I have just returned from a whirlwind, seven-day tour by rail (mostly) of these three great Scandinavian capitals – Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen – with Great Rail Journeys. Now that I am relatively recovered from all the extensive walking and sightseeing tours and the challenges of hauling my too-heavy bags from one place to theContinue reading “A TALE OF THREE CITIES: Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen by Rail”
Category Archives: salsa
Samurai, Sakura and Onsen Satori: 18 Days in Japan
Japan is a fascinating country; even when you get lost and end up wandering through some residential district as I often did, noticing little details outside people’s houses or seeing one of its many species of swallowtail butterflies or huge ‘bear bees’ grants moments of pure rapture.
Sun, sea and salsa: the ultimate party + chill groove at Rovinj CSSF 2023
Every year, the annual ‘peace, love and salsa’ (or sun, sea and salsa) orgy that is the Croatian Summer Salsa Festival (CSSF) sends thousands of international dance revellers back to their respective homes blissfully refreshed, rejuvenated and already craving more.
Questions for my readers: I need your help!
As this post-new year time of coming out of winter and heading into spring is usually a process of reflection and refining, I’d love some feedback from you on which topic(s) interest you most.
Porto-ohohoh!: Reflections on my recent salsa travels #2
Something about this arty, intriguing and deeply romantic city, with its air of failed colonial grandeur, has well and truly got into my veins
Barcelona-ahhh: Reflections from my recent salsa travels #1
With so many competing European salsa events on every weekend, it’s impossible to attend all of them, but I chose Barcelona and Porto because for one thing, the warmer locations would make dancing easier on my knee, and because both are vibrant cities with much to offer culture-wise beyond the dancing fun. I’ll start with Barcelona: city of Gaudi, Modernista (Catalan-style Art Nouveau) architecture and Frank Gehry, the famed Gothic Quarter, long sandy beaches at Barceloneta – and exquisite food!
In the Limelight: Casting director, salsa performer and teacher Magda Sobolewska
“My dance performance experience is similar to my casting work, because when you are dancing on stage, you get into character – that is the bit of acting I enjoy.”
Survival of the Wit-est? How Dance Competitions are Adapting for Covid
“For those studios and dance teachers struggling to make ends meet or adapt to the medium of online teaching — as well as for the millions of dancers whose ability to experience their chief joy in life has been challenged — getting back to the true physical sphere of dance can’t come fast enough. And yet for those whose creativity has been stretched and resulted in the emergence of brand-new approaches, the challenges of Covid have also brought many blessings and valuable lessons.”
MAGNIFICENT MAGNA: The Philosopher-Dancer
“It’s the way I think about things that has helped me succeed, so I want to share that, because I think a lot of people are struggling now with uncertainty, and they need to feel empowered.” — Magna Gopal
Agozar Presents: Salsa Cross Borders — Llego la Banda (“The Band has arrived”)
On Saturday 13th June, 2020, the Agozar team from Sweden and around the world will present the latest don’t-miss instalment of its unique ‘Salsa Cross Borders’ concept, with a thrilling new offering called ‘Llego la Banda’ (‘The Band has arrived’) — a full day of back-to-back live music, interviews and behind-the-scenes interactions with some of the finest up and coming salsa musicians from around the globe, offset with a rousing pre- and afterparty that will be sure to put a sunny salsa smile on your lips to carry you through the weekend and beyond.
Small Writer at Large 