Something said this was going to be a night and a time to remember as omens started coming in early.
Around 4:45pm. Thursday afternoon and laden with three lattes, Super Mario was coming out of the Starbucks at Queen & Bay, steps from the Sheraton Centre and a short walk from Live@Courthouse.
"They've all arrived and I'm waking them up!" He laughed as he went on his way to the Sheraton, lattes and industrial strength caffiene in hand.
Live@Courthouse
Fast forward to 9:00pm. outside Live@Courthouse, a legendary venue whose last salsa event was Halloween 2003. Ghosts from the past? They were lined up waiting for the doors to open. Salseros lining up early in the evening? A second omen?
Getting in is an adventure all of its own. Go down a small flight of stairs, then go up one flight of stairs, then up two more flights. Not for the faint of heart, or foot. But, that first step inside is breathtaking. thirty feet overhead, a huge chandelier seemingly floats over the main floor - a huge canopy of lamps and light. Wood pathways separate marble flooring.
Once inside the lush upper chamber of what was called the Adelaide Court - Cour Adelaide, tunes spun by DJ Gio, DJ Julio, DJ MAS, DJ Nilson filled the room. The old alcove was packed with the performers and the competitors, shielded by a curtain.
A second bar, a spectacular view and a fair sized underused floor space awaited the adventerous who climbed yet another two flights of stairs. A stunning wrought iron balcony overlooked the main dance floor and the stage. That's standing on top of the world! One could be part of the action, but sparing the heat and sweat from the main floor.
Filling almost to capacity very quickly, "dance your tile" was the only way to dance without turning the place into a mosh pit. The energy from all the dancers overwhelmed one's sensibilities - a heady intoxicating brew of music, movement, touch and talk.
The Show
Almost too soon, announcements in Spanish and in English calling performers and competitors to the alcove 'backstage' came.
Anticipation and excitement stirred to a peak as the judges filed out and took their places two long tables draped with white. Jennifer sat off by stage right with the legendary Albert Torres, the 2007 Canada Salsa Congress MC and the Gala - World Salsa Championship Qualifier MC.
Jennifer Aucoin, the Canada Salsa Congress creator took the stage,
"You are allowed to make noise!"
"Yell! Applaud! Clap!"
"The performers and competitors draw on your energy!"
Toronto's own City Dance Corps Student Group brought a tango flair with their routine, the women in fiery red with men in black wearing black and white brogues.
The MAS Mambo Student Group turned up the heat and Ottawa's Salsa Fanatics kept the coals burning.
Jennifer and Giovanni's Steps/Los Salsomanos Student Group were surprising in their seemingly effortless but entertaining routine.
Caribbean Latin Groove Amateur Group kept Ottawa on the map along with the Salsa Fanatics whose performance brought cheers from the packed house.
But, it was a group of teens, Toronto's Rhythmic Fire, whose passionate mix of Tango and salsa spiced with an edgy urban/hip-hop twist turned the heat to white hot.
Almost as the last notes from the last performance echoed away, Albert Torres took the stage and the World Salsa Championship Qualifer started. The tension and anticipation in the whole venue shot right up.
The Competition
Who would win a buy into the World Salsa Championships at Orlando, Florida in December. Who would get their airfare and hotel paid? Who would get their hotel paid? Who would make it? Who would not?
"It's my second time in Toronto and I'm glad to be here," he said to the enthusiastic crowd.
"It's a pleasure expecting a great week-end! Please acknowledge the teams' first time Congress performance."
The crowd cheeded as MC Albert Torres listed all of the evening's performers.
The Heats
Then MC Albert Torres invited the On2 competitors to dance a short 1 minute 30 second heat to introduce themselves to the judges and to the crowd.
201 - Victor & Katia; 202 - David & Erin; all superb and strong, engaged in that subtle jostling for attention with flashes of the showmanship and connection they would soon express in their dance.
MC Torres also introduced the judges between each competitor's routine. The judges included some of the world's best dancers-instructors-showpeople-competitors: Billy Fajardo, Miami; Scrutineer - Katie Marlow, Miami; Tito Ortos, Puerto Rico; Burcu Hurturk, Boston; Ismael Otero, New Jersey; Sonia Kyriacou, Montreal; Paula Videla-Rodriguez, Toronto.
Toronto and Montreal were well represented on the judging panel with the respected Sonia and Paula.
The On1 competition field was crowded with five couples - outstanding dancers and showpeople: 101 - Marie-Jose & Roberto; 102 - Kim & Mo; 103 - Edgar & Victoria; 104 - Nancy & Michael; 105 - Marie Denise & Alex.
Two teams entries rounded the night's competition card: 203 - Toronto's Mambo Dream Team; and Montreal's Saltimambo.
Mambo Dream Team Surprise
The audience gasped when The Mambo Dream Team took the stage in their video game red, white and blue head-to-toe costumes. Bodies flew effortlessly and tumbled and rolled to the salsa beat in a spectacular riot of color, dance and salsa as only Pavel and Dora can create.
Between competitors, Jennifer played a classic Carol Burnett - pushing a broom/mop across the stage. The only thing missing was the kerchief.
After the last competitors cleared the stage, the crowd's pent up enegy burst on the floor with a blast of salsa.
The Winners
After 30 long long minutes, DJ Gio called the competitors to the backstage and Jennifer and MC Albert Torres caught the crowd's attention. Who would be going, who would be trying again next year?
Some of the On1 group would not advance. MC Albert announced the third place winner, Nancy & Michael. Less than a point seperated them from the second place winner Marie-Josie & Roberto. First place went to Marie-Denise & Alex of Montreal.
The On2 group would advance. Who would get their airfare covered? MC Albert Torres announced Second place - David & Erin. That meant that First place winners Victor & Katia would be competing in December at the World Salsa Championships in Orlando Florida.
MC Albert Torres closed the official part of the evening by mentioning the Saturday treat in store as he said that Jimmy Bosch is bringing his entire band to Toronto.
"Jimmy Bosche is an incredible night's of music. He is going to rock the house. He plays for the dancers!"
People danced the rest of the night away, the competition bar having been set in a big way for all of Canada to clear.
DJ Julio kindly lent SalsaTO his Canon D30 for this gallery.
