what do you think about this congress?

[quixotedlm]

http://www.seattlesalsacongress.com/

Seatle is suddenly seeing an overload of salsa congresses - there are two of them. There was one last month that was produced by Albert Torres Productions. This one is being organized by a local group. Yeah, there was a lot of politics and awkwardness about two groups organizing congresses at the same time...

When I plunked down $200 for the first congress, I knew that I could trust the quality of the overall show, workshops etc becase it was Albert Torres productions. This one I'm not able to judge for myself. I don't know enough about the national scene, the who's who etc to tell if this one is worth $200+. So I'm trying to decide if I want to get a full pass or just go there for the evening dances. Perhaps a few of you would look at the website and comment from your perspective? Would you spend your time/money on a full pass for this?

 

[Salcero]

Guess its only fair since Utah has 2 Congresses now LOL

 

[KiwiMambo]

I rarely go to workshops at congresses anymore because I don't need to be taught yet another turn pattern or shine. I only go if there is someone teaching that I think is "special" ie not just another teach a cool move person. I did the workshops in DC because it had African dance, body isolations, gyro kinesis and Zouk classes. If there is only 1 or 2 instructors you are interested then why pay the full pass for those two classes. Spend that money on a private with them.

If unsure about the social dancing, pay one night at a time...

 

[Pacion]

http://www.seattlesalsacongress.com/ This one I'm not able to judge for myself. I don't know enough about the national scene, the who's who etc to tell if this one is worth $200+. So I'm trying to decide if I want to get a full pass or just go there for the evening dances. Perhaps a few of you would look at the website and comment from your perspective? Would you spend your time/money on a full pass for this?

One **negative** observation I have is that whilst the worshop schedule is up, it does not say who will be teaching what. Maybe a bit early to say who will be teaching what, but it would be **interesting** to know who is teaching what. That would be one of my criterias.

The postivies:

a) Edie (sorry, quixotedlm but I do not know if you are male/female). Either way, it is an experience and irrespective of whether you are male or female, you pick up good tips from her.

b) Santo Rico - if your interest is On2. If Thomas Guerrero is teaching, he is excellent - a bit stern, but excellent. From recollection, the ladies' method for spinning is slightly different from Eddie Torres' style but still, all good.

c) Alex de Silva - may I say "controversial"? I have never done a class with him, but Edie and Thomas I have. Some people like his style, some people don't. As to his qualities as a teacher, I can't say. I have read (thanks to Google ) that he incorporates a lot of tango footwork in his style. A class with him could be an interesting experience.

d) DJ Frank - saw that he is one of the DJs. He has been working with Albert Torres for a number of years. If Albert uses him regularly, I can only guess that Frank is a good DJ. Never experienced him myself.

That said - three named/**celebrity** teachers does not strike me as a decent number for $200. But then again, it depends on how many hours they will be teaching, particularly at your level and style. Is there anyway you can find out which levels and styles they will be teaching, in advance?

$200 (or how ever much your eventual ticket costs - The first 100 passes are $200, the second 100 are $225, and the third 100 are $275) is a lot of money, on the back of another congress in the same city - I am assuming that it gives you entry to the parties . The cost of the evening parties however do not look very cheap - $12 Thursday, $35 Friday, $45 Saturday, $35 Sunday. This may be to force people to buy the full pass. :?

On the organisational level, a tricky one. If the organisers are involved in any weekday/weekend events, perhaps go along and see how well run it is. It could be a useful indicator (although, the past is no guarantee for the future!) as to how the Congress itself might flow?

Goodluck!