AUTHOR: SalsaCrazy TITLE: Reno Review, Salsa Highlights for this Week! DATE: Monday, April 11, 2005 ----- BODY:

Reno - what a show, what a show! In Reno, after seeing almost every salsa congress in the world, I finally saw a show in a real, high tech, well lit, huge (really huge), vegas style theater. All I can say is . . . wow. The theater itself almost stole the show. However, the performers were up to the task, and the show was really great. I was especially impressed by the West Coast Swing performers, who were incredibly clean, but our Bay Area stars, John and Liz held their own and did the salsa scene proud. Is this what Albert has planned for his Vegas Congress at the end of the year? It's simply amazing! The Reno Dance Sensation is still very much a "Swing" event, but has an enormous salsa potential (at this point, still unrealized). Next year, look for busses to whisk us safely and swiftly to Reno, and plan on it now - it's a fun event, and an amazing show. I lamented the fact that I did not know Swing, and couldn't dance with the large crowd of swingers. I'll tell you one thing, after Reno, I'm going to be getting into West Coast Swing quite a bit this year (along with continuing my Tango education). Oh, and did I mention Tap? And Pilates? Who the hell has time to write a blog anyway.

This week and next, we've got GREAT stuff going on! I mean, really great. But first, have you come to Top of the Mark Hopkins yet and seen it? It's every Wednesday night, with Benny Velarde playing live! 8pm for Beginning Salsa Dance Lessons, and 9pm for the band. I'd check it out - it's an amazing night.

This Friday, Johny Polanco visits Jillians at the Sony Metreon. Saturday, an event at Roccapulco for Jewish World Services (which is a volunteer groups that does worldly good deeds), http://www.ajws.org , and Cafe Cocomo has Avance. Next Week, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra brings it's Grammy winning New York Style mambo to San Francisco on April 22 for 2 dynamic shows. This event is a benefit for HIJOS DE LA MUSICA LATINA, an organization that provides free music instruction at-risk children who have a certified talent or gift for Latin music. Get your tickets here!

And yes, there's more! My friend and dance partner, Alise, and her merry crew of DanceEvents teachers, are throwing a benefit! They're great people, and excellent instructors, details below:

THE MAIN EVENT
Sunday April 24th, 1pm-5pm
Lake Merritt Dance Center
200 Grand Avenue, Oakland
$15 (student discount $10)

To reserve tickets, please call (415) 820-3979
1-2pm - Beginning Dance Lesson (Foxtrot and Salsa)
2-5pm - DJ Dance Party, Includes Lesson and Professional Dance Performances

There will be two beautiful and elegant rooms for your dancing entertainment. The Lounge Room with salsa and argentine tango and the Main Ballroom with Ballroom, Latin and Swing. Light hor d'eouvres and beverages served. We will also be having a massage therapist to get out the kinks and a painting corner for all you creative souls.

And you still want more? It's coming, rest assured!

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