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CD Reviews **** PLEASE NOTE THIS PAGE WAS WRITTEN AROUND 2002 *** PLEASE CHECK INFO BEFORE TRAVELLING ***
Have you ever wondered what its salsa dancing in other countries. You could take a dance holiday or you could just go somewhere as I do. Now this may be fine if you know what you are doing but where do I go when I get there? will it be different from the UK? do the clientel speak english?.
These are all valid questions and believe me you need not worry. Here is my guide to salsa clubs in Madrid as well as general advice and pricing guides.
GENERAL
Clubs within Madrid are open seven days a week with the doors opening at 11pm. However, they do not get going until approx 1am and stay open till 5am or 6am (brilliant). The entrance fee varies depending on which nights you go, but expect to pay between 1000 and 1400 pesetas per head (approx 4.00 - 5.50). This includes one or two free drinks. That is any drink including mixers and you know what their measures are like.
Prior to 1am, before the DJ comes on, music plays continually and the locals do dance and La Rueda is taken up spontaneously sometimes. The age group within the clubs varies from 18yr olds to 60yr olds and the style of dancing is similar to ours except they do not dance much of the Mambo step as we do in the UK, but this is not important. Music is strictly colombian with modern merengue and some bachata which is a slow dance similar to salsa, give it a go you may enjoy it.
Unfortunately in Madrid very few people speak english but this does not prevent them from being very friendly or having a dance with you. Their dance style is very smooth and fluid with some intricate moves. Unlike in the UK there is very little if none at all, clashing on the dance floor as the castillians keep their dancing tight. I wish that people would in the UK and respect other dancers dance space. Overall the castillians are very good salsa dancers which goes to show that Beny Moores lyric 'Castellanos Que Bueno Baila Usted' was correct even in the forties.
THE CLUBS
O'ZONA - Av mediterraneo, 12 This club is a short taxi ride out of Madrid centre but is worth the trip. A sizeable club but not as big as the tropical house. The dance floor is smaller but is a very popular venue.
AZUCAR - Ps Reina Cristina This club has two dance floors but is smaller than the first two mentioned. The music is quite varied and live bands can be seen here at no extra charge. Frequented by a very large range of people including gays, tranny's etc.
CAFE DEL MERCADO - Mercado Puerta de Toledo Live music almost every night at 12am
PLACES NOT TO VISIT..............
EL SITIO This place is in a cellar under some shops and is in polite terms crap. The music is good but the dance floor is warped and damp. The smell hits you as soon as you walk in and seeps into your clothes. Visit this venue only at your own peril.
Well thats it, the El Brujo guide to salsa in Madrid. I hope that you find it useful and have a good time as I did.