Several months back the Writers Forum Published an article that dealt with the mistreatment of Salseros at a NYC Salsa Night Club. The article was entitled A SALSERO'S WORSE NIGHTMARE. In Response to that article, a NY Salsaweb reader wanted to share her story with our other readers (she asked me to withhold her name). Needless to say, the last thing that any club needs is negative publicity. - Manny Siverio

Salsero's Worse Nightmare: Part2
Misled by a Club

Manny -- if this can help in any way to improve the "services" in the NYC
clubs, than you have my blessing in publishing my "story".  You should note
that we had a similar incident at the same club with my instructor and
members of his various "mambo" class members.  We started out with three
tables which dwindled to one for a party of no less than 12, all of whom
were drinking water and dancing from the moment we got there.  I had a
"discussion" with both the waiter in charge of the area and one of the
managers.  They're argument was that the waiter wasn't making any money (read tips) since we were primarily buying water and that they wanted to sit people who were ready, willing and able to pay for a bottle of liquor, regardless of the fact that they may or may not dance.  I filed a "formal" complaint with the manager indicating that we were a group of at least 12 people, celebrating someone's birthday and to be shoved out of seating
accomodations due to the mere fact that we weren't drinking was discrimination.   Bottom line, we left shortly thereafter.  So, if enough people file complaints may be will get some respect in these clubs.

Just having read the Salsa Nightmare story I've come to realize I wasn't
alone (nor is the author of the story). I have this horrible feeling the
same club was the one who caused me embarrassment with some friends and
relatives who were visiting in from Chile.

Original Email sent to Manny
I have recently joined the ranks of Salsa Dancers.  Since June of 1998, I
have been taking classes with one of the most energetic and inspiring
dance instructors and I can't find enough people to tell them about it and him!
As a Latina who was embarrassed to say I didn't know how to "salsa" and
"mambo", I have since become the proud "novice" of dancing on two.   My
parents are from Chile and for those who don't know (one or two gringos)
Chilenos LOVE and LIVE to dance.  Well as any proud parent, mine told
anyone and everyone they know in Chile that if they came to NY, to check
with me and I'd direct them to the "right" salsa club.

Well, a number of friends (doctors, lawyers, a politician and his wife, as
well as relatives) came to New York last month for a wedding.   While
here, I was asked to "coordinate" a party for them at the "hottest" salsa club
in NY.  Gladly I called The Club, asked about reservations -- four tables
with about 12 people in the party, provided a credit card and said they would
be spending cash money as well, once the bottle (to reserve a table for 4)
was emptied  -- too bad they don't serve "Pisco Sours".(sorry I digress!)
Anyway, wasn't given a reservation number, didn't get contact names
except for the person with whom I spoke on the phone.  I asked (more than twice)
1) they won't have to wait on line? -- response each time -- no, just give
them the name for whom the reservation is made (ME) and they will be
admitted in immediately -- provided they get there before 9pm;
2) no problem getting the 4 tables together? -- same response;
3) do I need to call and confirm? (I was making the reservation a week in advance) -- no, just make sure your party arrives before 9.
4) what would the admission fee be? -- none, we were reserving for 12 people at $15 per person plus the bottle per table at $75 each bottle.  you guys do the math!

Now to the night of the party -- we have ten of the 12 people standing
outside at 8:15 being told they can not be admitted but needed to wait on
line (which was already half a block long) and then they would be charged
the AFTER 9 p.m. admission fee (which meant they weren't getting in til
after 9!).  Mind you I was inside with the other two party members
wondering what was happening ... I wasn't allowed to go out to see who was
on the line w/out giving up my admission (I'd have to pay again); I wasn't
allowed to give the names of the remaining 10 guests and worst of all, they
wouldn't guarantee the tables (forget about getting them together).

Well like any hot blooded Latin American ... we ended up leaving the club
since there was no one to "manage" the situation, running into the other
guests who were standing on line -- they had heard so much about the club,
they were willing to wait AND pay, and FINALLY headed on to an Italian
restaurant for dinner and excellent service.  I have never been so
embarrassed, so disappointed and so disgusted with the club's lack
ATTENTION and COMMITMENT.  Suffice to say, I won't be coordinating any
more parties there, especially for out of towners.  Won't even tell you what my
parents had to say about the fiasco!  These Chilenos told me I'll have
better luck and a guaranteed good time in Chile, so next time I go, to
make sure to look them up ... Do you think they were pulling my "salsa"
leg?????