It's been 10 years - yes, already 10 years! - since brothers Oscar and Tony O decided to launch Bay Area salsa groups' competition. Held at the expansive Roccapulco salsa club it attracted pros and amateurs alike and gave them a chance to measure up and test their skills and endurance, both physical and emotional.
Throughout the decade we've had it all: ups and downs, hurt egos, temper tantrums, attendance fluctuations, even threats to end it all from the promoters. But, in spite of all the problems, the event that became the staple of Bay Area salsa scene survived and endured. The result speaks for itself: this anniversary year seemed to beat all expectations with the crowds that filled the spacious club throughout the night in spite of early starting time. The dance floor was still full at 1:30 am whereas previously the majority left right after the competition.
Starting tit early to reserve more time for social dancing is a great idea that should be kept in the future. Too bad, I did not bother to check the flyer, assumed the usual arrival time and missed most of the presentations. Thanks to youtube, however, I managed to see all the pros and the winning amateur division group.
There was even an unexpected benefit from watching online: my connection speed is too slow causing freezes that display synchronicity (or lack thereof) frame by frame. By repeating each video I could see the downloaded normal speed version as well. Sure, you don't see minute styling details, but overall they were great.
Too bad I couldn't find all the amateur group performances, but the winning number from Projecto Mania was quite impressive. Based on that video, one would be hard pressed to see much difference between them and some pro groups especially their own Salsamania family member Son de Mania.
Even though many groups were missing from the competition, those that did participate proved once again the rising skills of local salseros. The return of the Bay Area's son Luis Aguilar who grew up with Salsamania, pushed beyond local scene to make his mark in New York and become the world salsa champion put pressure on the competitors: now everybody had to measure up. Lo and behold, Luis' newly created dance company Couture Dance Alliance took 3d place in spite of a tight routine and fiery energy. A minor stumble I saw in the club, but not on video, may have been the culprit.
Salsamania presented a previously seen routine with nearly flawless execution and won the second place. Almost every frame on the video had perfectly synchronized moves - not easily achieved even with 2 couples.
And finally, the winner of the competition Ricasalsa kept its title from last year proving once again that the formula of choosing a song and adapting the choreography to its breaks is the way to go, not vice versa. Interesting music with countless opportunities for play and imaginative dance moves to illustrate the music arrangement will beat technique in a close call. Ricasalsa's numerous couples, challenged with many changes and formations, seemed a bit chaotic, yet kept it all together thanks to high level dancers on the team. Success breeds success and the group's numerous fans and junior members kept the cheers going. Not that it was needed: the audience in general appreciated the spectacle as well.
Tianne brought her experience in other dance styles and enriched traditional salsa with moves never seen before. Those innovations did not seat well with some competitors and hard core salseros. They should remember, however, that the essence of salsa is...well... "salsa" which is the music first and foremost as well as a mix of dance moves created by someone at some point. Any future innovations should be welcomed, not questioned. Everyone is free to like it or hate it, but it's hard to argue with the general public's acceptance. Learn to adapt or be left in the dust.
DIP (dance in peace)
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