Latin Dance Clubs (Salsa / Merengue / Bachata)

Taiwan Where Can I Find...?
1

Greetings everyone!

I will be moving to Taiwan later this year, most likely the October timeframe. I’m curious about the popularity of salsa /merengue / bachata dance clubs on the island. I am living in San Diego currently and have seen some interest here. Prior to living here I was in Germany where latin dancing was very popular, mostly Frankfurt and Berlin. Germany is a melting pot of so many ethnicities, which made it easy to find a cool little spot to dance the night away. I’ll most likely be living in Taipei, but Shinshu has recently made its way onto my list of potentials.

For the record…I’m an evolved male who enjoys culture and a good beat to dance to. I enjoy the people that are typically in latin clubs, they’re a cultured people for the most part. And that’s what I hope to find while living the Formosa life…even if it is a small niche population.

So the question is… Are there any clubs that invite this type of music/dance in Taipei or Shinshu?

2

Do a search here on salsa.

There are no salsa dance clubs in taipei. But there is a salsa scene. It bounces between clubs about 3-4 nights a week. And the dance schools have dance nights. Once your in taipei and connect with the community, you should enough to keep you interested. Some odd mix of traditional ballroom and salsa is popular here. On2 is currently popular.

Coming from Singapore, KL, HK, and LA, I’ve found the salsa very unsatisfying. If your a beginner, then you will enjoy it for awhile.

Hsinchu has very little salsa.

Best thing thing to do is get into the community and make the best of it.

3

Thanks Tango42… I read an earlier post from you regarding dance schools. This most recent post was helpful. I’ll have to see if I can track down some latin hot spots once I get there. I agree though, schools tend to be a good starting point. If you run across anything new while you’re out, then please let me know. I’ll do the same once I get adjusted.

4

Hey a new salsa club just opening called “M” not far from 101 on hsinyi between Guangfu and jeelung. Can find it on Facebook or Internet.

5

Also, don’t expect to find Latinas at the salsa clubs in Taipei.

Like mentioned earlier, on2 is the prevalent style, and many are not on beat.

The salsa music selection can be “weird” sometimes.

I normally listen to some Colombian radio stations on Tune-in radio app to keep my salsa bearings straight.

6

I know an award-winning tango/milonga dancer who studied in Argentina and tutors at a club near Zhongxiao Dunhua. She speaks conversational Spanish. Not really what you’re asking, but if that’s of any interest I can find out details? She is very good, if you’re looking to broaden your repertoire.

7

Yea, its the popular spot to learn and practice Tango in Taipei. Lots of teachers and dancers will share what they know with anyone interested. But Argentine Tango is a far reach from Salsa/Merengue/Bachata so I didn’t mention the Tango spots.

8

[quote=“PapaAzucar”]Also, don’t expect to find Latinas at the salsa clubs in Taipei.

Like mentioned earlier, on2 is the prevalent style, and many are not on beat.

The salsa music selection can be “weird” sometimes.

I normally listen to some Colombian radio stations on Tune-in radio app to keep my salsa bearings straight.[/quote]

Not many Latinas, but a few come and go, it seems the really good girl Latinas don’t hit the bar scene anyway. Have to hit the private parties to dance with the really good ones.

Taiwanese have a hard time hearing, feeling, finding the beat. But so do people in a lot of countries, even though here it seems like there are more here that can’t find the beat. I always dance on rhythm, and I can tell some girls are curious as to why I’m not just throwing them around in some wild freaky fashion to whatever move I happen to think of at the moment regardless of the rhythm or beat.

The is really the teachers responsibility in the community and they have not done a good job in Taiwan. And in Taiwan it seems the teachers teach a bunch of moves, but don’t focus on or repeat the basics, which is most important, like 1,2,3…5,6,7… this is THE most important ingredient in dancing Latin…

9

Great, I found it…Wednesdays 9-230AM…sounds like a party!

10

[quote=“tango42”][quote=“PapaAzucar”]Also, don’t expect to find Latinas at the salsa clubs in Taipei.

Like mentioned earlier, on2 is the prevalent style, and many are not on beat.

The salsa music selection can be “weird” sometimes.

I normally listen to some Colombian radio stations on Tune-in radio app to keep my salsa bearings straight.[/quote]

Not many Latinas, but a few come and go, it seems the really good girl Latinas don’t hit the bar scene anyway. Have to hit the private parties to dance with the really good ones.

Taiwanese have a hard time hearing, feeling, finding the beat. But so do people in a lot of countries, even though here it seems like there are more here that can’t find the beat. I always dance on rhythm, and I can tell some girls are curious as to why I’m not just throwing them around in some wild freaky fashion to whatever move I happen to think of at the moment regardless of the rhythm or beat.

The is really the teachers responsibility in the community and they have not done a good job in Taiwan. And in Taiwan it seems the teachers teach a bunch of moves, but don’t focus on or repeat the basics, which is most important, like 1,2,3…5,6,7… this is THE most important ingredient in dancing Latin…[/quote]

I’ll be sure to bring a cd with some oldie but goodie mixes…just to help the DJ out a little bit. Sometimes people just don’t know what’s out there and stick to what they DO know…even if it’s really bad music.

Listening for the beat isn’t always something you can teach someone, and then lining up the body to move with that beat can be an even bigger challenge. But practice will get most people closer to moving with the beat. But I agree, the basics are critical…definitely the foundation for any/all moves.

11

[quote=“Hansolo”][quote=“tango42”][quote=“PapaAzucar”]Also, don’t expect to find Latinas at the salsa clubs in Taipei.

Like mentioned earlier, on2 is the prevalent style, and many are not on beat.

The salsa music selection can be “weird” sometimes.

I normally listen to some Colombian radio stations on Tune-in radio app to keep my salsa bearings straight.[/quote]

Not many Latinas, but a few come and go, it seems the really good girl Latinas don’t hit the bar scene anyway. Have to hit the private parties to dance with the really good ones.

Taiwanese have a hard time hearing, feeling, finding the beat. But so do people in a lot of countries, even though here it seems like there are more here that can’t find the beat. I always dance on rhythm, and I can tell some girls are curious as to why I’m not just throwing them around in some wild freaky fashion to whatever move I happen to think of at the moment regardless of the rhythm or beat.

The is really the teachers responsibility in the community and they have not done a good job in Taiwan. And in Taiwan it seems the teachers teach a bunch of moves, but don’t focus on or repeat the basics, which is most important, like 1,2,3…5,6,7… this is THE most important ingredient in dancing Latin…[/quote]

I’ll be sure to bring a cd with some oldie but goodie mixes…just to help the DJ out a little bit. Sometimes people just don’t know what’s out there and stick to what they DO know…even if it’s really bad music.

Listening for the beat isn’t always something you can teach someone, and then lining up the body to move with that beat can be an even bigger challenge. But practice will get most people closer to moving with the beat. But I agree, the basics are critical…definitely the foundation for any/all moves.[/quote]
Uh…be careful…those are things that can not be “forced”.
They can be acclimated or learned, but being “forceful” can take the enjoyment out from someone who may have spent a lot of money to learn a bunch of turns or moves to impress the local Taiwanese.
Remember you are not dancing with Latinos/Latinas here.
Also, much of the local salsa culture is deeply rooted in business and money.
If you come across like telling a dancer that he/she is dancing to “bad” music or are “off-beat”, dancers may think you are trying to get their business/money. And many of the dancers are clickish to an instructor or studio.
It has been awhile since I been out to the salsa scene, but those are some of my impressions about the salsa scene here.

12

Hi, I’m wondering where the dance scene is at too. I’m originally from Los Angeles and dancing is one of my passions. Bachata, merengue, cumbia, etc. is what I’ve been around for most of my life. I’ll probably be in the Hsinchu area this fall and wanted to know if there are any places nearby or some place not too far maybe in Taipei where I can meet people who share my love for dancing. I love exploring new cultures, music, rhythm…celebration. I slowed down and started teaching dance as a hobby but I can’t give it up. Any help would be great and appreciated.

13

Well, clearly you haven’t been in latin clubs in Spain. :roflmao:

14

There are no Latin dance clubs in Taiwan but there is Latin dancing in Taipei clubs about 2-3 nights a week. You’ll find starting info if you search for Latin or Salsa in Taipei on Facebook and then you can ask people once you hit up events. Ballroom style latin is also popular and the ballroom type schools have nighttime events a couple nights a week.