Final Salsa Thursday at Zanzibar was originally published on Black Plastic Bag on Feb. 26, 2009, at 12:56 am
Dance instructor, promoter, and Hispanic cultural event lecturer Eileen Torres sent out an e-mail on Monday that said in part:
I received word Friday that Zanzibar management is canceling Thursday Salsa Nights. It has been a losing proposition and they were left with no other choice than to stop the loss. I will hold special events there from time to time and inform all well in advance. I will be very happy if you will join me for the last hurrah this Thursday night at Zanzibar. DJ’s Bruno & Carlos “El Cacique” will close out the great era.
Torres had been coordinating salsa Thursdays there for 9 years and 9 months. She occasionally brought in guest dancers from out of town, live performers, and featured pre-lesson historic salsa videos. While there are still other locations to dance to the clave beat around town, it’s hard not to see this as a sign that salsa is less vital than it once was. Many area establishments are now pushing merengue, bachata, reggaeton & Latin house in order to appeal to a younger audience. Some of the salsa dance audience seems to be getting older and less willing to come out every Thursday for a late night on the waterfront at Zanzibar. Torres will still be presenting occasional salsa dance nights on Fridays at the Divino Lounge, 7345 Wisconsin Ave., in Bethesda.
Thursday February 26-Salsa dancing at Zanzibar on the Waterfront, 700 Water Street SW, $5 before 10, $10 after 10. 202-554-9100
