The Club & Unique Innovations

A couple of weeks ago I was at a place that is becoming a well-known gathering spot called The Club located on 12^th Street in Northwest D.C. It is a place where the Thursday night crowd, many of whom comprise a group of serious Salseros gather to listen and dance to the infectious and driving rhythms of the Latin music we all know as Salsa.

Although the crowds on Thursdays may on occasion ebb and flow, it is none the less a place that many come to first before considering any of the other clubs one might visit. I’m pleased to say I’m a confirmed regular. It’s really a nice place where you can enjoy tasty treats at the buffet, drinks that are reasonable, people who are friendly and down-to-earth, where the music is great and, of course, the dancing is as exceptional as it is sensational. By the way, did I fail to mention the ladies are all beautiful? Well, take it from me the ladies who come to The Club are all lovely and are brimming with charm and personality. I might add they’re friendly, receptive and respond favorably to requests to dance.

As I remember, it was a recent Thursday evening and I was having a ball. I laughed at a few stories being told, drank a few beers, smoked my favorite cigar, and danced until the sweat was quite visible through my shirt. When I glanced down at my watch I realized it was getting rather late. Bidding farewell to my buddies until next week, I took a final glance at the dance floor, managed a few steps towards the exit and found myself unable to move. I was mesmerized and fascinated by the dancing style of a couple who appeared themselves transfixed in dancing to an up-tempo tune that seemed to affect and enhance the routine they were performing.

For those of you familiar with the dancers around town whose skills are renown and represent the best traditions in dance the D.C. area has to offer, the couple I’m referring to needs no introduction. I speak of none other than the quintessential Salsa dancers known to all as Miguel and Sharon. As always, Sharon with dramatic flair was precise and graceful in executing each move. Miguel ever poised and skilled in leading his partner has impeccable rhythm. The pair is a delight to watch. Many people agree it’s always a special treat to watch this couple "do their thing" out on the dance floor.

This evening with this couple began the genesis of an innovative approach in promoting a theme encouraged by the Salsa Congress held in Puerto Rico in July. Rather than sponsor the problematic so called dance contests where the focus is on competition to pick a winner, Salsation Productions is promoting weekly exhibits of different styles and techniques that vary but remain well within the acceptable parameters of the dance form we all know and love.

This innovation at The Club provides an opportunity for further exposure to observe the different renditions, styles and expressions (including the mambo) which also serves as incredible entertainment, a real floor show to be had and not to be missed. In this relatively new venue couples are coming forth to exhibit styles and techniques you might not normally see which makes Salsa at The Club all the more interesting and a more exciting experience.

Recent coverage by Fox Television in which interviews were conducted by anchorman/reporter David Barnett attests to the fact that The Club has its special moments. Sometimes they’re up. Sometimes they’re down. But one thing is sure, The Club is always there. And I hope for a long time to come. What will keep their doors open, particularly on Thursdays, are the unique approaches and ideas that are being created and developed by those creative minds at Salsation Productions. If you haven’t been down to The Club lately, you’ve gotta stop by. You’ll be glad you did. Cogelo suave.

Copyright ã

10/98

Unfortunately THE CLUB has closed its doors on weekdays. SALSATION PRODUCTIONS moves operations to the restaurant/club known as the Eleventh Hour at 1520 14^th Street NW beginning Thursday, October 29^, 1998. Music and dancing begins at 9:30 followed by dance exhibitions at 10:30. See article entitled ELEVENTH HOUR for more details.