The salsa, the samba, shaking your bon-bon. We can all thank Ricky Martin and the Latino invasion for making this global renowned music popular once again in North America. While some may argue Latino music has always been around, its rebirth in the late 90's in North America cannot be denied. Here are some ways to add a little spice to your next theme party.

Hire a dance instructor
The need to move to Latino music is contagious. Better still, is actually dancing to these exotic beats and being coordinated. Why not hire a dance instructor to ease the process? Instructors usually charge by the hour/lesson. When hiring an instructor, be sure to be up front with the amount of people as well as the skill level of your guests-keep it simple! As an added twist how about having a mini dance competition-prizes can be given to best dancers or even "best impression of someone who knows how to dance" just as long as the bearer of this prize can take a joke.

The Power of Piñata!

Breaking a piñata can turn any dull party into something interesting in a hurry! Ready-made piñata's can be purchased at any party supply store, but as an added bonus, you may want to make your own!

*A large balloon
*Flour
*Water
*Newspaper
*Scissors
*Colored tissue paper
*Colored construction paper
*White glue
*Paint brush
*String (to hang the piñata)
*Large washer or empty thread spool
*Something to fill your piñata with

1. Tie a knot at the end of blown up balloon.
2. Cut out small strips of newspaper.
3. Make a paper paste of flour water. (One cup flour to every two cups warm water.)
4. Dip the strips of newspaper into your paste and apply to your balloon. Continue until your balloon is covered with several layers of paper, leaving just the end of the balloon exposed.
5. Let dry. (This may take a day or two).
6. Pop the balloon at the exposed knot. There will be a small hole left where you popped it.
7. Have an adult help you cut the end off your piñata. You will want to do this around the hole you left with the knot.
8. Tie a piece of string around an empty thread spool or large washer. Stick the thread through the small piece you cut off when you popped the balloon. Set aside.
9. Fill large end with your goodies. (You can fill it with anything you'd like such as candy or small prizes).
10. Using the same method as in step four, reattach the cut off piece to the main piece.
11. Let dry.
12. Make a mixture of white glue and water. Add enough water to make the mixture thin enough to apply with a paintbrush.
13. Use a paintbrush to apply a thin coat of glue on top of the dried newspaper.
14. Stick on the colored tissue paper where you want it. If you are making something that is all one colours, cover it completely with those colours.
15. Let dry. (Again, you'll want to wait a day before going on to the next step).
16. Using the construction paper add accents to complete your design. For example, you might make a smiley face balloon for a '60s party using yellow tissue and black construction paper for the face.

Notes: Don't cheap out on the candy! There's nothing more annoying than cracking open a piñata filled with rocket fuel (those crappy tart candies that your children ALWAYS end up bringing home after a round of trick-or-treating) How about mini-chocolate bars or lollipops?

If you're someone who can't bear the thought of work being destroyed, perhaps piñata production isn't for you. Need a place to break your piñata? Preserving your breakables can best be done by taking your party outside. Many a successful piñata have been broken while hung on my backyard clothesline. Blindfold your guests and give them a fixed amount of cracks at it-but be weary of partiers who may have had too much to drink.

There's Always room for J-e-l-l-o Shooters

One cannot discuss Latino flavor without the mention of Rum. This recipe is an alcoholic alternative to the dessert treat made famous by Bill Cosby.

Cuban Cocktail Jell-O Shooters

When preparing jello shooters, the term often used is per batch. What you'll need:

1 small box lemon jell-o
1 small box lime jell-o (these flavors can vary by your choice)
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup light rum

Mix Jello, boiling water, and rum, then let cool.

Pour into 2-ounce cups or a large pan and chill. If in a large pan, cut into two ounce or smaller servings before serving.

Tips: A wise man once said "those who appreciate alcohol enjoy it responsibly." These shooters go down very easy, so please bear this in mind!