That’s right!  Ritmo Bello launched exactly one year ago this day and it’s been quite a ride.  The picture I posted here is from the original Ritmo Bello website.  You’ll see that over this year our website has undergone many changes.   

Covering San Diego dance topics ranging from Salsa events to Tango performances, Ritmo Bello has been a fun endeavor for me personally.  Thanks to everyone that has contributed content to Ritmo Bello articles over this last year. 

Special thanks also to all those individuals and groups that have participated in an interview with me.  I’ve learned so much about the local dance scene and the people here who comprise it.  Without all of you Ritmo Bello would not be the great success it is today.

San Diego has a diverse Salsa and Latin dance scene as many of my articles demonstrate.  This next year I hope to bring you all even more great dance information.

Thanks and God Bless!!!

John

Ritmo Bello

The economy has been the front and center topic these last few weeks as we hear about the collapse on Wall Street.  All of us are affected to some degree and this also includes those of us that are part of the San Diego dance community.

One message I saw circulating on the internet mentioned that salsa dancing is a great way to work through the financial stress that we are all experiencing.  Indeed, I think its important to keep doing the things that keep us strong emotionally during this time and for many salsa, tango, and other forms of latin dance are such activities.  Although salsa and latin dancing may cost some money in terms of club cover or dance lessons, many times the ocassional expense is worth the huge benefits you can receive from the dance.

We all know too that small businesses have been hit hard by these tough economic times. The salsa and latin dance community as a whole can help support those businesses that help to create the dance experience we all enjoy.  E.K. Clothing, a small business I interviewed recently, is one such business that could benefit from our patronage.  The company has extended free standard shipping of any purchases of $50.00 or more if you use the special promo code “RITMOBELLO” (it ends 12/31/2008).   If you are not familiar with E.K. Clothing, you can check out their great assortment of salsa dance wear and shoes on their website.

Feel free to leave comments if you have other ways to keep positive and support the dance community during these economic times.