Friday Rueda Practice at Grape Day Park (1st day of Crusin Grand) - Fri Mar 31st

Greetings Casineros,
Come and join us at Grape Day Park in Escondido for a rueda practice meet up. The Park is located next to the Center for the Arts. This is an outdoor rueda practice with the beginner's rueda and an intermediate level practice. Come ready to sweat and have fun practicing the moves we learned this last series!
Beginners Level 1 from Vista: Enchufla, Enchufla Doble, Adios,

Beginner Level 3 Festival de enchufla, Festival de Adios, Festival de vacilala con hermana
Intermediate Level 2 (Tim's curriculum) 

Candado Cubano + El Cero

El Dos + Abanico

Montana & El Dedo Styling

Balsero

Vacilala con entrada

Ponche on the 8

Camina la Rueda

 This week:

Pa'dentro y Pa'fuera + Escapate

Caramelo Y Chocolate + Escapate

Enchufla con Giro

Enrosca + Dame con Cuba

Enchufla con Cadena

Here are the details:

WHAT: Meet-Up for a rueda de casino practice (beginner level and intermediate level hopefully two callers; two circles)

WHEN: Friday, March 31, 2017 from 6:00pm-8:30pm
Breakdown of the practice:
6:00pm for beginners needing more time to repeat basic moves
6:30pm for Anyone wanting to practice basic moves from Level 2 beginners
7:30pm for Intermediate level 1 looking to review the moves listed above

WHERE: Grape Day Park at the old Santa Fe Train Depot in Escondido.
340 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025
Look for the green building on this weblink as your visual aid guide to find us. We will be there!

WHERE TO PARK: Park in the big Center for the Arts parking lot off of Escondido Blvd and Woodward Ave. Once you park, then click this link to find your way to us. Enter the Center for the Arts and go left towards the grass to the Train Depot. You will see us there on the wooden platform on the picture above.

Una Bulla!
Maritza

CURUYE's APRIL CUBAN DANCE PARTY ft 16-PIECE DANCE BAND!

In L.A.: CURUYE's CUBAN DANCE PARTY- SUNDAY, APRIL 9, 5-10 PM  
THE GRANADA!

CURUYE is thrilled to announce that a 16-piece LIVE BAND will be performing CUBAN DANCE MUSIC from SON to TIMBA for our dancing pleasure  at this month’s CURUYE DANCE PARTY at The GRANADA! HELP SPREAD THE WORD!

Proudly this is the third time that talented graduate students of Cal State University L.A.’s AFRO LATIN GRADUATE MUSIC DEPARTMENT have chosen Curuye’s Cuban Dance party to present their culminating master’s degree performances! FATIMA PAZ and JOSEPH JAUREGUÍ will direct and be featured with the amazing band they have put together which includes musicians LEDER CHAPPOTTÍN, RAQUEL LÓPEZ, ILIANA ROSE, and ANITA GARAY!  DEEJAY WARAPO will be ready between and after sets to keep the flow on the dance floor! 

Welcome DAMON WEBBER who will lead a RUEDA de CASINO class, along with JEANNIQUE PROSPERE of PA' LA ORILLA! 

We'll be celebrating the BIRTHDAYS of CARLINA VALVERDE, DONNA WILLIAMS, FÁTIMA PAZ, FELICIA ONYI RICHARDS, LAURA CRISTINA, KINGSLEY IRONS, VIVIANA SOTO, ZEAL HARRIS, KENNY WILLIAMS, LUDIS BENÍTEZ, PIRITO CORDOVA! 

+++

The schedule will be tight, so please take note! ...

5:00 PM    Doors open

5:15-6 PM Rueda de Casino class with DAMON WEBBER, JEANNIQUE PROSPERE (Pa’ La Orilla)

6:15-7 PM LIVE CUBAN DANCE MUSIC w FÁTIMA PAZ & 16-piece orchestra

7:30-8:15 PM   LIVE CUBAN DANCE MUSIC w JOSEPH JAUREGUÍ & 16-piece orchestra

Dancing until 10 PM!

(DEEJAY WARAPO will be playing before, between, after the live sets!)

+++

Chef Israel will be cooking up a storm: from tasty salads, sandwiches to delicious full entrees. Please message Curuye for a reservation if you’re coming with a big group! 

A FAMILY EVENT welcoming ALL  AGES!

$10 cover includes dance class.

The GRANADA LA, 17 So First Street, Alhambra 91801. 

Free parking is available in the parking structure across from the Granada!

Noche de Rumba in Logan Heights - Fri. Mar 24th

Hey Everyone,
Our dear friend and organizer of the casinero meet ups and socials, Abril Zuniga,  is performing at Imperial Hall in Logan Heights. Our friends Carmen and Lupita are also performing as well. They are playing sonido and the dance is called "sonidero" which is a fusion of many dances and looks a lot like Cuban salsa suelta. Their dj's (there are 4) will be the playing timba in the mix of sonido. If you live in the South bay area, or want to make it down from North County, come dance and learn a really cool dance style and there will be timba and rueda de casino as well. I will be calling some ruedas tonight. NOTE: The flyer below says, Abril, y Sus Amigos....that's us..the casineros. Let's check it out.

Here are the details:
WHAT: Casinero Meet-Up in Logan Heights for social dancing (rueda, casino & sonidero)
WHEN: Friday, March 24, 2017 7pm to 1am
 Abril is performing after 10pm
WHERE: Imperial Hall - 3055 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92102
COST: $10.00  entrance fee

Friday Rueda Practice at Oceanside Pier - Fri. March 24th

It's that time again to practice what was learned in class. This week's practice is at Oceanside Pier. Come in layers as it will be cold as the sun goes down. Not to worry we will dance to warm up.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Friday Rueda Practice at Oceanside Pier

WHEN: Friday, March 24, 2017 6:30pm-8:30pm

WHERE: The north side of the Oceanside Pier down the right side of the stairs

300 The Strand N, Oceanside, CA 92054

Maritza's Vista Beginner Level 3 Series Starts - Mon. Mar 20th

Greetings Casineros & Amigos!
We are starting Beginner LEVEL THREE today Monday in Vista.  To learn more about Maritza's rueda class curriculum, click this link.  My class is integrated with the Soy Bella Fitness Program. We are moving forward to LEVEL TWO Beginners Track Starting Monday, February 13, 2017. 

WHAT IS RUEDA DE CASINO?  This is Cuban-style salsa in a circle switching partners. If you have never seen this dance before, click this video link to see a random, not choreographed,  rueda de casino circle lead by Maritza Baida when she was in Seattle. This dance will give you a workout, and actually prevents Alzhiemer's. The dance does improve memory retention, and you will learn some Cuban Spanish along the way. Biggest reason people love it is because you meet people from all walks of life, people you would have never imagined The diversity awareness factor is huge in this dance. WATCH, you will be addicted!!

WHEN: Monday, 2/13, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13 7:30pm-9pm
To register, please arrive at 7pm to complete the membership form and pay. Class starts promptly at 7:30pm
with your membership it includes the following classes:
        - Zumba Saturdays 6:30pm at the Main Tierra Caliente Academy of Arts Studio
        - Toning & Strength Saturday's 9:30am

2017 Spring Semester Rueda Class Series Dates:
Beginners Level One class series: January 9th, (Jan 16th - no class MLK B-Day), 23rd, 30th,  & Feb 2nd, Feb 6th.
Beginners Level Two class series: Feb 13th, (Feb 20th - no class Presidents Day), 27th, Mar 6th & 13th
Beginners Level Three class series: Mar 20th, 27th, Apr 3rd, & 10th
Intermediate Level One series: Apr. 17th, 24th, May 1st, 8th
Rueda Performance Training for Ticitozaa Recital at Center for the Arts: May 15th, 22nd, 29th, and Jun 5th (More dates and times during each week in this series will be posted for rehearsals)
Ticitozaa Recital at Center for the Arts Escondido: June 11, 2016

WHERE: Vista Community Center - 642 Vista Village Drive, Vista, CA 92084

COST: $40 Annual Membership fee + $25 for the class = $65
If you paid the Annual Membership with Tierra Caliente Academy of Arts, then each following calendar month is $25 a month. Membership will be good for one calendar year. 

SOY BELLA Fitness Program is a collaboration between Tierra Caliente Academy of Arts in partnership with Vista Community Clinic. Soy Bella Fitness Program Mission: cultural and health awareness

Soy Bella membership benefits are:

• tracking (weight and measurements)
• nutrition workshops 
• pedometers and more resources vista community clinic will donate. 
• free soy Bella shirt 
• and much more!

Friday Rueda Practice at Grape Day Park in Escondido - Fri. Mar 17th

Greetings Casineros,
Come and join us at Grape Day Park in Escondido for a rueda practice meet up. The Park is located next to the Center for the Arts.  This is an outdoor rueda practice with the beginner's rueda and an intermediate level practice. Come ready to sweat and have fun practicing the moves we learned this last series!
Beginners Level 1 from Vista: Enchufla, Adios, Vacilala, Exhibela
Intermediate Level 1 from Setenta Complicado, Enchufla Dile Que No con Pillin,  La Yula, Montana, Dedo, Balsero, Enchufla con Ronde, Setenta por el Centro, Enchufla con Pelota Loca, Evelyn and Coca Cola/Paseala

Here are the details:

WHAT: Meet-Up for a rueda de casino practice (beginner level and intermediate level hopefully two callers; two circles)

WHEN: Friday, March 17, 2017 from 6:00pm-8:30pm 

Breakdown of the practice:

   6:00pm for beginners needing more time to repeat basic moves

   6:30pm for Anyone wanting to practice basic moves from Level 2 beginners

   7:30pm for Intermediate level 1 looking to review the moves listed above

WHERE: Grape Day Park at the old Santa Fe Train Depot in Escondido. 

340 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025

Look for the green building on this weblink as your visual aid guide to find us. We will be there!

WHERE TO PARK: Park in the big Center for the Arts parking lot off of Escondido Blvd and Woodward Ave.  Once you park, then click this link to find your way to us. Enter the Center for the Arts and go left towards the grass to the Train Depot. You will see us there on the wooden platform on the picture above. 

Una Bulla!
Maritza

Timba Dance Party at the San Diego Latino Film Festival - Sun. March 19th

Yes! You heard it right! There is a Timba Dance Party happening in the afternoon on Sunday at 2pm as part of the San Diego Latino Film Festival. Let's get everyone one we know who loves timba and do a mass rueda flash mob at this amazing event!

If you have not been on the San Diego Latino Film Festival website under Special Event, then go to Sonido Latino and click there. You will see that is even shows there is a Timba Dance Party listed on Sunday, March 19, 2017 at 2pm. Saul Timba will be your DJ and he is a timba fan. Here is a screen shot if you are doubtful of the timba dance party.

Here are the details:
WHAT:  Timba Dance Party  - Rueda Flash Mob; Cuban Salsa Sueltas; Reunion of friends
WHEN: Sunday, March 19, 2017 1:30pm; Dance Party starts at 2pm, flash mob is at 2:15pm.
WHERE: Fashion Valley Mall: 7007 Friars Rd., San Diego, CA 92108
Meet in front of the Boudin Bakery,  below the AMC theater on the south side of the mall. It's going to be right next to all the film festival activities.
COST: Free

Riverside/Orange County/San Diego Worldwide Rueda Flash Mob - Sat. April 1st

Greetings Everyone!
It's flashmob time for our SoCal Tri-Counties Cuban Dance Communities t ocome together for the International Flash Mob Day on April 1st, 2017. If you are new to this concept let me explain. Every year, since 2014, there has been a "worldwide" international Rueda Flashmob at 4pm in all time zones. and it is documented in one website.

Here is the history timeline:
2014 - Maritza led the first one in Carlsbad, CA joined by Orange County.
2015 - 3 Counties got involved (San Diego/Orange County/Riverside County) and we all got together in San Diego near Seaport Village lead by Maritza Baida but supported by Orange County and Riverside casineros
2016 - In an effort to collaborate, each county took on the lead for each year. So, Orange County took the lead for location at the Irvine Spectrum.
2017 - It is now Riverside's turn for location. What better place than Downtown Riverside, right?

Get ready everyone!! It's going be epic. Get your cameras ready for videotaping. More news to come about exact location and how to prepare. All three counties have now large casino groups so it's going to get big.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Rueda Flash Mob in conjunction with the Worldwide Rueda Flash Mob Day

WHEN: Saturday, April 1, 2017 3:30pm - check in 4pm- flash mob. 

WHERE: Downtown Riverside on the plaza in front of Infuse Dance Studio

3737 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501

HOW TO PREPARE: Comfortable shoes, sun block, jeans and a colorful t-shirt, You must know the 11 basic rueda moves to be in the flash mob.

Guapea/Basico Cubano (Beginner level 1)
Pal-Medio (Beginner level 1)
Enchufla (Beginner level 1)
Dile que no (Beginner level 1)
Adios /Prima (Beginner level 2)
Exhibela (Beginner level 2)
Vacilela (Beginner level 2)
Ronde footwork (Beginner level 3)
Setenta footwork (Beginner level 3)
Traslado footwork (Beginner level 3) - part of setenta footwork after the hammerlock
Coca Cola (Beginner level 3)

Maritza will be calling so these moves are a must to know. If you want to help with videotaping please let Maritza know ahead of time. Contact her at (206)300-4523; 

Friday Rueda Practice at Oceanside Pier - Fri. March 10th

We are taking it outside to Oceanside Pier for our Rueda Practice. Come in layers as it will be cold as the sun goes down. Not to worry we will dance to warm up.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Friday Rueda Practice at Oceanside Pier

WHEN: Friday, March 10, 2017 6:30pm-8:30pm

WHERE: The north side of the Oceanside Pier down the right side of the stairs

300 The Strand N, Oceanside, CA 92054

SAVE THE DATE: 1st annual Cuban American Music Festival in LA - Sun. June 4th

Coming soon to Los Angeles (DTLA) the 1st annual Cuban American Music Festival June 4 2017 at Plaza de Cultura y Arte.

 Feature Bands:
1. "Mayito" Rivera Direct from Havana, Cuba
2. The Arsenio Rodriguez Project
3. Rumbankete
4. La Charanga Cubana
5. Changui Majadero
6. Yeni Valdes (former singer of Los Van Van)

Dino " Dj Guajiro" Spinning your favorite Cuban Hits! We had asked if there was going to be timba played and yes, there will be timba.

Here are the details:
WHAT: Cuban American Music Festival in LA (Casinero Meet Up)
WHEN:  Sunday, June 4 at  12 PM - 8 PM
WHERE:  501 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
COST: Click this link to buy your tickets
+++VIP ADMISSION*: VIP tickets $40 includes seating near the stage, access to the concerts, vendors, and art exhibit. Limited tickets available.
​+++GENERAL ADMISSION*: General admission tickets $20 includes access to the concerts, vendors, and art exhibit. No seating for general tickets.
*Ticket prices at the door, if available, will be higher

For more information please visit the Cuban American Music Festival website.

Sexteto Sonero Del Caribe Live at Havana Grill (Dine & Music Event) - Fri. March 10th

Our very own local son Cubano band is playing live at the Havana Grill Restaurant in Clairemont Mesa. This is a sit-down dinner concert, not really a place to dance but more to listen and groove in your chair. If you haven't heard Sexteto play, they have been showcased at a variety of dance events produced my Chevere Entertainment. You may have heard them in Little Italy at the 99 Bottles venue or at the 1st Annual South Bay Salsa Festival last year in the summer. These guys are top notch musicians and really know their craft for Son Cubano. So come out and have some incredible Cuban food and listen to some incredible Cuban music this coming Friday. If this is your first time to hear Sexteto play, check out this video and you will be floating in a dream-state to Cuba.

Here are the details:
WHAT: Live Cuban music and Cuban Cuisine - Music & Dine Night
WHEN: Friday, March 10, 2017 at 9pm
WHERE: Havana Grill 5450 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Suite G, San Diego, CA 92117
COST: Whatever you pay for food, but definitely tip the band members for their music. Here is the menu:
http://havanagrillrestaurants.com/menu/

New Rueda Series in Escondido Registration Opens (2 Levels) - Tuesday, March 14th

UPCOMING SESSIONS:
Beginning March 14th, two class series will start:

Tuesdays 6-8pm, March 14th - Beginner's Level 1 Rueda de Casino 4-week Series begins. 
We are opening the door for brand new dancers so this is the time to sign up for the upcoming class series. Maritza specializes in teaching new dancers to find the beat, structured curriculum  and lots of repetition so that you can hone in on your Latin dance skills. 
REGISTRATION for Maritza's Beginner Level 1 Series: Click this link to sign up. Please bring cash on the first day of class. 
TIME & DATES: Tuesday Nights from 6pm-8pm, March 14, March 21, March 28 and April 4th.

COST: $40.00 per person; Please bring cash

LOCATION:  Doug's studio in Escondido - 1717 S. Iris Lane, Escondido, CA 92026

Tuesdays 8:15-10:15pm - Intermediate Level 2 Rueda de Casino 4-week Series with Tim Snedeker begins
We have the privilege of having a guest rueda instructor for the next series to teach intermediate level 2 rueda de casino. Intermediate leve  has too many rueda moves to fit in 1 month, so this will give you a chance to learn other intermediate level moves Maritza has not taught. Tim has been teaching for over 10 years in San Diego and also has some cool rueda de casino moves he picked up in Santiago de Cuba (yes, he went to Cuba in 2015; same trip as Maritza) and will share some of his moves with those who sign up for the series. Do miss out on his classes.  No drops-in after the first day of the series.
REGISTRATION for Tim's Intermediate Level 2 Series: Click this link to sign up. Please bring cash on the first day of class. 
TIME & DATES: Tuesday Nights from 8:15pm-10:15pm, March 14, March 21, March 28 and April 4th.

COST: $40.00 per person; Please bring cash

LOCATION:  Doug's studio in Escondido - 1717 S. Iris Lane, Escondido, CA 92026

Casino on Cardboard (New Dance Floor Celebration) at Coronado Beach - Sat. March 18th

Greetings Casineros & Amigos!
As you know, I donated our cardboard to the Salsa on the Beach organizers which can last at least 2 to 3 years. We know it went to a good home.  Over the past 5 years, many of you have helped to put money in the donation box when we had our casino on cardboard events in the past. Well, it was time to make the big purchase. We raised funds and FINALLY bought our dance floor. It's time to celebrate!! You know how San Diego can be about playing timba so I have a wack-load of old school and new timba, son Cubano, Cuban Reggaeton so let's party it up!! This is a family friendly event so please bring the kids y los abuelos.

This picture above is from Seattle's Casino on Cardboard events in the summer at Alki Beach. My formative years of learning rueda de casino came from Seattle and that is where I get my inspiration to do these events. Seattle had a lot to do with it.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Casino on Cardboard (New Floor Celebration) Cuban Dance Party at the Beach

WHEN:  Saturday, March 18, 2017 3pm-7pm  3-4pm is the floor set up. 4-7pm is the dancing. 

WHERE:Coronado Beach across from Sunset Park in Coronado Sunset Park address is 101 Ocean Blvd, Coronado, CA 92118

HOW TO HELP: I need 8 volunteers to help me unload and carry the floor to our dance spot at 3pm. I'll meet you at Sunset Park in Coronado Beach (same place we had it before).We also need a portable table for food and and some coolers with ice for drinks.

HOW TO PREPARE: Bring some snacks and drinks to share. Bring your beach towels, beach chairs, a sweater or sweatshirt and a camera as it will get cold later as the sun goes down. We have a lot of new people in our Cuban dance community so lets welcome all of them.