Latin American Music, Dance, Capoeira, Events and Directory

Dance

There are hundreds of bars and clubs offering salsa classes or just generally relishing in the salsa experience. These include Bar Lorca (291 Brixton Road, SW9; tel: +44 (0)20 7274 5537), Salsa! and The Clockhouse (Bar Tiempo, 96 Pentonville Road, N1; tel: +44 (0)20 7837 5387).

You can also check out a class near you on one of the websites below:

• www.londonsalsa.co.uk
• www.salsapower.com/cities/uk_london
• www.salsaclass.co.uk

Try your hand at Argentine tango (as opposed to the Spanish version). These sites will help you find a local teacher:

• www.thetangoclub.com
• www.tango-federico.com
• www.tangoinaction.com

Sadler's Wells showcases the work of a wide range of Latin-inspired dance companies through the season.

Capoeira

A fascinating combination of dance, song, music and martial arts, capoeira originated amongst the African slaves of Brazil and today is an increasingly popular - and different - way to relax, get fit and have fun. Try it and you'll be hooked.

London School of Capoeira

Units 1 & 2, Leeds Place, Tollington Park, N4
Tel: +44 (0)20 7281 2020
www.londonschoolofcapoeira.co.uk

Amazonas Capoeira

Hargrave Park, Archway, N19
Tel: +44 (0)20 7263 5291
www.amazonas.org.uk

Events

Carnaval del Pueblo, August

City Hall, The Queen's Walk, More London, SE1 to Burgess Park, Albany Road, SE5
www.carnavaldelpueblo.co.uk
An annual event supported by the Mayor's office. Floats, costumes, dancers and musicians weave along the route from City Hall, through Elephant & Castle to Burgess Park, where 4 sound stages, and a host of food and drink stalls make this Europe's largest celebration of Latin American culture.

Latin American Film Festival, November

Various venues
www.latinamericanfilmfestival.com
One of the biggest festivals of its kind outside Spanish-speaking countries, LAFF brings together the best of contemporary Latin American cinema. It also presents a series of cultural events across the city. Watch out for exhibitions, dance, music, food tastings, talks and parties. There's something for everyone.

Latin American Directory

• www.jungledrums.org/english
For information on Brazilian culture and music.

• www.latinamericans.co.uk
Promoting and celebrating the lives and businesses of the Latin American community in London.

• www.colombianconsulate.co.uk
Information on all aspects of Colombian life in London.

• www.angloargentinesociety.org.uk
Events and news for the Argentine community