Salseros United
by Yang Xiao
posted May 9, 2005

I rarely jump on the soap box and write about my opinions. Lately I have felt strongly about something, so much that I must share with everybody. As a regular Salsa dancer for the last eight years, I've seen many Salsa venues come and go, and many people come, and then just disappear. Just like anything else, there're ups and downs to the Salsa scene in Indy. I would say it's much better now than before, but Salsa is not growing as fast here as some other mid-sized cities like Detroit, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, or Atlanta, just to name a few. There are different reasons. Most people think that we are in the middle of nowhere, and there's not a whole lot of new stuff coming here. True. Indianapolis is not quite an arts and entertainment mecca. We are always a little behind. I wouldn't use it as the excuse though.

There're things we could have done differently to make Salsa bigger and better in Indy. I think the number 1 problem is that salseros here are not united. This might sound harsh, but unfortunately it's the reality. Ever since the days of the Red Brick Dance Studio, the first Salsa studio in town, there has been this sense of divide. At first it was between Latino and non-Latino dancers, then it was between dancers from different studios. Also, there're competitions between Salsa promoters and clubs. As a Salsa dancer/instructor/promoter, I definitely have to take part of the blame. While we taught people how to dance, and threw Salsa parties, we didn't do enough to help the dancers grow together. Afterall, Salsa is not about who is the best dancer, or who throws the biggest party. It's about having more and more dancers involved and growing as a community.

In order to do so, the promoters have to collaborate more and instructors must encourage their students to go out and dance with everybody. In the past, students from different dance studios tend to go to events sponsored by their studio, which means less people to dance with at these events. I want to ask our students and friends to go to all the events no matter who's sponsoring. Also, we need to create an environment that dancers can go to dance. There are many establishments where people go to drink, dance, and meet somebody. However, most dancers really just want to dance. They will drink, but they don't get wasted. If they meet someone from dancing, that's fine too, but as long as they get some good dancing, they are happy. IntoSalsa recognizes the needs of dancers, and we will work with other promoters to provide more events to the people who love to dance.

Reader's comments

Something we really need is a place for those of us that aren't 21 to dance on a friday or saturday night. I love to dance but don't have the option, I'm 19 years old and in college and I only know of one place that plays hispanic music. It's called Monte carlo on west washington street. First, the place is really ghetto people don't even try to dress to impress. Second, they don't EVER play salsa and what they do play is really outdated and there is no variety. Hopefully this is something that you or someone you know might consider starting.
- Charlenne Gonzalez

Well said. IntoSalsa is the last salsa venue that retains my loyal support. The striking difference between IntoSalsa and other salsa venues is the desire for unity and growth between cultures and communities. Latin dance is still growing in popularity in Indianapolis, which lags behind other mid-size cities and their even larger big-city cousins. However, the sense of community in latin dancing is phenomenal in Indianapolis. There are few dancing venues where one feels some sense of welcome after the first visit. Not even here in Atlanta Georgia, my new city and home, is the salsa crowd as open. Since arriving, I have greatly missed IntoSalsa's inviting atmosphere. I have no doubt that the leaders of the IntoSalsa community actively support and promote a positive attitude among the ranks. Interestingly enough, IntoSalsa has the support of latinos and non-latinos alike, being a group of serious cultural diversity, both latin and non-latin alike. I'm willing to bet it's one of the few genuine efforts of it's kind. Yes, I agree with the author that Indy's salsa scene could be much stronger if the community unites solidly to supports the celebration of the dance that brings together people from around the world.
- Jennifer aka Mojo

I totally agree with you Yang. Salseros in Indy need to unite so that we can learn from each other and grow together as a salsa comunity. Maybe some day Intosalsa and Indysalsa can come together to organize a big salsa event for Indianapolis.
- Salsero mayor

Yang, I think encouraging your salsa students to be outgoing and to get to know others is a great idea. As a 6-year salsa dancer who used to go dancing weekly, but never took lessons, it was disheartening to see fist the "Red Brick Studio", then the "IndySalsa" crowd stick to "their people" and "their students". I'm a good follow and would have loved to learn new turns, but was rarely asked. On the other hand, Marquez asked me to dance one Thursday at the Jazz Kitchen, and we've danced regularly ever since, learning new moves and having a blast. I would say that Sylvain is perhaps the only one of your students who regularly dances with all kinds of dancers and students. It would be awesome if more people followed his example. To respond to Charlenne, under-21 places would be great. The Madame Walker used to be pretty popular, but all the other under-21 (alcohol-free) salsa nights that have been tried pretty much flopped. We would have to get behind them as a community if they are to succeed.
- Heather

I agree with you Yang, if you recall on the interview that I had with you I said that the Salsa community wasn't as united. I think that we need to work on certain things to make that change, I for one need to take lessons *HA HA*, I love to dance it but I want to learn how to dance it properly. As far as Charlenne, mi amorsito, kids now days don't know how to act that's why there no places for the younger crowd. I suffered really bad with that too, you sound like a nice young lady and it sucks that all the other bad ass kids ruin it for good young ladies like yourself. BUT COME OUT TO OUR SUNDAY AND FRIDAY SOCIALS TO THE INTOSALSA DANCE STUDIO WHEN WE HAVE THEM.
- Gino "EL CAMPEON"

Yang, I appreciate your commitment to help salsa in Indianapolis grow. As I read the article, and knowing you, I realized how strong your commitment toward that means is. I hope that our fellow dancers follow your lead in stepping out of your comfort zone to step out of their own. As the company members were discussing yesterday, aside from what you mentioned above, that could mean men facing their fears of being rejected, women facing fears or judgments of asking men to dance, advanced dancers dancing with everyone and avoiding cliques, and all of us reconnecting to the main reason we love Latin culture and dance - human connection, with ourselves and others. There are a lot of things in life that can stop us from doing what we would love to do, but whatever you do, don't let fear be one of them. Everything is connected! So as we follow through with a commitment to grow as a community, we also assure growth as dancers and individual human beings. Thanks again, Yang, for the bold step of leadership, With care, Chad P.S. To Charlenne, who wrote a comment about no place for people under 21, the Sunday Socials at Intosalsa Dance Studio welcome people of all ages.
- Chad

Great article, Yang. I haven't been a consistently enthusiastic participant in the Indy salsa scene, for personal reasons unrelated to anything lacking on the part of IndySalsa or other salsa groups (or other salsa dancers) in town. I hope to be able to become more involved later this year. I do have a few concerns regarding some of the clubs: 1)I'm a nonsmoker, and dislike being around smoke. 2)I'm in my 50s, and as the saying goes, I'm getting ready for bed now when 20 or so years ago I'd be getting ready to hit the clubs! Most dancing starts at 9:00 p.m. I'd like to see it start at 7:00 p.m., especially on work nights, and no later than 8:00 p.m. I realize that most people who go out dancing are in their 20s and 30s, and that the clubs cater to that age group, so my suggestion will likely fall on deaf ears. But I'm putting it out there anyway, in case large numbers of other people feel the same way, which might cause changes to be made. Thanks for your significant contribution to Indy's salsa scene, for your talent and your passion for this beautiful art form!
- MARY HOUGHTON

Hey Yang and Chad, Stop bullshitting about unity, let me see some action and less of words. Well I think u guys should NOT unite, but rather compete in a healthy way, only then will the best in you come out and salsa gets to become more popular. As long as u provide good competitive service and pricing, you will have lots of returns and the salsa crowd gets to benefit from you folks more ! When you folks start to unite, you tend to become a mafia. which in the long run will only be bad for SALSA and the dancers. hehehehe, And chad what are u trying? to market ur connectivity business? man u are really deep into this connectivity thingy ! All the best there buddy. keep up the goody-oldy-worky. And you better start asking more gals to dance at the RR, too many are complaining, but I would not mind if you left out the snobbish gals, u know who. I am surprised that I don't see any comments from the Big-Fxx_Axxx - Papi, another of those who keep doing the lip service about salsa but no action. hope he is reading this, if he does not, hope someone tells him about this the next time they meet him in the clubs. And hey Heather, what are you trying, to learn moves for free, when the other guys are paying thru their nose for the DVD's and practicing for hours to no end at home. Not fair lady, for some one in the justice dept. It would do the people teaching some good if you at least attend one class per month. thats much better than trying to keep the bar-tenders happy thru tips. Cheers.
- Vino

Well said Yang. One of my favorite things about IntoSalsa is that you and Erin make it a point to involve as many people as possible in the salsa scene, and that you do it out of the love you have for dancing salsa. To answer Charlenne, you might notice that on the events calendar, there are at least 2 events for an all ages crowd. One is the third Monday, and the other is the last Sunday of each month. Also, if you are in college, and use facebook, you will find that there are some salsa groups on facebook. This might give you an opportunity to find under 21 venues to dance on the weekends. It may also give salsa promoters a reason to have events at all ages clubs if there are enough of you interested in dancing regularly on the weekend.
- Ben

Great article, Yang. Well said. I was bitten by the Salsa bug this past November. While I originally started lessons at another studio in town, I've quickly adapted to dancing (uhm, I mean TRYING to dance -- smile) with people from everywhere. It's GREAT; however, I have sensed the division you speak of. In the infamous words of Rodney King, "can't we all just get along?" As a Black female from a small, racially segregated town, this extremely diverse Salsa scene is simply astounding to me -- I LOVE it! I've made it my personal mission, (and that of my PR firm) to do what I can to help grow the Salsa community in Indy. Looking forward to the challenge! Excited about the possibilities. ;o)
- Keianna

I just wanted to give you,Yang, a very heart felt thanks for all your hard work and devotion to teaching salsa. What a wonderful gift you give to all those who walk in the door! I first saw you and Erin at Lulus of all places…no one else was on the dance floor and the place was half empty. I was just mesmerized. After that I fell in love with salsa dancing as well as the wonderful Latin music. I’ve found that unless you can keep to it at least two or three times a week, you just don’t get much better. The lessons were great and I learned a lot, but life has gotten in the way of my dancing lately. I miss all my buddies terribly and hope to get back to it soon. It’s hard for someone like me since I don’t get much practice. Most of the salseros who could teach me something, do not give me a chance. After reading your article and the comments, I think that was my fault. I need to step up and ask some of the guys for a dance! And also be more willing to dance with salseros who don’t know as much as I do so they can learn more. It’s no fun sitting there like a wall flower and probably not too attractive either! Anyway, I had to let you know that salsa changed my life for the better. It gave me so much more confidence in myself. There is nothing more fun or sexy than salsa dancing. Connecting with people is vitally important…it’s what we were created to do and we lose ourselves if we don’t. The salsa community here has always been warm and accepting of anyone who takes the chance to dance!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
- Stephanie

Unity in our community is a step and the right direction. Yes IntoSalsa and IndySalsa are separate businesses and must stay competitive, but we must first put the salsa dancers and the Latin community first. Lately their have been a lot of loyalty playing where dancers refuse to show up for another group's event. There was a dancer who told us that they will only support IntoSalsa activities. Our community is small and when dancers decide to never attend another group’s event it can have a negative impact. As for myself I try my hardest to support everyone’s events (Vault, Savoy, Red Room, IntoSalsa studio parties, etc) to set an example to my students and dancers who support us. Hopefully this summer there will be a more positive feeling of support to everyone who is sacrificing their free time, energy and sleep to make salsa in Indy more then just a night at the Jazz Kitchen. If we continue to draw lines in the sand, do not expect Indy’s salsa community to grow. Sometimes it is better to take the community’s best interest into consideration then just our own.
- Marques

Wow Stephanie, r u for real? U just reminded me of a lady here in Vancouver. She and her husband are among the top West-Coast Swing dancers of America and Canada. She always takes time to ask the nervous beginner guys to dance, volunteers to be the willing victim and helps them improve their confidence and techniques, she is always there with encouraging words (which I think most beginner need). After that its up to the beginners to give it back to the community and help make it a better place. Cheers!
- Vino

Hello exile Vino, I read your comments. Thanks for the compliment. Will comment about them to YOU in person, not for the world to see. Though I am sure you felt you were communicating with humor, I am sure lots of your ol Salsero buddies did not find your comments funny. But ol well, what do u expect from a pint size midget writing "melda" (crap) in another country. Later!
- Fat Axx Papi

Pint size or Big Fat Arxx, At least I am doing my bit in trying to keep the people thinking, provoked into thinking out of the box and involved, even from a distant land ! What about you, the self proclaimed Ambassador of SALSA from PR, aka NY. U even refuse to turn up, even once a week to promote your heritage. When in fact you are supposed to be there for EVERY EVENT. Well to add another feather to my cap, at last I got you to put in your two lines. I was hoping that you would put in more, but looks like you need more provoking. Marques and Yang, I think your students need go to each others parties and every other possible parties and try to learn from the others and get insipired to do better. In the long run, I am sure with Salsa getting more popular and with more Latin dance schools opening up, everyone only stands to gain from it. (my personal preference is Merengue thou) -> simple two steps, filled with passion and rhythm. Cheers and have loads of fun!
- Vino

Marques... you are the one that's the most competitive anyways!!!! You are only in for Salsa yourself and sorry but you can't dance.. Someone shold be teaching you! hahaha!
- Salsaholic

I would like to go to more events sponsored by Indysalsa, but the problem is that I don't like the Savoy. I have gone there three times and each time I do not have a good time. I don't like the white tile floor and although I like the wood floor better than the tile, I think it is too slippery. I also don't like the floor at the Indysalsa studio. So, although I have no prejudice against particular studio dancers (or non-studio dancers), I hope that Indysalsa will come up with better venues.
- Regular salsera

Regular salsera - I agree with wanting better venues, but have you been to the Vault lately? That floor is horrible! Sticky, slippery and dirty! If I had to 'pick my poison' I would currently pick the Savoy. Right now neither InToSalsa nor IndySalsa have ideal venues for salsa dancers, but this is not their fault. Either the owners do not care about the upkeep of the venue (Vault) or the owner does not want to invest in a better floor (Savoy). Hopefully BOTH groups find better venues.
- Salsa Addict

Salsa Addict - I want to let you know that IntoSalsa no longer sponsors Saturday night at the Vault. We still encourage people to go there to dance. I'll tell the owner about the dance floor.
- Yang

I am sorry to hear someone mention that Marques is into SALSA for himself and about his dancing. The comments sounded like someone who’s girlfriend ditched him for Marques or a gal who wanted to dance with Marques but was not asked or found tough to follow his lead. Either way, its stinks of a case of “Sour Grapes”. Well knowing Marques, I think Marques is into this like many of us For The LOVE of the Dance and Music. Not because Salsa is a means for his/our lively hood or that we get some financial profit out of it. And then comes the comment about his dancing, well if you are comparing him to the world's best, then may be we all don't know to dance. I always say, we were never born running or walking, but with time we learn to do both. I know Marques, me, Chad, and a few other people started with intosalsa about 2 years back and for someone to have covered the length and have reached the stage Marques and Chad did is something admirable and inspirational... To be taken as a bench mark for all those who want to learn to dance Salsa and also for those who have been dancing salsa in the womb. I think that the dedication that these people have shown towards salsa has only contributed in making salsa more popular in Indy and they will always have the gratitude of people they opened up and introduced a new horizon of happiness too. I would also credit Marques for putting his video out for the whole world to see in google. I usually take great pride in showing this web-clip off to many of the people I come across: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3792497008841198590&q=salsa+marques Social Dancing is fun to be had after a hard days work. But if you are here to compete in a competition then that’s a different story. I know of many crooked people trying to create rift between indysalsa and intosalsa for what ever cheap satisfaction they seem to get or out of plain jealousy. But Marques for one has to me only shown his dedication and love for SALSA with all the spare time he spends towards his hobby of developing his own technique and that of others.
- Vino

As Rodney King said: Can we all just get along? Anyway, I just love to dance and will dance with anyone, anywere, anytime who wants to. I thing if everyone just focus on having fun and enjoy the work out and pleasant from dancing they will be alright. Instead of trying to be so competitive with each other why not join or combine some events together to bring the community closer as you all are suggesting.
- CJ

Vino, Vino, Vino, Vino....You skipped that last marketing class of your studies, didn't you? ;-) Let's do the math. Competition is good....hmmmmmm, but only when you have enough customers buying the same product. What's the point of have 10 different salsa clubs on a Saturday night when the actual participant numbers aren't enough to fill 2 clubs sufficiently? What good would 5 different salsa schools do Indy, when only a few participants are willing to pay for the services at any time? Demand must be high before competition can emerge. Marketing is the key. When several venues unite to market a common product there is a better chance that the product will sell more effectively. Competition is surely to follow. "Unite" first, grow the overall numbers, stabilize it, then inject some of that healthy competition you mentioned. That's Marketing 101 and it works most of the time. For the record, there is nothing wrong with venues collaborating to heighten community awareness and interests. Businesses all of the world do it every day. In the end, if done properly, everyone benefits: stability, support, diversity. Hmmmm.....sounds like what Yang has been saying all this time. And finally, play nice. IntoSalsa was built from the ground up. To imply that there is "inaction" from one of the cofounders of IntoSalsa, on the website that he built himself from scratch...well, damn.....need I say more?
- Jennifer

Having been around the Indianapolis Salsa scene for 7 years, I'll take the stand that competition is good for the consumer. That is, unless you decide to pledge allegiance to a particular group. I mean, just a few years ago, the Jazz Kitchen was the only places to dance. Now, you have every Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat and sometimes on Sunday and Monday. This is because of competition. As one who truly loves Salsa, I'll dance anywhere: in a phone both, at Sylvan's house, on the corner of Mass and College (yes, on the concrete), at WalMart or at any of the clubs that bless us with a night at their establishment. It doesn't matter who the promoter is. People will always find something to complain about: smoky venues, poor dance floors, nobody asked me to dance, too many people asked me to dance, etc. Competition provides you with alternatives, so be thankful for it. That you IndySalsa. Thank you IntoSalsa. See, you don't have to drink Pepsi esclusively, especially if the restaurant is only serving Coca-cola on Friday nights. So all of you Pepsi drinkers try, Coke, you might like it. I bet if people put their petty differences aside and went out just to enjoy dancing, this wouldn't be an issue at all. Just for the record, please do not confuse me with the person who signed as Saslaholic. I have a dance team call IndySalsaholics and it was assumed that we are one and the same. We are not.
- Son of Salsa

Thanks Vino, you’re a good friend. I don’t look for drama or trouble, but it has a way of finding me. As for getting along, well if there is something that I am doing that is brothering dancers please tell me. Insults with no meaning, provide no help to the situation. I try to base my actions for the benefit of the community and not just for ones self interests.
- Marques

Jennie Da'ling, U r right about me jumping off the Marketing Mgmt Wagon after sometime, cause they seem to be teaching me stuff that I already knew. When I was reading ur write up, the examples I wanted to reply was with Pepsi and Coke, then when I read the one by "Son of Salsa " I went, gosh this person just said what I was thinking. Because the more the schools and Clubs compete the more there is Advertisement and more people/consumers get to know about it and more the awarenss of SALSA. UR right about people having too many parties on the same night, that only splits up the consumers, that again is something the competitors need to be aware of (their competitors programs) and try to fit in their plans and schedules different and be more competitive. U don't need unity for that, but more of the right kind of advertisement - touching and reaching the right kind of people. It then all boils back to a game of numbers.... cheers.
- Vino

Marques, if you want to gain popularity, start by behaving a little bit better on a club dance floor. You occupy 5 times more space than any salseros and you always kick and elbow half of the people around you. Your backstep is amazingly huge (don't deny it, it is on the video you posted) And please don't invoke your height, some dancers as tall as you can dance in a small square. Honestly, I try to avoid dancing next to you on a dance floor, It is dangerous and remove any fun. Well you requested feedback, now we want to see actions on the dance floor.
- El Salsero De La Noche

El Salsero De La Noche , your are right on, BUT why single out Marques, what about Yang, Rayan, Chad, cynthia, Shayane, the Rueda dancers, etc. I think that applies to all the expert level dancers. They think that the dance floor is their Inheritance from GRAND-MA, and they just can't control their ROCK STAR behaviour, watch them all, they tend to use up all the space that they can HOG, with their fans watching them wide eyed and then they go about bitching about the beginners bumping into them and not having enough place to dance at the Jazz Kitchen. These experts practice on wide dance floors where they are the only ones practicing AND when they are at the clubs they forget the fact that they have to share it with others. MAY BE ALL YA EXPERTS SHOULD LEARN TO PRACTICE DANCING IN YOUR OWN 3 FEET SPACE AND SHOW OFF YA HOGGING TALENT SOMEWHERE ELSE. Worst when they start throwing their hands around and trying to do their off beat dips on the crowded dance floor. That is why every time any expert dances besides me, I end up giving them a kick whey they come close to me. That usually seem to have a good effect.
- SALSA

El Salsero De La Noche - The last few months I have been working on conserving less space while I dance, also the video posted is about a year old (good try). Thanks for the feedback; I will keep working on it. Anything else? Keep in mind that I have only been dancing for 2 years and my dancing is still in the process of refinement. Also I am not looking to be popular? I get a laugh at all the assumptions people tend to make about me. I come to dance and if someone’s likes the way I dance, I hand them a business card.
- Marques (no nickname needed)

El Salsero De La Noche, I also agree with you.... I have been hurt by the big backstepper.. I was out Saturday night.. and I had to stay far away or I would be stomped. Also.. Vino.. I'm not any of the people or type of persons that you listed.. I'm just an honest salsero. Another note, I don't believe Marques has had a girlfriend so that wouldn't be who I am.
- Salsaholic

Great write up Marques. http://indysalsa.blogspot.com/2006/05/rejection-on-dance-floor.html And you showed greater personalty by mentioning the article of intosalsa. And I am pleased to see Erin's comments. Wish Yang would also try out somethings he is trying to preach by atleast making an attempt to mention Indy salsa in his web page, then I would say that he means what he is saying and not just playing games and politics.
- Anonymous

I suggest people go back and read the article again. I don't understand why people decide to attack each other after reading the article "Salseros United". Isn't it ironic? Maybe it's in people's nature to be divided rather than united. For those who question my motive or character or dancing or whatever, I don't care to defend myself because I didn't do anything wrong. The only thing I did was give my heart to the Salsa community in Indy. BTW, I never called myself an "expert dancer" as SALSA suggested. I'm not. I'm a good dancer but far from being expert.
- Yang

Yang Thank you for stating how you'd like to see the community move forward and benifit everyone, as there is no challenge in pointing out others faults or whine over past events. That only creates more divide when discussing unity. You have always been eager to listen to suggestions and welcome any change that is for the better of the community, not just your studio. I look forward to seeing this dance community here rally together this summer and show this town how to dance, even if we have to do it in our backyards!
- dancer for good

Dear SALSA, If there is available space while I'm leading or dancing by myself, I will use a little extra room, but I always use a small amount of space when the floor is crowded. As a matter of fact, I move to a less crowded space when someone dances into mine. For example, when the floor gets completely packed at the vault, I dance over by the couches where no one is dancing or standing. However, when following, I can't do too much to control what the lead does. Also, if having a "Rock Star" attitude means letting the music move me and dancing for myself, then call me Lenny Kravitz. I just do what I do baby. If you stop hatin' long enough, then maybe you could work it like a rock star too. I'm an expert with fans?!! WOW! Glad you think so highly of my skills. Guess I'd better start autographing some head shots. I'll be sure to save one special just for you. (To my biggest fan, SALSA. Keep striving, and one day, you'll be almost as fabulous as me. Love, The Artist formerly known as Shayne) ;-)
- Shayne

First, I think it's kind of nasty to single out Marques. I danced with him a few weeks ago after being away from the salsa scene for awhile, and I have to say it was a good experience. It was at the Jazz Kitchen, it was wall-to-wall packed, and yet I had no fear of being thrown into the people around me. He kept it in a small space, he was aware of the people around us, and he only did what there was room to do, and I appreciated it. There is nothing worse than a partner who uses you as a tool to clear space, and Marques did none of that. Second, to SALSA, who singled out Yang, Cynthia, and several others for taking up space and showing off.....what the heck?! You just sound jealous. The people you named are cautious, and I have never been smacked or kicked while dancing near any of them. Just because they go out, dance, and look good does not mean they are showing off. If they are better than you, that also does not mean they are showing off. I've had pangs of jealousy watching them too......but watching people better than you is how you learn! As far as them bitching about beginners....I'm not sure how you came up with that. They are the people who welcomed us all in when we started. I think the majority of the salsa community would agree that rather than bitching, they are some of the people who are most willing to dance with beginners, not accuse them of taking up space. I'm not sure what you are so angry and bitter about, but please at least be realistic and fair.
- Jen

Well, this has been very interesting to read. I started at The Red Brick dance studio about 5 years ago along with Yang and Tee as an instructor. Then, I only learned the basics. I didn't stay too long because like most people, I had a life and a family. But after all this time, I came back to the salsa scene because of my love for salsa. I just couldn't stay away! Naturally, I came back to the same place that I started to learn salsa, but it was re-named Indysalsa. I learned alot from Indysalsa and they took me under their wing and they helped to mold me into the dancer that I am today. I truely appreciate that even though I no longer attend IndySalsa. Well, being that I loved salsa so much, I was willing to volunteer my time and was asked to be an assistant. I was very loyal and humble to the studio. Anyways, I started to realize that I needed to dance with other people to learn how be a better follow. I was great when dancing with the one person, but I needed to get to know different leads and styles, so I took it upon myself to go out and dance with other in other dance environments. I really wish that I had more time to attend IntoSalsa events, but my life was so busy. I am now starting to make up for that. I attended Intosalsa's social and had a wonderful time. And I plan to go to the next one. My soul purpose is to dance. I LOVE TO DANCE! I feel that there are two sides to this. The business side and the consumer side. And unless you run a dance studio, you will never understand where they are coming from. I applaud Marques! I've gotten to know him more and he really does LOVE TO DANCE SALSA and nothing else. He is very passionate about salsa. And he is setting an example to attend as many venues as he can even though they don't put money in his pocket. I haven't seen any other promoter or owner do this. I love dancing with Marques too. It's fun. I always have a smile on my face when I'm dancing with him. AND THAT'S THE POINT! To have fun. Not who's taking up the most room. More than likely, if you're dancing with me, I will have a smile on my face. I can't believe I danced with a woman (Shayne) the other night and I had a great time. That was a first for me. Shayne, you are a very good lead. I also had a wonderful time dancing with Chad, Yang, Ryan, Franklin, and whomever else I danced with at the social. You are all good dancers. Please, never stop dancing. I think it would be best for all studios to join together until the salsa community gets stronger. One thing I would like to see is a block party with a live band involving all latin dance studios. I'll even help out with that one.
- Salsa Queen aka Chimere

Thank you for giving me the opportunity Chimere. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. You're a great dancer and a good person.
- Shayne

To Jen*** me and "Jealous"? in fact I used to look at them as the ones, until I heard a few of them talk about the beginners dancing and about others stepping on them. That’s when reality got to me. Just read the comments from some of them. Shane for example contradicts herself by saying she uses small amount of space and then goes on to say "letting the music move me" Thats exactly my point, sure let the music move you, when you are the only one dancing on the dance floor, but in a place like the Jazz kitchen she and others fail to understand that you have to share it with the others as they have as much right to dancing as she has. And then there are others who think that my statement of kicking them as "hate". Well I think my statement did touch some raw bruised egos and may be the memory of the kick. As much as our great country has the right to defend it self when attacked, I think I have the right to kick some one in self-defense who is arrogant enough to not consider that its not right to hog and invade dancing space. And when they tend to take it for granted as their Grand-ma's inheritance to not share a public place like the dance floor of a club, I think they need more than a kick. And just look at the article by Erin, just goes on to show how they just missed my point and turned the "kick of self-defense" into a story of "HATE". May be they should try to focus on looking into their own actions, feeling of hate, arrogance and judge it before going bombastic and Shaggy on my "Kick of self-defense". May be I should add to my earlier comment "I end up giving them a kick when they come close to me. That usually seem to have a good effect of making them come back to the realities of the packed dance floor" or perhaps I should have said “I end up placing one of my soft gentle feet on their hard rock like foot, then they the recipient feeling the gentle tingle of the feathery touch which is followed by a sensation of quiver running up the back of their spine, ever so flattered realizes the presence of gentler creatures around them, that they were trampling upon in their quest of fame and glory. They then withdraw with a sense of shame and self-loathing.” And latter when they open their traps to talk, they justify their actions as co-lateral damage.
- SALSA

Gee golly Salsa, I must be something real special. With all the attention you're giving to me, I'm starting to think I might be a rock star. Maybe I outta start traveling with an entourage. Also, I did not contradict myself. You need to read my comment again. And, you are lying about me taking up space at the Jazz Kitchen, because I haven't been to their Latin Night in almost two years. The 3 or 4 times I went, I sat most of the night. Also, intentionally kicking people isn't self-defense, it's hateful, immature, and dangerous. You do not have the legal or moral right to assault another person. If you did that to someone on the street, you could be jailed, sued, and/or catch a beat down. You don't even say someone actually touched you, they just danced close to you. Everyone dances close to everyone in the club. Would you kick the people whom you don't consider to be "experts" if they danced too close? If not, then the fact that you target us further shows your jealousy. If you can't act like a grown up, then stay home and sit in time-out. We come to dance, not babysit some snot-nosed little brat.
- Shayne

I'm amazed at the anamosity that I've been reading in the previous articles's comments. Where is the LOVE? I don't get out much anymore but I love the atmosphere, music, and people. I am partial to Yang and Erin b/c that's home and I always feel welcome. But if you love salsa and you know of a place to go then you go! Who cares about who's hosting. Is there salsa...check...great! I'm an elementary teacher and kicking "purposely" on the dance floor means you need a time out, seriously. Being a non-expert, I have done my share of accidental bumping and stomping. Dance is a sport, 1.say sorry and 2.toughen up. Marcus keep your head up! My opinion is that people are hating on you b/c you still support IntoSalsa while doing your own thing. I'm guilty of thinking "what's he doing here?" But it's not that deep, you just love salsa. Do you, boo. I've said my piece. Let's play nicely on the dance floor.
- Tara

All of this is so kiddy! I've never read anything else like this in other cities websites. It just shows how far behind this "salsa community" is. Who cares who dances better or worst. People should go where they want to go. This is why nothing that has to do with a Latin Nite is successful here. Because everyone is so one-sided with one group or another. If everyone really loves and supports Latin Music in this city and want to see it grow then support one another. Also this is very embarassing that other Salsa Lovers from other cities read all this childish 5yr old behavior. Way to Go! Im sure they are all just running to this city to support our Salsa Nites. Keep this in mind.
- Jessica

Shayne Its sad to see you take the comments so hurtfully and filled with anger. I suggest you come back to the site when your anger has come down a few notches and re-read what i had written and to the comments I was replying to and to who I was addressing to start with. You were talking about HATE and all I could sense from your comments were Anger and Hate. And as far as trying to change the subject to Jazz Kitchen, it was just an symbolic example I quoted to paint a pic of a crowded dance floor and it was again addendum to - El Salsero De La Noche. He was giving some feed back to marques, so I took the opportunity to include in the others too and to help others understand about us beginners on the dance floor. Hope that you see the positive idea behind the words. And as far as kicking, may be you should attempt try to kick some one intentionally, try it with your friends, then you will get an idea of how IMPOSSIBLE it is to kick someone intentionally on the dance floor when you are busy either following of leading.
- SALSA

Ummmm.... You guys do remember what the topic of this article was, right? Let me remind you guys, "Salseros United!"
- Anonymous