"I'm just a beginner, what can I get from a Salsa Congress. That stuff is waay too advanced for me. I can barely move on time." And a lot a beginners stay home.
This year things are looking up for the beginner dancer as the 2008 Canada Salsa Congress is running its very first Beginner Bootcamp - a congress in a congress - that aimed right at the dancer who is just starting out.
A salsa congress is an overwhelming convergence of music, world class instructors, workshops, shows and world class social dancers all in one place for three or four days. One sees and does more in three or four days than in a whole year. Some of those folks have been dancing for decades and have had training in Ballet, Jazz, Modern dance and more. For a person just starting out in salsa this can intimidate them right off the floor.
Instructor and Canada Salsa Congress creator Jennifer Aucoin has been hearing this for years as she notes, "A lot of my students say that they are too intimidated to go to a salsa congress, that they are 'not ready.' I try and explain to them that a congress is for everyone and all levels, but they don't seem to believe me! So this year [2008], I decided to put something together to cater to them."
It looks like Jennifer's program will come through for a new salsa dancer.
The Canada Salsa Congress Beginner Boot Camp is on Saturday 11 October and it runs all day from 10:30am. to 5:00pm. World class performers and instructors will be leading workshops aimed just for the beginning dancer. And there will be "Salsa Ambassadors," experienced dancers who will lead or follow with the beginners aat the end of the day social to work with the turn patterns that were taught throughout the day.
Here is the schedule.
10:30-11:25am. Footwork & Timing, on 1 w/ GoDanceMambo's Stephanie Gurnon, Toronto.
11:30am-12:25pm. Latin Dance Fundamentals On1 w/ Josie Neglia, Los Angeles.
12:30-1:00pm. Lunch Break.
1:00-1:55pm. Lunch & Learn Seminar - Dancefloor Etiquette & Nightclub Survival Guide - Jennifer Aucoin moderates with Invited Guest Speakers.
2:00-2:55pm. Simple but Deadly Moves w/ Al Liquid Silver & Karla Espinoza, Los Angeles/Miami.
3:00-3:55pm. Beginner Cha Cha w/ Dance to Live Paula & Jose, Toronto.
4:00-5:00pm. Beginner Bootcamp Salsa Social with Salsa Ambassadors & Guest DJ @ Sheraton Hall.
At the end of the day, the beginner dancer can put it all together in a relaxed friendly atmosphere with the Salsa Ambassadors during the Social.