Sunday Surprise

Sunday is that sort of awkward night. People are almost dead on their feet or in their seats, spent from three days of dancing, and two full days or workshops and excitement and friends. They want it to end, but they don't. The energy, the excitement is just too intense. The performers are relaxed after a tight Friday. Sunday, Oh Sunday.

Jennifer let some of this out when she said, "For two weeks before, I keep saying 'I hope it's over.' But, on Sunday night, I don't want it to end."

Congresses don't just happen, people work to make them happen. And, just before the last act, Tito & Tamera, Jennifer took time to introduce and thank the volunteer team that made the Congress possible.

A skirt-clad David Melendez got into the act for the big draw with a few shakes from his moneymaker. How much do you want to pay Toronto to take the picture down Dave?

And, Toronto's Latin Energy Kids opened the show with a very sensual salsa.

An elegant Sabor Dance Company couple's playful routine relaxed the crowd.

Chess Chaos

Mambo Mosiac's live chess game caught everyone by surprise. Dancers as Knights prancing, as pawns walking, and opposite kings and queens glaring at each other filled the stage. What was the next move?

When the players moving the pieces at the board fell asleep, the dancers, especially the Black King took over the board and mayhem ensued. When the player awoke, the Black King whispered moves into her ear. The pieces/dancers took the game! And the Black King and elegant White Queen stole the show!

Montreal came back on the stage with Bailadores, and then Chilital put old Cuban back into Salsa.

David Melendez announced that Dave Paris and Zoe would be doing another lift and aerial routine, a sort of Cirque de Soleil: Redux. Now, those who know Dave Paris, know that he normally does only one routine per Congress week-end. So, what gives? But Hey! This is Sunday night, performers are more relaxed and well, stranger things have happened. Yeah....

Sunday Surprise

Melendez' words barely echoed when Victor and Ismael literally tumbled onto the stage dressed in pieces and bits of costumes, Victor looking like a rounder version of Hercules flexing his guns and all! Marx Brothers watch out! From guilding their lilies and 'stealing' pieces of Dave Paris' costume - Zoe's was far too small for these Trocaderos - to filching a few of his moves, the game was on.

After hearing his music coming from the stage, a smiling Dave Paris poked his head out a few minutes later, and with a "what the @#$.." look in his eyes, showed them how. Boy! Did he show the Dance of Elephants how to twinkle toe.

Even Teeny tiny Zoe came out and carried Victor into the air.

NYC and Puerto Rico scorched the stage and Montreal's Saltimambo's student group came out.

Toronto took the stage again with Los Salsamanos putting more heat on the stage. Then...

Rhythmic Fire took salsa into Hip Hop with the full stage version of their Thursday Pre-Party Show. Al Espinoza could barely contain himself as he cheered these edgy young people on from the front row!

To make up for his lost music and luggage, Al and Karla promised three shows for 2007.

Hey Al! We're a waitin on ya!

Salsa's Puerto Riccan roots got a wonderful send-off as Tito and Tamera closed the Sunday 2006 Canada Salsa Congress Show.