|
The New York Congress, 2005
When I find the time,
I do write-ups of virtually every Salsa event I attend. I do it as a
token of my appreciation for inviting me to teach and perform at their event.
[FLUFF SECTION:] This year, the New York Congress proved to be the best it’s ever been. The performances were on stage in the main ballroom of the Hilton Hotel, right in the center of Manhattan, just minutes from Times Square. There was plenty of food to eat, both inside the hotel and outside on the streets of downtown Manhattan. To celebrate the Labor Day weekend, the city of Manhattan closed down the street in front of the Hilton to make room for food and clothing vendors selling their wares. It was part of the Brazilian Parade that is held every year. There were all types of bargains. I got a killer pair of $400-looking sunglasses for only $5! What is so perfect about the New York Salsa Congress is that Times Square is only three blocks away, the fair goes on just outside, it’s held at the prestigious “Hilton Hotel”, and everything, from the workshops to the performances, to where we sleep, is in ONE LOCATION. You don’t have to take a shuttle bus to and from the Congress! Another unique thing about this event is that David Melendez coordinated a Hustle event on the same floor as the Salsa event…. For the same price! This was a fantastic opportunity for both Salseros and Hustle dancers to exchange ideas, take each others classes, and try SOMETHING DIFFERENT for a change! I had a blast going back and forth between the Salsa and the Hustle room. I felt like I was at two events, and I DIDN’T EVEN HAVE TO CATCH A CAB!!! Hustle dancers are so nice, and so much fun to be around! Each one of the guys helped me coordinate my steps and were very PATIENT with helping me learn to Hustle! IT WAS AWESOME!! The workshops were given by some of the top Salsa instructors in the world. I taught the “Ten Deadly Sins of Lead and Follow” class, and my “World Famous Spins” class with my new dance partner Henry Herrera of Salsa Racing Dance Studios in Miami, Florida. Henry taught Cuban Style and Casino classes that were some of the most fun I’ve ever had. It’s fabulous learning new styles of Salsa and keeping the blade sharp. In the evenings, the social dancing was to die for! New York dancers are the best. They dance with such style and grace. I feel so elegant when I’m in New York! The dance floor was excellent. It wasn’t too slippery, and it wasn’t too sticky – it was just perfect. There was plenty of room to dance, and it was not very hot. The temperature of the entire place was excellent – considering the event is held in the middle of August! The performance were held in both the afternoon and evening. There were many kids performances, which was one of the highlights of the event. [INTERESTING SECTION:]The New York Congress was at the tail-end of the Hurricane Katrina disaster. The most impressive part of this Congress had nothing to do with the social dancing, workshops, performances, nor floor. It had to do with the amount of support that the people of this community gave for two instructors who lost everything in New Orleans – Troy and Georgette Anthony. On Friday night, Troy made the horrible announcement that he and his wife no longer had a home to go back to, and didn’t know what they would do, or where they would live. It was such an emotional speech, that the entire audience came forward and started giving whatever they could to help Troy and Georgette get back on their feet. Troy could no longer hide his emotions. He joined hands with Georgette and David with gratitude to everyone for their love and support. [MAKES YOU "THINK" SECTION:]Now THAT is why we dance. We all need a sense of belonging, and a sense of community. When times get tough we support each other with love and commitment. As dancers, we celebrate life by holding hands, and holding each other. We, as dancers, choose to celebrate life with dance. [PUT YOURSELF IN THEIR SHOES SECTION:]Thank God Troy and Georgette survived the terror of Hurricane Katrina. Their strength was catapulted that night to new hopes, new dreams, and new goals, thanks to the love and support of Salseros at the New York Congress. [NOW WHY DIDN'T YOU THINK OF THIS SECTION:]SalsaFreak.com and SalsaWeb.com is currently holding a raffle to help support Troy and Georgette start a new life. Click on www.SalsaWeb.com or www.SalsaFreak.com to donate for their cause. Each week Edie will announce a new winner who will win one of her Instructional Salsa DVDs. [YES, I GIVE OUT MY PERSONAL CELL PHONE NUMBER ONLINE SO PEOPLE KNOW I'M FOR REAL:] Should you have any questions, or wish to make a donation over the phone, contact Edie, The Salsa FREAK at (305) 588-9130. www.SalsaWeb.com www.SalsaFreak.com
-
Happy Dancing! |
|