A Taste of Salsa, Volume I

In Volume I, Lisa and Andres present the steps and turns at a pace you can keep up with. They share the "how to's" and "how not to's" for proper lead and follow technique and detail the connecting pieces that are too often left out. In addition, equal attention is paid to both the leads and follows so that you become a dynamic couple and a solid individual dancer. As a result, your Salsa steps will feel more natural and your confidence will grow. This is just the thing for a non-dancer ready to take on their burning dancing desire!

In this volume, the following steps are introduced: Basic step Hand positions - Palms Up and Palms Down Body positions - Open and Closed Side to side step Swing step Transitioning between the positions and variations Combining variations Basic turn combination. Numerous practice combinations

With a bit of practice, you will soon become a Salsero.

Instruction for all volumes in the A Taste of Salsa series is given in both English and Spanish.

The next tape in the series, Volume II, introduces more advanced turning combinations, new ways of moving across the floor and focuses more on styling.
Customer Review: Great basics
If you are a novice and looking to learn in a correct and structured way, these videos (Vol I & II) are very sound and easy to understand. The videos are introductory, so if you already know the basics, perhaps they are not for you. Don't pay attention to the criticism of those who weren't smart enough to read the description and look for more information about the videos from the internet or the instructors' website. The videos are clearly labeled basic. That's why they are titled "A Taste of...." I gave it four stars because even though the intent is to make the tapes universal by making them bilingual, it does tend to slow the lessons a bit. Why not use subtitles for the alternate language?
Customer Review: Save your money!
This has got to be one of the worst Salsa instructional videos I have purchased to date. For the price you get very little. It is repetative and annoying. You only learn 3 steps. I would definately not recommend this video to a beginner.

Cuba is famous for its beaches. People come from around the world to recline in the glorious sunshine and to venture out toward the idyllic turquoise oceans. Of course the biggest beach resort of the entire island is Varadero. Holiday makers visit this particular resort to enjoy more than 20 kilometres of fine white sands and crystal clear water. But beyond these 20 kilometres of beach, there's a whole host of glorious things to see and do for those who want more variety. The city stretches over 14.4 square kilometers, giving us plenty of things to do in Varadero ...

Natural Beauty

Okay, the beach itself is stunning - but this is actually just scratching the surface of the region's aesthetic charms. Indeed, if you do ignore everything but the beach, then you're missing beauty right under your nose; or rather, under the water. Scuba diving is magnificent in Cuba thanks to the island's splendid geographical position, its continental shelf, clear warm waters and vast marine life. With such a large beach, Varadero has 32 established diving sites catering to divers of all abilities and experience, so even if you have never tried it before, you have no excuse not to try donning a wetsuit and exploring the underwater paradise. Most hotels offer diving courses for absolute beginners and a vast array of choice for the more experienced: night dives, cave dives or open sea diving - the choice really is yours! As things to do in Varadero go, scuba diving should be high on your list - it really is an experience!

Parque Reiro Josone is another spot that's worth seeing - and you won't need a wetsuit for this one. The park has been available to visit since 1942 and is a perfect spot to be one with nature on your holiday in Varadero: beautiful trees, a tropical lake and a wide variety of fascinating avian life make this a great spot to visit, and the four restaurants and entertainment facilities means that this is the kind of place you can visit time and time again - and always find something new.

Varadero's caves are worth visiting as well - some can only be visited via the water, but others can be easily visited by those who wish to stay on land - some have even become night clubs, while others remain as great archeological value.

Culture

In terms of cultural entertainment, there are many things to do in Varadero to allow you to get a handle on the city's history and 'feel'. Santa Elvira Church is a particularly interesting structure. Built in 1938, it's an interesting throw-back to life before the revolution, and a fascinating architectural creation in its own rights with an unusual structure of stone and wood, with a suspended half arch.

The Museo Municipal is a good place to start if you want to get a feel of the history of Varadero before mass tourism through the revolution and beyond. If however it's the art that's of greater interest, then the art gallery is a must, featuring paintings, engravings, sculptures and photos by classic Cuba artists, as well as more contemporary figures, including Zaida del Rio and Manuel Mendive.

The Casa de la Cultura is a must visit for culture vultures, home as it is to Los Munequitos de Matanzaz a rumba group of internationally renowned musicians. The area is home to cultural events including poetry readings, music recitals and local trovadores entertaining the Varadero holiday makers and locals.

The Charm of the Market

The highlight for many Varadero holiday makers when they visit the town is undoubtedly the market. This isn't some kind of little market, with stalls filling the area selling everything from cigars, souvenirs, wooden carvings, Cuban figurines, musical instruments and leather works. You just can't beat the big market atmosphere, and even if you're just here to browse, you're virtually guaranteed to leave with a smile on your face.

Although it's not the most varied of resorts, there is a lot more to a holiday in Varadero than just lounging on the magnificent beach. Though that said, you would be missing out to ignore the sands completely - just try not to get sucked in if you want to enjoy the other varied things to do in Varadero!

Emma Lelliott is the general manager of Captivating Cuba, an independent Cuba holiday specialist. With offices in Havana and the UK, Captivating Cuba can help you tailor-make the perfect holidays to Varadero.

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