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Addie's Teaching Style
-Compiled by Manny Siverio
Here are what some people have to say about
Addie's teaching style, videos, class & workshops.
About Addie's Instructional Video
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- Excerpt from SalsaNewYork.com
"Addie Diaz's "On '2' with Addie-Tude,
Volume 1: Beginner Ladies' Styling"
(approximately 45 min.): Diaz presents basic shines with accompanying
styling. Each shine is carefully broken down and demonstrated several times
as Diaz narrates  instruction
on arm styling, then music is added and the shine is practiced to rhythm.
The first half of the video is punctuated by a routine in which all the
shines covered thus far are strung together; again, first the routine is
practiced slowly to a count, then music is added. The video ends with
another such routine, in which all the shines taught in the video are
practiced.
What's in it for you?
Since Diaz teaches styling to accompany specific shines, the viewer has
something concrete to do with all that pretty arm motion and hair-stroking
she's learned. Diaz's instructions are very precise, with the camera
providing close-ups of the feet and torso to illustrate. Another thing I
liked about this video is that each shine is practiced to music before
moving on to the next one — after all, memorizing footwork is one thing,
but your body doesn't really "know" a step until it's performed to
music. This way, the shine is more thoroughly learned, styling and all,
before new material is added. The beginner may be intimidated by the first
shine Diaz presents (it requires three bits of styling performed
simultaneously!), but don't be discouraged — the steps after are a little
less daunting, and build gradually in complexity....... Last
take: For those who'd like lots of alluring
moves to add to their dancing right now, this video is for you." -
Published on March 2001 SalsaNewYork Magazine Article entitled: "Ladies'
Styling Review: Videos And My Search For Style".
- Excerpt from Salsafreak.com
"Addie presents to the viewer, a sultry Puerto Rican flavor of
femininity and style. She has a Caribbean flavor that truly captures an
audience. Being an International Performer and Instructor has allowed her
the room to comfortably express in words exactly what she is demonstrating
to the counts and measures of the music. You hear her talk about the move in
the background, as she demonstrates it for the viewer. " -
Edie The Salsa Freak's Review of Addie's Instructional Video
- Excerpt from SalsaNew
York.com
 "Lots of us dance, but only a few salseros have that great NY/NJ
mambo style and flavor that distinguishes our way of dancing from almost
everywhere else in the world. This goes for both the ladies and the
men. In the ladies department, Addie Diaz is one of those known for her
ladies styling, with her mix of funk, sabor, classy femininity and sexy
finesse....and don't forget that smile! Now Addie, director of the Addie-Tude
Dance Company, has put out a brand new video tape which teaches both
technique and styling for the mambo women. There's also instruction on open
shines footwork which could be very helpful for the men as well as the
women." - by SalsaNewyork.com WebMaster Steve Shaw
About Addie's workshops
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Addie leading her London
class through one
her "Addie-tude" styling steps
- Excerpt from Salsa World Magazine, issue
#14 (page 12)
"Addie Diaz of Addie-tude (NY) did
a styling class too. What a contrast. Her style is so unbelievably feminine
& subtle, but so sensuous too. We got 4 footwork routines with arms and
hips to show off with Addie-tude (!) on the dance floor. Her class was a
real treat. More blueberry pie for dessert - I just can't get enough. In the
evening: more performances: Addie-tude (a three woman rountine, really
polished and nice)." - by Siobhan Martell regarding Addie's Workshop at
the Salsaweb 2000 Convention in Toronto
- Excerpt from Salsaweb NY article
originally posted in 7/98
"What is it about Addie Diaz that makes her so phenomenal?"
....... "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." - by Martin T.
Fujiani regarding Addie's First SF Workshop.
About Addie's Classes
- Excerpt from Salsa World Magazine, issue
#15 (Page 20) & Salsaweb NY Posted on 9/00
"Addie Diaz' class is by far
the most personal. She has helpers and divides the class into 3 levels, so
you can find the one for you. She has a style I just love, the most
elegant & feminine movements, & she is a very patient and
encouraging teacher. I took two private classes in styling, hoping to
come away looking like her, but unfortunately that remains an aspiration.
I learned a lot from her and totally enjoyed her classes. She is
"awesome"!!! as they say in NY." - by Siobhan Martell
regarding Addie's NY Mambo Class.
- Excerpt from Salsaweb NY Instructor
Review Originally posted on 10/99
"If I were to describe Addie Diaz’s style
to other New York Mambo Instructors, I would say that she has a very Bronx
style of dancing with mucha Latina Sabor and attitude. She offers a very
classy and sensual style that is entertaining, energetic and fun to
watch." .... "As an instructor I would say that she is
humble, patient, communicative and offers a fun yet challenging class. Her
styling moves help bring out the femininity in a woman and she has a great
time doing it." .... "So if your lacking flare, styling,
enthusiasm, attitude ("Addie-Tude"),
want to develop a solid foundation in your mambo dancing while enjoy doing
it, then Addie Diaz may be the instructor for
you."
- Click
here to read article "Learning from Addie Diaz" - by Shelly
Green. First Published on SalsaNewYork Magazine on 4/02
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