After reading about the mambo on the
"2" on Salsaweb, I was curious to know why New York
dancers and Edie the Salsa Freak, enjoy dancing on the "2" in
addition to, or instead of, on the "1"? Residing in the San
Francisco Bay Area, I had neither heard much about the "2" in the
clubs, nor had I seen anyone dance on the "2" before. Manny
Siverio's SalsaWeb Guest Writer column written by San Francisco's Audrianna
Correa initiated my opportunity to meet the New York mambo on the
"2". Manny and Audrianna informed me that professional New York
mambo performer and instructor, Addie
Diaz, was teaching a New York mambo workshop in San Francisco in the next
month.
Although I was already on the verge of salsa
addiction, I now was a salsero on a mission: to work on my dance and learn the
"2" in order to attend Addie's workshop. Manny forwarded my email
address to Addie and Audrianna. The warm, caring encouragement I received from
Addie, Audrianna and Manny provided me with hope that I could get started on the "2" even with my present status as a
pre-intermediate salsa dancer on the "1", with much fundamentals and
techniques un-mastered. With only a month before Addie's workshop, I received
lessons on the mambo "2" from Audrianna Correa, Fred Flores and Toni
Barajas, mambo instructors in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Meeting a professional dancer from New York was
a dream come true. The experience of learning from Addie Diaz was beyond any
of my dreams. From start to finish Addie's workshop exceeded all of my
expectations. Addie began the workshop by asking the participants how we heard
the "2": the clave?, the conga? The first lesson for the avid
students of mambo was hearing and feeling the "2" in the music.
As Addie led us through a number of high
octane, high energy, challenging New York mambo shine combinations, we could
have imagined we were practicing for a show or music video. The shines had our
bodies syncopating, flaring, "chasse'ing" over the floor in
entertaining directions. Our expressions and accents added more flavor and
spice to the already hot moves.
We were in for a big treat as Manny accompanied
Addie from New York. Addie and Manny set the example and guided us through New
York style mambo-in-motion partner combinations. Addie took the time to help
nurture and improve every participant with pointers and by dancing with all
leads. There was a fellowship atmosphere in the workshop. As we rotated
partners students and teachers alike were helping me out. Were were all having
such a good time, we didn't want the workshop to end. We made some lifelong
friendships in addition to advancing our dance skills in only a few hours
time.
What is it about Addie Diaz that makes
her so phenomenal? In short she has the qualities of a champion:
* Addie leads by example. Her
technical and styling points were nicely demonstrated as she glided along the
floor with flawless beauty and grace. Her positive, caring, dedicated attitude
rubbed off on those fortunate to be in her presence. Imitating Addie's moves
and attitude led to instant improvements in our dance.
* Addie coaches not only the
techniques, steps and styling but also shares the heart and soul of mambo
dancing: hearing the rhythm and timimg of the music, expressing the feelings
in complete body movements and making the dance fun for everyone.
* Addie is dedicated to dance
by teaching her wisdom and understanding for generations to enjoy and by
sharing her dance and passion with aspiring aficionados and fans worldwide. As
a result of Addie's instruction I understand why so many dancers, including
myself, love dancing New York mambo on the "2".
Dancing on the "2" feels natural,
active and alive. The freestyle shines on the "2" are so thrilling
to watch in addition to perform because they put the whole body in motion,
allow for spontaneity, originality and the ability to choreograph a routine
that unites the rhythm of the music with the rhythm of the dancers. The
partner routines on the "2" create refreshing vibrant
interpretations to the musical score expressing a different feeling from
dancing on the "1".
The most valuable lesson I received at the
workshop was Addie's emphasis on hearing the rhythm and timing of the music,
whether it is through feeling the clave, the tumbao or other instruments that
are heard. I am becoming a keener listener of salsa music, by hearing the
entire composition and score: the harmony and melody, the vocals and the
percussion sections. I no longer have to count to myself when dancing, as the
music naturally drives my dance movements.
The shines and partner moves have increased my
dancing versatility, allowing me to dance more spontaneously with a wider
range of body motions. As I watched Addie Diaz demonstrate the dance moves, I
realized missing ingredients in my dance: complete body expression, making
dance fun and intimate with proper eye contact with the partner.
Thank you Addie for providing me with dance
lessons I will cherish for the rest of my life and for encouraging me to
continue practicing and enjoying the New York style mambo.
Martin T. Fujitani can be E-mailed at mtf@netcom.com
Notice: I would like ther New York readers
to write about their experiences when taking a New York '2' workshop outside
of New York. The best submission will be published in an upcoming issue of the
Guest Writer of the Month column. Please email me at manny@salsaweb.com
before writing or submitting your story.
