Latin dancers were understandably disappointed when Buffalo’s beloved dance duo, Fanny and Calvin (of Baila Salsa), announced that they would no longer be hosting a Latin night at Epic Restaurant and Lounge on Fridays. The Latin night at Epic had become hugely popular and was a destination for those who loved to dance salsa, bachata, and merengue. But Epic had other plans for the restaurant, and informed Fanny and Calvin that they would have to find a new venue for their event.
Fanny and Calvin have thus reinvented their Latin night and now bring you, Sabor Latino (or Latin flavor), at Falafel Bar. The new location has a great bar and a large, smooth dance floor. There is also plenty of free, off-street parking which is especially important during the winter months. The evening begins with an optional lesson and is followed by hours of no-holds-barred social dancing. Moving forward, Fanny and Calvin plan to bring in special forms of entertainment once per month, including guest instructors, performers, and DJs. They recently hosted such an event that included a lesson and performance by Roc Kizomba (from Rochester), and music by DJ Sal Sero (also from Rochester). The event was a great success and drew dancers from Buffalo, Rochester, and Ontario. Fanny and Calvin plan to invite another guess kizomba instructor to Sabor Latino on Friday, November, 27.
If you are interested in checking out Sabor Latino, but are not quite confident in your dancing ability, you may want to brush up on your skills, or start from scratch, with some lessons. Fanny and Calvin regularly teach salsa and bachata on a drop-in basis every Sunday at the Pucho Olivencia Center.
* SALSA LEVEL I 12:00pm (You can join anytime)
* SALSA LEVEL II 1:00pm (Class structure has changed, learn a new pattern & shine every six weeks) You must have completed Salsa Level I – A 6 week course to join this class.
* BACHATA all levels 2:00pm – Learn the Latin style, proper leading and following techniques, timing, turn patterns, shines (footwork), body movement, musicality, styling and more. No partner necessary.
The couple also hosts Salsa Night every Wednesday at The Pucho Olivencia Center – Salsa Night – Noche de Salsa. 7-10pm | Wednesdays – See Facebook | The Pucho Olivencia Center – Pucho’s Social Club (see Facebook) | 261 Swan Street in Buffalo | Beginner dance lesson at 7:00pm followed by social dancing until 10:00pm. $5 admission fee. Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cha Cha Cha and Kizomba. Smooth large floor, AC and full bar with drink specials all night.
For more information about lessons, and other weekly events, see the Baila Salsa webpage or like them on Facebook.