Almost a year ago, I wrote a blog sharing my fears and trepidations on the impact of a Salsa Congress on the continent of Africa. And while Africa is a vast continent comprised of several unique countries and nationalities which make broad generalizations inappropriate, my recent trip to Ghana and to its salsa clubs was more disturbing than usual.

Pardon the liberties taken from that old classic movie, "Paradise Lost", but Tony's Salsa Socials are a "Paradise Found" for any brother who loves to salsa, regardless of his skill level. I don't know about you, but I've gotten tired of hearing stories from all of the old school salseros about "how it used to be in the clubs". They would rave on and on about the disproportionate number of women who would come out to the salsa joints to get their swerve on and leave the clubs frustrated because of the few numbers of men dance partners available.

To a degree, I'm a little embarrassed posting this particular blog, BUT, I have no idea as to how you really meet salsa women. Being thoroughly addicted to salsa, I go to clubs six nights a week to get my salsa groove on. Man, I see my share of beautiful women on the dance floor. There is nothing as beautiful, stimulating, and intriguing as seeing a woman, gracefully moving to the music, adding those special steps and girations, that attitude, that smirk, that skirt/dress flying in the wind as she does a "cross body lead" or solo, etc. Damn, they are sexy!!!!

It seems that over the last 1 - 2 years, I have become a "rebellious" participant in the majority of salsa classes that I've taken. While I don't try to be disruptive or troublesome to the instructor, or to my partner, I oftentimes find myself "doing things my way" in a class or lesson. Out of respect for my fellow participants and for the instructor, I always get or stay in the back of the class during lessons.

"Back in the day", before my conversion to salsa, I "lived" in R&B clubs. I actually spent more time at Little J's, the Jackie Robinson VFW, Crystal Rose, Red Onion, Downstairs Room, Jukebox Jury, Dillons, etc., than I spent at home. Home is where I changed clothes and slept when I didn't get lucky (just kidding, of course). While it was still a bit bothersome, I did notice a certain level of RESPECT in my R&B clubs that I haven't noticed in the last two weeks in salsa clubs.

Tony's got a new spot!!!!!! Beginning on Friday, July 21st, Tony will be having salsa at Ariake's - a sushi restaurant at 8921 W. Olympic Blvd. He will be having salsa from 7:00 - 12:00 on Friday nites. Cover is $5.00 for dancing only or $10.00 for dancing AND lesson (7:00- 8:00). Come on out for Sushi and Salsa!!!!!! For more information, contact Tony for more information at 213-880-7603 or at elpanaattractions@yahoo.com.

Check this out...it is taken from a link advertising an upcoming Salsa Congress in Africa!

This post is from two friends of mine that put some serious work into finding out what was going around L.A. for those who have fallen in love with salsa. A very special thank you to Matti and Ron; this listing is really cool. Please keep in mind to always call the promoters or clubs first to make sure that you don't waste a trip. With the price of gasoline these days, that quick phone call may be well worth the extra 5 - 10 minutes.

Its amazing to me how many people don't know how to relax and "just dance". Maybe its just me, but there is a certain driving element in salsa, a certain "bottom", that really strikes at your soul and excites other body parts to move in a very rhythmic, sensual manner. I love seeing couples at parties grooving together to a real nice salsa song; man, they look good and you can see and sense the enjoyment that they are having.

Whew...just went to my first Salsa Congress and it was some serious WORK! Eight dance floors packed with people from all around the globe getting their salsa groove on; man, what a site! I had never seen so many beautiful women in one place before. Oops, need to clarify......I had never seen so many beautiful women in one place dancing before (almost forgot my trip to Rio).