"Ok, how many people got it? Who's lost?"
Tall, and good-looking, Ricardo Acosta smiles and quickly walks to a group of ladies sheepishly asking for his assistance.
Acosta, the 24-year-old owner of East Lansing’s
Bamboo salsa club, swivels his hips with the knowledge of an expert dancer. This is the club’s basic salsa dance class, and a gaggle of women and a handful of men giggle nervously and follow along as best they can, stepping and swinging at the beginning of a long night.
But there is an excitement in the room that only comes from trying something new—and liking it.
A Little Latin FlareThe atmosphere at Bamboo this night is boisterous and congenial—regulars are quick to offer suggestions and advice to the unfamiliar faces, and are the first to congratulate their new friends when a particular hip swivel is especially voluptuous. Missed steps and stubbed toes are of no concern and fears of two left feet are left at the door.
Acosta soon disappears as more people filter in—after all, running the hottest new club sensation is hard work, and a full-time job. He reemerges several hours later to enjoy the sight of those same couples swishing sexily around the gleaming tile floor.
"People get intimidated when they come to Bamboo and see people dance like professionals,” he says. “They shouldn't worry, and just learn the basics.”
Originally from Venezuela, Acosta came to Michigan seven years ago to pursue a marketing degree from
Northwood University in Midland. He graduated in 2007 and partnered with Jose Miroquesada, owner of the neighboring
New Dynasty Buffet in East Lansing, to boost sales and provide an outlet for the Latino community.
So far, it's working. Bamboo, which is located in East Lansing's Trowbridge Plaza near
Goodrich's, celebrated its one-year anniversary September 13.
Many countries are represented on Acosta’s dance floor, including the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Venezuela and Puerto Rico. Some dancers hold advance degrees and converse fluently in English tinged with a sexy accent; others are fresh transplants from other countries. Most newcomers are
Michigan State University (MSU) students, young professionals, or dance enthusiasts.
Rise of RitmoBamboo’s one-year anniversary bash was a vibrant celebration that included a visit from the hottest live salsa band in the area,
Ritmo. With its nine to 12 piece ensemble, Ritmo encompasses the sounds of Miami heat, funky African rhythms, a touch of jazz, swing and Cuban island flair.
Led by talented guitarist and Cuban native, Mike Eyia, Ritmo has its own following and plays at many festivals and venues in the area such as
Old Town’s
Jazz Fest and REO Town's
Cadillac Club. Ritmo also goes on the road, playing in Muskegon, Battle Creek and the
MGM Grand in Detroit.
Eyia immigrated from Havana with his parents in the early 1960s. He’s been playing classical guitar since he was nine, which is when Fidel Castro came to power.
Eyia is quite involved in the Latino community and founder of the Mid-Michigan Association for Latin American Culture, a group with a mission to educate the community about Latin food and culture. He's hoping to put together a Latino-infused festival in Okemos next year.
"When people think of Latin music, for some reason they always think of Mariachi bands!” says Eyia. “This music is very, very different." Always on the lookout for more gigs, Eyia has his eye on expanding his reach to Detroit and possibly Chicago, but for now they are the top salsa dogs in Lansing.
Fire and WaterBamboo has the salsa covered on dry land, but
DJ Adrian "Ace" Lopez has the Lansing waterfront locked down.
Originally from the Dominican Republic—home of the
Bachata and
Merengue—Lopez moved to New York City when he was eight years old. He started DJing in high school. After college he moved to Grand Rapids where he started working Latin parties and different club venues, soon developing his own following.
After parting ways with his long-standing engagement at Sky Lanes in Lansing, Lopez teamed with the
Michigan Princess riverboat cruise ship to showcase a monthly Salsa Night.
The riverboat is a historic three-level riverboat that ferries passengers along the Grand River though Lansing’s Westside neighborhoods. In addition to the Salsa night, the boat cruises also offers themed dinner parties, including retro dance and murder mystery events. There are also fall color trips and other scenic lunch cruises and is popular as a destination for area proms and class reunions.
"Captain John of the Michigan Princess understands how to give guests the royal treatment,” says Lopez. “The atmosphere is fun and comfortable and everyone has a good time."
The next night of floating salsa is from 8:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., on September 19th.
The residents of East Lansing, Latino and otherwise, have agreed through their constant attendance that the emerging salsa scene is a welcome change from the usual dive bars and noisy East Lansing and Lansing dance clubs. There is a sense of real camaraderie and respect as men and women ask each other cordially for the pleasure of a dance.
"In all my years of DJing, there really have never been any problems, like at other clubs," says Lopez. "People come to dance and enjoy themselves, not to bother anyone or start something. It's a beautiful atmosphere. It is an unforgettable experience.”
"I love it!” agrees recent Michigan State University graduate, Anna Baldwin. “It's such a classy form of expression and really great exercise. Plus you meet really lovely people from different backgrounds."
Looking around the packed club, it looks like salsa is one spicy mixture that is satisfying the Lansing area dance diet.
To receive Capital Gains free every week click here.
Yana Levovna holds a degree in communication from Michigan State University. She enjoys singing opera, cooking, and of course, salsa dancing.
Dave Trumpie is the managing photographer for Capital Gains. He is a freelance photographer and owner of Trumpie Photography.
Photos:
Dancers at Bamboo
Ricardo Acosta teaches story author Yana during a class
Bamboo
Mike Eyia from the salsa ban Ritmo
Bamboo's dancers
All Photographs © Dave Trumpie