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Salsa & Mambo Video Reviews

Dave Paris

Lifts & Aerials vol 1 & 2 (with Ava Apple)

Level: (very) advanced

Style: General

Content: Acrobatics.

General Comment: Some people like challenges: in life, at work, in relationships; some people even take up salsa for a challenge. If in your 'to challenge' list there is gravity, then this DVD may be for you. The lifts and tricks of the DVD are not the 'normal' acrobatics you see in salsa performances or, sadly, at times on the dance floor; no, these are the 'real thing', the ones which you normally see in ballet shows and in a circus (no joke intended); they are the ones in which the man lifts the woman up to the sky with no sign of effort in his grin, and in which the woman, up there, has the energy and strength to adopt positions which most of us can not hold on a sofa.

For me even the neck-drop is life threatening, so this stuff is waaaaay above the horizon, to the point that I am not even able to judge whether the technique taught is right or wrong. It looks right though (and people 'in the know' confirm it is) since both dancers seem to know what they are talking about and look comfortable in achieving the unthinkable. Also, as far as I can guess, they take care to give detailed explanations and, importantly, careful warnings on the physically risky bits.

I won't try this stuff, that is for sure, and if you do, be very careful you are not taking your physical abilities or experience too far; but if you are into professional shows and you have the right technique or professional guidance, then yes, you may salsa with gravity.

Reviewed by: Fabio from SalsaIsGood Good