Casa de Latinos

Paradisso is the latest addition to the range of salsa clubs in Kuala Lumpur. Located within the Lodge Paradize Hotel Kuala Lumpur, the club has been spinning salsa music since 3rd July 2009. If you’re unfamiliar with this venue, that’s because it was previously known as Aero Club in the past and the management decided to revamp the whole place and gave it a new breath of life.

The Lodge Paradize Hotel is located directly opposite to Wisma Genting and it’s also a stone throw away from Pavillion Mall.

Although Paradisso is located within the heart of the city, the interior gives you nothing of that sort. As you enter into the compound, a swimming pool greets you and right next to it … al fresco dining. The restaurant serves a wide range of local and international cuisines by the poolside. And if you’re hungry after dancing, fear not as the place opens till 5:00am! Perfect urban retreat set amidst a concrete jungle.

There’s plenty of room for dancing in the club as the dance floor is considerably large. The club is spread across 2 sections, with a raised platform dance floor in one area and the long bar across the next session. In case you get tired of dancing (as if!) you can chill out at the long bar or there’s also a pool table across the other end.

There’s an entrance fee of RM10 and that gives you a beer or soft drink. It’s by far, the cheapest beer served in a club … in town. Well, let’s hope that encourages dancers to support and buy more drinks … (else I seriously wonder how would the club survive)

Parking is also a breeze in Paradisso although limited. There’s parking within the compound of the Lodge but they do tend to run out of parking lots at times.

Salsa Night Information

Salsa Night : Every Friday
Hours : Dance from 9pm till the early morning (1am)
Cover Charge : RM10 (inclusive of 1st drink – beer / soft drink / mineral water)
Parking : Within the hotel compound at RM2 flat.
Credit Card : Yes
Smoking : No

Address
Paradisso Club (Lodge Paradize Hotel)
2, Jalan Tengah,
50250 Kuala Lumpur
Tel:03-
Fax:03-2142 1289
Web:http://www.hotelparadize.com

This is one of the most common questions that I hear from newcomers. All regulars know that the answer is an emphatic NO!!

You can go on your own!

One of the reasons for Salsa’s popularity is men and women can do this without worry. It’s much less partner-oriented than other types of dancing. Many women find it difficult to ask men to dance. Whilst I have no sympathy for this socially-retarded behaviour (there, that should stir things up!), I have these tips for those wanting to enjoy a level of dancing activity that could only be described as promiscuous! If you’re too shy to ask:

1) Do the lesson.

2) Chat to your fellow students. They will ask you to dance when the conversation moves from mortgage rates and the weather.

3) Stand by the dance floor, on your own, sway with the music and smile!

4) Never refuse a dance – if exhausted, arrange to do it later. Refuseniks are as popular as a sausage roll at a Bar Mitzvah and are soon boycotted!

5) Ask guys who’ve already asked you to dance earlier.

6) If anyone is too gropey (very rare), just walk away from them mid-song. It’s their problem and they should sort it out.

- Steve Hill

Bossa Nova is a Brazilian restaurant located in ParkRoyal Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Smack right in the middle of the busiest street in Kuala Lumpur, it is one of the favorite salsa joint in town. Bossa Nova’s modern-retro ambiance with warm, mellow lighting is cosy but devoid of any truly Brazilian characteristics. A spacious custom-built dance floor dominates the center so diners can show off their dancing skills. It’s the perfect venue if you plan to come in for a dinner and dance. Bossa Nova offers diners a selection of more than 20 appetizers on the buffet, freshly prepared soups on a daily rotation with a collection of mouth-watering dessert combination.

The grill, which can seat 106 persons, has three main areas – the wine bar, the general dining area and the dance floor. There are also two private rooms which can accommodate 10 persons each. The only restaurant with a dance floor in town, diners are encourage to Salsa and Samba before, during and after dinner.

There’s no cover charge in this club but be prepared to dig deep into your pocket as beverage prices might sting you a little. Dress up as this is an upmarket area (it is a 5 star hotel after all). The dance floor is large and considerably new but rather nice to dance on. Organizers of the salsa night constantly makes sure the flooring is smooth for some action-packed dancing.

Parking may be a little tricky, but you’ll get use to it after a few visit. If you’re checking it out for the first time, you might want to know that the parking lot for ParkRoyal Hotel Kuala Lumpur is right behind the hotel building. Alternatively, jockey parking is also a great idea especially for single ladies.

Address
Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur
Lower Lobby Level, Jalan Sultan Ismail,
Kuala Lumpur

Train : Bukit Bintang (Monorail)
Tel : 03-2711 1199
Opening Time : 12pm-2.30pm (Mon-Fri), 6.30pm-10.30pm (Mon-Sat)
Cuisine Type : Brazilian (Halal)
Price Range : RM50 to RM75
Credit Cards : Amex, Mastercard, Visa
Smoking : No
Food : 3/5
Service : 4/5

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Johnny Vazquez of Mexican decent is without a doubt one of the most sought after dancers in the Salsa industry. Johnny along with his Imperio Azteca, took the world by storm when he began his career over 13 years ago in Los Angeles. Considered one of the worlds best instructor and performer, he has been contracted to teach and perform at over 70 International events, world wide, including Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Famous for being the creator of the LA style salsa along with his famous brothers, Francisco and Luis Vazquez, he is a pioneer of the Salsa industry and was crowned the “Prince of Salsa” by none other than the King of Salsa himself, Mr Eddie Torres.

Johnny is known for his precise, clean and super fast style, his unforgettable performances and choreographs, not forgetting his overwhelming charisma, contagious party spirit and super humble personality, that has led him to win three consecutive World Salsa Championship titles, which has yet to be repeated by any other dancer in history.

Johnny Vazquez, is also the director of the world famous Johnny Vazquez Dance Company, which is dedicated in training professional dancers for competition and world performances.

Johnny has also began his career as a talented singer. Baila Rumbero is Johnny Vazquez first album, recorded and produced by Euro Zeta Italy’s largest record company. This compilation of Salsa, bachata, and pop, was composed and written by Johnny Vazquez himself. His 2nd album named Escandalo consists of 11 explosive tracks, each one displaying Johnny’s talented and powerful voice. This album is sure to please all Lover of Latin Music, with a blend of hard and romantic salsas , bachata, salsaton and a bonus pop track featuring Liliana Vazquez.

Johnny Vazquez will be making his first appearance in the Malaysian salsa scene in the upcoming salsa event of the year, Salsa Cruise Asia 2009.

I’ve been planning to write this article since June 26th but I’ve been putting it off till now. And seriously …. I don’t know what to say. I guess I am a little shaken over the loss of a great personality that is larger than life.

His passing is so sudden, this goes to show how fragile our life can be.

I used to be a very dedicated fan of his music, back in the 80′s. I grew up following and memorizing lyrics of songs like Beat It, You’re Not Alone, Heal The World …. and slowly, I grew out of it as I got busy with living my life. Occasionally, some of his songs caught my attention …. Bad ….. Black or White.

I must admit, I am guilty for taking him for granted. I hardly pay attention to him or his music anymore. But now that he’s no longer around …. I am beginning to feel the loss. When I first heard about the news of his passing on 25th June … my first reaction was …. hmm….ok. Then I began listening to his old songs, his old MTVs and old memories came flowing back.

I recalled the first album I bought … which was a cassette tape. And I played it on my old Denon hi-fi player which was considered the state-of-the-art audio equipment of that time. My time. Haha. And blasting “Beat It” and “Billie Jean” as loud as I could through the king-sized speakers are considered cool and rebellious.

When he sang in “We Are The World” … we all sang along. And waved. And what about the other song ….. Heal The World. I could still remember the lyrics that goes …

Heal The World
Make It A Better Place
For You And For Me
And The Entire Human Race
There Are People Dying
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Better Place
For You And For Me

This is one song that can bring tears to my eyes. But not the only one. And this won’t be the only article about Michael Jackson that I am writing either. As long as his memory still lives in me … I will continue to play his music and write about him.

For now, I am hunting for his Smooth Criminal “Moonwalker” movie. I’ll hit the music stores and see if it’s available. I used to have it …. unfortunately it was a VHS tape and it got mouldy very soon.