Join us for "Summer Salsa By The Sea"
from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm in Lynch Park.
The event is FREE, outdoors where participants can learn the basics of salsa, or practice their moves. The evening starts with an hour of instruction by Yaya Rodriguez, founder of the Cultura Latina Dance Academy in Lynn, then on to social dancing to Latin tunes by DJ Franklin Condori. Participants are encouraged to come on their own or with a partner, no experience necessary!
The event is Free and open to the public; rain or shine. If rain is in the forecast, the event will move to the Carriage House.
This summer, the City of Beverly will once again be hosting two separate "Salsa by the Sea" events in Lynch Park, on Tuesday, June 20 & Tuesday, July 11, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. These two free outdoor gatherings are where participants can learn the basics of salsa or practice their moves.
Each evening starts with 45 minutes of instruction given by Franklin Condori aka DJ Condori. Participants are encouraged to come on their own or with a partner. No experience necessary.
Condori, who is active in the Latin dance community all over metro Boston, has organized and hosted many social dancing events that focus on salsa and bachata. He is involved in several dance companies, and is an instructor at Rumba y Timbal in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Like so many, Condori started as an avid salsa dancer and then quickly found his true calling behind the turntables as a DJ Combining his passion for salsa with his fascination of the Palladium era and New York Mambo, he brings a sound that promises swing and energy for the dancing masses. At the same time, his background as an instructor allows him to provide the basics, for anyone looking to learn some of the foundational moves of salsa dancing.
Katherine Shao, who is the organizer of the events, is excited about this summer’s encore salsa gatherings. “We had such a great turnout last summer, the weather was gorgeous, and the Lynch Park stage was the perfect spot to do the salsa instruction, with that lovely view of the ocean. Everyone who attended commented on what a wonderful setting it was for the social dancing.”
"Social dancing is everywhere in Latin American countries -- it's such a wonderful part of the culture where music and dancing just happens no matter where you are," says Shao, who is a musician. She had the idea to create a similar type of vibe on the North Shore, and applied for support from the Beverly Cultural Council to make it possible. "In the Boston area one can find a variety of wonderful dance socials for salsa, bachata, tango and other Latin specialties. We just thought it would be wonderful to have something like that, but right on the ocean - imagine!"
Those with beginner status at salsa need not worry, says Shao. "It's the whole point of having an instructor for the first 45 minutes. After that, you get to practice the moves you learned." And with social dancing, you don't have to worry about having a partner; you simply pair up with a new person for the next song.
Lynch Park in Beverly is located about 1.5 miles from the Beverly Depot commuter rail station, or 1.3 miles from the Montserrat commuter rail station. The park is also a short distance (1.2 miles) from Cabot Street in downtown Beverly, featuring a variety of restaurants and attractions.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own water, non-alcoholic drinks, or picnic dinner. Dancing will take place both in the concert shell and on the lawn. Opportunities to invite friends can be found at facebook.com/events/6262179493821403 and facebook.com/events/911558566624578.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Beverly Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Basic listings info:
"Salsa by the Sea" held outdoors* on Tuesday, June 20, & Tuesday, July 11, 6:00 pm-8:30 pm. With dance instruction and music provided by DJ Franklin Condori. Free and open to all; no experience or dance partner required to participate. Free parking is available after 5pm. (Prior to 5 pm, for non-residents of Beverly, parking is $15, cash only.) For further information, visit bevrec.com/classesevents and facebook.com/summersalsabeverly. Lynch Park, 55 Ober St., Beverly, MA 01915. [*In case of rain, event will move to the park’s Carriage House.] Contact information: jpaddol@beverlyma.gov, 978-921-6067.
Further background information:
Franklin Condori aka DJ Condori (salsa dance instructor and DJ) has been an avid Latin music DJ for many years in the Boston scene. He started out as an avid Salsa dancer but quickly found that he also has a calling behind the turntables. Salsa, a mix of new and old, is his sweet spot. He brings a sound that promises swing and high energy. His reputation precedes him, since “his mixes are always on fire!” facebook.com/vivaperu348, bostonsalsacentral.com/local-djs
Katherine Shao (“Salsa By The Sea” coordinator) is a keyboard player, composer and performance artist with a diverse range of experience in modern genres like jazz and blues, informed by a background in classical and baroque music. Shao’s endeavors as a performer of specialized musical styles has equipped her with a seasoned foundation of knowledge about the sound, affect and style of different genres. Her passion for Latin jazz led her to the study of salsa and to creating these events as a way for people to feel the joy of social dancing. katherineshao.com
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Beverly Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.