Monarch Theater is located at 122 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004.
Post Update: This salsa night has been cancelled
Salsa lesson:
Every Thursday night there is a class that starts at 9.30. It is an hour class that is taught “on two”, also called mambo or New York style. Usually the class is split up in two groups: beginner and intermediate.
The room where the the salsa lesson and social dancing takes place is not much to look at. The floor is less than perfect, however, the instructors that teach there are some of the best salsa dancers around, and they consistently put a lot of effort in teaching the patterns that are elegant and easy to lead.
Social dancing:
The social dancing starts at 10.30 right after the class. Just like in any salsa venue the level of dance experience of people who come there is different. Although majority of the crowd comprised of very experienced dancers. Many people who come here either perform, compete, or teach salsa. At this salsa venue about 80% of the crowd are salsa dancers with many years of experience. The less experienced dancers are usually the people who stay after the salsa lesson for the social part. I think this salsa night has the highest ratio of professional dancers or people that are just good, to people that are starting to learn how to dance, out of all salsa venues in town. Even the most experienced dancers here are very friendly (no stuck up people, or at least I have not noticed any) and if you are not a very good dancer they will still dance with you.
Music:
The music that is played during the night is mostly salsa with some bachata in between the salsa songs. The DJ Michael Wayne besides mixing the music is also a great salsa dancer and a salsa instructor, and he spends a lot of time selecting the best salsa songs for his playlist.
Salsa dancing at the Monarch Theater in Phoenix on a Thursday night.
Monarch Theater salsa dancing after the group lesson on Thursday.
Intermediate pattern recorded after the salsa lesson at the Monarch Theater.
Social salsa dancing at the Monarch Theater on Thursday.
More high definition videos with Stilo Dance Company.
