UPDATE 05/14/2007: We’ve received feedback from some salsa-addicts out there that this review is a bit “out-of-date.” The scoring we have at the bottom is relevant only to the particular outing. We have been advised that things have changed and it isn’t the popular spot it once was. To be confirmed.
This years last outing with Toronto Dance Salsa was at Acrobat Lounge – an old favorite for Friday nights. In fact, Acrobat will always hold a special place in my heart because this is where I met my sweetheart, Alfred. Yup, this is where my love affair with salsa really began – 1.5 years ago. But fond memories aside, I love the hardwood floors, rich burgundy decor, and the cozy atmosphere of this place. It used to get a little too cozy with so many people on the dancefloor, but that is a problem no more! Acrobat’s maximum capacity has been reduced to 150 people, which means two things:
1) You must get there early to ensure entry, and
2) More space for you to dance!
If doors open and the lesson starts at 8:45pm, I would suggest getting there 5 mins earlier just to be safe. You don’t want to end up standing outside in the line-up, especially in the winter.
Alfred and I gave the beginner lesson at this outing, and Sharon and Evan taught the advanced lesson! Luckily for us, there was a smaller sized group, which is much easier to teach. We did a simple combination that included many of the moves they had already learned in level 1. But for the last part we included a new move for them as an added challenge. I think by the end of the lesson, almost every couple could do the combination…Yay! Sharon and Evan taught a much more complicated turn pattern for the advanced dancers. And from what I could see, everyone was able to follow the moves that were being called out…Good Job!
After the lesson, the music was turned on and everyone enjoyed a little social dancing. Then, the floor was cleared and everyone gathered around to watch the night’s special performance. We were in for a special treat. Spotlights turned on and Emely and Karem appeared in matching red and black costume. They had been practicing their own self-choreographed dance for weeks to prepare for this performance. As the music started, they started dancing in unison, matching the tempo of the music with their body movements. It was smooth, it was sexy, and I saw lots of good use of body waves in their performance. I also saw some pretty intricate turn patterns, neck drops, and dips. They carried out their routine seamlessly despite Emily’s injured toe – what a trooper! Fantastic performance guys!
The rest of the night was lots of fun. There were only about 70-80 people, which made for lots of space to dance. A cameraman was there to capture the whole evening. And if you gave a testimonial that night, you might find yourself on Sharon’s new instructional DVD…coming soon to a screen near you!
Happy Holidays and see you in the New Year!
Acrobat Lounge
2464 Yonge St. (3 blocks north of Yonge and Eglinton)
416-588-0307
Cover: $10 (Ladies free before 10pm, excludes lesson)
Dancing: Friday (Beginner and Intermediate Lessons at 8:45pm)
Coat Check: $2 (Mandatory)
Our Ratings
Dancefloor: 4
Ambiance: 4
Music: 5
Dancers: 4
Fun Factor: 4
Overall: 21 (out of 25)
