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Here are some simple and straightforward tips to help you become a better latin dancer.

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Visiting South America is an exciting prospect with it’s vibrant, passionate culture, the music, dancing and fabulous beaches. The continent has some of the worlds most exciting cities, rainforests, jungles and mountains.

Rio de Janeiro

Every day feels like a carnival in Rio de Janeiro, you are never far from the pulse of the samba. Situated between glorious beaches and lush mountains it’s a perfect place for a lively holiday.

Weather

The weather never gets cold in Rio, the rainy season is from October to January and temperatures can drop to 23C. The humid climate reaches 28C in the summer.

Transport: how to get there and around

The airport in Rio serves flights from all of Latin America, Brazil, and beyond. Long distance buses depart from Novo Rio Rodoviaria.

Getting around the city can be a little uncomfortable on the often crowded buses. For a cooler option try the air-conditioned subway which covers part of the city.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Rio de Janeiro.

Attractions & Events

*Unforgettable Costumes, dancing and body painting are paraded through the streets for the famous 5 day Carnaval. This event starts on the Friday before Ash Wednesday.

* Throughout June is the Fiestas Junina, which takes place in public squares in the city.

*Festa de NS da Gloria do Outeiro is celebrated with street parades and stalls on 15 August.

*Each Sunday in October the religious festival Festa da Penha takes place.

São Paulo

São Paulo is Brazils largest and most cosmopolitan city. There are many attractions for the visitor to enjoy including the art and culture, fine restaurants and pulsating nightlife.

Transport: how to get there and around

There are three airports in São Paulo. Congonhas for domestic and Sao Paulo/ Guarulhos both for domestic and international flights.

To avoid the congested streets the subway is a great option. There is a bus service but this can be crowded and uncomfortable.

Weather

The city receives most rain during the summer months, although generally the weather is sunny and warm all year.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Sao Paulo.

Attractions & Events

*In June the hot fashions are on show during São Paulo’s Fashion Week, the same month brings the huge gay celebration Gay Pride.

*In October sports fan can enjoy the Brazilian F1 Grand Prix

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires has an old style European feel with its boulevards, café’s and architecture. But you’ll quickly find it also has a trendy chic side and a population that makes flair into an art form. And as home of the tango, the city has an irresistible allure.

Transport: how to get there and around

The city’s two airports known as Ezeiza & Aeroparque serve as an important hub for the southern region of South America. There is a bus service which connects the city with both airports.

The efficient underground called Subte makes traveling around the city easy. You can also use the bus service 24 hours a day. Most of the tourist attractions are situated close to one another so walking is also an option.

Weather

The best time to visit is during Spring and Autumn as the summer can be scorching up to 40C and the winters are cold. You will see some rain although its not generally heavy.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Buenos Aires.

Attractions & Events

*Dancing is a popular celebration, the Buenos Aires Tango festival is held during February and March.

* To celebrate Latin American literature the book fair The Feria del Libro takes place every April.

*Campeonato Abierto Argentino de Polo takes place in December.

Alistair White
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/travel-south-america-rio-de-janeiro-sao-paulo-and-buenos-aires-219554.html

It is party time in the United States with the Cinco de Mayo fiestas around the corner. So raise your tequila glass and rock out Mexican style to celebrate the holiday that commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French.

Cinco de Mayo is one of the most celebrated Mexican national holidays in the United States, where many U.S. businesses and restaurants are decorated in green, white and red, the colors of Mexico’s flag, to observe this important day in traditional Mexican fanfare. Although Cinco de Mayo celebrates the determination of Mexicans to remain free from foreign control, it is not Mexico’s Independence Day.

HISTORY

Following the devastating loss of the Mexican-American War in 1848, Mexico was both financially and morally defeated. In 1861, president Benito Juarez issued a moratorium in which all foreign-debt payments would be suspended for a period of two years. Furious and eager to collect payment, England, France, and Spain invaded Mexico.

Unbeknownst to the other countries, France had its own agenda, ultimately aiming to impose a monarchical government upon the nations of Central and South America. Shortly after President Juarez offered a type of promissory note that guaranteed payments on its debt after the two years, England and Spain returned home, but the French continued their siege on Mexico.

On May 5, 1862, Juarez commanded General Ignacio Zaragoza to block the advance of the French forces at the fortified hills of Loreto and Guadalupe near the city of Puebla. With only 2,000 men, most of them local Zacapoaxtla Indians from the Puebla region with no formal military training and little weaponry, the Mexicans were able to briefly defeat the French army of 6,000.

The victory was short-lived, though soon after, France conquered Puebla and the rest of Mexico, ruling until 1867. Through a popular revolt, Juarez was finally restored to power, remaining leader of Mexico until his death in 1872.

BEYOND CINCO DE MAYO

Cinco de Mayo was born in the central Mexican state of Puebla. Its capital city, also called Puebla, is one of the most impressive and oldest colonial cities in Mexico. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique beauty, the magnificent historic center is an ideal starting point for a Cinco de Mayo tour.

While in Puebla, visitors can enjoy the historical Cinco de Mayo sites such as the tomb and monument of Ignacio Zaragoza, the general who led Mexico to victory over France. The site of the battle is also a popular destination, featuring a museum with a display of hundreds of toy soldiers set up to show what happened on that day. Art expositions, concerts of both contemporary and classical Mexican music and a Mexican film series are also part of the attractions.

An annual parade is held down Cinco de Mayo Avenue, and festivities include a reenactment of the famous battle. Men dress as French and Mexican soldiers and generals, and women wear the clothing of the “soldaderas,” the women who cooked and looked after the soldiers in wartime. In some representations, the Mexican soldiers carry machetes and old gun-power rifles, and the French soldiers carry bags with wine bottles and fruit.

Puebla has much more to offer besides its traditional Cinco de Mayo sites. Also worth a visit are the museums displaying archeological objects, paintings, railroad cars, and other historic treasures, as well as many shops that specialize in Talavera pottery and traditional treats. Wander through the Los Sapos district to buy antiques and to sample wonderful poblano dishes including mole and chiles en nogada (when in season) from a wide range of restaurants.

Puebla State offers other beautiful cities to visit in addition to its capital city. Cholula, located about 5 miles from the city of Puebla, has a very important archeological site that includes the “Gran Piramide” (the Big Pyramid), also known as the Tenapa Pyramid, occupying more space than any other pyramid in the world. Built on top of the pyramid is the church Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios which was completed in 1666. Its symbolic position stands witness to the role of the Catholic church in the conversion of the indigenous people.

CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES

Typically held during the first week of May, Cinco de Mayo boasts carnivals, street fairs and multi-day festivals held over the U.S. Below is a list of some of the largest celebrations in the United States.

ALBUQUERQUE (New Mexico): May 5 –The New Mexican capital, Albuquerque, will be hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration with Ballet Folklorico. This troupe from the Mexican state of Nayarit, showcases a vast wealth of artistic tradition from Nayarit and throughout the Mexican republic.

ATLANTA (Georgia): May 6 –Considered the largest outdoor Hispanic family festival, Fiesta Atlanta takes place at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta, the day after Cinco de Mayo. Over 25,000 people are expected to attend this event with a day-long celebration of Latino culture, music, food and handicrafts.

AUSTIN (Texas): May 3–6–The Texas capital city of Austin hosts the annual Cinco de Mayo Music Festival, featuring an array of activities including Little Cinco, a Jalapeño Eating Contest, and dance contests including Salsa, Jitterbug, Polka and more.

CHARLESTON (South Carolina) –Charleston’s second annual Cinco de Mayo Festival will take place on Cinco de Mayo, at the Visitors Center Bus Terminal in downtown Charleston from 7 to 11 PM. The celebration featuring an authentic mariachi band will also have performances by DJ Luigi Bravo of Latin Groove and professional salsa dancers, as well as a variety of Mexican food, margaritas and beer.

CHICAGO (Illinois): May 4–6 — From Friday to Sunday, Plaza Garibaldi will be home to a Cinco de Mayo festival in Chicago. With over 25,000 people expected to attend, this event at Little Village, sponsored by UNIVISION, is sure to be a festive hit.

DENVER (Colorado): May 5–6–Touted as the largest Cinco de Mayo Festival in the United States, Denver’s festival is lo maximo. Now in its 19th year, the festivities emphasize the celebration of freedom and culture, Denverites enjoy six stages of live entertainment, dancing, food and crafts at the Civic Center Park. In addition, the celebration includes a special concert with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra among others, on May 4 and a Cinco de Mayo Civil Rights Award event held (date to be announced).

EL PASO (Texas): May 5 — This “Taste of the Border” festival featuring mariachis, margaritas, tequila and a mole extravaganza kicks off at 3:00 and goes into the wee hours of the night.

LITTLE ROCK (Arkansas): May 6 — Organized by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), this 9th annual Cinco de Mayo party will be held in the River Market Pavilion in downtown Little Rock. Miss Cinco de Mayo will be crowned at this all day event.

NEW BRUNSWICK (New Jersey): May 5 — Featuring a variety of different Mexican foods and musical talents is the Cinco de Mayo Festivities in New Jersey, supported by Mexico Americana at Joyce Kilmer Park.

NEW YORK (New York): May 6 — Organized by the Fiestas Patria de Casa Puebla committee is the Cinco de May Festival in Queens. From 10 to 6 on Sunday, there will be a variety of musical talents, foods and handicrafts at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

OAKLAND (California): May 5 — This traditional celebration which had over 100,000 attendees last year, the Cinco de Mayo Fruitvale Festival & Parade, located in the Fruitvale district of Oakland. The family festival will feature stages of entertainment, more than 200 vendors, children’s activities and arts and crafts.

PORTLAND (Oregon): May 3–6–Portland’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is a family oriented, fun-filled event featuring four entertainment stages, delightful activities for children, artisans and vendors from the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Visitors can also enjoy the Third Annual Mariachi Festival, folkloric ballet and delicious food from some of the finest restaurants in the Northwest.

ST. PAUL (Minnesota): May 4-5–Festivities include salsa-tasting contest, a children’s area, sports zone, craft vendors, a parade, a history area and live music and entertainment, featuring a variety of Hispanic/Latino dancers, performers and musicians.

SAN ANTONIO (Texas): May 4-6–San Antonio draws about 30,000 to its festivities with food booths at its historic Market Square, street dancing, handicrafts, concerts and other commemorations. Everyone from mariachis and folkloric dancers to Tejano and conjunto groups provide plenty of entertaining activities.

SAN DIEGO (California): May 5-6–Visitors will enjoy a weekend of festivities including open-air entertainment featuring more than 200 performers at eight venues, also more than 100 specialty booths handcrafts and a Mexican feast featuring a delicious variety of regional cuisine.

About the Mexico Tourism Board

The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments, municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico’s tourism attractions and destinations internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico’s tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

# # #

Erick Laseca

Mexico Tourism Board

312-228-0517

erick.laseca@bm.com

http://www.visitmexico.com

Erick Laseca
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/cinco-de-mayo-tequila-mariachis-chiles-oh-my-140751.html

The salsa, merengue and bachata are all unique Latin dances that each have their own rhythm and style. Learn to dance in each of these styles with advice from an experienced dance instructor in this free video on latin dance steps.

Expert: Rosario Nene Ortega
Contact: www.goddessstore.com
Bio: Rosario Nene Ortega is a ballroom dance instructor at The Goddess Store in Hollywood, Florida.
Filmmaker: Paul Muller

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Teams Contest Latin formation 2007, Dusseldorf, Germany

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Looking for something like Gonzalez y Gonzalez in NYC where me and my girlfriend can go get some nice food and then dance to some Latin music to either a live band or a dj or something. Mind you we are under 21. It doesn’t even really need to be in the city, just close to it or Brooklyn, as long as its a nice place and in a decent neighborhood. I appreciate any answers in advance, thanks.

Under 21 nightlife in NYC
http://clubcemetery.com/clubs/events/

Most of us don’t wear socks when dancing in latin dance shoes. I bought my first pair of leather ones and boy do my feet and the shoes smell bad afterward. It doesn’t have that effect when I wear any of my other dance or street shoes. My friend mentioned something about leather shoes before so it sounds like a common problem with leather dance shoes in particular. What have you tried? Odor-eaters, powders or does anything else seem to help? (No wise cracks needed, thank you.) Any good advice is welcomed and appreciated.

Use Bunheads Foot balm. Its good for ballet, ballroom, and salsa. It is a hypoallergenic foot balm that dries and eliminates the odor while being comfortable and durable for a dancing shoe. You can find this at ballroomgifts.com, a local dance store, or even in the grocery store. Its about $10.50, lasts a long time, and works great!

Here are some simple and straightforward tips to help you become a better latin dancer.

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When you dance latin dances do you feel like you are really dancing? If not, this video shows you 5 things you can do to make your dancing feel great.

Duration : 2 min 4 sec

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Snuggle up with the Bratz Kidz for the most exciting sleepover fun. But don’t expect to get much sleep. They are too busy dancing, chatting, doing makeovers and swapping scary stories. Includes two outfits – a party outfit plus pajamas, sweet sleepover accessories, a collectible pillow and sleeping bag, snap-on bare feet, hair brush and 13″ doll. Keywords: bratz kidz sleepover adventure yasmin, other latin and spanish fashion dolls and other dolls, bratz, mga entertainment, kidz, sleepover, adventure, yasmin

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