Mr. Mambo’s 50/50 Salsa Bachata Party

Recap Sat, Aug 2 2014.  I think I can say with confidence that Mr. Mambo’s historic 1st 50/50 Party was a smashing success! Over 200 folks came out to welcome back Yulio El Chalan de la Bachata to Mr. Mambo’s as a DJ and Bachata teacher as well as to see if we would really play an equal amount of Bachata to the requisite Salsa in the Main Ballroom. Fact- We DID Play a statistically TRUE 50/50 Format in the Main Ballroom without anyone calling the police or falling out from anaphylactic shock. Judging from the smiles, the constantly packed dancefloor, extremely friendly vibe, & the feedback, Me thinks that Mr. Mambo’s will be starting another Monthly Social in the near future with this format- stay tuned for details on when and where! Shout-out to DC, MD, VA, Baltimore, Richmond, Delaware, & Visitors from Philly who were in the House! Special thanks to DC Salsa Meetup in the house and their delightful Co-Host, Essie La Chistosa Tarpley! Hugs and Much Love for the Support from Kat Arias!

Workshops were packed with gobs of new people fresh off the Salsa Bachata Boat- over 80 peeps! Luz Rodriguez-Mercier, Yulio Jeisson Gamonal Gutierrez, & Tommy Smith did an excellent job managing the expectations and skill sets of workshops with diverse levels of students!

DJ Yulio & DJ Emerzive aka Emerson Morales played a LOVELY mix of Mambo (yes Mambo!!), Salsa including Romantica & Salsa Dura, Bachata Urbana/Moderna AND Traditional Bachata all on the same dancefloor. The pleasant surprise, I must confess, was NOT HEARING ANY VERSIONS of Rumbon Melon, Merecumbe or Aquanile. Frankly, I don’t know why I was expecting to hear these songs but I was bracing myself- Thankfully, my fears were unfounded. One of the hard-core Salseros incorrectly assumed I had a talk with the DJs so that they would play a certain way but the truth is, they came correct at Mr. Mambo’s on their own accord and I trusted them to do what was right for the crowd since I wasn’t too confidant that DC’s hard-core Salseros would even show up for this one-time change in music format. Interestingly enough, most of the Ride or Die Salseros who DID show up did so knowingly of the format switch and the few who were caught UNAWARES of the Music Program Switch SURVIVED. Bottomline, I have new found respect for the versatility and adaptability of both of these DJs!

The performances by Ferocity Dance Company and DC Touch were Fantastic! DC Touch showcased their signature cool, sexy, romantic, suave side while Ferocity Dance Company debuted a funky, dynamic, out side of the box, hot routine! Big Applause for both groups representing DC Bachata in BOSS STYLE!

Special Shout-out to Reggie Reed, Nathaniel Dennis, Bhumi Davé, Karen Liliana Carbajal, Jules Burke, David Cuevas, Mi Amor Brandon Carretero, Adam Axelrod, Lisa Bee, Sarah K., D.j. Aplus, John Christiansen, Natalia Vainshtein, Dannielle Lee, Nelson Gonzalez, Vanja SD, Kristian Pakin, Marcel Ficklin, Nelson Ortiz, Victor H Maysonet, Mateo Johnson, Brandon GingerBreadman Worthington!

Love and Thanks to Mr. Mambo’s Angel Volunteers Keva Price, Anne Nguyen, & Alexia Rivera selling Mr. Mambo’s Tee-Shirts!

Upcoming Mr. Mambo’s Events:

SAT, AUG 23, 2014- Next Mr. Mambo’s Salsa Social w/The Bachata Invasion at The Hollywood Ballroom! Click on Link for Discounts: http://www.meetup.com…­

FRI, AUG 29, 2014- Next Mr. Mambo’s & TSR Fridays Presents NEON Salsa y Bachata Dance Party at The Salsa Room! Click Link for Discounted Admission:http://www.meetup.com…­