The making of Latin London : salsa music, place, and identity

This book focuses on how Latin American people and cultural practices have moved from one continent to another, and specifically to London. How do Latin Americans experience such a process and what part do different people play in the re-making of Latin identities in the neighbourhoods, parks, bars and dance clubs of London? Through a critical engagement with theories of globalization, the geography of power, cultural identity and the transformation of places, the book explores how the formation of Latin identities is directly related to wider social, economic and political processes. Drawing on the voices of migrant peoples, community activists, shop owners, sports organizers, club owners, dancers, dance teachers, musicians and disc jockeys, the book argues that the micro movements of people - through a shopping mall or across a dance floor in a club - are directly connected to global processes involving the regulated movement of citizens, sounds and images across national boundaries and through cities. Contents Acknowledgements 1 Introduction: Latin American Identities 2 Globalisation, Power-Geometry and Cultural Identities 3 Latin Americans and British Immigration Policies 4 Latin Americans in London: Routes Through the City 5 Travelling with Salsa: The Making of a Music Scene 6 The Embodiment of Salsa and Latin Identities 7 The Making of Latin London: Concluding Remarks Bibliography Index An examination of how Latin American people and cultural practices have moved from between continents, exploring how Latin Americans experience this process and what part different people play in re-making Latin identities in the neighbourhoods, parks, bars and dance clubs of London. Patria Román-velázquez. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 154-163) And Index.