The idea for Project Styling developed from the final year of Flava Invasion in April 2009.  I was asked to teach a workshop with Burju Hurturk Perez of Hacha y Machete on Ladies' Styling.  The feedback from the attendees was incredible, and Burju and I had so much fun we said "We've got to do this again!"

I began planning a collaborative workshop when I realized...Why stop there?  There are so many talented salseras out there and we are rarely given the opportunity to work together.  I decided it was time to change that and recruited 3 more salseras to make this a complete sensory experience.

In organizing this project, I realized I was embarking on territory never seen before.  This is truly a ONE OF A KIND Conference.  This is NOT a congress. I call this a project because this is about people coming together for a collaborative experience.  Our goal is not to put on an event you will forget tomorrow, but to put on an experience you will always remember.  If you're looking for some motivation, stuck in a rut and need some inspiration, or just find yourself wanting to reconnect with the reason you began dancing salsa in the first place, then this is for you.

The instructors I chose to use in this project embody what I respect in a dancer -- powerful performance presence, adaptability to follow any lead, tremendous improvisational ability on the dance floor, a personal style like no other, and above all else, a humility and approachfulness in their demeanor. These are rare characteristics to find together in any dancer, but I feel they are necessary to make the kind of impact I hope to create in all attendees of this project.

I hope you will have the opportunity to come and I have the chance to meet you.  Until then, Happy Styling!

Ana Masacote

LOOKING FOR LONGER TRAINING?

If you're looking for a longer or more detailed course of training, check out the Masacote Salsa Retreat held August 22-29, 2010. After hosting a very successful first year in 2009 and receiving such great feedback, I have decided to do it again.  There will be many changes and new surprises for the upcoming year.

This is a full week RETREAT that focuses not only on styling, but on all the technique needed to make that styling possible: warm up, strength and conditioning, spinning, balance, core control, movement drills, isolations, arm and body positioning, partnering connection.  Each day is a buildup on the previous day.  The retreat is taught by myself, and this year, there will be a special addition by Joel Masacote available for guys and girls.

Space is LIMITED for the retreat as well!  Find out all the details at:

www.MasacoteRetreat.com