A Weekend in Salsa : The 2007 West Coast Salsa Congress

So, after taking the rest of the video and editing it, I'm happy to start off a new series (that hopefully will continue). I had watched a DVD called On2005 A Year in Mamboland, and I decided to use it as inspiration on how to show all the nice video clips of social dancing at the 2007 West Coast Salsa Congress in Los Angeles California. I title this series: A Weekend in Salsa. I like the name because that usually when most of us go out for salsa during the week. Additionally, that is when most of the salsa congress events occur. Now, I have no real background in directing/production/editing so I did my best for my first shot. This is mainly for you guys to enjoy the dancing that goes on a salsa congresses during the night events. Again, please enjoy!

Hacha y Machete Workshop at LA Salsa Congress 2007

Well, in my neverending quest to be the first to bring you the videos from the 2007 West Coast Salsa Congress in Los Angeles, California – here is an awesome workshop given by the famous duo Hacha y Machete . Now, Victor is a very smooth dancer – so I'm not sure whether he's the Hacha (Axe) or the Machete, however, you can see what they taught us. It was a slick and smooth combinations that has subtle flavor of style in regular moves to spice up any combination you currently have. Now, watch the video and pay VERY CLOSE attention to Victor when they do the pattern. He uses his hands to point and look – which causes the observer to look where he's looking causing a more stylish pattern. This is because it draws your attention from his hand switching and when you look back to the pattern – something else has happened. Magicians use this trick all the time. (See time -2:26). You can also see how he uses his subtle leg kicks to flavorize regular simple moves (see -1:41 and -1:35) . Another thing I enjoy is the subtle things – such as when he's starting to do the pattern with music, he drops slightly on his crossbody lead (at -0:53 seconds). See what else you can catch from the pattern – and practice. They are the best in stylized body-movement. 

Here is Victor and Serena Cuevas social dancing at the Congress event:

More 2007 LA Salsa Congress Dance Videos….

So, still editing the HOURS of videos I took from the LA Salsa Congress this past weekend. Now, because of bandwidth limitations, I won't be able to post all the video footage I took, however I will try and make a montage on the best that I took. I have already posted some of the videos of the addicted2salsa members dancing in the forums . Here I present a few more:

First of all, here is some style that is specifically of the city of Los Angeles. Here is the famous Alex Da Silva dancing with his partner at the LA Salsa Congress. While I'm not a big fan of the LA Style – he still makes it look like you want to learn it. Simply incredible.

Next, we have a dancer who I will name 'RuedaMan' becuase I really don't know his name, but I know he's very big into the salsa rueda part of salsa. Here he is testing his cuban-style skills with a pair of girls.

Last but not least, we have one of our very own 'Flare' dancing with the famous Angel Rivera from A Time To Dance Studio . Angel is an awesome dancer, very good smooth style with a lot of simple flavor. His style is amazing to watch because while he adds flavor to the dance, he still remains precise on his patterns and has incredible speed – even on carpet. I'll stop complimenting him there cause I don't want him to think I'm kissing-up. j/k.

2007 West Coast Salsa Congress

Now, while I'm on salsa hiatus (because of my injured hand) – I will still be attending the 2007 West Coast Salsa Congress in Los Angeles, CA (May 24th-27th, 2007). I have never been to the LA Congress (and to be honest, I heard last year a lot of people were dissapointed with the event) – but I'm looking forward to experiencing it first hand. I will be there to hopefully capture great dancers and moments, so I can share them with those of you that will not be attending.

I'm really looking forward to one of my favorite bands playing at the event: La Sonora Ponceña (as seen in the left). I think it will be a great event and hopefully I'll see some of you there.

For more info: http://www.alberttorresevents.com/congress/2007/  

Houston (Texas) Salsa Congress 2007

So, a lot of my salsa friends… (hmm.. do I have any friends that don't salsa?) went to the Houston Salsa Congress this year (2007). I heard it got great reviews, and I got pointed to some of the videos they took of the occasion. Now, I tried to see if I could download the videos and fix the brightness, but I couldn't – regardless, I'll post them here anyways. This one is of this pair of people dancing at the congress night event. One of them (the female) is  the famous Jamaica from San Diego, CA (she's with Son y Pasos) and the male dancer is from Dallas, TX (director of Enfuego Danz).

Now, I also found this awesome pattern taught by one of my favorite instructors – Mario B. Mario B has some simple/smooth yet complicated patterns, that are just fun to watch (when executed cleanly).

Puerto Rican Power @ Chicago Salsa Congress 2007

Well, for those who missed the great salsa congress in Chicago this year (2007) – and this includes me, here is a cool clip of the famous band called Puerto Rican Power that performed in one of the nights at the congress. If you are a fan of Puerto Rican Power's music, well I hope you went because its always MUCH better listening to them (and dancing) when they play their music live. Its amazing!

Geoffrey Spain and Limari Cora at the 2007 Chicago Salsa Congress!

Well, this might be one of those days where I cry out of happiness! I finally got to see (through video, sorry I couldn't make it Geoff) one of my best friends perform a salsa routine at a 2007 Chicago Salsa Congress. Geoffrey Spain started dancing with me in Ames, Iowa (Iowa State University) back in Feb 18th, 2000. It is funny to think back now, because at first one of the reasons we started dancing was because it was the only way to meet (cough..cough..) people since we were too young to go to the bars – but old enough to go to a Latin club called Boheme which might have played 3-4 salsa songs the whole night. It is amazing to think, how when we first started, that this thing called 'salsa' would change our lives forever. This also reminds me of the time Geoff and I went to our first salsa congress (it was Chicago Salsa Congress 2005) and talked to ourselves dreaming on someday being up on stage at a salsa congress and performing a routine! I am extremely happy for them and very proud that he made his dream come true. I only wish I had video of Geoff in his 'early stages' of salsa, so you can compare him now – so it can give everyone inspiration that you can become as good as Geoff: we all go through hard work to get where we are at. Congratulations to Geoff and Limari again – great performance! (and song choice).

If you'd like to send a message to Geoff, he's on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/gspain

More Congress Pros – Magna & Jareau

Toronto Salsa Congress

Chicago Salsa Congress 2007

Well, to tell you the truth – I've been to many top congresses around the US, and this is by far one of my favorite congresses. The shows are amazing, the instructors that come to this event are some of my favorites, and the social dancers that attend are just the best (and the happiest people).

I'm most likely going to show up to the Chicago Salsa Congress this year, so I hope I get to see all of you at the event. It will be a blast (especially in the cold weather up there).  

Salsa Congress Masters – salsa improv at its best!

This is a set of clips of the San Francisco 2006 Salsa Congress Jack and Jill Masters competition. Some of the best salsa dancers in the world came are here and showed us why they are the best. All this dancing is improvised! No smoke and mirrors here! I think the most interesting thing to see is how everyone has their own style, and they are all great and fun to watch and enjoy! Culmination of salsa styles!

San Francisco 2006 Salsa Congress Gallery [UPDATED]

So, finally I posted most of the pictures I was able to take during my time at the San Francisco Salsa Congress 2006. It was an incredible event with great performances, amazing social dancing (lots of people) and just great workshops. If you ever get a chance to go to a Salsa Congress you must! (I'm going to Palm Spring and Chicago Salsa Congress next).

Anyway, it was a weekend packed of greatness and it was worth every penny put into it. Everytime I come out of a congress I feel like I've become a better dancer. If it was like a stock price, it would be like during the year you might be a little flat, and then you go to salsa congress, and all of a sudden you stock price just jumps and skyrockets upward.

Anyway, you can check out the full-fledged gallery by clicking on the image on the left. That way you can check out most of those pictures. I will be posting up some of the Jack-n-Jill videos of the instructors dancing with other instructors during a contest. Until then.. enjoy! 

[UPDATE] Fixed the stupid IE problem.  Thanks to Erica for the feedback!

Performance at the First Salsa Congress ever!

As you can see in this video – its an old video. It is from the first ever salsa congress in history. The first salsa congress took place in the home of salsa : Puerto Rico (around 2000). Here is Franklin Diaz and Yesenia Peralta performing one of the favorite routines of the show. She is considered to be the "JLo of Salsa" – (Jennifer Lopez = JLo).

Salsa Episode 22 : Salsa Congress Tips and Songs

Oh, has it been that long since I've made a podcast. I remember the days.. well.. they are almost back. I have my new computer and I'm set to start making some great content (and hopefully videos soon). Since the San Francisco salsa congress is coming up (and I'll be there) I decided to make a special salsa congress tips episode to help get through the initial 'mistakes' or issues that happen for first-timers. This way, you can get the most out of a salsa congress and enjoy it even more.

In this episode, I give you my personal (IMHO) tips that help me the most during a salsa congress. I will also play lots of good old regular salsa songs that are usually played at these types of salsa congresses. Hope you enjoy! www.addicted2salsa.com

PS. Excuse me for the lack of quality in this episode.. I really rushed this one.  

If you want, you can subscribe to the podcast through iTunes – all of the episodes are listed there:

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Acapulco Salsa Congress – Victor and Gaby (crazy aerials)

Well, I actually had a lot of my friends from San Diego that went to this event, the Acapulco Salsa Congress (first one ever) – so I missed out. However, this submitted video shows one of the more famous performers – Victor and Gaby performing their style. I do live very much how they executed the flips – and man, that Gaby is an amazing dancer because she makes those air stunts look friggin easy!

A clip from the first Utal Salsa Congress

Now, I didn't get a chance to go in August, but there was the very first Utah Salsa Congress… well.. in Utah. Here is a clip I found of it of a girl named Dinora dancing with to Sonido Bestial. I think its impressive that even Utah (no offense) has some great salsa dancers as well as showing some of the style that they dance in that state. I like some of the moves  – especially how they executed a flip in such a small space and on time – very well done.

El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico live @ The Salsa Congress Puerto Rico

Well, here is my favorite salsa band.. and if you haven't known from the million of times I've mentioned them – they are El Gran Combo the Puerto Rico. This is probably one of the best videos I've seen of the band, specifically with the good sound quality. Here they are performing at the Puerto Rico salsa congress – the song: Matrimonio – which means 'marriage'. If you have never seen this band live, you are missing out! They are the best performers I've seen, a lot of fun to watch their dance choreography (its simple, but fun).

Also, their lyrics are metaphorical, high truthful and hilarious – and specifically how they mix the lyrics as instrument sounds. Example, in marriage – people fight, and the spanish sound for fighting is pan-pun-pin (it sounds like throwing punches)…. and well, thats the sound of the of they conga/rhythm in this song – thats why you hear them say 'PAN-PUN-PIN-…PIN-PUN-PAN'). Of course, this is just the truth about most relationships – but the lyrics is are funny because they are also truthful. Its like standup comedy.. Makes me scared of ever getting married.. 

If you are wondering where you can get the song, you can get it on iTunes here:

 

Salsa Congress Watch [UPDATED X4]

So, I had come back from the Palm Springs Salsa Congress and I got all these flyers from the different salsa congresses advertised. So, for those of you that are interested I'm posting them here. Now, I haven't gone to any of these salsa congresses (yet), but hopefully I plan to go to the ones after October, because sometime in October, San Diego is having their salsa-mambo congress. As I get more information on other salsa congresses, I'll keep posting them. Enjoy!

Date	Salsa Congress
Aug 31st – Sept 3	New York Salsa Congress (www.nycsalsacongress.com)
Sept 1st-3rd	Utah Salsa Congress (www.utahsalseros.com)
Sep 8-10	Northwest Salsa Congress (http://nwcongress.com/)
Sept 15-17	Berlin Salsa Congress (http://www.salsafestival-berlin.de/)
Oct 19-22	Atlanta Salsa Congress (www.atlantasalsacongress.com)
Nov 3-5	Puerto Rico's Hustle & Salsa Festival (www.puertoricohustlesalsafestival.com)
Nov 9-12	Dallas Salsa Congress 2006 (www.dallassalsacongress.com)
Nov 30th-Dec 3rd	Acapulco World Salsa Congress (www.mexicosalsacongress.com)
Jan 12-14 3007	Salt Lake Salsa Congress (www.saltlakesalsacongress.com)

[UPDATED] : Added the Atlanta Salsa Congress! Thanks to Daniel!
[UPDATED X2] : Added the Alcapulco World Salsa Congress.
[UPDATED X3] : Added 1st Northwest Salsa Congress – Thanks Mei!
[UPDATED X4] : Berlin Salsa Congress 15.-17. Sept.

Salsa in the Bay Area – San Francisco Salsa Congress!

Well, if you haven't figured it out yet, I'm a HUGE fan of Salsa Congresses. Once you get to a specific level, (even in beginner) you are going to want to go to one of these congresses to get the FULL salsa workout. Now, rumor has it that this is possibly the largest Salsa Congress in the US.

 

Now, I'm a salsa addict, so I am 100% sure I will be going to this salsa congress (especially since I'm pretty close – at least I'm in the same state). If you are going to this salsa congress, let me know, I'd like to meet some of the visitors to addicted2salsa.com personally while I'm there. I think it will be an amazing weekend!

 

Here is the flyer for the 5th Annual San Francisco Bay Area International Salsa Congress – whew.. thats a long title…

 

5th UK International Salsa Congress ! – Sept 22-24th

So, to add to the stories overseas, I dediced to make this as a separate entry just to give your friends in England a good ad. Sometimes we think of salsa congresses only being in this part of the world (North,South and Central America) – but no, our friends in the UK have their own salsa good times too!..

Now looking through their site, it was funny that they posted a UK Salsa Congress Survival Guide. I really found that funny (on basically travel, accomodations…etc) – and I started thinking. What would be the one thing any salsero/salsera going to salsa congress should NOT be without (except for sleep)?

"This is the 5th annual Salsa Congress run by Salsa UK at Butlins, Bognor Regis. It's getting bigger and better by the year, attracting dancers from all over the world.

This year's event is expected to welcome around 3,000 people. The event consists of dance workshops during the day on the Saturday and Sunday, and parties on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, featuring dance performances, live bands and many hours of social dancing.

As Butlins is a holiday resort, all the accommodation is onsite, so you can travel with ease throughout the day and evening between activities and your room. Salsa UK takes over the whole camp so that it becomes a 'Salsa village', allowing you to immerse yourself in all things Salsa for an entire weekend.  "

 

Miami Salsa Congress – August 2006

Searching on the web for the next congress I happened across one in Miami during the first week of August (5th Annual Miami Salsa Congress). It sounds like a fun time and I’ve signed up, but still trying to get more info on the "free hotel night stay" if you purchase the all access event pass. Aparantly, the free night is good if you purchase by the end of Friday April 21st. http://www.miamisalsacongress.com/