End of Summer Beach Party
On Monday, September 6th we will have an open beach party at A) just north of the Santa Monica pier or B) at the end of Ocean Park. We will get there early
and have brightly colored umbrellas to look for. Our last party was lots of fun and we had a great turnout. Final location and start time will be announced on the Lets Dance
at Granada Facebook page and here.
Just a Few Days Left to Vote!
For the last 5 years we have won several awards in the Pasadena Weekly ranging from Best Place to Dance, Best Live Music Club, Best DJs, Best Salsa Club, Best
Spanish Restaurant, and even Best Karaoke Club when we offered that.
This year they have added a new category. Best Dance Studio. With 7 social dance studios in Pasadena
alone and many Ballet - Hip Hop studios the competition will be fierce. So you can help us by voting TODAY online at the The Pasadena Weekly. Com website. In addition there are
a few rules to look out for or your vote can be invalidated. No business can be named more that 3 times on one ballot! But as you know, here at the Granada there are actually three businesses.
Let's Dance L.A. the studio, Guitarras the Restaurant, and Granada the club.
In addition there are a few friends/students/businesses we also recommend. So if you want us to win a bunch again this year here are our recommendations:
- Dance Studio Let's Dance L.A.
- Live Music Club Granada
- Place To Dance Granada
- Place To Meet Someone Granada
- Spanish Restaurant Guitarras
- Chiropractor Seth Mittleman
- Public Employee Edward Dallas
- Attorney John Ciccarelli
- Yoga Bikram Pasadena
Of course these are only suggestions and you can add or change any you want. Voting closes Sept 7th!
Class Prices Consolidated
For many years we have offered a whole slew of prices which at times has become quite onerous at check in. To simplify things we decided to do away with
some of these categories and standardize pricing.
It was not an easy decision to make but in fairness how do you answer the question why is one profession worth
more than another. In the early years we wanted to give back to the community and honor some under valued professions as teachers and law enforcement/fire protection.
Also many of the teachers were bringing lots of new young dancers into ballroom dancing. In reality we were able to drop the price in one category so
we hope you understand.
Finally we did a comparison of us and every studio in the area and other activities such as movies. Out of all of them we were the second
lowest priced and that doesn't even take into account the difference in quality, facilities, and value when you realized that we may often have up to 4 instructors
(not student assistants like some other places) per class, complimentary admission to the club after class, free after class practice for up to two hours.
End of Summer Showcase
Our last showcase in early Spring was themed after Dancing with the Stars. Our next one slated for mid September will be themed "Back to School". Our evening party will
encourage everyone to dress in the clothing of their era. So if you graduated in the 60's hippie clotes, if you graduated in the 80's you might spike your hair like a
glam rocker. You can be the school jock, nerd, cheerleader or class president.
Let's Dance Facebook Page
Thanks to our student Caroline who helped set up something that we have long anticipated. Our Lets Dance LA group on Facebook is like a high school
yearbook. Over the past twenty years many of you have cameras out while we were busy performing, dancing or just running around. By uploading your
pictures to our Facebook page we will put together an annual page that you can search by year. So if you remember that really cute advanced dancer
that you were too shy to ask to dance then and can't remember their name now, check out our Facebook page. BTW tagging pictures with names will be really
helpful. Also it will be a way to connect with old friends. How cool the information age.
Maintaining the website while running three businesses has been really a chore. Throw in auxilary sites like TheGranadaAlhambra.com, MySpace, Facebook
and you can see how we are either tethered to a computer and no life or letting the info get stale and outdated. But it does serve a real need so in
the next few months our website that was cutting edge when the internet was in its infancy will take a huge step forward. Many of you like the info in
Tips from T and I use to write many articles for Dance Action and other publications. Nowadays those jobs are better handled by a blog. So coming soon
the calendar will be your first place to check for most current info, and the newsletter will be kind of like the switchboard which connects you to
everything else. Classes, SalsaCentral, Events, Trips, Birthdays, Yearbook etc. So just bear with us and check back soon.
Class changes for September TBA soon
Changes Our early evening classes for those that work early and don't want to stay up late have been going great so we will continue them through the summer.
New for this month:
MONDAYS No-Spin Salsa now starts at 6:45 pm, Argentine Tango moves to 9 PM and we have added a Tango 2 preceding it at 8 pm.
WEDNESDAYS We've added Disco Hustle for those of you who want to experience the high energy fun of the 1970s. West Coast Swing and Ballroom each have
new starting times. W/C 1 and Ballroom 2 at 7:30, W/C Swing 2 & Ballrooom 1 at 8:45.
Salsa may be fun but if you ever wonder what to do to Rock & Roll, Country, Motown, or even Top 40, no dance has more variety than West Coast Swing. Before Salsa
got hot, our classes were almost as big as our Salsa classes are now. Well we're now offering West Coast Swing on Wednesdays at 8:30 fo beginners and 7:00 for
intermediates. Enio and Vanessa will be teaching West Coast while Bill & Terry teach the ballroom. Now that the classes bigger we'll begin to have a weekly
Swing practice night on Wednesdays at 10:00 pm. Also much of the music played by Two's Company on Sundays is West Coast Swing(able).
Rueda 1 moves back to Tuesday at 7:00 pm
New Classes Bachata and Merengue - two dances played a lot at Salsa dances are being taught together on Mondays at 8:00 pm. Salsa 2
has been split into two tracks Salsa Spin and Salsa Non Spin (Salsa-NS). Since many people want to do more than spin or be spun we came up with a new format
that has proven very popular. While we teach both linear and rotational Salsa, there are many moves in each that can be done in both styles. Therefore while the Spin track will
focus on using quick spins and turns both tracks will introduce both rotational and linear style. For those of you that don't know the difference, linear style is easier
to learn but takes more space than rotational. Rotational though easy to learn takes more skill to master but uses less space. The best dancers don't limit themselves to one.
Most do both while intermediates usually
start with linear in most schools. For those who just got promoted from Salsa 1 to Salsa 2 or students who
have not taken classes here before but do know some Salsa we recommend trying either Spin Salsa on Fridays at 8:00 or nonSpin Salsa Sundays at 3:30
until you decide which you prefer. Both classes though require you to be able to complete the LEVEL 1 warmup at the beginning of the class. If you
cannot, you will be asked to step out of class. Therefore no late arrivals will be permitted after the first 5 minutes of class. (This class will
introduce you to our terminology, teach the level 2 & 3 warmup and take you beyond the basics of level 1 into more spins, turns and styling.
Want to help make a different dance happen? Sign up at the front desk for any class that you would like to
be added to the schedule, and if we have enough sign ups, we will add it to the schedule.
For many adults who work swing or graveyard shift, taking evening classes is not always possible. Doctors, public safety,
restaurant and even entertainment workers often are doing their thing while evening classes are going on. Let's Dance offers daytime classes
in Salsa, Ballroom and Rueda 6 out of 7 days a week. We also offer beginning and intermediate classes as well. Let us know what classes you would
like to see during the day.
As with all classes, the schedule is subject to change and we recommend that you check the website for any last minute changes.
Many of the top NY master dance teachers like Eddie & Maria Torres came from the Disco 70s in New York. The three count Hustle (as it is known) influenced much
of the Salsa that we dance today. And the music is great! We are also teaching this class in February. Come and check it out. Special Offer!!! If you have never
taken a class at Let's Dance L.A. print out this e-mail and bring it down for your first class FREE in either West Coast Swing or Disco Hustle!
Welcome New Students
Ok, you've decide to learn to dance, ok how do you get started? First be assured you have chosen the right place. Let's Dance has been in business since
1986 has won local acclaim as being the best studio to learn at. How can we say that. We're the biggest because we are the best. Our instructors
are all ex competitive dance champions including US Champions in Latin, Ballroom and Swing. You don't get there without training with the best. We'll
make it easy for you to learn. We have created an enviroment that is safe for women and families to bring their kids. Many of our students have been coming
for 5-10 years. Why? because this is a second home. They love hanging out here with all their friends and the cost is ridiculously low. We have created a page
specifically for you beginners to get started and to make the experience a blast. Getting Started First bookmark this
page and then check it out.
Staff Notes- Our Newest Teachers
Welcome to our newest instructor who has joined our family at Let's Dance LA. Aurimas Petrevicius a member of the World Champion Formation Team from Lithuania,
has come over to study studio management and to compete with Alicia. Recently he had been training in Italy and you may remember he performed here for our
21st Anniversary.
Enio & Terryl's Salsa Videos Now Out on DVD
Those of you who waited all this time for the release of Salsa and Rueda videos on DVD can start ordering. Enio & Terryl's Salsa 1 & 2,
Salsa 3, Rueda 1 & 2, and Rueda 3 are now available on DVD in either PAL or NTSC. The Italian dub of Salsa 1 is only available as VHS-Pal. The DVD
prices will be $$44 for all videos except Salsa 3 which will be $55. Currently their Salsa videos are the best selling Rueda videos on the European
salsa video sites.
Birthdays
Happy Birthday this month to everyone celebrating their birthday!. Are you having a birthday? Come celebrate at the Granada either with your class mates or during the Salsa club
Bring a group of 10 or more and you get in free. Let us know so we can announce you birthday.
Getting in Shape Through Dancing
New Years is always when people make their resolutions to lose weight, get rid of a bad habit, or take up a new hobby such as dance. The best way to achieve
those resolutions is to make a plan. Saying that you're suddenly going to go to the gym 6 days a week after years of inactivity is unrealistic. But saying
you're going to go one day a week without planning the time and you'll stop going after a couple of weeks because life steps in soon the activity is
forgotten. A better way is to plan a schedule you can stick to. Personally I plan on 3 mornings a week of Bikram Yoga. I consider it a blessing if I can
squeeze a fourth or fifth practice in. But if I plan for 5 and only make three I am going to be disappointed or discouraged. Now if you had a very busy
schedule that kept you from working out last year, look over your old schedule and PLAN which of those activities you can do without or replace with
something that will benefit you.
How can dancing benefit you? An average workout at the gym lasts 45 minutes to an hour, Take a dance class and you have
done 90 minutes of mild activity. But take two classes on one night and stay for the practice dance afterwards and you are now doing three hours of mild
activity but the practice session would be an hour or so of moderate to strenuous activity. Now do that twice a week and you are doing 8 hours of sustained
exercise per week. You now have 5 days a week left to do other things. Want to make this the year that you get in shape before the road back is just so
long that you give up before you start? Here's a great plan- Pick your two favorite dances (or one that you have never done but might be fun) Let's say Salsa and
Cha Cha. Take the two beginner classes once per week, stay for the practice afterwards, try the Latin Technique Class on Sunday to learn musculuar isolation
and improve your spins. Finally pick a complementary activity like Yoga or Pilates to stretch the joints and take back the flexibility and core strength that
age takes away. Terryl teaches a Pilates mat class on Wednesdays. Finally there is no body that is more defined (without looking like a body builder)
than that of a competetive dancer. If you saw ABC's Dancing With The Stars, you saw how these non dancers went from non dancers to performers in 6 weeks. Age?
Oldest guy on the block John O'Hurley of Seinfeld  was kicking some serious butt on the younger stars.
Even people who compete in the senior divisions have better posture, more stamina, and better overall fitness than people 20 years their junior. How do you
become a competetive dancer? Find a person that has a) the same goal; b) the same time availability; c) about the same body type. Speak to Enio, Terryl, or
Bill about starting on a competition program. Within 3 months you'll be out on the competition floor having an absolute blast.
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A FREE Present For YOU!
Section to be announced Shortly!
Salsa Central Lineup
Don't know the bands? Click on the bands and see a video clip.
Our band schedule for Aug- Oct
Awards For Let's Dance & Granada
For the past 5 years we have won many Best of Contest awards from Pasadena Weekly, Ciudad Magazine and My Fox LA. Once again we have been
nominated in the Best Dance Club and Best Dance Studio categories of the My Fox LA Hotlist.
In the My FOX LA's Best Studio AND Best Nightclub Contest! We were in the finals for Best Club placing
3rd out of All the LA clubs and were in the running for best studio for quite a while. Congratulations to our sister studio
JayVee Dance for placing in the top 5-
Our Dress Code- Classes vs Club
 I want to compliment all of our patrons for having complied with our guidelines on appearance at the
Granada. It seems as the only faux pas have been visitors from out of town who aren't used to dress codes. Usually we can accomodate them with a borrowed
shirt or jacket. Although California winters are mild and we know it gets hot so we spent the money and had the air conditioning system rebuilt. While
it works great, once you get 500 bodies in a room dancing fast the room will heat up. As dancers ourselves we understand that in any sport or athletic
endeavour we are going to heat the body temperature. Options, the open air patio has the music piped out there so you can stay cool and not miss a
thing. If you want to cool down fast, try the third floor which is so cold it can feel like a meat locker also with piped in music from the band.
As for classes, while Let's Dance was mainly a studio, the Granada is so much more. Beautiful venue, restaurant,
nightclub and dance studio. Since we are sharing the space with all these other businesses, it is important that we remember that we will be
first and foremost the CLASSIEST place in the Salsa community. We don't want to attract the wrong element and don't want to make it so
exclusive that we have the highest prices either.  If you want to stay cool try a Guyabera traditionally
the shirt of choice in the Tropics. Although we prefer collared shirts, we will allow colored t-shirts during classes for men that are
nice and not the white tees.
Late in 2004 a few dancers complained that we are one of the few clubs to offer a dress code and so we ran a poll asking whether you all thought we needed a
dress code. Over 100 responses agreed whole heartedly that we SHOULD have a dress code. Two were against. As we are somewhat new to the club end of the business
before we opened we asked several security consultants their opinion. Here is what they said:
People that dress up are less likely to act up. People that dress tough- act tough. After four years we have had ZERO problems so we must be doing the right thing.
As a club with a limited capacity we are dealing with various issues. When we are packed and you are dancing non stop you are going to get hot.
For that reason we opened up the patio and added the outdoor floor. The 3rd floor has been running at nearly 68†
It is understandable that a guy in a suit will end up taking the jacket off. We currently have a dress code policy that we copied from another club.
Their Policy is as follows: Our dress code is tastefully casual upscale evening wear.
* No T-shirts
* No Ripped Jeans (no matter what you paid for them) or Oversized Jeans
* No Baseball Caps or Beenies
* No Athletic Apparel
* No Flip-Flops/Thongs
* No Wallet Chains or Ghetto Gear
* No Sleeveless Vests or Muscle Shirts
Jeans, Collarless Shirts, Hats, and Tennis Shoes at our discretion. Typically if you are wearing any two of these discretionary items you will not
be allowed in. (i.e. Jeans and Tennis Shoes = No) This dress code applies at all times
Our policy has been if you have nice slacks and shoes but the silk shirt is sleeveless and fashionable, you'll get in. If the shirt is just a "wifebeater"
undershirt and ripped jeans then you have 2 out of 3 and don't get in, If 2 out of 3 are questionable then it is up to the doorman and subsequently the door
manager. While a very few have been turned away in most cases we have allowed people in the first time with a warning to dress up next time.
What we are trying to avoid is the gangbanger look where a guy in a wifebeater shirt and baggy ripped jeans around his thighs and head scarfs is scaring
off the regular customers.
The compromise is to wear clothes that don't show perspiration
and still look dressy. Some of you may find that a second change of clothing is necessary if you sweat a lot. We have announced a club dress code
for many months but we have given instructions to the door staff to begin enforcing it immediately. Although we never wish to turn anyone away,
sometimes it will happen and it is both embarrassing for the patron and the host. Our new dress code is as follows:
"Tastefully casual upscale evening wear."
Anyway if you have been coming and would like to give us your opinion on whether we should have a dress code, e-mail me and we will consider all
suggestions.
The Granada- Getting Better All The Time!
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