Madrid forum: Salsa in Madrid?
Posted in the Madrid forum
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Tina Mayer
14 Oct 2008, 15:16Salsa in Madrid?I want to learn Salsa in Madrid, but I heard that some of the places can be a little "twilight". Do you have some advides regarding schools and/or salsa parties?
Last edited 14 Oct 2008, 15:17 -
Paul O'Connell
14 Oct 2008, 15:34Hi Tina! You might want to check check out Randall on fridays, they also have a course before the dancing starts. it's actually one of the nicest and busiest places.
There's also a good Salsero community in Madrid (in Spanish), in case you want to meet some salsa partners: http://www.salsamadrid.com/
I also found some additional info on the web:
Clubs within Madrid are open seven days a week with the doors opening at 11pm. However, they do not get going until approx 1am and stay open till 5am or 6am (brilliant). The entrance fee varies depending on which nights you go, but expect to pay between 1000 and 1400 pesetas per head (approx 4.00 - 5.50). This includes one or two free drinks. That is any drink including mixers and you know what their measures are like.
Prior to 1am, before the DJ comes on, music plays continually and the locals do dance and La Rueda is taken up spontaneously sometimes. The age group within the clubs varies from 18yr olds to 60yr olds and the style of dancing is similar to ours except they do not dance much of the Mambo step as we do in the UK, but this is not important. Music is strictly colombian with modern merengue and some bachata which is a slow dance similar to salsa, give it a go you may enjoy it.
Unfortunately in Madrid very few people speak english but this does not prevent them from being very friendly or having a dance with you. Their dance style is very smooth and fluid with some intricate moves. Unlike in the UK there is very little if none at all, clashing on the dance floor as the castillians keep their dancing tight. I wish that people would in the UK and respect other dancers dance space. Overall the castillians are very good salsa dancers which goes to show that Beny Moores lyric 'Castellanos Que Bueno Baila Usted' was correct even in the forties.
THE CLUBS
TROPICAL HOUSE - Martin de los heros, 14, Plaza de Espana By far the best club in Madrid. A really good size dance floor but is tiled not wooden, but this does not impede the dancing.
O'ZONA - Av mediterraneo, 12 This club is a short taxi ride out of Madrid centre but is worth the trip. A sizeable club but not as big as the tropical house. The dance floor is smaller but is a very popular venue.
AZUCAR - Ps Reina Cristina This club has two dance floors but is smaller than the first two mentioned. The music is quite varied and live bands can be seen here at no extra charge. Frequented by a very large range of people including gays, tranny's etc.
CAFE DEL MERCADO - Mercado Puerta de Toledo Live music almost every night at 12am
PLACES NOT TO VISIT..............
EL SITIO This place is in a cellar under some shops and is in polite terms crap. The music is good but the dance floor is warped and damp. The smell hits you as soon as you walk in and seeps into your clothes. Visit this venue only at your own peril.
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Tina Mayer
16 Oct 2008, 15:17
Thanks Paul! Has anyone else made experiences with salsa courses/salsa schools in Madrid?
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Blizzy Everhard
01 Nov 2008, 23:44The best way to find "experience" is to go out and experience yourself, Tina ;o). Just have a go and you will see, it's fun ...
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Tina Mayer
10 Nov 2008, 17:14
But they didn´t let us into the Randall, because one of the boys wore Sneakers..Do you know if they are everywhere as rigouros as there?
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Blizzy Everhard
12 Nov 2008, 14:09
Hehe, someone should have told you. You will not get access to any salsa place in Madrid with sneakers. Just take it a different cultural approach to dancing...
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Michael Kuy
17 Feb 2009, 15:29Tina, I've been suggested this site:
http://www.abailarmadrid.com/
I think it's 35 euros a month and classes are once a week. I haven't been yet but I plan to in the near future.
I'm also looking for a partner if anyone's interested! I've got only a little bit of salsa experience.
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The community of salsa in madrid, nice site:
www.salsainmadrid.com
Asno Rucio