A vacation on the ocean, having fun with friends, doing something you all love to do - salsa! And, learning from the best salsa dancers in the world. What more can you ask for?
This year's Puerto Rico Salsa Congress in a word was, 'Inspiring!'
The congress was smaller than last year and was more comfortable. The workshops were not such a zoo. However, last year, there was a larger selection and variety of workshops. From a learning perspective, I found last year's workshop schedule more enlightening.
Our group stayed at the Wyndham El San Juan Hotel and Casino at Carolina, Puerto Rico, just east of San Juan, the capital.
I had a great time rooming with my wonderful girlfriends. They are accomplished dancers, bright, energetic, terrifically funny and we shared an additional common bond - fashion! Getting dressed and accessorized for certain events was an event in itself!
Shopping always seemed available. Every day in the hall outside the grand ballroom during workshop hours, there was a small collection of vendors selling salsa wares. Choco is well known for his logo t-shirts and boy pant undies. Mine are pink and say 'On 2' on the butt. I also visited the shoe lady.
Workshops Were Fun.
Angel Martinez taught his Partnering On 2 Intermediate workshop speaking 100% Spanish. My Spanish is extremely minimal, but I realized very quickly that actions speak louder than words and was able to follow along with ease.
Frankie Martinez and his Open Shines On 2 workshop was my favourite. I love watching him dance. He is magnificent - like a Latin Michael Jackson. He is also one of the most talented and enjoyable instructors I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. He breaks down the turn patterns excellently and explains with an awesome sense of humour. Frankie will be at the Canada Congress this year - take it from me - this is an instructor you don't want to miss.
Nelson Flores and Jennifer's Partnering On 2 Advanced workshop moved along very quickly as it was billed - this class was for advanced people. I heard someone at the Congress say that Nelson Flores is his favourite dancer because he dances like a man. I watched Nelson later that evening and understood what they meant - basic dancing without styling, if you will.
Laura Canellias' Cardio Salsa workshop consisted of mambo, cha cha and meringue shines. Laura is LA's First Lady of Salsa. She seems like a very fun person! I really enjoyed this class and got a good workout as well.
The Palladium Mambo Legends Cha Cha Intermediate workshop was fun. These two legends showed us some fun and playful cha cha moves. Their two evening performances were very entertaining and energetic for a couple of old timers. I actually remembered one of the patterns from the workshop and have used it a few times on the dance floor.
The Nightly Shows - Outstanding!
The Congress featured five nights of shows and they were superb. I saw all the shows except for one evening. The shows were in a large air-conditioned tent set up in a parking lot next to the hotel. The nightly dance party was in the grand ballroom.
They would start at around 9pm, which was always about an hour late. The shows were not unbearably long this year compared to last year, so there were no severe cases of numb bum! After the show we would head to our rooms to get dressed for the dance party in the Grand Ballroom, which started at midnight.
I repeat, a fashion festival was at its finest in our room. Hair, make-up, jewellery, belts, shoes, skirts, tops, sexy pants - a veritable department store complete with personal styling services flourished almost every night!
Saving a seat for the show was an art form. Guys and gals had to get there early to get a good seat. In the past I have used shoes and handbags in true style queen fashion. This year, a pack of gum, plus various other items dumped out of my purse worked well. Another night, our friend Roland simply stood guard over two rows - bouncer style. One person packed a long skinny scarf and held a whole row. Next time I'll do that.
While waiting for the shows to start, we would take our good group shot pictures and yak! Being with a group of friends helped to while the time away.
Show Performances
Eddie Torres was phenomenal in his performance with his even more phenomenal daughter. He is an older man with a remarkable salsa resume. Eddie has lost 100 pounds since last year! Still wears a toupee, though. I believe Eddie Torres is responsible for creating and naming all the shines that we learn.
Sonia & Moris from Montreal competed in the semi finals. Unfortunately they didn't make it through to the finals despite performing a clean and super energetic performance. They sure are a beautiful looking couple.
Edie the Salsa Freak and Al "Liquid Silver" Espinoza were breathtaking. Al was a gold cowboy/robot and he absolutely nailed his performance. It was the most talked about number of all of the shows. Entertainment at its best!
Tito & Tamara are a beautiful couple and two of the most wonderful salsa dancers. Last year their number was funkier - which they also do well. Jen was saying that Tito is a national treasure in Puerto Rico. Don't miss them at the Canada Congress. They are wonderful - one of my personal favourites.
The Swing Guys Italia put on a fun, innovative, creative and unique number. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed it.
Nightly Dance Parties
The nightly dance parties had unbelievable social dancing. It was a treat just to watch, definitely inspiring. Some of the dancers are incredible. The dance floor was packed every night. The room overflowed into the foyer and people would be dancing between the tables or in the foyer. Around the dance floor was swanky table seating. It was like being at the Tropicana. You could sit and listen to the band or dance.
They started at midnight and would go to 4:30 or 5:00 in the morning. You could dance all night or, you could go to the Havana Club or Shots for more dancing until breakfast! Some people were doing a beach walk and hot tub at 6:00am after the dancing!
The live bands were high calibre. El Grand Combo was excellent - fun to watch as well. The dancing music played by the bands was very good, not a lot of the 'racing' or 'too fast' music we get in Toronto.
There were a lot of On 2 dancers. If you wanted to keep busy dancing, ideally a woman should be asking a man. Men would hold up one or two fingers to ask what you would prefer to dance - On 1 or 2. I believe if you want to travel and dance, it would be a good idea to get up to snuff with dancing On 2.
I danced with men from Switzerland, Italy and God knows where. The Japanese were also well represented. I noticed that no matter where we were from on the planet, we all knew the same salsa dance moves - remarkable.
Music & Dancing
The music piped out at the pool and at the dances was at the most perfect pace. You don't feel frantic and you can complete the move or the styling properly. DJs in Toronto play the racing stuff because they believe it energizes the crowd which in turn make themselves feel as if they are successful at their job. According to Jennifer, the DJs here have the same 'not so fast paced' music they have in Puerto Rico. They just don't play it. I think it's time we speak up and let the DJs know how we feel.
Some of the outfits were fun to see. Some women really gussied up. Some outfits were tight, some were too tight and some were like Halloween costumes. There is a fine line between sexy and not at all sexy. I believe the Latin culture equates sexiness with how much skin is exposed. Of course it is easy to get into 'naked' mode in Puerto Rico given the climate.
What is a vacation without shopping?
Jennifer organized a shopping night for us, seven women with cash and credit cards, at the Plaza Santa Carolina, a true Puerto Rican Mall.
We had three hours, 'On your mark, get set, shop!'
There were too many stores and we rushed to cover them all. At 9pm we met in the food court, ate dinner and pulled our purchases out of the bags to show each other. We all did very well! I want you all to know that I am not a big fan of shopping, but this was fun!
My favourite restaurant was El Jibarito in Old San Juan.
My favourite meal in Puerto Rico was grouper with rice and beans and plaintains at El Jibarito. No menus at this place - the waiter simply tells you what they have.
And, my favourite coffee, the stuff they provided in the room every day was Alto Grande. This is the 'Puerto Rican' Blue Mountain.
Other yummy recommendations include Parcha - passion fruit juice. Parcha is available in every restaurant, bar and in cartons in the grocery store. Natural, fresh and delicious, try it with rum.
On the beach - visit the sorbet vendor with three flavours, Pina, Parcha and Coco. US$2.00. Absolutely delicious!
Click here for map of Puerto Rico.
