Friday, August 27, 2010

Bachata Talk 010 "The Bachata Evolution with Ismael and Alex"

BB talks to the Jersey Boys, Alex and Ismael from Caribbean Soul Dance Studio. On this video, the guys talk a little bit more about Dominican Style Bachata, and the way it is evolving. Ismael and Alex explain BB that they are happy to be part of this new Bachata wave, as long as it remains Bachata in style and music.

For info on Caribbean Soul Dance Studio
http://www.ismaelotero.com

For info on the Reno Bachata Fe
stival 2011
http://www.BachataReno.com


Bachata Talk is a series of interviews with Bachata Dance instructors or people involved in the Bachata Dance scene. Interviews are conducted by BB of Bachata Reno and Salsa Reno. Video production is by Roberto Ramirez. Please visit http://www.BachataReno.com for more info on the 3rd Annual International Reno Bachata Festival or visit http://www.SalsaReno.com for more info on Latin dancing in Reno.

Bachata Talk 009 "Making sure you have fun with Alina and Frank"

On this video, BB talks to Frank and Alina, from Estonia. Frank is Dominican, so BB asks him what "Domincan style Bachata is". Frank also tells us that in any social dance situation, the most important thing is to have fun. Alina also says that for her the most important thing is to dance to the music, in order to move with feeling.

Become a friend of Frank Santos
and Alina on FACEBOOK

For info on the Reno Bachata Festival 2011
http://www.BachataReno.com


Bachata Talk is a series of interviews with Bachata Dance instructors or people involved in the Bachata Dance scene. Interviews are conducted by BB of Bachata Reno and Salsa Reno. Video production is by Roberto Ramirez. Please visit http://www.BachataReno.com for more info on the 3rd Annual International Reno Bachata Festival or visit http://www.SalsaReno.com for more info on Latin dancing in Reno.

Bachata Talk 008 "JAS likes skiing in the Sierra Mountains"

One of the new features of the 2011 Reno Bachata Festival will be the ski parties right before the main events. People who are dancers and like to ski will LOVE this opportunity to do both in one day. People who have never skied but always wanted to try will also LOVE the opportunity to finally give it a shot. Just ask Jose Santamaria, he'll tell you how much fun it is to shred the mountains and dance Bachata at the Reno Festival.


For more info on the JASdance Academy
http://www.jasdance.com

For info on the Reno Bachata Festival 2011
http://www.BachataReno.com


Bachata Talk is a series of interviews with Bachata Dance instructors or people involved in the Bachata Dance scene. Interviews are conducted by BB of Bachata Reno and Salsa Reno. Video production is by Roberto Ramirez. Please visit http://www.BachataReno.com for more info on the 3rd Annual International Reno Bachata Festival or visit http://www.SalsaReno.com for more info on Latin dancing in Reno.


Bachata Talk 007 "Aloha and Mahalo from Alberto Papi"

ALOHA! On this video, BB talks to Alberto Papi from Hawaii. They chat about the 1st Bachata Festival in Hawaii, which is officially called "Hawaii bachata vacation." Papi also tells BB how much fun he had at the last Reno Bachata Festival, and how he's looking forward to the next one in January.

For more info on the Hawaii Bachata Vacation
http://www.bachatahawaii.com

Become a friend of Alberto Papi on Facebook.

For info on the Reno Bachata Festival 2011
http://www.BachataReno.com


 Bachata Talk is a series of interviews with Bachata Dance instructors or people involved in the Bachata Dance scene. Interviews are conducted by BB of Bachata Reno and Salsa Reno. Video production is by Roberto Ramirez. Please visit http://www.BachataReno.com for more info on the 3rd Annual International Reno Bachata Festival or visit http://www.SalsaReno.com for more info on Latin dancing in Reno.

Bachata Talk 006 "Dancing on the plane with Christian Sola"

The chat continues. This time BB talks to Christian Sola, director of Sensual Bachata in Orlando. Christian tells BB about his big plan for an awesome performance at the 3rd Reno Bachata Festival, and his series of Bachata DVDs. They also talk about how the Orlando troop danced Bachata on the plane while they were coming to Reno.

For more info on Christian Sola and Sensual Bachata
http://www.sensualbachata.com

For info on the Reno Bachata Festival 2011
http://www.BachataReno.com


Bachata Talk is a series of interviews with Bachata Dance instructors or people involved in the Bachata Dance scene. Interviews are conducted by BB of Bachata Reno and Salsa Reno. Video production is by Roberto Ramirez. Please visit http://www.BachataReno.com for more info on the 3rd Annual International Reno Bachata Festival or visit http://www.SalsaReno.com for more info on Latin dancing in Reno.

Bachata Talk 005 "Day and Night on Facebook with Bachatico and Juliana"

From the "Land of Enchantment", Bachatico and Juliana talk to BB of "Bachata Reno" during the 2010 San Francisco Bachata Festival. They tell us about the New Mexico dance scene, and the upcoming Latin Dance Festival in Albuquerque.

Become a freind of Bachatico on Facebook!

For more info on the Albq Latin Dance Festival
http://www.abqlatinfest.com

For more info on the Reno Bachata Festival 2011
http://www.BachataReno.com


Bachata Talk is a series of interviews with Bachata Dance instructors or people involved in the Bachata Dance scene. Interviews are conducted by BB of Bachata Reno and Salsa Reno. Video production is by Roberto Ramirez. Please visit http://www.BachataReno.com for more info on the 3rd Annual International Reno Bachata Festival or visit http://www.SalsaReno.com for more info on Latin dancing in Reno.

Bachata Talk 004 "Ava Apple's New Home"


What a treat! This time BB chats with Ava Apple, one of the Bay Area's most acclaimed dance instructors. She shares the good news with us... the grand opening of her new studio. Ava also talks about the Reno Bachata Festival and the reasons she likes it so much.

For more info on Ava Apple
http://www.avaapple.com 

For info on the Reno Bachata Festival 2011
http://www.BachataReno.com


Bachata Talk is a series of interviews with Bachata Dance instructors or people involved in the Bachata Dance scene. Interviews are conducted by BB of Bachata Reno and Salsa Reno. Video production is by Roberto Ramirez. Please visit http://www.BachataReno.com for more info on the 3rd Annual International Reno Bachata Festival or visit http://www.SalsaReno.com for more info on Latin dancing in Reno.

Bachata Talk 003 "Feeling as one with Marissa and Anthony"

This time, BB chats with Anthony and Marissa from San Diego, CA. They tell him their impression on the 2nd Reno Bachata Festival and also talk about the upcoming San Diego Salsa and Bachata Festival.
Marissa then talks about the importance of "becoming one with our partners" when it comes to dancing.

For more info on Anthony and Marissa.
http://www.sandiegobachata.com

For info on the Reno Bachata Festival 2011
http://www.BachataReno.com


Bachata Talk is a series of interviews with Bachata Dance instructors or people involved in the Bachata Dance scene. Interviews are conducted by BB of Bachata Reno and Salsa Reno. Video production is by Roberto Ramirez. Please visit http://www.BachataReno.com for more info on the 3rd Annual International Reno Bachata Festival or visit http://www.SalsaReno.com for more info on Latin dancing in Reno.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Bachata Talk 002 "Feeling sexy with ATACA y La Alemana"

BB chats with Ataca Jorgie and Tanja Kensinger "La Alemana", who talk about their experience at the 2nd Reno Bachata Festival and a little bit about their favorite Bachata styles. La Alemana also talks about the importance of feeling sexy when it comes to dancing.

For more info on Ataca Jorgie y La Alemana.
http://www.IslandTouchDance.com
They also have the most viewed Bachata Video on YouTube
Performing Xtreme Te Extraño Bachata version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cehkSxOLNA

For info on the Reno Bachata Festival 2011
http://www.BachataReno.com


Bachata Talk is a series of interviews with Bachata Dance instructors or people involved in the Bachata Dance scene. Interviews are conducted by BB of Bachata Reno and Salsa Reno. Video production is by Roberto Ramirez. Please visit http://www.BachataReno.com for more info on the 3rd Annual International Reno Bachata Festival or visit http://www.SalsaReno.com for more info on Latin dancing in Reno

Monday, August 23, 2010

Open Auditions - Salsa Gozalo

Learn this Salsa Dance Performance routine





OPEN AUDITIONS

Audition for Salsa Reno's premiere salsa dance team
SALSA GOZALO

Prepare for performances in Reno and at the Reno Bachata Festival

Team practice will be from 9 to 11 pm on Mondays
The cost is $45 every 4 - weeks ($40 if paid early)

Auditions will be held Monday, August 30th from 9 to 11 pm
Auditions are open to everyone

Gemini Ballroom Academy
2920 Mill Street
Reno, NV

We are almost done with out first routine. That means it will be time to audition for new dancers.

The Goal is to create a performance piece to be shown in and around the Reno area.
_________________________________________________________________

For more information please contact BB of Salsa Reno
http://www.SalsaReno.com/

Bachata Talk 001 "Corey and Mireille"

BB of "Bachata Reno" talks to Corey and Mireille during the 2010 San Francisco Bachata Festival. They talk about their current events, and the plans for the future.

For more info on Corey & Mireille 
http://www.BachataYMas.com

For more info on the Reno Bachata Festival 2011
http://www.BachataReno.com


Bachata Talk is a series of interviews with Bachata Dance instructors or people involved in the Bachata Dance scene. Interviews are conducted by BB of Bachata Reno and Salsa Reno. Video production is by Roberto Ramirez. Please visit http://www.BachataReno.com for more info on the 3rd Annual International Reno Bachata Festival or visit http://www.SalsaReno.com for more info on Latin dancing in Reno.

World Class Salsa Party w/ Live Orchestra & Performances by Salsamania



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3a4EC-FrNA


For more info - http://www.salsareno.com/events/WorldClassSalsaPartyRenoNV.htm

World Class Salsa Party
with Live Salsa Orchestra
(18+ from 8 PM to 1 AM)
at The Siena Ballroom in the Siena Hotel Spa Casino, Reno

After Party in The Loft (Just outside the ballroom)
with DJ Zorro (dance floor put down just for us)
Mixing Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia and Merengue
(21+ form 1 AM to 4 AM)

Presented by
http://www.SalsaReno.com/
http://www.RenoTahoeTonight.com/
http://www.SienaReno.net/

Who?
Live Orchestra
Aaron y Su Conjunto Taino

World Class Dance Performances by
John & Liz of Salsamania
Proyecto Mania
John & Alejandra
Salsa Gozalo
Bachata Gozalo

What?
A serious dance party ALL NIGHT LONG

When?
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Party in the Ballroom is 18+
Doors open 8 pm
Lesson by BB of Salsa Reno 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM
DJ Zorro 9:30 PM
Live Orchestra starts at 10 PM
Dance Show at 11 PM

After Party starts at 1 AM (21+)
Just outside the Casino in The Loft
with dance floor too
DJ Zorro 'til 4 am

Where?
At The Siena Ballroom inside the Siena Hotel Spa & Casino
After party with dance floor too in The Loft
http://www.SienaReno.net/

Why?
Cuz it's gonna be a damn good time :-)

How?
Pre-purchase tickets?
Available thru BB of Salsa Reno at all Salsa Reno classes and events
Also, available at the Siena Casino Gift/Snack shop
$25 the day of the event
$20 pre-purchase
call 775 813-1143 for tickets to the party

DRESS CODE
No T-shirts - No Athletic Shoes

Rooms?
Room Rate for Saturday, September 11th is only $59
Call (877) 743-6233
Use room code "Salsa Reno 2010"

VIP Table Service?
Gets you into the door for FREE
Call Hassen at (775) 848-9648 to reserve VIP
SEE BELOW FOR VIP OPTIONS...

Dance Workshops with John & Liz of Salsamania
and BB of Bachata Reno and Salsa Reno
From 1 to 6 PM
SEE EVENT LISTING "John & Liz of Salsamania Workshops in Reno"
_________________________________________________________________

VIP Table Service - In the Ballroom
Gets you into the door for FREE

And gets you front row seating to the dance floor and the show. All other seating will be theatre style

For reservations
Call Hassen at (775) 848-9648

$50 Non-refundable deposit for reservations
Drawing for all pre-reserve tables
All pre-reserved tables will be enter into a FREE drawig for an upgrade to a Grey Goose bottle of vodka


$150 Pre-reserved/$175 at door
Up to 4 people in for FREE
1 Bottle of Smirnoff/4 Red Bills/Cranberry/Tonic

$200 Pre-reserved/$225 at door
Up to 4 people in for FREE
2 bottles of Wine
Merlot, Cabernet or Chardonay

$300 Pre-reserved/$350 at door
Up to 8 people in for FREE
2 Bottles of Smirnoff/4 Red Bills/Cranberry/Tonic
1 bottle of champagne

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Buy 2 get 1 FREE in June - Class schedule

_________________________________________________________________
For more info: http://www.SalsaReno.com
_________________________________________________________________

JUNE Special
Buy two 4-week classes in JUNE & get the 3rd 1 FREE

That's right!!! Pre-pay for two classes for only $70 and get the 3rd class for FREE.
See BELOW for prices

_________________________________________________________________


Studio Class Location
Gemini Ballroom
2920 Mill Street View Map
Reno Nevada, 89502

Corner of Mill & Terminal
Next to the QuickStop Gas Station
Parking in back

Pre-register in class or call:
BB of Salsa Reno (775) 813-1143

_________________________________________________________________

JUNE STUDIO CLASS SCHEDULE

Mondays
4 - week course
June 7, 14, 21 & 28th
6 pm Beginning Salsa On 1 (LA Style)
7 pm Beginning/Intermediate Salsa On 1 (LA Style)
8 pm Intermediate Salsa On 1 (LA Style)
9 - 11pm Salsa Choreography (by audition)

Tuesdays
4 - week course
June 8, 15, 22 & 29th
6 pm Beginning Bachata
7 pm Beginning/Intermediate Bachata
8 pm Intermediate Bachata
9 - 11pm Bachata Choreography (by audition)

Wednesdays
4 - week course
June 9, 16, 23 & 30th
6 pm Beginning Cumbia
7 pm Beginning/Intermediate Cumbia
8 - 10 pm Dance Training Class (4-weeks)

Every Friday at The EDGE
Lesson from 7:30 to 8:30 PM
See EDGE event for more details...

_________________________________________________________________

PRICES

Pre-register in class or call:
BB of Salsa Reno (775) 813-1143

JUNE Special
Buy two 4-week classes in JUNE & get the 3rd 1 FREE


Studio Class Prices

Drop-ins $15

Singles
Regular 4 - week class price for singles
$45 per person per 4 - week class
$80 for two 4 - week classes ($10 discount)
$115 for three 4 - week classes ($20 discount)
$150 for four 4 - week classes ($30 discount)

Singles - Early Bird Discount!
Pay by the Sunday before and save!!!
$40 if paid by the Sunday before ($5 discount)
$70 for 2 classes if paid early ($20 discount)
$100 for 3 classes if paid early ($35 discount)
$130 for 4 classes if paid early ($50 discount)

Couples
Regular 4 - week class price for couples
$80 per couple per 4 - week class ($10 discount)
$130 for two 4 - week classes ($50 discount)
$190 for three 4 - week classes ($80 discount)
$250 for four 4 - week classes ($110 discount)

Couples - Early Bird Discount
Pay by the Sunday before and save!!!
$70 if paid by the Friday before ($20 discount)
$110 for 2 classes if paid early ($70 discount)
$160 for 3 classes if paid early ($110 discount)
$210 for 4 classes if paid early ($150 discount)

_________________________________________________________________

Originally from Los Angeles, William Robert Flanders (known as BB of Salsa Reno) has been dancing Salsa for over 15 years and teaching since 2002. He regularly studies Salsa, Bachata and Cumbia with top dance instructors from around the world and attends many dance conferences to keep up with the latest trends in Latin dance. Recently BB of Salsa Reno was voted "Best Dance Instructor in Reno 2009" in the Reno News and Review Reader's poll. He was also honored by Salsagang.com for his outstanding contributions to the salsa industry in the Reno/Truckee area and he was named "best salsa instructor in town" by Reno Magazine in January 2009. He is the co-producer of the Annual Reno International Bachata Dance Festival held the first weekend after New Years in January.

Salsa Reno is Reno's best Latin dance program. Students will have the opportunity to dance Salsa, Bachata and Cumbia at various locales in and around Reno to help bring what you learn in the studio out into the "real world" of salsa. BB of Salsa Reno is the host and resident instructor for the Mesa Luna Pre-Party at The EDGE Nightspot in The Peppermill Hotel/Casino Resort and the Havana Mambo Salsa Party at the Joe Crowley Student Union at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Currently BB's studio classes have almost 200 students and his parties usually have anywhere from 100-700 people. BB of Salsa Reno is legendary for hosting the best Salsa dance parties in the Reno area. Past events include Baila en la Playa at The Beach at the Grand Sierra Resort, Cafe Tabu, Hot Salsa Fridays at UNR, Latin Thursdays at Nikki Beach's Pearl Champagne Lounge and Salsa Sundays at Aura Ultra Lounge in the Siver Legacy. He feels confident you're learning a dance with a strong following that's embraced by anyone that has heard about this exotic blend of Afro-Cuban-Caribbean music that is globally recognized as "Salsa."

BB of Salsa Reno
email: info@SalsaReno.com
Text message or call (775) 813-1143


WEBSITE: http://www.SalsaReno.comhttp://www.SalsaReno.com

Monday, April 26, 2010

No Creepers please - A little on Social Dance Etiquette

Social dance etiquette is a subject that must be talked about but at the same time I hate having to talk about it. I feel that a lot of it should be common sense. Please take a moment to read this note. Know that my ultimate goal is for people to feel safe and for people to have fun.

The most important thing to remember is that we are all human. We make mistakes and we also have feelings. Please be kind to one another.

A note to the creepers (a few bad apples)
This is not a huge problem in my scene but it has happened on occasion. I'm addressing it now so this issue will disappear. I have been getting a couple reports from the ladies that a few guys are spoiling the fun for everyone. Gentlemen (and Ladies) if you are going salsa dancing to cop a feel, get some action or whatever it is you call it, please stop coming to my classes and events. I will not tolerate this kind of behavior. If you see your buddy (or girlfriend) acting inappropriately please tell them to stop. It is for all of our own good that we have a safe and fun dance scene. If my scene gains a reputation as a place for creepers, my scene will die. I love salsa dancing and I enjoy an intimate dance on the dance floor. Yes, the dance is intimate but this does not give you, or anyone else, permission to take it to the "next level". "A few bad apples can spoil the whole bunch."

Please talk to me
If you, or anyone you're with, feels like someone is being inappropriate on the dance floor please come talk to me. I would be more than happy to have a "friendly" chat with anyone who is being inappropriate. Please, do this. The conversation will be discreet and I will not bring up your name when I talk with them. Most of the time guys don't even realize that you're uncomfortable with what he is doing. Trust me, if he (or she) truly is a creeper, myself and the staff at The EDGE nightclub would be more than happy to escort them to the nearest exit at the Peppermill.

You can say no
It is customary to always give someone one song. Whether they are a beginner or advanced you should always say yes. The times when you can say no are; you've been dancing a few songs in a row and you just need a rest, you're in a deep conversation and would rather dance later, the person asking you is known to be a rough dancer (again please let me know, I will talk with them), the dude is a know creeper (please report them).

Only one song is required
Many people like to monopolize a partner for several songs. Please note: It is polite to dance only one song. You might not know Spanish but I guarantee you if you listen to the music you're dancing to you will be able to hear when the song changes. At that time you're welcome to say thank you very much for the dance and walk off the dance floor. If they don't let you leave please walk directly to the nearest security guard and report that person. I know this sounds harsh but once again it only takes a few bad apples to spoil the whole bunch.

A quick summary on social dance Etiquette
* Etiquette is here to ensure everyone has a good time in a social dance setting, so pay attention to it.
* Your outfit and accessories should be comfortable, safe, and also reflect the culture and level of formality of the dance group. (The EDGE has a dress code. Think fun club wear.)
* Most importantly, do not forget your dance shoes.
* Ask everyone to dance.
* Do not monopolize one partner for the whole night (unless of course it's "date night").
* Today's beginners will be the good dancers of tomorrow, so be nice to them and dance with them.
* Do not decline a dance unless you absolutely have to. Having declined a dance, you cannot dance the same song with someone else.
* Be considerate of other couples on the floor. Exercise good floorcraft. Do not cut other couples off. No aerials or choreographed steps on the social dance floor!
* Avoid patterns that your partner cannot do: dance to the level of your partner.
* Never blame your partner for missteps.
* No unsolicited teaching on the floor!
* Smile, be warm, be personable, be nice

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Why does BB of Salsa Reno, "El Blanquito", teach Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia, Merengue, Casino and ChaChaCha?

I'm going to start my blog with the question that is asked of me the most (I get this question at least once a week or more).

Why does a white guy like you dance and teach Salsa and Bachata?

I actually don't mind answering this question because it allows me to talk about my history and a little bit of the current state of Salsa and Bachata in the world.

A quick answer is that Salsa and Bachata are danced in almost every country in the world. They are internationally recognized dances and they have been supported by all shapes, sizes and colors for a long time.

For me personally it all started in Los Angeles, California. I was born in Anaheim and then at age 7 my family moved to South Pasadena. The Latino culture is a huge part of LA. As a child growing up in So. Cal, you don't even realize that it could be a different culture than your own because the Latino culture is so much a part of everyday life. The food, music, Spanish language and dance are everywhere.

I didn't really search out Salsa or any kind of Latin music as I grew up. It was just all around me. My family business hired many people from Guadalajara. Some of these employees have worked with my family since I was born. I would work at the family biz with my co-workers from Mexico listening to their music, eat their yummy food and even dance. I have great memories from working with my friends from Guadalajara.

During high school I was involved in Musicals, choirs, dance and any other extra curricular activity that would get me out of the house on a week night. After high school I became interested in African inspired dance and drumming. I spent about 4 years drumming and dancing with a troupe in Grass Valley, CA. It was then that I learned how to play the clave.

During the time of studying African music I went to LA to study Conga. My teacher said that if I was going to study conga then I needed to listen to Poncho Sanchez, a really well known conguero in LA (buy his music, it's awesome). That was my first exposure to Latin Jazz. I was floored. It was the perfect combination of African rhythm and European music. I couldn't get enough. Soon I found some live salsa orchestras to watch in LA and I was hooked. Not only was it amazing music but everyone danced with each other too. I would just sit and watch the salsa dancers and listen to the music all night. Soon after I found salsa dance teachers and the rest is history.

I love music and a good piece of music will make me want to just move my body. I could never make it as a musician because if the music is good I can't sit still. Salsa is a perfect match of rhythm and orchestration. I hope that everyone has a chance to experience a dance like I get to experience salsa. Teaching salsa has become a way of life for me. I can only hope people will find something that inspires them like teaching and dancing inspires me.