Back to Salsa Video Reviews Top Page

Salsa & Mambo Video Reviews

Leon Rose

London Style Vol 1

Level: Intermediate-Advanced

Style: London Style; On1 and On2

Content: Shines and Turn Patterns.

General Comment: When I see salseros from London, I hardly notice any significant difference compared to US-based dancers, so I have often wondered whether London-style is a legitimate creature or a marketing ploy; this lead me to this DVD with some scepticism. It turned out to be a distraction; indeed this is an excellent DVD in its own right, whatever style it gets assigned to. Leon Rose is brilliant, explaining extremely well, speaking fluidly and precisely, and demonstrating with both elegance and swing. He goes through the material quickly, which is very entertaining, but does not leave any details out. Interesting, in particular, is the brief section on the hand hold, which contains some original ideas, and very neat is the instruction on how to lead multiple turns. What follows are a set of turn patterns, which Leon has the luxury to demonstrate with Susanna Montero On1 and Aisha On2. Both armwork and footwork are well explained and shown with counting and with music. London salsa immediately rings of SuperMario to me, one of my favourites, and indeed there is a lot of SuperMario in this DVD, both in the structure and in the flavour of the moves. This goes as a credit to Leon Rose rather than a criticism, since some turn patterns are really lovely. In summary, this DVD will not revolutionise your salsa, as I doubt London style could anyway, but if you are after solid technique, style (both male and female), a handy refreshing of some fundamentals and some nice new routines to play with, your money will be well spent..

Reviewed by Fabio from SalsaIsGood - Recommended

London Style Vol 3

Level: Intermediate-Advanced

Style: London Style; On1 and On2

Content: Shines and Turn Patterns.

General Comment: This is an excellent DVD, definitely recommended, at least for the guys. Sooner or later every salsa dancer wonders whether any new interesting turn patterns can still be created, since after so many DVDs we get the feeling that everything has been tried already. Then, once in a while, you find a gem which reassures you that is not the case. This DVD is one of them, and the 10 patterns you can learn from it are all very interesting and creative. There are 2 main features which distinguish the material presented. The first one is that Leon Rose has the ability to move around the lady very smoothly and quickly; this allows him to enrich the turn patterns both with intricate arm work and with surprising changes of position, while the lady can comfortably execute relatively simple and common elements, undisturbed along the line of dancing, and maybe even fit some styling here and there. As a consequence this DVD is probably of advanced level for the guys, but intermediate levels for the ladies. A nice compromise for those guys who like maddening turn patterns and ladies who nevertheless want to look good. The second feature is that the turn patterns are not only nice, but also cleverly designed from an instructional point of view; most of them are based on a novel element which is repeated, with minor changes, at least twice in the combination; perfect for learning, practicing and remembering.

The DVD comes with very simple editing, and goes straight to the point: teaching and demonstrating the turn patterns On1 and On2, but it contains all you need: 2 camera views cover all details you need to see and Leon is very comfortable and effective with his explanations. One of the best turn pattern DVDs in my collection.

Reviewed by Fabio from SalsaIsGood - Recommended