Salsa Congress Experiences?

[pygmalion]

I noticed in another thread that at least one DF member has a goal to attend a salsa congress this year. I'm curious about them too. Does anyone out there have salsa congress experiences, good or bad, to share? Are there any particular ones that are "can't miss" events?

[peachexploration]

I've heard alot of good reviews from pro instructors as well as students about the Annual Miami Salsa Congress held September 18-21, 2003. It was promoted by Albert Torres. I didn't get a chance to go last year so as soon as they post info for 2004, I could make plans to attend this year. Even if I have to just sit and watch. :D

[borikensalsero]

Hey, how about going to the NY City congress. I'll be there. :D :D :D Then we can dance. :D

I've only been to one, this past years NY City. It was like a huge social, those of you who have been to Jimmy Anton's social, that was exactly what the NY salsa congress of 2003 was like. Dance, dance, dance and more dance. It was hot, sweaty, smelly and FUN. A bigger place has been found for this year, too many people showed up for the last year. :D

[peachexploration]

Oh yeah, what was I thinking? :doh: New York rocks too! Will defintely put that one on my list. :D

[youngsta]

I went to the LA Congress this past year...simply Amazing! I've never danced so much in my life. I met so many amazing salseros/as from around the world. I got to see some of the most amazing musicians on the planet. GO!!! :lol:

[brujo]

I went to the one in Toronto last year. Definitively worth the experience. No musicians on this side of the world, but the dancers were amazing. Can we crash at your place for the NY congress Boriken :D?

[borikensalsero]

I went to the one in Toronto last year. Definitively worth the experience. No musicians on this side of the world, but the dancers were amazing. Can we crash at your place for the NY congress Boriken :D?

By all means, even if we have to sleep on the floor. :D

[salsachinita]

Can we crash at your place for the NY congress Boriken :D?

By all means, even if we have to sleep on the floor. :D

:P Cool, guys! Pleeeeeeeaaaaassssssse count me in....! :wink:

[Sagitta]

So you guys can start planning the 2004 NYC salsa congress... :)

Dates:
August 19 - 22, 2004
Thursday thru Sunday

Location:
The Hilton Hotel
53rd Street and Ave of the Americas

And if you want to plan even further ahead the congress will be on labor day weekend for 2005,2006, and 2007!!

A link is here: NY Salsa Congress (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=ny+salsa+congress)

[borikensalsero]

So you guys can start planning the 2004 NYC salsa congress... :)

Dates:
August 19 - 22, 2004
Thursday thru Sunday

Location:
The Hilton Hotel
53rd Street and Ave of the Americas

And if you want to plan even further ahead the congress will be on labor day weekend for 2005,2006, and 2007!!

A link is here: NY Salsa Congress (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=ny+salsa+congress)

You are the man sagitta!!! :bouncy:

[pygmalion]

Okay. New York, LA, Toronto. Anyplace else worth looking into?

[youngsta]

San Francisco! That one is a little more intimate, but no less fun! Usually the first weekend in Nov. :D

[Sagitta]

There is something in Miami April 1-4th this year. One of my instructors always goes for that and says it is a lot of fun. Link below:

International Hustle and Salsa Competition (http://www.hustleandsalsa.com)

[Jacira]

I gave Rueda de Casino workshops at the 2nd Annual Norwegian Salsa Congress in Oslo last September, and was also the Master of Ceremonies for the 3 day event. It was A BLAST! I do not mean to always send you off-site, but there is a full report on this event, with lots of pictures on http://www.salsapower.com in the CONCERTS section. We were in Oslo for a week before the event, staying with some Chilean friends who have lived there many years and we got a chance to see some of the highlights of this beautiful city. What I liked about the congress is that they put together a great group of instructors from all over the world ...and not the same-old, same-old group that goes to all the Albert Torres events. There are 3 great salsa clubs in Oslo and a growing community that we should all support! Plus, this year it is going to be a little later in October, so I can really get away from all the heat and humidity in south Florida! I am definitely going back next year!

Jacira

[peachexploration]

Just so we don't forget them for this year. I also posted in the Events and Announcements section. :D

[Jacira]

The dates for the 3rd Annual Norwegian Salsa Congress are:

1- 3 October 2004
http://www.salsacongress.no/eng/index.htm

Jacira

[Salsero_AT]

I just came home from the first Austrian Salsa
Congress.

It was so much fun !!!!!!!!!!! :D

There was Angel Ortiz, Eddie and Al Espinoza, Roly Maden, Jazzy and Benedicte and so on............... It was great. The shows where terrific, i loved them and the workshops were great too. I think i am addicted :) I never danced so much in a single week in my whole life. I went dancing every weekday except Monday, and on Friday the congress started.

My feet ache all over and i hardly got out of the car after 5 hours of driving home but it was worth it.

So let´s see, where is the next congress... ?? :?

[Jacira]

Glad you enjoyed yourself! Jazzy is very high energy... I met him in Norway last September. I really don't mean to keep plugging my site, but I do have a page with World Salsa Events on it, which is linked from the home page by a world map. If anyone knows of any event I have not included there, please send me the info in a personal e-mail.

Jacira

[borikensalsero]

I just came home from the first Austrian Salsa
Congress.

It was so much fun !!!!!!!!!!! :D

There was Angel Ortiz, Eddie and Al Espinoza, Roly Maden, Jazzy and Benedicte and so on............... It was great. The shows where terrific, i loved them and the workshops were great too. I think i am addicted :) I never danced so much in a single week in my whole life. I went dancing every weekday except Monday, and on Friday the congress started.

My feet ache all over and i hardly got out of the car after 5 hours of driving home but it was worth it.

So let´s see, where is the next congress... ?? :?


Way to go!!!! By the sounds of it, it seems that you will be become a regular at the salsa congresses... :D

[salsachinita]

Looks like I should seriously think about going to Congress around the world. I've always been a little bit intimidated about attending, while I have no problem going to any music (salsa) focused events, solo, anywhere in the world (funny, huh?).

I've always thought that I wouldn't be ready. That I wouldn't get anything out of it in the presence of better trained dancers (I still feel relatively un-trained, having learnt from the street/clubs mainly).

So could you guys please tell me exactly what to expect.....? It's not some kind of Bootcamp is it (not that there's anything wrong with that)?

[Jacira]

My experience has been that you will find a bit of everything, ranging from total beginners to advanced dancers looking to pick up new tricks to add to their routines. There are generally workshops that are geared to different levels, but the parties and shows are lots of fun and the networking opportunities are enormous! Go! Enjoy yourself, and don't worry about not being as trained as others... I know several dancers who have never taken a class, but through lots of practice have developed their own style. Some could use more classes, others should share their knowledge!

[templeria]

Well, I've only ever been to two, both in the UK. I was a bit unsure about going at first, given the cost involved, but at the end of the weekend was utterly convinced of the value.. Not only do you get the opportunity to learn from international teachers during the day, but in my opinion they are well worth going to for the atmosphere in the evening clubs alone. Only bit of advice I would give to anyone looking at going to one would be to book the day after the Congress off work - saves falling asleep at your desk!

[Sagitta]

Welcome templeria!! Glad that when you decided to do it you had good experiences and found that it was worth your while. You mentioned you attended 2 congresses, but didn't tell us which ones. Which ones did you go to? I'm planning on doing my first sasla congress this year. So, any advice I can get beforehand will hold me in good stead. :)

[capricorndancer]

I’ve been to a bunch of Congresses in the last 12 months, starting with the 2003 LA Congress. Points to make are:

1 you don’t need to be a fantastic/experienced dancer to go: there are classes offered from beginners through to expert.
2 The congress you choose should depend on your aims: social, self-improvement, or general tourism
3 The expense for the congresses, per se, is well justified. The cost of accommodation and travel may not be.
4 Few people can survive doing the full ticket: dance the whole night until 3 or 4am, then get up and do classes from 10 till 6, and be ready to go for the night from 8 or 9 onwards. Pick your time and place for dancing, and PACE YOURSELF. If you’ve ever see a guy who just goes all night in your scene, has a line of ladies ‘waiting’ to dance with him, and is simply the most energetic on the floor at any given moment, that would be another incarnation of myself . . . and I have to pace myself at these events. Of course, all the fantastic dancers around make for enjoyable watching, so it’s not so bad . . . :)

That being said, I have the following observations to make about the various congresses I have attended:

Los Angeles: HUGE!! SIX THOUSAND people, fortunately not all dancing at once, with two venues: one for dancing and the bands, often two each night, and one for the performances. The dance area had a dozen floors, each about 6 yards/meters to a side, while the performance pavilion had seating for 2,000, and was routinely filled to capacity, leaving some out in the cold. Not perfectly coordinated, and over-attended for the spaces provided.
My opinions: classes I attended were too crowed to get much out of, the performances were excellent when I got in to see them, and there were always great dancers to watch when I got too exhausted to continue myself. The congress was held close to the airport, which, in the absence of appreciable public transport, means that touring the city is pretty expensive. I found the women to be much less approachable than elsewhere (see below)

Detroit: As I was living there. Not much worth the while, and I have doubts that there will be one this year. Detroit is not a city for tourists, either, so unless you know a local who can take you to the scattered gems of Mo Town, give it a miss.

Paris: Simply the best I attended. The women were approachable, the performances in the Club Med by the Parc du Bercy were on a stage adjacent to the dance floor, so one had to watch . . . but the intimacy of the venue was great. Having Johnny Vasquez sing to us was a treat, too. The classes were well sized, and of course, Paris was utterly accessible by public transport. I thoroughly recommend it . . . and I don’t speak any appreciable amount of French, either.

Toronto: Second only to Paris, David, the MC from Paris and who also hosted in NY, was excellent, the performances & competitions were first rate, and the venue appropriately-sized for the numbers in attendance. Met many familiar faces from other congresses, which gave even a big congress like that a familiar feel. Didn’t attend any classes, so can’t comment about those.

San Francisco: Bigger than Toronto, so less personal. I only went for the dancing, and the unfamiliar music – a DJ from New York, plus several big name bands – was a treat. Like LA, the venue was a hotel close to the airport, so touring the city was not easy. Eddie and Al were there and stopped the social dancing on several occasions with impromptu floor shows, in addition their cabaret act.

This year I’ll be returning to Paris, and maybe try some of the other European Congresses, too; all the Euros I’ve seen elsewhere in the world, even ‘just’ social dancers, have been very good, so I expect the respective congresses will be, too. Maybe Madrid; I’ve visited there, off-season, and the scene was great and very open.

CD

[Xtreme Salsa]

LA will be my first congress

[pygmalion]

Wow capricorndancer. That is a cool synopsis of your experiences. Thanks for taking the time and effort to share all that info. 8) :D

[youngsta]

LA will be my first congress
See ya there! :wink:

[Jacira]

There is a phenomenal congress in the area of Sicily, Italy on the "Isla de las Naranjas" called Kamarina... I think this is the 9th year they have done it and it is in a resort with a beach... great setting, great dancers, very well organized by Santo Cavallaro. This year it will be in April 9-10-11-12, 2004. More info here: http://www.salsasicilia.it/home.php I have been invited and hope to be able to go and teach workshops there! :lol:

[rar6178]

hello all , this will be my 1st salsa event at the hilton nyc this place is big which can hold alot of people i will be staying over on the 21st so i dont have to drive all the way back to LI . looking forward to dance with all . if you plan on making a reservation do it now they will give you a discount book in advance , it will probaly be sold out . tell them you are here for the ny salsa congress for a good rate . see you all soon warm weather yes ... ricki 8)

[Sagitta]

Hi rar6178!! Welcome! :)

I'm angling for attending the salsa congress in NY too, but am hoping I can crash with a friend. Hope to see more of you around the forums.

[youngsta]

It's the home stretch now for the LA Congress!!! Anyone else on DF going?? I'll be there Thurs-Sun :banana:

[SDsalsaguy]

I'm not sure yet youngsta... especially after just having been exposed to the really friendly WCS folk at Reno I'm not sure if I have the wherewithall to deal with that many salsa egos all in one place... :sigh:

[danceguy]

I'm contemplating going...but as I'm quite new to Salsa it might end up being over stimulation...as I still tend to get frustrated very easily by the Salsamafia types... :? :oops:

Any thoughts on how a beginner would fit in at such an event?

[SDsalsaguy]

Heya SG, there are actually workshops and dancing for all levels...

The workshops, if you are doing them, run a beg., an int., and an adv. concurently each hour. As far as soical dancing there really are people of all levels...

[youngsta]

What SD said SG. I went last year (had only been dancing about 10 months then) and didn't have a problem finding people to dance with. I will say it did overwelm me though...simply amazing.

SD I understand. Luckily for me I don't have to deal with the egos much since I have a load of friends in the LA scene.

[Pacion]

I'm contemplating going...but as I'm quite new to Salsa it might end up being over stimulation...as I still tend to get frustrated very easily by the Salsamafia types... :? :oops:

Any thoughts on how a beginner would fit in at such an event?

It is all a question of "attitude" SG :wink: Try and ignore the Salsamafia types. There are loads of other people there and it really is a tremendous energy. You will see some amazing/incredible dancing (flips and tricks) and then some genuine dancing, people who are really dancing for themselves rather than who might be looking at them. Did you ever do intense classes at school? Think of a congress as one of those, except more fun especially as you choose to be there rather than your parents thinking it is a good idea :wink:

[Pacion]

Toronto: Second only to Paris, David, the MC from Paris and who also hosted in NY, was excellent,

Hey Capricorndancer! I was in Paris too and basically fell in lurve with David Melendez! I was in a fit of giggles all evening and cried with laughter when he did that brief take on Frankie Martinez. It was hilarious.

I also have some photos of Johnny Vazquez singing, a few of which, in my opinion :wink: came out really well. :D

Personally, I always tell me, do a congress, at least once. It can be an amazing experience. Subsequent ones, you can do the parties and sightsee during the day, otherwise, you don't get to see anything of the city you are in and that could be a bit of a shame.

[Pacion]

Well, I've only ever been to two, both in the UK. I was a bit unsure about going at first, given the cost involved, but at the end of the weekend was utterly convinced of the value.. Not only do you get the opportunity to learn from international teachers during the day, but in my opinion they are well worth going to for the atmosphere in the evening clubs alone. Only bit of advice I would give to anyone looking at going to one would be to book the day after the Congress off work - saves falling asleep at your desk!

:lol: Yes, that is great advice, taking the following day as holidays :lol: In addition, if you travelled to the event, hopefully it gives you a few hours to do some shopping/sightsee.

Which two in the UK did you attend?

[MapleLeaf Salsero]

I also have some photos of Johnny Vazquez singing, a few of which, in my opinion :wink: came out really well. :D


He also sang a song here at the Portuguese Congress in March. Hmm... Maybe he´s thinking about a singing career... :shock:

[sbsalsera]

It's the home stretch now for the LA Congress!!! Anyone else on DF going?? I'll be there Thurs-Sun

I'm definitely going! (Especially because it's relatively local for me.) And I'd love to meet up with all the DF dancers who'll be there too! :D

[Ray]

its bit toofar.. maybe next year.. ;)

[youngsta]

I'm definitely going! (Especially because it's relatively local for me.) And I'd love to meet up with all the DF dancers who'll be there too! :D
Sweet, save me a dance! Although it will be sheer madness to try and find anyone :lol:

[MapleLeaf Salsero]

its bit toofar.. maybe next year.. ;)

Wellcome RAY!

I little too far for me also. :cry: Well actually I could always swim across the Atlantic to NY and hitch hike from there to LA. Are there any sharks in the Atlantic? :shock: Probably should avoid the Bermuda Triangle...

[Ray]

well you can give it a try :lol:


atleast you got warm water :shock: better then in the netherlands :wink:

[Pacion]

Although it will be sheer madness to try and find anyone :lol:

I hear that outside the ladies toilets is a good place to meet :wink: question is, WHICH ladies toilets, in the event that it turns out that there is more than one set, opposite ends of the room :lol:

[youngsta]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[salsachinita]

For those of you lucky ducks planning to be at the L.A. congress....please look out for Liz & Gian Carlo ("Latinissimo") from Melbourne.......

I saw their latest routine.......I think they might be the next Luis & Joby....

[capricorndancer]

Hi Y'all,
Back in the US again, and the first thing I do, of course, is attend another congress - the International Hustle and Salsa Congress in Miami. I think I'm going to have to start taking classes, for amusement value, but this time I was mostly there to dance with old friends from Detroit, more than for the novelty of the experience. Without much to see or do in a city, and without classes, congresses turn into one big social dance.
After a couple of months in Oz, with the most beautiful beaches in the world to enjoy, Miami sun and surf just didn't cut it . . . but the congress was well-organised, the performances and competitions were generally good, some exceptional, and the last night featured a young flautist who had played with Oscar D'Lyon, and he was exceptional. No telling what gems lie in store, sometimes . . .

best of luck to those of you going to the LA congress: I'll echo Salsachinita and recommend that you see Latinissimo perform, especially if you like shines and complex arm patterns (sounds like an odd combination, but they do both very well).

Ciao

CD

[Pacion]

I also have some photos of Johnny Vazquez singing, a few of which, in my opinion :wink: came out really well. :D

I have just uploaded a few of the photos I took of Johnny V singing and dancing at the Paris Salsa Congress. :banana:

[aragonh]

Im definitely attending the West Coast Congress. Last year was my first year and it was a blast.

I recommend to attend any Congress whatsoever. After every congress, my dance skills just jump up. It is definitely worth it. The encouragement that you get from there is just awesome.

And dont be intimidated by anybody out there. Guys, ask whoever u want to dance and they will. Same thing ladies: go out and aks that certain guy to dance. From my experience, rarely do people turn you down. And if they do, its usually b/c they are tired (and its the truth!!!!)

Borinken, I heard this year there is going to be a good contingent from NY heading out. U hear anything about it?

As the day gets closer, maybe those DF who are going and who are staying at the Hilton should contact each other. Will figure it out later.

[Katya]

Hi! could anybody give me any links about salsa congress this summer in the usa? - LA, NY and Miami - have i missed anything? and - would be very very grateful for some informal information - know nothing about salsa in us - is it usual to come to a party with partner, or its ok to come alone? what to wear etc..

[Sagitta]

Welcome to df Katya! Glad to have you with us. :D

Congresses: I know there is one in NYC, and it is in August. The info is listed on the firts page of this thread.

As for dress and coming with people I don't think that there is a need to come with people. I almost never do so and find that it works out okay for me. And for dress the more formal the event the more people are dressed up. I like going dressed up and seeing the ladies in all their finery, though.

[capricorndancer]

I think I've posted this before: try these links for Salsa world-wide congresses (or just use Google). The next Congress is in Boston, their first, 23-5 this month.

http://www.tosalsa.com (Toronto site)
http://www.salsapower.com (UK site)
http://www.salsalife.co.uk (Leon Rose, London, UK)
http://www.salsaboston.com (Boston, Massachusetts)
http://www.salsaweb.be (Belgian site)
http://www.alberttorresevents.com (Californian site)
http://www.salsa-uk.com/

One of the best is here:
http://www.latin-dance.net/ (German, very clever site and well-presented)

Sperad the love.

CD

[SDsalsaguy]

Hiya Katya, and welcome to the Forums! :D

CD already gave you some excellent resources to follow up with.

As far as some of the congresses...

LA, May 27-30 :arrow: http://www.alberttorresevents.com/congress/2004/

Philadelphia, July 2-4 :arrow: http://www.philasalsacongress.com/home.html

Miami, August 12-15 (url?)

NY, August 19-22 :arrow: http://www.nycsalsacongress.com/

Hope that helps,

Jonathan

[Sagitta]

Philadelphia!! :D

Oh, no...July 4th weekend...I was getting so excited as it only is a 4/5 hour drive, I think..we'll see...

[Canadian Guy]

I think I've posted this before: try these links for Salsa world-wide congresses (or just use Google). The next Congress is in Boston, their first, 23-5 this month.

http://www.tosalsa.com (Toronto site)
Sperad the love.


Actually, the Toronto Congress has its own site:
http://www.canadasalsacongress.com/

I didn't go last year as I felt I wasn't ready for it but I think I will attend this year.

[salsachinita]

For those of you who are interested in Sydney Congress:

The Sydney Congress is in October 2004. Here's a link to it. You'll find only a short one liner about midway down the page:

http://www.sydneylatinfiesta.com.au/

So.....my DF family, maybe we can finally put "the plan" into action :wink: ?

[Katya]

thanks a lot for the links! i've found all needed inf (hm, now'd like to find time to visit all this..) but still one question - which style is more danced in the us? - i've began from casino, now take LA classes, and have absolutety no idea about NY :oops: . is it worth to start it now, or LA is enough for the beginning?

[pygmalion]

Hi Katya! Welcome :D (I know I'm late in saying hello :oops: )


I think the style danced will depend on where you decide to go for a congress.

[borikensalsero]

thanks a lot for the links! i've found all needed inf (hm, now'd like to find time to visit all this..) but still one question - which style is more danced in the us? - i've began from casino, now take LA classes, and have absolutety no idea about NY :oops: . is it worth to start it now, or LA is enough for the beginning?

Most of the USA dances on1. If you choose to come to the NY City congress, then on2 would be it. I danced over a 100 times during the congress with about as many people, and every single on of them danced on2, they weren't NY City faces either.

[SDsalsaguy]

Yup, as per Boriken, there are certainly people who dance on2 elsewhere, but you're better served with on1 anywhere but NY.

[elisamaria]

what is this salsa event that you are all talking about, i have been away for a little because i've been so busy fill me in i would really want to go to these event they sound like a lot of fun!!!

thanx

[youngsta]

For those of you who are interested in Sydney Congress:

The Sydney Congress is in October 2004. Here's a link to it. You'll find only a short one liner about midway down the page:

http://www.sydneylatinfiesta.com.au/

So.....my DF family, maybe we can finally put "the plan" into action :wink: ?
Hmmmm, must check into this!! Come onnnn frequent flyer miles!! :lol:

[SDsalsaguy]

For those of you who are interested in Sydney Congress:

The Sydney Congress is in October 2004. Here's a link to it. You'll find only a short one liner about midway down the page:

http://www.sydneylatinfiesta.com.au/

So.....my DF family, maybe we can finally put "the plan" into action :wink: ?
Hmmmm, must check into this!! Come onnnn frequent flyer miles!! :lol:
I'm with you youngsta...got to wrack up them miles ASAP!

[salsachinita]

Hmmmm, must check into this!! Come onnnn frequent flyer miles!! :lol:

Don't forget to make some spare time to spend in Melbourne 8) !

[Neil]

Here are the Salsa congresses in Miami. So far, I've only been to IHSC. I've been meaning to go to the other congresses too, but I haven't made it to any yet. I get lots of Salsa in Miami, but I have to travel to conventions to get really good Swing, Disco, and Country dancing. So, when there is a conflict, I usually go to the Swing, Disco, or Country convention.


IHSC: Early April.
http://hustleandsalsa.com/
I love the International Hustle and Salsa Competition. Since it's in Miami, the Salsa part is the biggest, but there are three large ballrooms for Salsa, Disco, and Swing dance, plus there is a dance floor outside by the swimming pool. I dance Swing and Disco just as much as Salsa, so this is really a great event for me, I love the variety. The dinner show is very good. The event directors bring in the top Salsa and Disco talent. There are lots of good workshops in all styles of Salsa and Hustle.

Salsa Lovers & Albert Torres: August 12-15
http://salsalovers.com/ They don't have any information on this event posted to their web site yet.
Salsa Lovers is one of the oldest and biggest Salsa schools in Miami with 20,000 students. Those of you on the west coast are familiar with Albert Torres. These two big names in Salsa should result in a good congress.

World Salsa Federation: Halloween weekend
http://www.worldsalsafederation.com/
I heard this was a small event in a dumpy hotel the first year. Mostly competitions, not social dancing. It grew and moved to a better hotel in the second year. 2004 will be the third year and time for me to give it a shot I guess. I heard pretty good reviews on it last year.

Salsa Casino Nov 12-14
http://www.salsaruedacongress.com/index.asp
Henry Herrera is a great dancer who came to the USA from Cuba around ten years ago and has been a sensation with his dancing ever since. He was a champion in Cuba as a teenager. The other director is Billy Fajardo who is one of the directors of IHSC and is known more for his Hustle dancing and theater arts (lifts, drops, dips, etc). The hotel is on South Beach, so it's a great spot for tourists. There are lots of clubs, cafes and night life. This is only two weeks after the WSF convention, so it would be perfect for people traveling from far away who would like to stay for two weeks and make a full vacation out of it.

[pygmalion]

Hi Neil. :D Nice to see you again. 8)

[Neil]

...
4 Few people can survive doing the full ticket: dance the whole night until 3 or 4am, then get up and do classes from 10 till 6, and be ready to go for the night from 8 or 9 onwards. Pick your time and place for dancing, and PACE YOURSELF. If you’ve ever see a guy who just goes all night in your scene, has a line of ladies ‘waiting’ to dance with him, and is simply the most energetic on the floor at any given moment, that would be another incarnation of myself . . . and I have to pace myself at these events. Of course, all the fantastic dancers around make for enjoyable watching, so it’s not so bad . . . :)...

Hey CD, thanks for the review of the congresses you attended. As far as a strategy for choosing activities, I like to concentrate on social dancing, private lessons, and group classes when I'm at a dance convention. I have to catch up on the show and competition on video. The dancing really gets hot after 3am. By then, the "bleacher creatures" have gone home and the hard core dancers have the floor to themselves and keep going until 7am or later. If you go to bed at 3, you're missing the best part.

Those of you who are having trouble deciding whether to attend a Salsa congress should buy the video from a few recent ones. You'll get to see at least the shows and competitions, plus maybe reviews of all the group classes and even some social dancing. That should give you a pretty good idea of what to expect.


So, CD, you lived in Detroit? I know a buxom blonde Salsa dancer in Detriot named Susanna (or Suzanne), do you know her? By the way, the comment I made in my previous post (about people who travel from far away) had you in mind. Are you back in Melbourne now?

Pygmalion, thanks for the greeting. So, you live in Florida and have never been to a Salsa congress? What gives?

[capricorndancer]

Hi Neil,
Yes, I know Suzanna. She credits me as being the first really technical dancer with whom she danced Salsa, way back in 2000 - long before she went to Miami and learned to spin the way she does, I was propelling her through double turns by main force . . . Now I just let her fly on her own. :-)
I've actually just returned to The D from Melbourne, and was in Miami for the IHSC just gone (saw her there, too!). Melbourne was fantastic - such a great social atmosphere, and about 10x the size of scene Detroit - that I really didn't want to leave, but duty (or, at least, the fact that my savings can't last forever ;-) ) called me back.
I'm going to be on the East Coast (handily mixing Boston Congress with work interviews) from next week, and Seattle thereafter . . . Busy times ahead. It sounds, though, like you hardly need to move from Miami to get great Salsa, but here, it's a bit thin on the ground. Are you congressing elsewhere this year?

Anyone else going to the Boston Congress?

Ciao

CD

[Neil]

CD, since there is so much good social Salsa dance and salsa classes here in Miami, plus the four Salsa congresses we have here, I save my vacation days to travel to Swing and Hustle conventions.

Tell Suzanna that I said hello.

[D-spot]

[quote=capricorndancer]The dancing really gets hot after 3am. By then, the "bleacher creatures" have gone home and the hard core dancers have the floor to themselves and keep going until 7am or later.

Having attended only three congresses, I have limited experience. Should someone get to the dance for 9pm and then dance through 'til 7am, then they have my respect. Seems a lot of the 'hardcore' dancers turn up very much later than the rest and then dance for around the same length of time as many others I know who start the night out yet retire a little earlier.

So, in the case given, why dothe late comers get classified as the 'hardcore' dancers?
D-spot
(bleacher?, perhaps somewhat pale after 6+ hours dancing)

For one of the congresses, money was tight so I spent two nights sleeping in my car rather than paying extra for accommodation.

[Neil]

The dancing really gets hot after 3am. By then, the "bleacher creatures" have gone home and the hard core dancers have the floor to themselves and keep going until 7am or later.

Having attended only three congresses, I have limited experience. Should someone get to the dance for 9pm and then dance through 'til 7am, then they have my respect. Seems a lot of the 'hardcore' dancers turn up very much later than the rest and then dance for around the same length of time as many others I know who start the night out yet retire a little earlier.

So, in the case given, why dothe late comers get classified as the 'hardcore' dancers?
D-spot
(bleacher?, perhaps somewhat pale after 6+ hours dancing)

For one of the congresses, money was tight so I spent two nights sleeping in my car rather than paying extra for accommodation.

The "bleacher creatures" are so called because they come to the congress to sit in the bleachers and watch the show/competition. Then, they do just a few social dances and go home. The hard core dancers might have danced in the show, but, in any case, they go out of their way to dance a lot with the best dancers so they go through the trouble of making arrangements to be on the floor from 3am to 7am.

But, don't just take my word for it. Hang out with the late crowd at your next convention and tell me if you think that the average level of dancing is the same in the first dances after the show as it is four hours later. I've been there many times and can tell you that the people who are still dancing are the ones who travel to lots of congresses and dance a lot. The ones who stay for the show and go home are mostly people who dance a little and only went to the congress because it was in their home town.

I hope you weren't offended by the term "bleacher creature." You sound pretty hard core to me. ;)

EDIT: I fixed your misatribution of my quote. You might want to go back to your post and fix it there as well.

[D-spot]

I speak fluent English, but I'm still learning Canadian (can't speak it yet and lots of misunderstandings), so forgive my little heart for not understanding.

Agreed that the more skilled dancers tend to come out once the sun goes down. Mind there are some mighty fine attitudes earlier in the evening. They may not be able to get out or stay out as long as others, but they often have attitudes way above some of the so-called self proclaimed incrowd/hard-core.

Dancing rocks, any kind, anywhere, anytime.

When in the workshops do DF'ers aim to get the most out of it for yourself (trying to hog the instructors attention) or work for the benefit of all?
I have seen a certain local group stand at the front and make the most noise, hence effectively taking over the workshop for themselves, leaving the quieter ones out of it.

D-spot
(dumb and getting dumber)

[youngsta]

sbsalsera, it's getting real close! We need to coordinate a way to find each other and dance! :lol:

[sbsalsera]

sbsalsera, it's getting real close! We need to coordinate a way to find each other and dance! :lol:

Hurray! It's the two-week countdown to the West Coast Congress! :lol:

Who else is going? SG? SD? aragonh? tsb?

I think it'll be nearly impossible to find anyone during the congress, so what about meeting somewhere for a DF dinner? I bought a Friday-Saturday-Sunday evening ticket, so Saturday or Sunday night would work best for me.