Salsa Dance Lessons and Tips Blog

5 Types of Water To Avoid When Out Dancing

2011-01-06T08:57:00.000-08:00

Drinking water is an essential part of health and well-being, but did you know that drinking some kinds of water can be harmful to your heath? Next time your on the dancefloor, keep some important facts in mind. It's important to make sure you're adequately hydrated, so keep drinking your water, but here as some types of water you should be sure to avoid:

Tap Water – Easy, quick, convenient. But how many pollutants lurk in your water? And what is your associated health risk? Tap water is known to contain not only chlorine & fluoride, but chromium, mercury, pesticides, herbicides and now in some areas lithium yes, lithium. Reason why, is a whole other subject.
Bottled Water – Did you know that 40% of bottled water is actually TAP WATER? With or without added filtration – you’re paying through the nose for it. Worse, an independent test by the Environmental Working Group found arsenic, DPBs and 36 other harmful pollutants hiding in bottled water. Best ones to get are ones that say spring water or filtered by reverse osmosis. Glass bottles are best and plastic bottles are a less than optimal idea as heat from transport or storage can release toxins from the plastic into the water. They can contain the potentially hazardous chemical BPA. And the devastating environmental impact is staggering.
Distilled Water – Use with caution… Long-term use can invite health problems, because its minerals are evaporated out. So to try to maintain mineral balance, it sucks minerals out of your body. What’s worse, the contaminants in the water are more concentrated in the finished distilled water. You can just imagine what that does to your health…
Alkaline Water – Although there is some controversy on this, most experts believe that this water should be used for short-term detoxification only (1-2 weeks max). Additionally the alkalinization process does NOT filter the water so you need to carefully evaluate the water filter for the specific alkaline water unit it’s using.
Vitamin Waters – Don’t be fooled… Vitamin waters contain high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), artificial colors, additives, preservatives, and caffeine. Even worse… they use distilled water to produce these products – which as you just read, is one of the worst types of water you can consume.

Water that is labeled as Spring water or filtered by reverse osmosis are best. If in a club and didn’t bring your water in the car, buy water in a glass bottle. Investing in a reverse osmotic filtration system can also save you long-term money & health issues. See you on the dance floor!

Marcelo

(Source: Mercola.com)

Monthly Salsa Beginner Workshops

2011-01-06T07:09:00.000-08:00

Marcelo’s Monthly Salsa Workshop (teaming up with Esteban

Conde) in Tustin and in Newport Beach, were a great success!

It was full of energy, fun and great music, and was also a great

learning experience and opportunity for brand new beginners

and seasoned beginner students to improve their salsa

fundamentals. With Esteban Conde and Marcelo both teaching,

each student was able to reap the benefits of receiving

individual tips and instruction, while being in a group lesson

setting.

Here’s what some students had to say:

"I thought it was interesting, a great class and I learned a lot!"

– Alfonso L.

"We had a great time! We signed up for the 6 week group class

and started Monday night and had a great time there too!"

– Jessica J.

"I thought the workshop was good. I liked it!" – Edward L.

"I think it was great. Having Esteban and Marcelo teaching

together was pretty cool. I brought my friend and she said it

was one of the best workshops she had ever attended."

- Jonathan P.

Be sure to join us for our next, monthly Salsa workshop on

Sunday, January 30, from 11am to 3pm, for lots of fun and

dance experience! No partner needed to attend, but be sure

to tell a friend!! (Click on the title of article to register)

Recognition

2010-10-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

I want to recognize a few students.
Over the last several months they not only have
proven to themselves they reached the next level,
but that have exemplified initiative, loyalty,
sacrifice, willingness to learn past initial
learning, is a team player & consistency in
their dance goals!

So here's my kudos & praise to..

- Christine Sorenson!
- Chin-Chin Liao!
- Murray Robbins!
- Dawn McKay!
- Emi Clark!
- Teresa Anderson!

There are others who came close as well plus
ALL who are on my salsa team deserve honorable
mention, but these few rose above average in
more than one of the categories mentioned above
in the last several months. Congratulations! I'll be
calling each of you listed above to give you a free
gift!

Marcelo's Student Salsa Dance Group Debut

2010-05-20T13:27:00.000-07:00

First two performances (Clave Lab & Tia Juana's)
of my student salsa dance group. Good work Pete, Dawn,
Jesse, Gabby, Ezequiel & Vivian!

Inspiration Keys For New Year (recorded Jan.15th)

2010-02-01T07:12:00.000-08:00

I got a hold of and put together this personal message from
Tony Robbins on keys to make this a better year despite the
circumstances. What better person to deliver great inspiration
to tackle this new year 2010.

Use this to propel you to new levels in dancing or for
any area of your life!

My new salsa team practice - teaser clip

2010-01-29T11:06:00.000-08:00

Auditions in early January went well. 8 made the team...
others didn't. This is a small taste of team practice early in the
training process of routine and of what to stay tuned to.

This is just the second week of group practice. Although it's my
amateur team and most are beginners, by the time were done,
it'll look advanced in execution and moving in choreography.
I'm impressed how most are coming along.

Anyone interested in future team auditions or Pro/Am
performance competition with me, contact me at:
salsa@marcelorivero.net.

The 12 Main Benefits of Dancing Salsa

2010-01-29T08:20:00.000-08:00

1. First of all, fun and happiness.
2. Physical health as exercise and weight loss!*
3. Reduced stress (physical & mental).*
4. Increased self esteem with this learned skill set.
5. Confidence builder (ego boost as well).
6. Attract a social prestige most people will admire or envy!
7. Enlarge social circle and popularity.
8. Improve relationship with significant other in a social, intimate or romantic manner.
9. A way to experience a "high" or adrenaline rush excitement.
10. An avenue for self expression (artistically and emotionally)
11. Improve flexibility and coordination.
12. Improve posture - not only better for your spine as we age, but also impacts how
people see you at first glance.

* Unless you're in optimal health, it's best to consider warming up & stretching before dancing a lot to avoid injury. If not in great health, dancing may increase your physical stress level to unhealthy levels.
If you feel unwell during exercise, stop immediately and seek a licensed health care practitioner, preferably holistic and/or chiropractic.

Post-Salsa Class Percussion Improv - Rhythm & Timing

2009-10-21T07:47:00.000-07:00

The 5 Ways To Improve Your Salsa Dancing

2009-10-21T06:51:00.000-07:00

Performance at N.B. Film Fest Gala Was Hit With Crowed.

2009-05-13T20:48:00.000-07:00

Click here for full article & pics....
http://nbff.freedomblogging.com/2009/04/27/sunday-wrap-up-at-the-film-festival/265/#more-265

It was a fun night where Ruby Karen and I performed an artistic
Argentine Tango/Cabaret/Salsa number for the event.

Every year Newport Beach holds there film festival event and this
year one of the nights was a Latino Showcase Gala following the
film viewings. We, along with a good Capoeira group, where the
dance entertainment that night.

Those who could not make it that night (I sent an email to my list
about it) can see a little about what happened in the O.C. Register
blog article with photos.

http://nbff.freedomblogging.com/2009/04/27/sunday-wrap-up-at-the-film-festival/265/#more-265

Lesson: Basic for New Beginners

2009-04-23T18:54:00.000-07:00

Lesson: Cross-Body Basic for New Beginners

2009-04-23T16:39:00.000-07:00

Emotions on the Rise

2009-02-11T03:09:00.000-08:00

These days may be tough economically for a lot of people. Our first
response to cut back the "non-essential" is natural. But is dancing
really non-essential?

First think about this. When businesses are slow (even in a good
economy), cutbacks mainly are the laying off people. When real estate
agents can't sell a house (even in a good economy), the conventional
solution is reducing the price.

Even work was very competitive to get, but wasn't it in our attitudes
and confidence that made the difference in interviews or getting clients?
With rare exception, if we're really good at what we do, don't you think
companies or clients would want us over someone else? No matter
what, historically businesses have gone under while others risen to fill a
need, and where there's a need or void, there's work needed to fulfill it.

My point is, what the "news" says about the economy should not make
us fear & feel far worse than we would do anyway in a normal
economy. And we should be creative and resourceful to solve our
temporary challenges...and not just follow traditional methods or
over-fear with what can happen anyway to any individual in good times
too.

Back to the dancing...

I get feedback from my students and some of their situations are hard
right now and I feel you, if that's you. I also noticed that stress &
uncertainty has been emotions on the rise and has affected many the
ability to do what they enjoy, love or are passionate at.

That's exactly why you need to continue dancing (or if your taking
lessons or classes with me or anyone else, keep it up). Maybe not as
much perhaps for some...but keep it steady.

Why?

Because your emotions of fun, excitement, connection & passion
need to override the negative one's (if not, at least match them) so
that your physiological and physical health do not suffer. It's been
scientifically proven that compounding negative emotions alone can
manifest into physical stress, pain and illness.

Einstein said: "It takes 11 correct inputs to take away 1 incorrect input."
We get enough bad news about what's going on. Let's not spread what
we don't want with negative emotions effecting us more than we may
think.

There are places to dance free or low cost (see my list for salsa club
reviews in O.C. I've emailed short time ago). I know, dancing is not the
only thing, but there are lots of inexpensive things we can do to feel
good & be well. Such as:

- getting a DVD on Yoga or Tai Chi or any dance (for mental & physical de-stressing),
- get massages from your partner or friend (for stress relief and detoxification),
- taking nature walks in a nice sunny day (a proven way to get rid of depression),
- laugh & smile as much as possible with movies, friends & reading jokes, etc. (self explanatory),
- find a way to sweat - running, push ups, sauna, making love, dancing or tanning (sweating detoxifies),
- taking a whole food supplement (instead of a bunch of individual vitamins that add up & not as good),
- attend church or drive to local natural landmarks, for sense of connection to your creator's creation,
- etc., etc. the list goes on...to be well and have positive emotions.

Going dancing is a good way to combine a lot of benefits at the same
time that warrants a second thought if your considering cutting it off
dramatically.

(See my post here on the 12 benefits you get from dancing.)

Also, as you know, if you don't have too much ability yet in salsa or
Argentine tango (or whatever) the better you get...the better the
positive emotions and over-all experience will be. So consciously think
what emotions you want to keep on the rise and do it.

Be Proactive Instead of Reactive!

This may help, the next time you feel a pattern of negative emotions...

As as John Wooden says: "To much of the time we complain about what
we don't have. As soon as we do that, then we're not going to make the
most of the things we do have. And if we make the most of the things
that we do have, that's going to bring us more of the things that we don't
have."

Happy dancing!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For information on my current workshops or private lessons, contact me at
714.585.7344 or email me: salsa@marcelorivero.net

(If you live outside of Orange County, San Diego or L.A., search for an
experienced & reputable local instructor or studio near you.)

If you want to know more on inexpensive natural things I do to not get ill or
how to get well within 48 hrs. if you do get a common sickness, let me know.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SalsaDanceLessonsInOrangeCounty.com

2008-10-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

I got some requests on the last Salsa Extravaganza performance
I've done in Palm Springs. So in case you haven't seen it, here it is.
(I did not have time to polish the routine, but my lovely partner at the
time Theresa & I, got great response & feedback.)

Sexy move tip - intermediate level

2008-09-01T20:14:00.000-07:00

Here's a simple tip, if you're an advanced beginner or intermediate,
to add some sensuality to a common salsa social move - weather or
not you go to my workshop. Have fun.

To see video a little larger, go to google video:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-498648015516199758&hl=en

http://www.salsadancelessonsinorangecounty.com/workshop

If you're not on my email list, go here and sign up today!

12 Tips For Salsa Dancers' Feet Maintenance

2008-08-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

Are you starting to wonder how to better take care of your feet from all that salsa dancing? If you’ve been just “sucking it up” all this time? Well here’s what you can do (besides buying shoe pads or band-aids) to help prevent or better take care of all the ‘wear & tear’ we dancers get on our feet.

Here’s 12 tips I give some of my private students (plus feedback from pro dancer friends of mine, that have over a decade of dancing experience), that I’ll pass on to you:

1 – Obviously invest in a good pair of dance shoes, if you haven’t already.
For men, since it’s not common to wear ballroom dance shoes to go social dancing, make sure you don’t buy a dress shoe based on just how it looks & fits. Make sure it’s flexible (by trying them on and squat down with heels off the ground), heel not too thick, shoe not too heavy and bottom sole is not rubber or a polished slick feel. Genuine leather bottom sole is ideal.

2 – Keep you steps short and dance tighter.
Although, getting stepped on is inevitable over time, you can dramatically cut down the amount of incidences simply by not stepping back on 1 so far (on 5 for men), cutting down your side steps and staying closer to your partner after cross-body leads in open position.

3 – For women, keep feet pedicured with nails not exceeding the tip of your toes.
The longer your toe nails, the easier it is for someone’s accidental step or kick to lift off the nail from the skin.

4 – Get foot massages or use a foot massaging machine regularly.
This not only helps relieve sore tissues but, to regain better blood circulation and reduce possible swelling. Plus, it helps exit built up stress energy & toxins in your feet.

5 – Do not use a razor on calloused feet.
You need some amount of toughness to feet, or they will be oversensitive and callous up even worse. Instead, gently slough feet when bathing or showering. You can use exfoliating gloves and give them a good scrub with a skin exfoliating product of your choice (you can even find some products especially for exfoliating feet - Bath & Body works has a line of this).

6 – Apply foot cream at night before bed with a pair of cotton socks over.
You can even use Vaseline if you don't have foot cream on hand. This helps keep feet soft. Think about softening the feet rather than actually removing or scraping off the callous. Dancers need that protective layer on their feet to keep them a little tough.

7 - Stretch your ankles and feet.
This will help prevent your feet and ankles from injury if it gets twisted while dancing. For women, you can easily do this while exfoliating your feet.

8 – Wear tennis shoes during the daytime or dance sneakers for practices and workshops.
If you dance for a living or just dance a lot, you should try to spare your feet (not to mention back) from any extra stress.

9 – Take Epsom salt baths to relieve sore muscles including your feet.

10 – Use skin colored thin cloth tape for already existing bruises and scrapes.
Especially for shoe straps that may hurt or any edge of the shoe that may be digging into your foot/keel/ankle too much.

11 – Elevate your feet often.
Also to help pressure relief and blood circulation.

12 - Do stress reliving exercises such as Qui gong, Tai chi or Yoga.
This will help, not only mental centering, but better all-round energy flow through your body allowing it to break-down less (including your feet).

There it is. These are just top 12, if you have more valuable tips to share please do so.

Hope this helps give you much more long-term enjoyment to salsa dancing or other dances (as you start to go more or continue to dance more) as it has with me and others who have been dancing salsa.

All the best.

Marcelo

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