Aventura Blog

Super group Aventura has amassed more accomplishments and accolades than any other bachata group in existence! For this reason alone, I was thrilled to be at their "farewell" party as they concluded the last leg of their US based tour. La fiesta, sponsored by Hennessy, was at the exclusive penthouse floor of the Rivington Hotel in New York City. You could sense everyone's excitement as they waited for the group to arrive. The energy built up by Romeo, Henry, Lenny and Max earned them an incredible year that lead to four sold out concerts in Madison Square Garden, nine Latin Billboard awards including latin artist and album of the year, and a trip to the white house to celebrate latin heritage with President Obama. If that wasn't enough to put them on top, their hit single, Obsesion went to number one across the globe in Italy! With their popularity and reach running wild, it was sad for most of us here in New York to imagine that they won't be back for a while. Rumors were running rampant about the group splitting up to work on solo projects so I couldn't wait to ask them myself! My time finally came as Lenny and Max stepped onto the carpet. I was able to breathe a sigh of relief as they assured me that they will indeed be back together to record another album. Gracias a dios! Of course, in the meantime, they will also be involved in solo projects, but that only adds to what this super talented group brings to the world. Their popularity en el mundo latino has been regarded to be as massive as that of the Beatles. Only time will tell if this is actually true and whether or not the group can amass the same popularity in mainstream american society. However, it is clear to them, and to all of who are fans, that they are truly living a grand aventura! Let's see where they land next! In the meantime, check out www.enlaescena.com to see the video footage! I'm Leticia Reyes reporting for En La Escena!

PEOPLE in ESPAÑOL 2010 - En La Escena

Like every year, came the time know who integrate the select list of the 50 most beautiful PEOPLE in ESPAÑOL and in the edition of our magazine and En La Escena were there ... don't miss!

Salsa Congress 2009 at the Hilton Hotel NYC

My experience at the 2009 NYC Salsa Congress

It is with great enthusiasm that I share with you all my experience at NYC’s 2009 Salsa Congress held at the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan! The entire event was rich with music, fun people, wonderful instructors, fantastic dancers and plenty of vendors to choose from. Each one of my senses was delightfully tickled as I made my way through all the salsa-oriented activities that made you shake your hips in participation! I really got into it!
John “Choco” Knight did a splendid job coordinating this year’s event and addressing the needs of the salsa community. He managed to bring the congress to another level this year by making sure to provide educational opportunities to the youth and also by booking the biggest musical act to hit the congress stage in all its years, legendary Eddie Palmieri!
I had to make sure I was prepared for the 3 days of activities so I headed to the vendors to gear up. I found myself at the Salsa Footsies table where I purchased a $70 pair of dancing shoes. I felt official! From there, I joined a workshop with Melissa Rosado who taught me some sexy dance moves that were sure to attract a serious papi chulo! Thanks Melissa! I also partnered with dance instructor, Rene Gueits who taught the Casino Rueda workshop which concentrated on some serious turn patterns. I broke a sweat and got seriously dizzy so I decided to ask the real professionals how they managed to maintain their cool on the dance floor. I was fortunate enough to come across head judge Jamie Josephson, who explained to me the rules of competition for this year’s salsa congress competitors. I found out the winners took home a mega trophy, a title and 5,000 big ones to share. I was so curious what it would take to prepare for competition or performance so I headed backstage where I ran into a couple of crews preparing to take the stage. The crews included the Diamond Dancers from Caguas, PR directed by Sonia Rivera, Christine and Andrew from Lorenz Dance Studio in Queens, NY, Katherine, Victor, Franklin, and Johanna from Mambo Bravo located in Queens, NY, and the Rekreation Dance Company, a 27 person dance crew out of Houston, TX. Each of them assured me that preparation was rigorous but that the love for the dance superseded any challenges they might face along the way. They all left me in awe with their performances!
Through this wonderful experience I learned that salsa has no limits or discrimination. Anyone can participate no matter how young or old, no matter where you reside on the map, no matter what nationality or origin you come from, or what level of experience you have. And! With a little hard work, dedication and commitment to having fun, you can be on your way to becoming the salsera or salsero of your dreams! I know I’m on my way! Please be sure to look out for more shows featuring latin dance and booty shaking rhythms. My name is Leticia Reyes and I’m special reporting for En La Escena!