What has Mambalsa been Up to?

 

Here's a list of the things I've done with Mambalsa since it's creation in 2014. It's not as big as it could be but it's been a lot of fun. Apart from the public side of the Mambalsa project, I've developed the dance and the psychology behind it.

I've nearly qualifies as a Therapist (Humanistic Integrative for those in the know) and studied positive psychology which has added a lot to my understanding. I feel post covid (hopefully), it's time to get the ball rolling and seek a wider community for Mambalsa. Please see that as an invitation :)



  • Coming soon Autumn 2021 Workshops in London
  • 2020 Covid Lockdown  -A lot of dancing in the kitchen with Fliss :)
  • 2019 Daytime Dance - An inclusive daytime class aimed at tackling isolation
  • 2018 Filmed Mambalsa clips at bar Salsa but I haven't finished editing them... yet!
  • 2018 Various corporate gigs and parties 
  • 2017 I took Mambalsa into primary schools to see what the kids made of it.
  • 2016 Dancing Squares - lunchtime central urban outdoor silent disco classes
  • 2015 Edinburgh Fringe show "One Man's Quest to create a new partner dance"
  • 2014/5 The original Mambalsa workshops at Salsa Soho
  • 2014 Mambalsa created in coffee shops and my kitchen 

Mambalsa is back!

Mambalsa logo

Mambalsa Autumn Workshops

This Autumn ‘21 I’m offering a series of full day workshops at Salsa Soho in central London to explore and develop Mambalsa as a social partner dance. 

Dates: 3 Oct,  14 Nov,   12 Dec.

[----Book Now!-----] 

Mambalsa at a glance:

  • It’s the first new partner dance of the 21st century.
  • It can be danced in partners, solo or in groups and looks similar to many popular Latin partner dances with a little extra sizzle and giggle.
  • Mambalsa is danced to almost any music fast or slow, from Acid House to Zydeco! Mambalsa adapts and moulds itself to the music's rhythm.
  • It’s very easy and fast to learn. You’ll be dancing Mambalsa in five minutes and showing your friends in ten!
  • Built into the heart of Mambalsa is an ethos of: confidence, respect and positivity that generate well-being. Mambalsa can be just a fun thing or an ongoing conversation about practising life skills leading to a more fulfilled life.
  • Mambalsa’s new and that means there’s a huge opportunity for anyone who gets involved at the start. My aim is to build a group of Mambalsa dancers as the first step towards establishing Mambalsa on the global dance scene.

What we’ll cover on the course:

  • The Basics of Mambalsa including the fundamental rules that define the dance.
  • Event based moves e.g. spins, travelling steps leading to small combos.
  • Five categories of moves and  how to generate 100,000 combinations.
  • How to lead and follow with presence. (In Mambalsa everyone learns to lead and follow)
  • Using empathy and respect to build confidence within the dance relationship.
  • Working with the music.
  • The psychology of having more fun more often.
  • How to research and develop within Mambalsa
  • The Mambalsa community and business model.

One of the original Mambalsa Workshop groups
Some of the Mambalsa Originals in 2014/5

What to Bring:
I would ask every participant to choose a track they would like to dance to but not from a genre they already dance e.g. a salsa dancer should not choose a salsa track.

Cost:
I’ve kept the cost to a minimum so it isn’t a barrier to participant:
£25 per person
11am-5pm Salsa Soho, 96 Charing Cross Road.

[--Location--]

Covid:

Due to the pandemic courses may need to be postponed at short notice.
All courses are now booked on the basics that we will be swapping partners as before covid 19. This reflects salsa culture and improves the course in many ways.
Covid has not gone away so I ask that:
If you have any possible symptoms of Covid you postpone your course date. I will not charge transfer fees. Please let me know ASAP.
Anyone showing symptoms similar to covid 19 will not be admitted.
If you can test before coming please do. I will test myself before every course.

The workshops are presented by Alastair Sadler creator of Mambalsa, professional dance teacher since 1995.  

[----Check Dates & Book-----]