Salsa City Forum » News and Chat » How good is Salsa in Cardiff?

Thought I’d ‘chip’ in to this thread - (Pardon the Pun)

Andy has Monopolised the Salsa scene in Cardiff.

However, he is a good teacher (although I personally got a bit bored in his classes as I prefered the entertainment of Paul, Dale and Thano) also there are few people want to compete against him - not surprising when he is a brand name!

His teaching course last year was meant to introduce new teachers to the scene... Somehow that failed to pan out. (Surprise, Surprise!) Which was a bit disappointing, as no fresh blood was offered. Although Andy ‘as mentioned in a previous thread’ is not a qualified dance teacher, so it’s of little wonder this happened - it would have been better if Paul had of taught this or John as they actually have ‘proper’ qualifications, not just life experience.

Personally, I think Cardiff is a bit stale and Andy certainly lacks the glammour that is offered by the current Bristol and London teachers.

Best bet is to travel plenty and widen you Salsa experience. Or do the Salsa weekends, which in the main will mean no Andy (sigh of relief)!! And for the Ladies plenty of female teachers, who are fab!! And can having you doing moves you’re never seen or thought possible.

<<Edited for ill-advised figure of speech>>

Hey Female Dancer... You might not deliberately have it in for Andy... But your comments are a bit harsh and I would be upset it I read that about me.

I think his classes are clear and progressive and he does not use smutty humour to try to amuse people. He does not show off and is extremely helpful. All good qualities for a teacher.

I was particulary impressed with the way he conducted himself on the evening of poor JC’s death. Andy continued the class even though it must have been a difficult thing to do as they were friends. He showed sentitivity toward the situation, strength of character and commitment. Life experience came in very handy then.

Hang on... Paul might be qualified, but is no real salsa expert. He was BRILLIANT for theory like I said (suppose he would be having done girly ballet) and a nice guy but his advanced wasn't that hot. And John?!? WTF!?! Well... He's just John isn't he, floopy feet and cheesy routines. Again... Utmost respect for him but come on! Teaching future teachers? They're not in the same league... Andy runs a salsa company and is the only guy really able to run this type of course. He might not be "qualified" but was certainly the most capable - maybe the people who attended were just - well - no good.

Don't want to send out mixed signals... I AM bored of seeing the same teacher at every cardiff venue but it's not HIS fault (he still hasn't offered any opinions on the thread) but there is no one better and I can't see that changing so what do you do? Attend the classes and carry on? Or go somewhere else as I've done. Like I said I live in Bristol so there is MASSIVE variety and Bath is only 30 minutes away giving me even more teachers. I still come back to Cardiff regularly as my g/friend is there (sorry ladies) but it's starting to get a bit dull... The salsa, not the g/friend. Saying that... Welsh Lass - How you doin'? ;-)

Wizzy... you might be sorry you offered Mr. C a dance as he's a bit hot to handle!!! He makes a lovely lady though!!! (C. you know I'm teasing you x)

She’s a bit hot to handle too Wizzy!!! You don’t half pick ’em!

That was such a ‘constructive’ response (not) to my comment. As it is just as stated ‘a comment’, ‘my comment’ and lets not try to use emotive language here with the mention of Dale. As he was a good friend of mine too, not to mention many people.

Now drop the topic before you upset someone with your insensitivity.

As for being harsh, I said nothing derogatory about Andy. He is however just one ‘flavour’ in the Salsa scene and I think people should want and be able to experience many ‘flavours’.

As for the comment about ‘smutty humour’, I have a feeling you are being ‘harsh’ about someone yourself. Care to elaborate?? Or do you just wish to condemn others’ opinions?

By the way WIZZY it was John who taught Charlie Salsa.

You know, lovely girl, very good dancer and teacher... so he is capable!!

Please calm down, Female Dancer. There was nothing in Jupiter Jenny's post to warrant such an angry response.

Sorry to go off thread - but WIZZY I’m real fine!!!

But then as you have opted for a Welsh girl yourself - you must be already familiar with our many merits! Sense of fun being one of - if not our greatest!

Let’s not let the bad tempered old Mr.C (though he does seem up for a bit of fun with you Wizzy!) taint the normal good tempered debate that is held on these pages.

Please can we all just be friends - after all the sun is shining and there is always somewhere to dance salsa!!!

Have a good night one and all - even Chippy!!!

How many people on line at the moment? the viewing figures would be the envy of the BBC

You know it's going to be another 2000 word essay if I start, but if someone tempts me, I tell you what I personally think on this subject. And as someone who has had some input into the Cardiff Salsa scene (in fact I kicked the whole thing off) and, as someone who does miss those halcyon days, my opinion might be of some value and may interest you!

Be prepared for a long wait if you do!