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Salsa Crazy Worldwide Salsa Dance News, Fall 2008! The seventh SalsaCrazy Salsa Dance Video pod Cast. :) This is our 7th Worldwide SalsaCrazy Salsa Dancing podcast (Edition: 9/25/08). Did you miss our past episodes? They're VERY hot…
This video podcast covers worldwide salsa dancing news (San Francisco Bay Area salsa news on www.SalsaCrazySF.com - for local SF Bay Area salsa dancing and video podcasts, please refer to that Website, and not this one).
This is the worldwide salsa dance news Podcast that goes with the SalsaCrazy.com Website, SalsaCrazy Worldwide Salsa Dance News. Let me know what ya' think of our fourth episode, SalsaCrazy@SalsaCrazy.com!
In this Issue: New York Salsa Congress Review (wow), Canada Salsa Congress (held in Toronto), Japan Salsa Congress, Philipine Salsa Festival, SalsaBootCamp.com Learn to Salsa Dance Online is turing 2 (awww, ain't that sweet), along with the future Hawaii Salsa Festival coming in 2009, SalsaCrazy Advanced Salsa Mastery System and the Salsa Cruise, and a Crazy Vacation offer…
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And so it begins, and then it ends! It always seems to hapeen just that fast. Thursday night, opening, of the New York Salsa Congress to Sunday nights' closing party. I am not going to actually give a day by day recounting of the Congress. Frankly, too much happened, there were too many good salsa dance shows and dance troupes and musicians to be named and noted. I will, however, make this bold statement:
The New York Salsa Congress, 2008, is the world's best salsa dance congress.
Uh oh, can of worms probably with that one, but I have every intention of backing it up. I think the "crown" can change from year to year, as congresses ebb and flow, but this year, there's little doubt. The New York Salsa Congress delivers, and Choco is the man for making it happen, taking it to a new level, and producing a world class event.
As I intimated in my earlier video podcast (the next podcast will be coming out in early-ish September), there was a lot of hooplah and anticipation for this year's event. It was very well promoted, and there was a lot riding on it's success. After this years presentatio of the Los Angeles Salsa Congress, the field was wide open for a defining congress for the United States. How fitting that it should be in New York, and boy, did New York deliver. Choco seems to not only have risen to the challenge of producing a world class congress, but pretty much over-delivered in every aspect.
So, let me go through the criteria I use when evaluating a salsa congress, so you can see how I arrived at the big award decision.
Location: This plays a huge part! Not only the city, but also the location in the city, the hotel, the surroundings (including the necessity of good late night food). This is a world class city, and it was held directly in the center of things. A rarity to be sure…
The New York Salsa Congress overdelivered by holding the Congress at the Hilton hotel, directly in Midtown, blocks away from Central park and in the center of the city, with great accomodation for dancing, eating, touring, and of course, staying. A world class city, with great, central, accomodation (and for a very reasonable price). Absoultey stellar locaion, hotel, and enough of a reason to visit almost entirely on its own.
Hotel and Ballrooms: As part of above, the event is held in a lavish ballroom, with an expansive balcony which was largely empty (and I love balconies). Great stage, lighting, viewing, relaxing. Plenty of seating! Great dance floors, good sound and not too hot (yes, it was still hot, but not TOO hot). :) The hotel is a standard, large, Hilton. No elevator lines (let me repeat that for you regular congress go-ers - there were NO elevator lines).
Social Dancing, Shows and Workshops: This could easily be three different topics, and in truth, it is, but lest' my hands fall off, I decided to group them together. The social dancing was expansive! Many hours of quality social dancing. Many congresses die on this one, but NYSC delivered! Huge dance floors provided ample space, even for the wall to wall crowd. I always had room to dance.
Best of all, New York is (for the most part) about tight and controlled dancing, so rarely were you stepped on, brushed, or knocked into - even on the crowded floors. Loved that part! Really exceptional array of social dancers present, and a very multinational crowd (more on that below).
Well run, expertly MC'd, totally organized, and off the wall fantastic dance shows! Not everyone attends Congress to see the shows, but those that do, were treated to ample seating, good lighting, and good views. While there good have been huge video monitors on the sides, I did not miss their absence, as the raised stage seemed to do the trick.
Music, Sound, DJs and Bands: Again, a topic that can easily be broken up into individual subsections. However, again, the New York Salsa Congress delivered on all levels. While, at times - as most salsa congress music does, there was little variety, and many fast tunes, overall, the DJs were quite good. The music outside the congress (in the Vendors area) was often fantastic - better for some than the music inside the venue (as evidenced by the crowds of people dancing outside). However, the Dj's, one and all, did a great job - and the dancing rarely stopped.
The bands were, one and all, fantastic - but NOT necessarily for dancing as much as listening. I truly enjoyed the bands an enormous amount - they were stellar. With Saturday night's bands being the best for dancing (shorter, more danceable songs), and Sunday nights being off the wall fantastic musically. The bands all had stellar energy and musicianship. Of course, any songs over 10 minutes (or even over 6 minutes) are not ideal social dance songs, limiting your partners, and whom you choose, I enjoyed watching and listening to the bands so much that I'm not sure it mattered much to me. The DJ's, for the most part, seemed understanding of their ROLE to provide shorter, danceable, tunes - so it was a good balance.
The Crowd, the Promotion, the Attendance: This was a well promoted Congress, and again, Choco seems to have bridged many communities, and gotten not only the blessing of the city of New York (evidenced by the banners hanging from street lights around the hotel, and the Mayor's approval), but also the dance community locally and internationally. Attendance was strong, which provided a great crowd, both diverse in dance level and residence.
However, it should be noted that the dance level in New York is quite high. The floor was filled with fantastic dancers, and it was a blast for more advanced dancers specifically. I would not likely have relished being a beginner at this Congress. If you were one, and attended, let's hear from you? The beginner's I saw on the floor were having a helluva good time! My dances were exceptional, every single one.
The Vendors: Great list of vendors, with good merchandise and brisk sales through the event. Good for everyone. Nuff' said.
The Overall Professionalism: From the check in, to the timeliness of schedulue, to the smooth execution from the first day, this was a professional event which left everyone happy. No long lines, no crazy restrictions, no ludicrous rules or secret-police like security (except the video tape police, whom were a bit crazy), and no … long lines - did I already say that?! Well run.
The Fun Factor: ok, so this is a slightly more vague guage - for just how much fun you have at a Salsa Congress. My high point being the 2nd Annual Puerto Rico Salsa Congress (the most fun I've ever had at a salsa event). New York, well… it's New York. It's a fantastic place to be, Congress or not. For me, social dancing is the key to a Congress. That is why I typically go (although the right bands can be a key draw). This congress delivered, with friendly and varied crowds of dancers, great dance floors, good music, and a lot of energy!
And, for those who have followed my reviews for ten or more years, as always I'll note if I was ever turned down for a dance (hey, it's a fair gauge of friendliness right?). The answer is no. Not even once - and I was asked to dance on multiple occassions.
Tonight, it's Jimmy Bosch at Taj! Only in New York eh? Love it! Would love to hear your feedback about the event and what you thought too - leave it below - and share this review with your friends.
Congratulations to Choco and New York - world class all the way!
(SC) SalsaCrazy, Reporting live from New York City…We'll see you next year.
That's what I'd say about Eddie Palmieri's performance at LQs in New York City last night. Yes, the songs were long (for dancing), and at first, I wasn't completely awed…
The awe struck halfway during the 2nd song, where there was a horn solo that just screamed. I mean screamed. It was so freaking jamming it's hard to write about it. The kind of solo that just stops you dead in your tracks. I wasn't dancing at the time (still nursing the old injury), but when I heard that, it simply wasn't possible to stand still.
From then on - I was in seventh heaven. Great music, moving music! All around. Right after the song I saw Jimmy Bosch on stage, and it all made sense. What a screamin' performance! What a fantastic band. Wow. Really. Ya' just have GOT to love that.
LQ is a club that I go to regularly when I'm in New York, and it rarely dissapoints. Nope, the "dancer's" were not there in force (opting I'd imagine for the pre-congress party, which I attended afterwards), but the music lovers, and a few of the appreciators were there (I saw Utribe in the house, as well as DJ Miche from HK). The overall crowd was quite large (packed even). Everyone was dancing. It was awesome!
It's the kind fo show you come to New York to see. The DJ also was the best "dancer's" DJ so far, opting for some really fun, danceable tunes. All in all, freakin' outrageous, and a major turn of events from the previous night. Oh, and it was $5. How unreal is that? Sheesh!
Yes, I danced through til' closing, which was at an amazingly early 1am or so, and then made it to the Pre-Congress party at Cache which was still in full swing at 2am. Totally packed. $15, and reminiscent of a typical pre-congress party. Not to say it wasn't awesome, it was. I'm just fairly jaded on this type of thing - remember, after 15 years, I've more or less, seen it all. Yet, the energy was palpable, and the floor was filled with pretty exceptional dancers. Unfortunately, the typical "congress" music wasn't doing it for me after the brilliant music at LQ. Ah well, c'est la vie.
It was time to call it a night. An exceptional night, out salsa dancing in New York.
Salsa Dancing in New York - New York Salsa Congress, Day 2
Ok, lots of info! I write this missive from Central park, on an oh-so-comfortable bench. I think I may be the model for a couple of student artists across the way, as I sit on my rocky perch overlooking a grand city vista view, and a tiny little lake…Perfect weather too…
Last night, my second night in New York, the Salsa congress Dance festivities took place at a bar called Link Bar, but recently renamed, Side Step (as in, side step around this place perhaps). It was downtown - around 15th street and 3rd, and it was a trek from the Hilton (a fair, but nice, walk…). When I got there (early, as always, around 8pm) it was totally packed … and totally SMALL. Yep, small. As in TINY. As in, even with two rooms, this place was smaller than last nights club. Marketed as an "upscale" establishment, this place simply didn't cut it. It's not bad, just not super nice either. Dance floors were ok, and there were two of them, in two small interconnecting rooms, each with a bar, but both had spilled drinks on them (no doubt due to the standing room, wall to wall, bustling crowd).
It was just way too crowded (strangely enough, not by dancers in large part - but I may have been too early). It was also much younger than other clubs I've been to (a good thing), no doubt because of the location. After an hour or so, I just couldn't take it. I think I just wasn't in the mood for it, so I made a fateful decision to check out the other Tuesday night New York salsa club. It's on the Upper West Side (yes, believe it or not), on 72nd and Columbus, and it's using the Copa name (and following the copa Tuesday/Friday format as well).
Yet, this ain't no Copa. Not by a longshot. I can't say I've been to many worse clubs in my life, but this was pretty high up there. I think I lasted an hour there as well, my highlight running into a nice couple from Holland whom were here for Congress - giving me my single good dance of the night (yay). The music was … uninspired. The crowd, as well, especially compared to the young crowd at the last club, was an older crowd. I was likely, apart from my Holland friends, the youngest guy in the place.
That being said, I don't want to come down too hard on the place, because like any club, it's the luck of the draw, and the night, whom you run into, or whom attends. Perhaps this was just an off night (likely due to the other club's grand opening, and the salsa congress).
Both bars were very bad, for all the drinkers out there.
So, not a stellar night of dancing tonight! Ya' win some, ya' lose some.
Salsa Dancing in New York City will return, after this complete and totally useless tangent:
Taking the train from Washington DC to New York, I'm reminded about how great it is to be in a city that has a transit system. Not just any transit system mind you, but a transit system that works well on multiple levels. Excellent rail system (both intercity, and through states). Taxis everywhere. It's just easy to get around. No, the West Coast has nothing like it. New York, London and Paris lead the way. DC is good, but there's just no Western city counterpart…
Anyway, it's quite easy to hope a quick shuttle between cities, and can be cheap with some planning. Three hours after setting out, I arrived in Penn Station. After making my way to absolutely absurdly posh accomodations (which I just can't bring myself to talk about on the blog), I was off to experience a quick bite to eat in NY before the nights events.
I had only a few hours, and I just popped into a trendy looking sushi place and sat at the bar (after a 10 minute wait). Wow! It was freakin' great. Only in New York. I mean, this was some world class fish (at world class prices), but it was just so darn good. Coming from Washington DC … man, my taste buds were happy. :) But you don't want to hear about sushi do you?
So, on to the news. Yes, I'm at the New York Salsa Congess, and yes, I just experienced my first night out. Monday night mind you - not typically the grandest night of the week, but the dancers and bands was great. New Swing Sextet played, and they played well! Who DJ'd?
Um, Felipe (San Francisco Bay Area DJ)! Yes, it was hometown SF in the house as Felipe El de la Clave played to a packed Sessions 73 nightclub on the Monday night pre-pre party. Lots of fun, and it was great to see him (and also Katie was there from San Francisco as well). Felipe did a great job, and his sets of music were totally stellar. I also ran into old students, and yes… Dj Miche of the soon-to-be-famous Venetian-Macao salsa festival, which I'll cover in more detail later.
Lots of familiar faces in the house - but no more name dropping here. Just a fun, laid bad dance crowd on a Monday night, at a nice club. It left me eager to see what the rest of the week has in store. Also, the Congress book itself - a program and event guide - was really nicely done. A big, thick book, makes you really feel like your part of a well thought out, planned (and financed) event. Great job by Choco so far.
I twisted a muscle last week, doing no more than jumping rope (argh), so my dancing is gonna be a bit limited. Still, good music, and a few stellar dances is all I need to be entirely content! I found all that last night, and more. Really - salsa dancing in New York … there's something about it that is just a whole lotta fun.
My favorite - Eddie Palmieri, is actually playing on Wednesday at LQ (Latin Quarter). Not a New York Salsa Congress event, it's definitely where I'm likely to be. How cool is that? On a Wednesday, for $5 no less! Wow. Gotta love New York … It's on.
Upcoming Cool Worldwide Events: Philipine Salsa Festival, Macau Salsa and Mambo Festival. Wow, go Asia!
DanceCrazy.com Dance Instruction Videos of all types. Ballroom Dance, Salsa Dancing, Swing Dance. All types of Dancing Videos for all styles of dancers…
Well run.
