Abu Dhabi International Salsa Festival, which includes live shows, workshops and parties, is celebrating its second year with dance stars and DJs from around the world. Whether you’re already a pro at hip-twisting turns or suffer from two left feet, the festival is the perfect opportunity to learn from the best in the business.
Spinning into action on Thursday April 22 with a live show, festival celebrations will continue until Saturday April 24 with social dancing and post-performance parties continuing well into the early hours.
‘Dancers from all levels are welcome to take part in this festival,’ reveals producer and director Jihad Shaban. ‘There is absolutely something for everyone…our motto is watch, learn, dance. People will be able to watch the dance shows, learn by participating in a choice of over 25 open dance workshops and then enjoy social dancing during three consecutive party nights.’
International salsa partners James Castro and Alex de Smet from Belgium and the UK, Inaki Fernandez from Spain, Moe Flex from the UK, Samantha Ho from Brazil (who is credited with bringing Zouk Lambada – a fusion of French Caribbean Zouk and Brazilian style – to the UAE) and Abby Lindenberg from the USA have all confirmed their attendance at the event. Puerto Rican-born BoriQua (aka DJ Orlando Felix) has performed at some of the best salsa nightclubs in the region and will be joining DJ Mateo Herrera from Italy and Abu Dhabi resident DJ Udia on the decks during the festival. Mambo Clasico, Dubai’s premier mambo/salsa dance company and Brazilian dance group Brasileira also form part of a packed dancing-based timetable.
‘Each of those artists are known as being the best in certain areas of dance; some are known for their great spinning techniques, such as James and Alex from the UK and Belgium, while others are celebrated for their body movement such as Kaytee from India and Vanessa from France… but the festival is not only about salsa – participants can learn other dances as well, such as zouk lambada, cha cha cha, jazz, hip hop and so much more. It’s also important to know that salsa itself has different categories and divisions, and each one will be performed and taught by a selection of the finest in the dance industry.’
For dancers in the dark, the festival is rife with workshops taught by some of the best instructors and dance pros in the world, including Moe Flex – UK, European and World Champion in four different categories of dance in salsa and street dance, and a highly sought-after instructor in the salsa world. The lessons aren’t limited to one dance form and will include everything from jazz, lambada, samba and hip-hop salsa, with training in how to perfect such techniques as spins, lifts and other tricks.
‘There will also be a surprise line-up and we are in the process of confirming a couple who are within the top three in the world in the Salsa Cabaret Division,’ reveals Jihad. ‘Plus we’ll be hosting a stunning samba show from a Brazilian dance group – I can’t tell you everything or it won’t be a surprise!’
Although salsa was initially brought to Abu Dhabi around 10 years ago, it is only in the past year that it has really made it onto the radar of the wider community. Jihad credits this to a ‘new strategy’. ‘We host several free weekly salsa lessons and social dance nights, such as The Salsa Night at Étoiles Club at Emirates Palace every Monday, and we have just founded LDAD (Latin Dance Abu Dhabi), which is currently the largest dance community in Abu Dhabi.’ If there was ever a time to slip on your dancing shoes, it’s now.
Abu Dhabi International Salsa Festival, April 22-24. For further information, tickets and the full festival timetable visit www.abudhabi-salsafestival.com
Strictly salsa
Hit the dancefloor and enjoy the following benefits…
Feeling fit?
At first it seems like a gentle sway, but salsa keeps the heart beating fast and, when the rhythm speeds up, is classed as a high-intensity cardiovascular activity which can burn up to 450 calories an hour.
Lean machine
You don’t need to have a hard body to perform salsa’s essential steps. However, it does make the upper body and arms stronger and firmer and can give a Latino curve to flabby thighs.
Budget friendly
Salsa dress can be as sexy and glamorous as you want, but if the mood takes you, you can also dress down. Many salseros wear T-shirts and jeans, so it can be pretty easy on the wallet, if not the eye.
Emotional high
Even though it is danced in pairs, salsa is a communal and fiesta-friendly dance. All that soaring, emotional music tends to provoke a romantic and exhilarating high.
Good for beginners
Basic, happy salsa is much easier for first-timers. But there is a deceptive skill in moving constantly and quickly with your partner – salsa is about keeping the rhythm in your hips.
