Jamaican Salsero in L.A.

Here is a little selection of some of the pics I took while I was back home in Jamaica. Most of them are from North-West Coast of the island. That is where most of the popular beaches/resorts can be found. For someone who is not a fan of water, I was in it a lot while I was there. I visited some of my favorite spots on the island, such as, YS Falls and Montego Bay. Also, I finally got around to doing some things that I have always wanted to do, like go river rafting.

Naturally, I had to check out the salsa scene in Jamaica. Jamaica has a very small but good scene going. The main location I found for instruction was in New Kingston at the Hilton Hotel. The instructor there is a former student of Jose Neglia’s and his name is Keith Anthony. His website is here. He has been teaching there for a number of years and has overseen the development of some really great dancers. In addition to the salsa being taught at the Hilton, there are a lot of Cuban salsa dancers on the island. This is to be expected because of the influx of Cubans to the island. There is even a nightclub in New Kingston where you can enjoy Rueda de Casino. Below is a video I shot at the Hilton of a couple doing Cuban Salsa.

Akil Karan and Shauna dancing at the Thursday night salsa party at the Junkanoo Lounge at the Hilton Hotel in New Kingston, Jamaica.