MiaLingua - Miami Language Services

Choosing a language tutor in Miami

rusita86 — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:15:24 +0000

What do you look for in a language tutor? What is important to take into account when choosing a tutor for yourself or your child? If you want quality language tutoring in Miami, you need to do your research before making a decision. First of all, meet with the tutor. Some tutors charge a fee for the initial consultation, while others, like miaLingua, do not. In fact miaLingua, will always give you a free trial lesson to aid in your decision making.

When meeting with the tutor, don’t be afraid to ask to see a resume. There are many great tutors out there, but there are also inexperienced and unprofessional tutors as well. Find a tutor that is a native speaker (or speaks with native fluency) of the language they are teaching – this is essential when it comes to pronunciation and cultural awareness. Also, choose someone you feel comfortable with, someone that is encouraging and compliments your personality. We learn better when we are in a good mood and are having fun, so make sure your tutoring sessions are enjoyable.

It is common for professional language teachers to tutor on the side, and this would be one of the best options because the teachers already have plenty of materials and techniques to help the student in improving their target language. Tutoring is not just about helping students with homework and correcting mistakes while they speak; professional tutoring takes much talent to explain grammatical points, idiomatic expressions, cultural differences and many other facets of language. Professional tutors are well educated in their field and deliver great service to individuals and groups.

Contact miaLingua today for your free lesson and good luck in your search for a tutor!

The creator of the popular Macarena dance revealed!

rusita86 — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 02:01:41 +0000

Everyone, no matter what country they are from, seems to know how to dance the Macarena! But have you ever wondered where the popular version of the Macarena dance came from? The one we all have danced at parties, weddings or special occasions? After years of silence, the creator of the Macarena dance moves finally speaks up.
Interviewed on February 23, 2012, Marco Antonio Peralta recounts the creation of the Macarena dance:
In the early 90’s making up moves to popular songs was the hip thing to do; going out dancing to clubs, one would see people dancing choreographed moves to songs like “Saturday Night” and “Asereje”. During this time in Monterrey, Mexico, the young and adventurous Marco Antonio Peralta began to get inspired by the dance craze. He and his two best friends, Miguel Peralta (twin brother) and Fabian Rivera, loved to dance and show off their moves at local clubs; they were a group of handsome, fun and rebellious teenagers that stole the show every time they were out dancing. In fact, many people would ask them if they worked for the clubs as dancers.
It was 1994 when, due to their rebelliousness, Marco and his brother were kicked out of High School. Not having any plans for the near future they, along with Fabian, decided to travel around Mexico, acquiring random jobs and living a care-free life. Their first destination was Guadalajara, where every day was an adventure, remembers Marco Antonio with a smile: “sleeping on the beach, partying late, dancing any place we could find…” After spending some time in Guadalajara, they decided to try their luck in Puerto Vallarta. Arriving to a new city with little money and nowhere to live, they quickly made friends and were able to crash in someone’s garage. The next day they all went to a local club and, as usual, danced the night away. People would come up and ask if they were entertainers at the club and many wanted to learn their dance moves. Coincidentally, there happened to be a Macarena dance contest coming up in a couple of days; the best dancer would win a cash prize. Since Marco and his friends desperately needed money, they decided to participate. They went home that night to their garage to prepare for the competition.
As Marco Antonio explains, he realized that the original Macarena dance was too simple, as it initially only had three moves. There were enough beats in the song to do much more than what was presented in the original music video. So Marco and his friends decided to spice up the Macarena by incorporating new moves into the dance. (If any of you search for the original video of the Macarena (the music video for “Los del Rio”), you will see that their dance is only half the dance we all know and do today.) This is when Marco’s creativity broke through as he started to remember some of his favorites moves he had seen people do at different clubs in Mexico.
For example, the first move of the Macarena involves stretching out one arm and then the other, but what Marco added to that was the turning of the palms – a signature move of a guy he had seen many times at a club when he was younger. Remember the folding of the arms, one on top of the other? This wasn’t in the original video either. For this move, Marco’s inspiration came from a girl he had seen doing an oldies move at a club he used to go to. Then he added the crossing of the arms over the stomach, which he had seen done in the “Saturday Night” song choreography. And so the new Macarena dance was born! The three friends learned the choreography and entered the competition at the club, blowing the audience away with the new version. All eyes were on them and, of course, they won the competition that night. The MC of the club asked Marco and his friends to teach everyone the new dance and the management implemented the new moves at other clubs they owned. The next thing you know, everybody in Puerto Vallarta was dancing the new and improved version of the Macarena.

Marco Antonio Peralta (on the left) teaching the new Macarana dance moves at a club in Mexico

Having completed their mission in Puerto Vallarta, the three friends returned to Guadalajara and continued to impress club goers with their moves. The dance started to spread as Marco and his crew traveled across Mexico. Their last and ultimate destination was Cancun, the most tourist-visited place in Mexico. The tourists loved the Macarena and took the moves back to their respective countries, which is how the modern Macarena went international.
After Cancun, Marco moved to Memphis, Tennessee and picked up a waitressing job. Once again, coincidentally, on his first day on the job there happened to be a band that was to play the Macarena. While Marco was in the kitchen learning about the dishes, a waitress ran in frantically looking for someone who knew the Macarena to lead the dance and asked: “Does anyone know how to dance The Macarena?” Immediately, Marco said, “I do! I invented it!”. The waitress rolled her eyes at him in disbelief and said: “okay come on let’s go”. The band started to play and he was happy he had the opportunity to once more teach the dance. As always, everyone had a great time dancing the new Macarena, and the dance continued to spread throughout the United States.
“I remember watching a ball game on TV once while working at a restaurant and seeing former president George Bush dance my Macarena moves”, remembers Marco Antonio.
Marco Antonio Peralta, born and raised in Puebla, Mexico, currently resides in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida and continues to be a great dancer. He doesn’t like to brag about being the creator of the modern Macarena, especially that often people simply don’t believe him. However, everything written in this account is a true story and it’s time for the world to get to know the real inventor of the most popular and beloved dance in the world!

Umambo Monthly Salsa Social in Miami

rusita86 — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:48 +0000

For those of you that love to shake it on the dance floor to hot latin music and sway in the arms of some of the best salsa dancers in Miami, Umambo has what you need! Umambo organizes a monthly salsa social that is not to be missed! For a low entrance fee of $15 you will be treated to a complimentary salsa class from renowned instructors, open bar all night long, the best salsa DJ in Miami, a huge hard-wood floor, a great variety of music featuring salsa, bachata, merengue and cha cha, a midnight dance show, a convenient location in Hollywood and plenty of free parking! What more could you ask for? This is a perfect event for hanging out with your girlfriends and making new friends. The people at the Umambo Salsa Social are not only amazing dancers but are also very friendly and know how to have a good time.

Every month Umambo invites professional, distinguished dancers from all over the country that teach a group class at the beginning of the event and then give a spectacular show later on in the night.

No matter if you are a beginner or an advanced dancer, at this event you will find dancers of all levels with whom you can learn some new moves and practice the ones you already know. Being a girl in the dance world is easy. All we have to do is follow! Leave it up to the guys to do the hard work!

For more information about the monthly salsa social, make sure to visit Umambo’s website at www.umambo.com. You can also join the group on Facebook by following this link http://www.facebook.com/UMambo.Events 

See you on the dance floor!

Alexandria becomes Hava Nagila Alexandria – the first Kosher bar in Miami

rusita86 — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 23:58:48 +0000

Whether you keep Kosher or not, this Mediterranean Restaurant Bar is perfect for a girls night out! It’s conveniently located on the corner of Hollywood Blvd and Dixie Highway in Hollywood, FL, where you are sure to find a striking belly dancer performing on any given night. As you enter, you will immediately find yourself immersed in a Middle-Eastern ambience, with its exotic decor featuring low couch seating, tables and a full bar. If you are going out for dinner, you will enjoy an excellent selection of traditionally prepared dishes, and if you are into Hookah, you will love the wide variety of more than twenty flavors offered daily. Sit back, relax and enjoy the Middle Eastern music as you grab a bite with your friends.

Starting on January 19, 2012 there will also be a Salsa night every Thursday! The tables from half of the restaurant will be stored away to reveal a huge dance floor ideal for those who like to groove to the rhythms of salsa, bachata, merengue and cha cha. From 8pm to 10pm enjoy an open bar, just pay $15 at the door and you are set to go. After 10 the entrance fee is $5 and drinks are 2 for 1.

Romantic Vegan dinner at Mi Vida Cafe

rusita86 — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 23:57:45 +0000

This is for all the vegans out there! Being vegan isn’t the easiest when it comes to dining out. If you are thinking of a romantic dinner with that special someone without having to worry about ordering from a menu full of meat dishes, then Mi Vida Cafe is a perfect solution. It’s a charming little cafe that was created by a vegan and is run by a vegan. Mi Vida Cafe specializes in Vegetarian, Vegan and Vegan Raw cuisine serving only the freshest, organic produce and products. Even if you are not vegan, you should try the dishes there! They are amazing and best of all, healthy! You can watch the chef cook your dish or take a seat at the cozy bar or table. The place is small but has so much to offer! Make a reservation to sit at a table in the backyard of the cafe: your date will surely enjoy eating and drinking a glass of wine by candle light, under the stars in the fresh air. The place has a rustic character to it and you might just forget you are in the heart of Miami altogether.
The dinner will leave you feeling great, no doubt about it. The cafe does not use microwaves, doesn’t fry any of the food, doesn’t use any preservatives or genetically modified food. The menu is vast, offering a great variety of soups, starters and main dishes, not to mention all the smoothies made from fresh fruit. For dessert, try a decadent Vegan Raw chocolate cake! You will be surprised by the tasty dessert that requires no flour, no eggs and no baking.

Gastronomical journey to Peru

rusita86 — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 23:56:15 +0000

If you are into South American cuisine, one great place is El Gran Inka restaurant. You will find the interior warm and rustic, yet modern. Choose from a comfy booth or a table and go in for lunch, dinner or a drink and appetizers. You can choose between the open terrace or the spacious interior, both craftily decorated to combine the ancient Peruvian past and the present in an artistic and stylish manner.

The extensive menu is filled with stellar recipes of cold and hot appetizers, soups, seafood, poultry and more. A menu highlight is the Peruvian ceviche, one of the most popular being the classic fish ceviche, marinated in lime juice, garlic and Peruvian aji amarillo served with red onions, glazed sweet potatoes and Peruvian corn. All of it pairs perfectly with the traditional drink Pisco Sour prepared with the freshest ingredients. For those with a sweet tooth, be sure to try the traditional Suspiro a la Limeña – made of condensed milk with a touch of port wine and topped with fluffy meringue. The dessert menu has a lot to choose from!

Romantic Boat tour in Miami

rusita86 — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 23:53:12 +0000

If you are into boats and enjoying the sunset on the water, this Valentine’s Day make reservations for a sunset cruise with your loved one! There are various companies out there that offer sunset cruises, but “Big Cat Boats and Watersports” is a great one because they take you all around Star Island on a modern catamaran so you can see the spectacular mansions at night while sipping on a glass of wine and enjoying some appetizers. Also, their staff is very friendly and the tour guides are very fun and knowledgeable. The catamaran fits 49 people and 3 crew members; there is a bar, places to sit and stand, and a bathroom in the lower part of the vessel. You can choose to stay seated in the partially-covered section of the boat, or take delight in the evening breeze as you stand in the uncovered section listening to great music. As on any catamaran, there is also a section in the very front where you can sit down right on the deck and embrace your sweetheart on this romantic journey.

Umambo Monthly Social – February 24th, 2012

rusita86 — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 23:52:13 +0000

Salseros and Salseras, Umambo awaits you on Friday, February 24th to celebrate Mardi Gras. Beads and masks will be provided and, as usual, the low entrance price of $15 includes an open bar! (You also have the choice of bringing your own bottle and Umambo will provide cups, ice, soft drinks and juices.) This is the most awaited salsa event of the moth in Miami! This is where the best dancers come together to dance to the best salsa, merengue, cha cha, and bachata music.

The Umambo venue is also great due to its convenient location in Hollywood, free and secure parking, as well as an amazing and vast hardwood dance floor. At the Umambo social, you will meet dancers of all levels and styles of salsa. If you are a beginner, this a great way to learn from advanced and professional dancers by watching or by dancing with them. Everyone in the salsa community is very nice and willing to help new dancers become comfortable on the dance floor. If you are a pro, then this event is also a must for you! You will have a ton of fun dancing with all the great salseros that come from all over Florida to attend this monthly social. See you on the dance floor!

Tips for learning a new language

rusita86 — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:35:46 +0000

Don’t expect to be perfect!

Making mistakes is part of the natural learning process. You may not remember, but when you were a baby and were learning to speak, you, too, made mistakes and your parents corrected you. Think of learning a new language in this manner: you are a baby and are allowed to make mistakes! The most important thing is learning from your mistakes. Let others correct you and be open to constructive criticism.

Work on developing an “ear” for your target language

When learning a new language for pleasure, you will automatically find yourself interested in the culture and wanting to find ways to practice it. When out and about, try to pick up on natives speaking your target language. Even if you only hear, or overhear, some words, you will find it rewarding having recognized and understood a native speaker. One of the best ways to train your ear is to listen to music in the language you are learning. Sing along and learn the songs you like by finding lyrics online. This is truly a great way to remember grammatical structures and learn new vocabulary. Another way is to watch TV or movies in your target language. Turn on the subtitles and read along; this helps tremendously to understand what you are hearing and aids in making a connection between the visual and the auditory parts of the language. With the help of the Internet it is easy to find on-line radio stations from all over the world. Put it on in the background while you are doing chores around the house, for example; it really helps in training your year.

Practice SPEAKING!

Practicing speaking is the most challenging step in learning a language. For many it is difficult to find with whom to practice, while others feel embarrassed and lack confidence to start speaking with strangers, or even their friends. The best way to practice is to find someone you feel comfortable speaking to and dedicate at least half an hour, a few times a week, to practicing speaking in the target language. If both of you speak another common language, it’s important not to revert to it as soon as you run into a word you can’t remember or don’t know; instead use circumlocution – the use of many words to describe one word or idea. Trust me, it works! If you are having trouble finding someone to practice with, hire a conversation partner. Conversation partners are just like tutors except they focus on speaking and will correct you when necessary. With today’s technology you can even find a virtual conversation partner from virtually any corner of the world.

Be consistent

Consistency is crucial. If you are serious about learning a new language, you need to either take regular classes or set up a schedule for yourself if you are learning on your own. There is nothing worse than skipping a week or more of classes because every time you do, you are taking a step back.

Talk to yourself.

This may sound crazy but if you think about it, when we are not talking out loud, we talk in our heads in our native language. Try talking to yourself in your head in the target language. For example, you can make up a dialogue in your head, pretend like you are talking to someone, or explaining or asking something. Since no one can hear you, you can be as creative as you wish and have fun with it. Another good way to practice is to commentate as you go about doing everyday chores or activities. Say, for instance, you are learning foods and recipes in the target language: when you are cooking dinner, say in your head what you are doing at that moment, pretend that you have a cooking show and explain to your audience how to cook this specific dish. You get the idea…

Label your surroundings

Labeling your surroundings can be great practice for recalling vocabulary and making connections between the visual and the verbal areas of language. Just think, isn’t it much easier to remember a word when you can put an image to it? It is much easier when instead of explaining what a word is, your teacher shows you a picture of it, right? You can do the same in your house or wherever you are.

Read out loud

Reading out loud is a good way to practice pronunciation and bring together the visual, the auditory and verbal areas of the target language.

Be patient

It’s good to remember that learning a new language does not happen overnight. It’s important to be patient, to not give up and believe in yourself.

The key to learning a new language

rusita86 — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 03:03:40 +0000

Wouldn’t we all love to wake up one day and speak a new language? That surely sounds magnificent; nonetheless, as with any other new skill, the key to mastering a foreign language is consistency. When learning a new language, ideally, we should spend an hour or more every day hearing, reading and speaking our target language. For many who are taking language classes, this may be unrealistic due to busy schedules and also the money factor. However, taking at least two classes a week will greatly improve your chances of becoming fluent. In between classes you can practice on your own because remember, just like with anything else, practice makes perfect.
Once again, I cannot stress enough the importance of being consistent. If you start skipping classes, especially in the beginning, you might as well start all over. When you take a break of longer than a week, you will find it hard to remember where you had left off and you will have to spend quite some time reviewing vocabulary and grammatical rules and structures. In the end you are just wasting money and time.
Be patient, because acquiring a language does not happen overnight. Go slow and steady and you will achieve your goal, which means: set a schedule for your classes and stick to it. It will pay off in the end!