 The 2011 DC Salsa Congress is coming this June 17-19! This is the "Can't-Miss" event for the DC/Maryland/Virginia area! we have held this party every year for the past 7 years, and we make it bigger and better each year! So what can you expect this year? New this year at the 2011 DC Salsa Congess - New Hotel - We believe in consistency, and we have held the DC Congress in the same hotel for the past 3 years. However, we have grown to the point that we have to move the party to a bigger hotel. This means more dance floor room, more party space, and more AC! This year we are proud to be at the Westin Alexandria. You know what's the same though? The price! We have negotiated the best price for you of only $119/night!
- New Artists - This year we are honored to have Terry & Cecile of Paris France teaching and performing at the 2011 DC Congress. This powerful couple has rocked stages around the world, and this will be their first time in DC!
- New DJs - Also from Paris, France, we will have DJs Phil & Madj spinning at the 2011 DC Salsa Congress. The Phil and Madj social is one of the hottest parties held in Paris, and we are going to bring you the "French Infusion", with over 30 guests already confirmed from Paris, France. Voulez-vous danseur avec moi?
- Theme Parties - Can't decide what to wear for 3 days of partying? We're going to help you. With our theme parties on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night, you will hit the party in style. Prizes for the best costumes, trivia contests, and of course, theme music. You can start shopping in 3..2..1…
- The VIP Lounge - Our VIP passholders will have access to not only priority seating, and a T-shirt included, but they will also be able to have exclusive access to the VIP lounge.
 2011 D Salsa Congress Official Hotel
FRIDAY Friday night we will kick off the 2010 DC Salsa Congress with a Red, White & Blue party. Pick one. Pick two, or go all out and wear all three colors! Trivia questions will test your knowledge of all things that are red white and blue. You will have a chance to win Salsa Mix CDs, DVDs, and more! SATURDAY Paris. Tokyo. Miami. New York. All in DC.Saturday night, Haute Couture comes to Washington DC. Where does the latest fashion come from? Paris? Tokyo? New York? Miami? We'll find out this Saturday night, because we will have guests coming from all of the above! Get ready to take on the red carpet with bright lights, glamorous smiles, and all the bling you want! We will have photographers to capture you at your finest, and pictures will be on display all night in the ballroom! This is the night to be fashion forward. Don't be afraid to take risks!  SUNDAY The fabulous 70's. Who remembers them? If you were in the middle of it then you know that they knew how to party! The Fania All-Stars had some legendary moments in the 70's, and this Sunday at the 2010 DC Salsa Congress will be the throwback night to remember!
Think bellbottoms. Think afros. Find the biggest collar you can, and then have it made bigger. Think pastels. If you can find 4" platform shoes with the goldfish in the heel, then you are getting the right idea. There are no holds barred, and the funkier you can make it the better! There will be prizes given to the top man, woman, and flowerchild with the grooviest outfit. Feel free to take on a name for the night. Here's a few suggestions: - Moonbeam
- Blanket
- Starlight
- Goldemite
- Righteous Space
- You get the idea…
ARTISTS
Born in Paris France, Terry was raised in the Guadeloupe. He has had a passion for dance since he was very young, and has excelled at many dance styles, from Hip Hop and beyond. At 19, Terry discoverd Salsa, and this marked a milestone in his life. Terry then chose to focus on Salsa, and practiced constantly. This practice led him to be recognized as the Salsa champion of Guadeloupe at the age of 23. He was then invited to teach at Isis Figaro, one of the most prestigious dance schools in Paris. It was here that he met Cecile, and they began to train together. Terry and Cecile then joined with U-tribe, one of Paris's most recognized dance companies. Born in France, Cecile is proud of her Martinique heritage. Dance has been her life, having studied everything from classical ballet to Hip Hop, Modern Jazz and Contemporary, she is able to seamlessly integrate many styles into her choreography and performances. Today, Cecile specializes in Salsa, and is well versed in it's many forms, including Casino, LA Style, and NY style. Ismael Otero, New Yorican native living in New Jersey, founder and director of the "Caribbean Soul Dancers", is also known as the Million Moves Man.Over the years, Ismael, coming from break dancing and hip hop background, has created a unique style of dance that includes complicate arm work, unusual and funny hand flips, unique turn patterns, exciting foot work and more, combined with flavor and technique. Ismael Otero's dance style is considered out of the ordinary from the traditional New York style. Shani Talmor, born and raised in Israel, has traveled worldwide presenting her sensual and sexy Salsa style. Trained in a variety of dance styles, including Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Samba and Afro-Cuban, Shani is an energetic and explosive dancer! She is world-renowned for her unique, sensuous styling and body movement on and off the dance floor. Shani has powerful stage presence and a passionate love for teaching. Melissa Rosado is one of the top international instructors and performers of NY Style Mambo “On 2.” She is an energetic and explosive dancer who is known all around the world for her unique, sexy styling and body movement on and off the dance floor, powerful stage presence, and passionate love for teaching. In addition, her humble attitude and welcoming personality is what makes her popular amongst the mambo community today. She has an ability to effortlessly follow any lead and is known to be one of the best examples and instructors of the Eddie Torres technique. A native of the island of Jamaica, Gordon Neil was born to Caribbean rhythms. It is that birthright which has bound him so closely to the dance and music of the islands. A performer from childhood, Gordon has been on stage since the age of 9, and hasn't let up since. His background and education as a dancer (which includes varied influences and genres such hip hop, modern, jazz, Afro Caribbean, tap, musical theater, contemporary, and others), has lent itself to making Gordon one the most internationally acclaimed choreographers and performers in Latin dance. Native of Puerto Rico, Julissa Cruz is no stranger to rhythm. With a 16 year educational background that includes Salsa/Mambo, Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Modern, Tap, and Musical Theatre; she is easily recognized as one of the most versatile performers/ choreographers in Latin Dance. She began her formal training in Pennsylvania, where she developed her hunger for movement with competitions in Musical Theatre and Jazz. Julissa later moved to Central FL, where the Latin dances are largely influenced by the Hispanic culture that inhibits there. She served as the director of the Salsa Heat Professional Dance Company of Orlando FL for 4 years, Choreographing and performing such memorable routines as "Fuerza Gigante" and "Mambo Herd". Shaka Gonzalez Brown is one of the most sought after instructors in the Salsa world. From Washington DC, his influence can be recognized around the globe. Shaka Brown's "Step-By-Step" Salsa series has received widespread praise - selected by BPM Tv for syndicated broadcast to millions of Canadian cable viewers. An instructor for over 10 years, Shaka has demonstrated in 20+ countries that dance workshops can be both fun and informative. From the Dominican Republic, Shakira Taveras has been performing since the age of 9. Growing up in New York City, she was constantly surrounded by Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, and more. In 2003 Shakira began teaching and performing with Tampa's Salsa Caliente, and in 2005 she joined Universal Mambo Dance Academy, directed by former Eddie Torres' dancer, Eric Baez. Shakira has performed throughout the USA, Caribbean, Russia, and Europe. In 2009 Shakira was approached to participate in the Salsa theatrical play "Migue". After over a year of grueling rehearsals, she won the role of "Melissa", the leading actress. Shakira enjoys teaching, performing, social dancing, and traveling. Darlin Garcia is the founder and artistic director of Art In Motion Latin Dancers. Born in the Dominican Republic, this energetic dancer, performer, and instructor has gained recognition as one of the top male salsa dancers in the Philadelphia area. With over nine years of experience, Darlin Garcia has danced and performed locally, nationally and internationally in countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Japan. Eric Baez, Bronx, New York-born director, choreographer and performer, officially opened Universal Mambo Dance Academy on January 2, 2005 in Orlando, Florida. Eric has traveled world-wide to Asia, Europe, Canada, and throughout the United States to perform and to instruct workshops for dancers, thus sharing his unique flavor. Eric first studied as a student for two years, then excelled for four years on the professional team with the famous Mambo King and Queen, Eddie and Maria Torres. From Miami, Florida, Karibe Dance Studio is teaching the world to dance one step at a time.Whether you are looking to learn to dance for fun or to become a professional, Karibe Dance Studio is the place. Their easy to learn techniques and fun and inviting environment are designed to help you achieve your goal as fast and easy as possible.While Karibe Dance Studios specializes in Salsa, they also offer Belly dance classes, Latin Cardio, and Ballet. Please give us an opportunity to be part of your dance journey. Visitwww.SalsaKaribe.com for more information! Benjamin Cartagena and Jessica Alicea are no strangers to dance. Born in Puerto Rico and with an 8 year educational background that includes Salsa/Mambo, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Capoeira, and etc; they are easily recognized as one of the most versatile performers/ choreographers in Latin Dance. Jennifer “Mambonita “ Campos has been dancing since 1999. Her unique style & charisma, along with her endless passion and love for dance has made her one of the most sought after Instructors in Florida. Jennifer has also performed for major artists including the Gypsy Kings and Will Smith. Her unique fusion of her two loves, salsa and belly dance has created a style that is sexy, fun, and distinctive. Norberto “Betto” Herrera is originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador. Betto’s love for dance started at a young age, as he constantly searched for new moves and ways of improving his dancing. His love for dance includes all genres from salsa/mambo, cumbia, and quebradita, to ballroom, jazz, ballet and tango. Mouaze Konaté est reconnu comme l'un des plus grands représentants de la salsa en France. Personnage charismatique et médiatique, showman par excellence, chorégraphe de grand talent, son style, sa technique et sa pédagogie unique,attire de plus en plus les passionnés de cette magnifique danse qu'est la Salsa. Born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Luz Rodriguez has traveled the world teaching, performing, and dancing. As a former principal dancer and instructor of the ClaveKazi Dance Company, she has competed and performed with Shaka Brown at events around the world including the NY Salsa Congress, Salsorro, Venezuela Salsa Open, Flava Invasion, DC Salsa Congress, Chicago Salsa Congress, Curaçao Salsa Tour, UK Salsa Congress, Vancouver Salsa Masquerade Ball, iMambo TV Extreme Salsa Japan and more. DJs The DC Congress is proud to again have Genier Bruno as the Master of Music for the 2011 Congress. Known as "El Unico" has been a fixture in the Washington DC salsa scene since 1996. Born in El Barrio, NYC and raised in the Boogie-Down Bronx, Bruno carries the pulse and vibrant rhythm of his music in his veins. Originally a performance poet Bruno has been present at some of the greatest salsa performances and has seen in persons some of the legendary salseros such as Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, Machito, Ismael Rivera, Ismael Miranda, Willie Colon, Hector LaVoe, Eddie Palmieri, Manny Oquendo, Andy Montanez, Pellin Rodriguez, Willie Rosario, Roberto Roena, Santiago Cerron, Ray Barretto, Bobby Valentin, and more. Sweat, butterflies, anxiety, and sweaty palms…
If you are a DJ then you know exactly what DJ Jose Rodriguez is making
a reference to.
Salsa, Salsa and more Salsa, is what people know him for today. Being
a music lover has helped Jose continue to broaden his DJ experience
by participating in more events worldwide that include music from all
cultures not just his own. Jose’s love of music as well as its origin
and history has motivated him to compile an extensive collection of
music which dates back to the early 1940’s. When they met in Paris in 2005, Phil and Madj were salsa addicts, going to many congresses and festivals across Europe. Their common passion for this music would soon take them to the turntables ... They had a few DJ experiences separately, especially alongside Juan Pablo "El Cuco de la Salsa" or DJ Willy but the story really began when they had the opportunity to play together at "Les Etoiles" ("The Stars"), a legendary salsa place in Paris where artists like Yuri Buenaventura or Johnny Sedes had played, but also famous DJs Gabriel and Willy. DJ Renzo (Lorenzo Haire) started to deejay roughly 3 years ago shortly after he moved to Washington D.C. He became a DJ by pure happenstance. Being an avid music lover, having grown up with a Latin music influence and having a plentiful collection of music it only made sense when DJ Vino asked him to fill in for him while he was away - and, as they say, the rest it
history. Renzo has quickly risen to the ranks of one of the areas top salsa DJs. |
