Back to Salsa Video Reviews Top Page

Salsa & Mambo Video Reviews

Yoannis Tamayo

Rumba Cubana

Level: Beg/Int

Style: Rumba

Content: Footwork, Styling.

General Comment: Another nicely produced DVD from Videosalsa.com, this time covering Cuban Rumba. There are not many rumba DVDs around and this one safely rates among the best. The two instructors are both good dancers and good teachers, a combination not to take for granted in Cuban salsa. The content is well organised. First, we are shown 10 basic moves which are used in all rumba styles. Then 10 moves for Guaguanco, the rumba style in which male and female dancers simulate courting actions. Here both the basic moves and other rumba actions are combined in 10 different variations. Finally, we are presented with 10 Columbian variations, which are just for the male dancer. Each move is demonstrated, then broken down by Yoannis and, when needed, by his dancing partner and finally danced to music. As with other Videosalsa.com DVDs, we are offered a pleasing scenery and, more importantly, two different views, so we can observe all details from the front and from the side at the same time and, when needed, some zooming in. The only drawback is that the DVD is in Spanish. I believe you would probably learn quite a bit from it even without understanding the spoken instruction, at least for what regards the specifics of the moves. Other details, like the explanation of the meaning of some moves may be lost, which is a pity since both instructors are clear and natural in the explanation. All together a good DVD .

Reviewed by Fabio from SalsaIsGood - Good

Salsa con Rumba

Level: Beg/Int

Style: Cuban Salsa

Content: Styling.

General Comment: Following what we learnt in the DVD Rumba Cubana, Yoannis and partner show us how to include rumba moves into salsa. This is not easy material to teach in a DVD, since so much of it relies on improvisation. You will recognise many of the individual actions learnt in the Rumba Cubana DVD, which Yoannis and partner include in salsa dancing by initiating them and then resolving them with a Dile Que No, or possibly following another simple casino style move. This DVD is organised in a very similar way and with a similar teaching style to the Rumba Cubana DVD and it is also in Spanish. If you liked the first one, you will find this one is a nice complement to it. .

Reviewed by Fabio from SalsaIsGood - Ok