Why do we go to Salsa Congresses?

Because there is nothing more fun than being surrounded by music, dancers, dance, discussions about dance, paraphernalia related to dance (clothing shoes, etc.), all things dance 24/7 for days on end!

You performed twice on Saturday.  How was it?

Performing at the Congress was fun, but if you missed the Candela Gals strutting their stuff in Knzo’s African dance class then you really missed a wow moment!

Weren’t you exhausted by all of that nonstop dancing?

Most of the troupe made it back to the hotel by 5 in the morning, but it wasn’t too late to then recount every little move and amazing moment on the dance floor—yes we are addicted to salsa!

If someone had never been to the SF Salsa Congress what would you tell them was a “have to see” event?

The Master’s Level Jack and Jill Competition remained one of the highlights of this congress! If you want a mini snap shot, check out these two videos:

Both of these are completely unrehearsed, spontaneous improvised routines.  Gives all of us something to aspire to!

Wow.  San Diego Salsa Festival.  What a magnificent experience.  I stepped off of the airplane and caught the shuttle to another terminal to meet the rest of the troupe.  The shuttle bus was playing salsa.  I could not believe it!  How auspicious.

When we got to the hotel, there was a line of dancers waiting to check in to their rooms.  Standing in line we got hugs from Burju (of Hacha y Machete).  Now THAT is a welcome.  And that was indicative of the atmosphere in San Diego.  Intimate.  Warm.  Friendly.

We performed Friday night.  Any opening night jitters we had, melted away into “O my gosh this is so much fun, how can it possibly be over in 4 minutes?”  The adrenaline from performing easily spilled over into dancing till 3 in the morning.

Up the next day and ready to move.  I only made it to 4 classes (while some of the troupe sprang for 6).  Technique, dancing on the 2, rumba, you name it— and that class existed.  It turned out to be a great way to connect with other people who were just as hungry to learn and move and interpret the rhythm con sabor.  In between classes we slipped in some shopping.  “Should I get 3 inch heels or 2 ½ inch heels?”  “Have you heard this cd before?”  Window shopping became the rigeur del dia as we were all rather short on cash, but big on desire.

Saturday night we cheered on the next teams and then danced the night away.  Although many in the troupe are tried and true “dancing on the 1” fans, “dancing on the 2” did make its way into the feet and souls of our bodies.  We may have a few converts!

Sunday we got up and did it all again.  Talk about a little piece of heaven…Dancing everywhere all the time.  I even saw two people practicing salsa moves in the hot tub!

Monday was our return home.  Mere mortals once again.  But San Diego, we’ll be back!

(And  extra special shout out to all of you who helped support us financially and who gave us other forms of support and love so that we could continue to follow our passion).