danced with this person for the night, you cannot dance with the person. Be flexible, (multiple dance style allowed, twice if not many people around, etc) but I find this forces you to look for the next person to dance with.

So that's me, with my thought on how to get more dances. Needless to say is avoid being sleazy, smell nice, be polite, don't hurt them or insult others, but again, hopefully those are conventional norm of the sociely. :)

Happy dancing.

Salsa Location Review - Establishment

Venue - Establishment - 252 George Street, Sydney, Australia

Using the train, get off at Wynyard station, though Circular Quay is probably a doable distance for a walk.

Time - Tuesday - The music seem to start at 9 and the place gets quite crowded by 9:30. By 10, it's usually so packed, you can't do big moves.

Floor - Marble/Stone, though I have to check from memory. It's a comfortable floor, but as it's a Bar with lots of non-dancers going back and forth, don't be surprised if the floor gets wet at some stage of the night. You "find" space to dance, as the place is not designed to host dancers. There are area in the back (Cuban) and area in the front (Linea, also right at the entrance) to dance. These style segregation is not a clear cut segregation, but it means people "drift" to this area.

Music/Style - The music is DJ, with a mix of Salsa, Bachata and Merengue, but no Zouk yet. As mentined above, there's a mix of Linear and Cuban, if you want to dance either, with a decent mix of music, so you can be flexible with your style of dancing.

Level of dancers - I haven't spent time in the back so I can only comment on the front side (Linear) dancers. The level of dancers vary with some really high caliber dancers and some real beginners dancing among each other. To be honest, as it's a well established drinking place, some regular patrons can "join in" the dance floor. I have heard that the Est crowd tend to come only to Est, and I can say it may not be untrue. Some of them, I have not seen anywhere else.

Cost - Entry is free. The place seem to do just fine (as it's in the middle of the city) by having normal patrons who drinks.

Note : Personally, I have a love hate thing with this place. I've had fun, and I have had good memory with the place. But the place gets very crowded very quickly, with the added bonus of patrons just walking past blatantly to get in/out of the bar. When you get surrounded by dancers who have not honed their "navigation skills", you can be in for some elbow bumping night. At the same time, this can allow you to just dance cloese to your partner.

Happy dancing!

Some thoughts.

Well, I've covered rather ikky topics, boring people with my view. Maybe it's right, maybe it's wrong, but that's how I saw it.

Today, is more on a positive note, drifting a little away from the Dance theme I had. I'd like to talk about positive attitude and how I've seen and felt first hand about how it can influence people.

I've recently got employed by a multi-national corporation. The company has a rather supportive and positive attitude that I haven't seen, almost ever. I have seen individual like this, but here, seemingly the whole office has it.

As an example. The other day, I did what I'm normally payed to do, in the time frame I was meant to do it in. Yes, it was a big job, but it wasn't that far beyond what my job description covers. Yet, at today's group meeting, I was told in front of the group what a good job I have done.

After that incident, I thought about it for a little bit. My previous company, was not the best, but had some form of "gloomyness" going on. I clearly recall talking to a former co-worker who has left, that "I don't understand why everyone is negative and bitching".

Here's where my thought it, at the moment. It's about what makes life easy. As human, I think we, you, I, can and will see the positive and the negative. Yes, as individuals, we have the tendancy to be positive or negative, but I think to the most degree, we are neutral. We complain about the pay, our boss, work, etc. We see the good, the bad of all situation. But if you are in a negative environemnt, it's "ok" to be complaining. But if you are in a positive environment, it becomes "ok" to praise, look at the good side. As a matter of fact, after the incident in the morning, I felt that I "could not say ill" of anyone.

In another way of saying/seeing it, I felt as though I was getting the peer pressure of "being positive". It was shunned to be negative, and encouraged to be positive. The attitude isn't about "how can we complain", but "how can we improve/fix this".

Why is this important? I think this kind of envirnment isn't or should be unique. Think of friends, family, any group of people. I'd like to believe that you CAN start this will a small ripple effect, from you. But I just wanted to emphasise more of an anectdotal story of what a "positive environment" might do to an individual.

Till next time.

Salsa Location review - Vivaz!

Location - 80 George St, The Rocks, Sydney, Australia.

Using the train, get off at Circular Quay and about a 10~15min walk along the waterfront, then to the Rocks.

Venue - It's a resteraunt first, so don't expect a fabulous dance floor. There are dance spaces all over, around the bar, like an lop-sided doughnut. However, because of this, you can't expect an "open space", so expect to be creative. The floor is average and with how the dance goes, you may just go with a comfortable shoe, rather than dance shoes.

Time - Friday - The band starts at 9, but it tends to pick up around 9:30~10. If you want a warm up with space, go earlier, if you want to just jump in the heat of it, go closer to 10.

Cost - Entry, $10. $2 coat check. There are ads saying "free entry before 8:30". However, when I did this, I was told nothing will happen till 10. So if you are going with friends and having drinks, then good. Otherwise, don't expect dancing to start for another hour, atleast.

Music/Style - First thing I have to say, is that I love the band. They play live cover and it's very plesant. The band will play then on their break, DJ will play a few songs. In my opinion, the place is more Cuban than linear, though people do dance linear. No Zouk. 70% Salsa, 15% Bachata, 15% Merengue.

Level of dancers - Average. Like above, lots of cuban dancers. Expect to bump into a fair few casual people (and non dancers) who wants to boogie on the dance floor with the live music going.

Note/thoughts : At the moment (June 2011), Friday night is a tossup between Vivaz and Coolabar (exception of special events). I like the music and the vibe of Vivaz, but the dancer's level at Coolabar seems to be better. It really depends on how you feel. About a 3 to 3.5 stars, but I don't mind going there.

Ciao

Salsa Location Review Pumphouse

Hopefully someone can find this useful.

As part of my Blog, I thought that I can try to objectively review Salsa locations, hopefully up to date, with some supplimental information that doesn't always exist in other information sites. So here goes.

Today's venue I have in mind is the Pumphouse in Darling Harbor in Sydney, Australia.

Location - 17 Little Pier Street, Darling Harbour

I'm restricted to public transport, but still not too bad. Get off at Museum station for the sub/train, and walk East down Liverpool St for about 10 min (give it 15 if you have heels). Once you see the farris-wheel, hook to the left.

Venue - Two story building, with large (20 couples or so) downstairs hard wood dance floor. Second floor with a L shaped dance floor (10 couples or so), and a DJ booth. Also a good area to check out the scene from above.

Time - Mondays, Starts at 9, and seems to pick up early. I was there at 9:30 and it was already pretty packed. Finishes, late? Didn't get to stay long enough.

Cost - $8 entry, with a champaign draw voucher.

Music/Style - It's the LA central, so sorry Cuban dancers. Graham who organises pumps out quite a versatile bunch of music, but like I said, you will get a VERY strong linear group of dancers. 90% Salsa, 8% Bachata, rest Zouk.

Level of dancers - As Graham and Tamsyn are strong believers of social dance, I thought the quality were very high.

Notes : I enjoyed the night with a good 4 to 4.5 out of 5. Sometimes, it becomes a fight for dancers to grab other dancers, so it might be good to keep an eye on who you migth want to dance with, but other than that, thoroughly enjoyed it.

Christchurch Earthquake.

To all those who are involved, my heart goes out for you.

My very close friend was caught in the first earthquake. I remember making the frantic phone call from overseas to make sure she was ok. She was. This time, she decided to call in a sickie. She was to fly to Chch. Funny how things turns out.

I was lucky, most of my friends don't live in Chch, so I wasn't effected. The one that I remembered about, just decided to drive back to his parent's to have a rest until power comes back.

I thought, what if this wasn't Chch, but what if it was Wellington, where I have far too many friends to worry, if such event happened. I would most likely drop everything to go see what I can do to help. What if it happened to me? Who knows.

What happened, happened. Let's just hope that we can save as many souls as we can.

From a Geek perspective, I've been amazed at how many twitter traffic, Factbook traffic and everything else there has been. I've now seen so many generosity and so many creative ideas on how people can help. It's a good reminder of the human soul.

Hang in there guys. We are doing what we can to help you.

On School teachers.

So I've heard the story that some teachers in NZ are so "bad" that they can't spell, use poor grammar and incapable of doing basic arithmetics without the aid of a calculator.

The defense from the teacher's council (the governing body who decides who issues licences to practice being a teacher) is that the livelihood of the teachers are at stake, that you cannot take away their job so easily....

Now let's change it a little bit. Let's say you are a doctor. You screw up, you will have your licence suspended. Chances are, until your investigation is over, you won't be allowed to practice. Someone's life is at stake? Yeah probably.

Sometimes, I think people take teacher's for granted. People expect teachers to be everything, but without giving anything. I know, because I have seen both my parents be a teacher. I know because I've seen what crap my fellow students throw at them, and all the stories I hear from them. But at the same time, I think being a teacher, there's a responsibility. You aren't "teaching" a subject only. Hopefully, you are teaching more. Value, ways of thinking, attitude. If you put untrained teachers in front of the student, you will get students like that. Those that thinks, "it's ok". I personally believe, that teachers are an investment. Investment to our next generation, to our future. Are you going to spend the time at home, to teach what the teacher can't? You have to look at it from both side of the coin. While the teachers should be respected, if the teachers are not of certain standard, that is all the kids will end up as.

To me, this scares the crap out of me. But that's just me.

Edit - In a rather nice timing, I found this video, which does comment about a few things that I have mentioned. e.g., Kids understand the concept of magnetism better "before" going to school.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hJCxSiH4ts&feature=related

My thoughts on our PM and people who chose him.

So it's clear that I haven't made this a habit.

I want to talk about this comment our PM (Prime minister, head honcho) of our country have said. Now, to put it in context, I believe he is one of the richest man in the country and probably the richest PM NZ has ever had.

His comment was that essentially, "Poor people are poor because they made bad choices. If they got off the dole, they should be ok"

To which, you get the usual rout of, "You try living on it" or "I'm sick but not sick enough to get a dole, what the?"

Here are some of my thoughts. Just a couple of rambles.

I think if Mr Keys is living on a dole, he will do fine. I don't expect financially successful man not to be able to do a income/expense analysis, to get to where he is. As a matter of fact, I might even put money down that he will walk away with some savings.

Some have commented on "easy for him to say", or "I wish I was on his position". I don't. I think he has worked incredibly hard to get to where he is. I don't think, let's take, Steve Jobs (Apple) or Bill Gates (ex Microsoft, both have millions as personal assets) have got there by applying the dole. They worked hard, and found opportunity to get to where they are. I can only expect the number of hours Mr Keys actually work as a PM to run the country, let alone as a husband and a father. My recollection of his background is that he didn't start rich, and came from a somewhat disadvantaged family, but I don't have any info to back me on this.

I'm sick but not sick enough to get a benefit. Well, let's put aside the whole "have to get a benefit". People might think that I will talk about my mum, but here, I'd like to talk about this tiny lady I met when I was at University. She was the Liaison officer for the student with disability. What was her condition? I don't know, what I do know is that her arms were too short, her legs were too short, she was on an electric wheel chair, and I doubt she can go to the toilet or get dressed alone. But she was an Liaison officer representing a group of people. too sick? Maybe. Not to do anything? I doubt it.

Some readers in the newspaper I read were kind enough to give us their "financial breakdown" trying to prove a point of "how can you live on this". Unfortunately, some of these alone, provides some flaws in their logic. Here's a few examples (not all from the same person).

Rent - $160... Hello? Thought of somewhere with Less rent?

Two bedroom flat for me and my baby. - Sorry, your on a dole. I know it must be uncomfortable, but really, there's sacrifices you have to make.

Internet - $100 a month... HELLO!!!! I'm a geek and I'm on a $80 a month plan. Who is your provider and what plan are you on? Have you heard of the public library?

I don't completely agree with the government. There was a time when I was in between job. I sent out CV's like machine guns (I still have my folder with all the copies of CV's in it, to remind me of that time). When my savings have hit rock bottom, I went to WINZ, who have promptly told me, one way or another, I won't get a penny for 3 months. Thanks, I only needed some money to get me by for a few weeks... Lucky that I had a lovely partner to support me at the time.

The final note, I suppose, is family. Before the time of organised government etc, we always had our "family" to rely on. That could have been our biological, or neighbor, or whatever. But in our now segregated world, we rely on only those we see, and possibly a bank.