New York Salsa Congress 2008

The GoDanceMambo dance team just came back from their 5-day trip to NYC-one of the most talked about congresses in North America. This was truly a rite of passage for Bowie, Debbie, Anna and Alborz-4 of the 20 dancers from the Advanced on2 Performance Group that started in January 2008. Not only was it their first congress, but it was the NYC salsa congress! They danced clean, yes they did! Unfortunately, if you film anything, you'll get your camera confiscated and get kicked out for the weekend...sooooo, I didn't take my chances. No video clips for their performance. Their new costumes rocked! Check out the pics in the gallery!

The shows were from 6-7pm, then the compeitition, then night shows from 9-10:30pm. I thought this was well organized. This way you could take breaks, and not be stuck watching 2 hours + of shows. Dancing was always 11pm-4am, so plenty of time to social dance. It was packed! The Hilton New York in Times Square is now officially too small for the congress clientele.

I've been going to the NYC congress since 1999 on and off. This is the first time that I see so many New Yorkers (mostly Puerto Rican). Used to be, it was only international people looking for the New Yorkers, and politics had it that many of the best performers boycotted the event. Since Mambo Choco has taken it over 2 years ago however, it makes sense that it has reverted back to more nyc salseros. Choco is of the people, for the people. He started out selling cds at the Eddie Torres classes, started making t-shirts, travelled the world marketing on2 (he is the first to promote on2 tees!(mambofateegz.com) ). He then started his own bi-weekly Friday night social, which is beside the Empire State Bldg for those who happen to be on a layover flight :) Now Choco runs 4 major events a year, including the November Salsa Cruise. He has it goin on! That's why he has attracted the New Yorkers back to the congress. So things are back to normal.

Who was there? Leye, Mouaze (Paris), Gordon Neil, Griselle Ponce(Atlanta), Edie the Salsafreak, Henry Herrera, Al & Karla (Miami), Masacote, Hacha Y Machete (Boston), Eddie Torres, Adolfo & Sheila, Santo Rico, Karisma, Yamulee, Descarga Latina, Dave Paris & Zoe (New York), Ismael Otero, Mario B (NJ), Mikael Fonts (Cuba), Juan Matos & Candy (now living in Italy), Ifreestyle (Toronto), San Tropez (Montreal), Carmen Lorente (Spain), Jayson Molina and many more from Puerto Rico.

The bands were great...there were possibly too many though, considering bands play 10-minute songs...don't congress organizers get it yet? Salseros do prefer the DJ's! Nelson Gonzalez, Ocho Y Mas, La Exclencia, Ray Rodriguez, Orq Dicupe, Adalberto Santiago and Tito Allen. Wohoo!

The level of dancing was a strong intermediate generally, with on2 mambo being the dance of choice. That only makes sense since NYC is the Mecca of Mambo!

Next year, we're hoping to make a training week or even 10 days out of this congress. It's cheaper than most congresses, exciting, close to TO. Book your hotel early and get rooms for 1/2 price too!

All in all, NYC is the spot for Toronto's salsa addicts.