“… Everybody else in the world or the country basically we’re saying that San Diego didn’t have a big enough salsa scene. And so my husband and I set out to prove them wrong, and prove them wrong we did.” - Tulane Rivera.
2007 marked the return of the large format event to San Diego with the 1st annual San Diego Salsa Festival. Others can add more insight, but the last large event in the beautiful city was held in 2005 (San Diego Congress). The quote from Tulane Rivera is in regards to the growing salsa community. That very community created the demand, and Angel and Tulane Rivera from A Time To Dance Studio (with Albert Torres Productions) helped fill the need. The married couple talked about their salsa experiences outside California, having themselves traveled to different parts of Europe and Asia. “Getting out of your bubble … seeing another world” - Angel Rivera. So they focused on securing a few key performers (and instructors) outside of their area, including Hacha y Machete, Tito and Tamara and Jayson Molina from Puerto Rico. Additionally, the promoters also talked about the level of dancing in San Diego increasing dramatically, and that locals aren’t necessarily looking at L.A. anymore for its trends.
While I wasn’t able to attend any classes, (from what I understand) the workshops were quite successful, with full passes almost selling out due to lack of physical workshop space. Of course, you could not have a San Diego event without its incredible local talent such as Majesty in Motion, Iran Castillo, Mario and Sarai, Salsa Divas, Juan and Susie, etc.
I was only able to attend the Saturday night party, and wish I could have extended my stay. When one’s camcorder lens instantly *fogs up* after immediately entering the main dance ballroom, one can make some simple observations - 1) There’s too many people dancing and 2) There’s not enough air conditioning and 3) the venue is too small. The venue was fairly large, and there was a massive amount of people social dancing filling the room up to capacity. Great turnout? You betcha. I also saw a few out of town social dancers from places such as NJ, NY, and Florida. The future looks bright for the 2008 festival, also in late September.
Well, I know I haven’t written anything in a long time (you will not believe what my non-salsa has been up to), but time for an update. So, it happens that this month we have a double killer congress. First, we have the New York City Salsa Congress 2007 and the first ever (and super fun) San Diego Salsa Festival 2007. I am really looking forward to seeing some of the great dancers from all over the US (and World) to perform and social dance in San Diego. I think it is great for me, since this time I don’t have to pay for a hotel and can drive from my apartment to the venue easily…… I wonder where the addicted2salsa after party will at this year?
[UPDATE]
OFFICIAL PRE-PARTY
Thursday September 20, 2007
8:30 - 2am
SKIES LOUNGE (Four Points Sheraton)
$10.00 Cover
Free Lesson at 8:30pm
World Famous “SUPER DJ ROBBY” From L.A. will be playing the best: Salsa, Cha
Cha, & Bachata to kick the party off!
Well, I haven’t been this excited since coconut shreds started coming covered in chocolate. The 1st San Diego Salsa Festival 2007. ’nuff said. This event is going to rock and kick some serious butt. It is the first big event in partnership with Albert Torres that will be held in San Diego, CA. Home of (me) the new addicted2salsa.com guy. This event is also in conjunction with one of the most influential dance instructors in the San Diego area : Angel and Tulane Rivera
Now, while it has always been a dream of mine to teach at a salas congress, I won’t be teaching here (hopefully in the future..). However, Albert and Angel have lined up some of the best dance instructors from around the country to attend, perform and instruct. I think that while the West Coast Salsa Congress (LA Salsa Congress) for now is the biggest congress - I think San Diego has a great opportunity to leave its mark and be the second largest! If you are or aren’t coming to this event, still support the festival by checking out the event website and spread the word. If you have decided to come, let me know because we are planning to host some addicted2salsa social events - just like LA congress but now - with home court advantage!
The event is on September 21-23rd 2007 at the Four Points Sheraton. Buy you tickets, because I am getting word that this event might sell out. For more information check out the website or contact info@sandiegosalsafestival.com.
Here is a favorite video of mine of watching Angel and Pauline “Flare” dance.
“… Everybody else in the world or the country basically we’re saying that San Diego didn’t have a big enough salsa scene. And so my husband and I set out to prove them wrong, and prove them wrong we did.” - Tulane Rivera.
“Getting out of your bubble … seeing another world” - Angel Rivera. So they focused on securing a few key performers (and instructors) outside of their area, including Hacha y Machete, Tito and Tamara and Jayson Molina from Puerto Rico. Additionally, the promoters also talked about the level of dancing in San Diego increasing dramatically, and that locals aren’t necessarily looking at L.A. anymore for its trends.
While I wasn’t able to attend any classes, (from what I understand) the workshops were quite successful, with full passes almost selling out due to lack of physical workshop space. Of course, you could not have a San Diego event without its incredible local talent such as Majesty in Motion, Iran Castillo, Mario and Sarai, Salsa Divas, Juan and Susie, etc.
I was only able to attend the Saturday night party, and wish I could have extended my stay. When one’s camcorder lens instantly *fogs up* after immediately entering the main dance ballroom, one can make some simple observations - 1) There’s too many people dancing and 2) There’s not enough air conditioning and 3) the venue is too small. The venue was fairly large, and there was a massive amount of people social dancing filling the room up to capacity. Great turnout? You betcha. I also saw a few out of town social dancers from places such as NJ, NY, and Florida. The future looks bright for the 2008 festival, also in late September.
