The most innovative in salsa since Super Mario - Meet Salsa Newbie

When I recently came across a Salsa Newbie Series, about an aspiring salsa dancer (and robot alike), it struck a chord. Not only was it a warm yet striking satire on the salsa world, but the robots were like something straight out of Robots, the computer animated blockbuster from 20th Century Fox. I caught up with the man behind this innovative and quite brilliant salsa satire, Jake Jacobs, also known as SalsabyJake, to find out more about his work and hopefully bring it to a wider audience here at OnlineSalsa.com

"This series was created to poke a little fun at the salsa world that I've been a part of for many years along with many of you. The issues it touches on are real, and it surprised me how many people have responded to say there is much truth in the hyperbole employed! Sure, some of the content stems from my own personal experiences. But a lot of it was imagined, knowing the characters involved, and through stories from others too. If you are indeed a “newbie” to salsa dance, a number of the jokes may sneak by you. And if you’ve not seen a slew of performances over recent years, other parts may be baffling. If so, don’t feel bad. You may have missed a few jokes, but you’re possibly lucky for NOT experiencing all of the scenarios! In any case, you’ll be more aware of what’s going on, and that is always a good thing. For those of you that have indeed been around for a while, I expect you’ll laugh your asses off!

The fact is that the salsa scene has changed over the years, mainly as a result of its own success. The success has been great! It has attracted a wide cross-sectional group of people of all ages and backgrounds into dancing. It has made its way to mainstream TV shows. And classes popped up all over the place. It has provided a great way for clubs and teachers to flourish and promote the culture and great music of salsa. And it has provided countless fun couples nights and motivation for many people to “come out of their shell”.

With success comes opportunity, and many teachers and promoters jumped on the bandwagon. Many instructors tried to differentiate themselves by teaching different styles or appealing to different audiences. Some sought to compete in contests to earn bragging rights and credibility for their classes. Some held competitions to get more people to to come their classes! Many figured out how to market themselves through dance troupes and congresses – the equivalent of trade conventions in the salsa world. And the congress people and teachers both figured out more how to market salsa to groups of dancers  without the need for local clubs.

Sparking a "relgious war"
Like anything that is commercial, there are bound to be problems as well. In this series, I highlight some of the more eccentric things that happen to newcomers on the scene. Salsa has always had ups and downs, but the Latin culture behind it has always protected the downs from becoming meltdowns. Over the last roughly 5 – 7 years however, the changes have started to have significant effects on the overall health of the scene. Attempts by many to “carve off their piece of the pie” to make a living has splintered the scene. In the early days of my dancing, there were only a few teachers in town and we were all happy to learn from them and follow them to clubs to see them in action, or performing now and then. We all danced a similar style and with each other all night long.

But as the success of the dance grew, the different styles emerged, causing some “religious” wars. (“My style is the ‘right’ way.” Or “My style is authentic”) Instead of embracing these new things as a growth in salsa, some people used them to divide people, which is unhealthy. Later, everyone started having to become a performer because many instructors sent clear signals that the only way to “really learn” or get any of their time was to join a troupe.  And instructors often worry more about how the troupe (they) looks than whether the members really get a balanced education in the dance and music. Many dancers don’t get to learn to lead/follow or appreciate the music, or the simple pleasure of dancing for fun. Many burn out. So, a lot of that cultural shift is also targeted in the animations.

A lifetime passion
I should be perfectly clear: I LOVE SALSA DANCE AND MUSIC. I want nothing more than its continued success. But I also want the dance to continue to be widely appreciated and a great social activity (think date night) that can be enjoyed by all. So, with all of the performing going on, the technicality of the dance pushing further and further, and the fracturing of the scene, this sometimes repels or confuses beginners who don't want to sign up for a Ph.D. program just to go have some fun salsa dancing! Some of the decline of salsa may be generational – kids not wanting to dance what their parents danced. Some of it is may arise from the lessening of the social struggles behind the original growth of Latin music in the barrios in this country. But some also may due to people just looking for something fun and sexy/flirty to dance and not seeing that as much in salsa clubs. Clubs being a central meeting place, and expert dancers showing their talents in those places are a key in keeping new people flowing into the scene. (I’ve always advised club owners that the dancers ARE a big part of the entertainment). Many performers don’t bother any more to go out and hence contribute to the decline. Of course the world economic crisis doesn’t help either.

We can only hope the culture will adapt and flourish again as things turn more positive economically. For dancers, as always, buyer beware. Find a teacher that will guide you through the lifestyle of salsa, i.e. enjoying the dance and the music for a long time – a skill you can use your whole life with people from anywhere. Remember that the salsa community is just that – a community - that benefits from supporting each other (as in dancing with each other, supporting local venues, helping good causes).  Be sure you get what you want from dance, read my website “What We Teach” discussion, learn as much as you can about the music, and learn from different people to make your experience as good as it can be!  Support live music and local venues!
 Of course, like with anything, be able to laugh at yourself now and then too. Hope you enjoy the animations...

See you on the dance floor! -Jake"