San Diego and Los Angeles Underground Dances Thriving

What is it about a Social?  

Seriously, a Social lacks all of the nightlife glitz and glamour.  There’s no red rope entrances, bouncers, velour couches, fancy lights, high fashion or bottle service. You want a reserved table?  You’re lucky to find some folding chairs.

Yet around the country, Socials continue to draw dance enthusiasts from great distances who get lost in their salsa “addiction” by dancing and enjoying the music. In Southern California, the popularity of Socials, and the attendance at these events have shown the model works and has a strong following.  Socials offer a relaxed night of dancing and an escape from the hype inherent with clubs.  

Often held at dance studios, these events offer something for every level of dancer at any age.  Not only do they bring out the top dance professionals who teach there, which in turn draws other professionals to cut loose with them, but also offers a comfortable setting for those first learning to dance who may be a bit intimidated by the club scene.  Even more, the DJs have more freedom to play sets which appeal to the dance-centric crowd.  As a bonus, many dance teams also use their Socials to showcase new routines and fine tune before major performances.

Socials have a stigma for being cliquey. Do yourself a favor and ignore that myth. The essence of a Social is for the salsa dance community to get together and dance, regardless of team or style. Heck, even Tony and Maria wouldn’t have met if the Sharks and Jets didn’t go to that West Side Story Social.  Eddie Torres has openly shared that it was the New York Socials that helped him develop his unique style. There he admired a melting pot of dance styles, adopting some himself. Combining the style he developed with a study of musical timing, he learned he was actually dancing On-2.  A lesson from the mambo legend that its not about On-1, On-2, or Cuban - its about celebrating salsa. 

People drive hours to a good Social.  Odometers crank up freeway miles between Los Angeles and San Diego when these events occur.  Its no wonder that more are being offered now than two years ago.  Typically they happen monthly, but the dates can shift depending on what is going on that month (e.g. Congress Events & Holidays), so check out the links below for details:

- Alma Latina Social - San Diego
- Alma Latina Social - Los Angeles (new)
- Mambo Inc Social
- Majesty In Motion Social
- OC Clave Lab 
- SD Bachateros Anniversary Social
- UCSD Salsa Social (UCSD Students Only)
- Viernes de Rumba (LA)
- VinylMania Social (new)

*This list is not exhaustive, there are others likely not listed above.

If you want to have an alternative to going to the same clubs, are underage, or simply want to get in some good dancing - check out a Social, you might be surprised at how much fun you have.

Photos from this article were taken by Joel Navarro, Imulsion Imagery, all rights reserved.