Toronto hosts two major salsa events each year: Canada Salsa Congress (Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend) and the Winter Salsa Carnival (March). Top dancers from all over the world come together for workshops, performances, and many hours of social dancing.   For someone learning on2, it can be very overwhelming.   Fortunately, there are many things you can do to get the most out of your congress experience.

Here are some general congress "how-to-do-it-right" tips for all dancers (and some extra tips for On2 dancers)

Some general tips:

1. Come with a positive attitude :) Congresses are supposed to be fun.   So help yourself have fun by smiling, meeting people, making sure you get on the dance floor etc.    Think good thoughts.   Be happy.   Spread your "happy" vibe!

2. Expect that you will be tired during and after the congress.   Plan to catch up on your sleep AFTER the congress.   Take naps when you can, but don't miss out on workshops, performances or social dancing. Congresses are usually annual events, so take advantage of a congress in your home town (save $, travel and time off).

3. If you are from out of town OR don't live close to the congress venue, book your hotel early or make arrangements to stay with a friend who lives close to the venue.   After a full day of dancing, you likely won't enjoy a long drive home at 4am!

Preparation - Dance Classes
Taking salsa classes on a regular basis is essential to your progression as a dancer.   Many of the world's most admired dancers, groove On2 (some of whom are instructors and performers, but also social dancers).   Brush up on your On2 in advance of the congress to make sure you're ready for lots of dancing.   You may have a handle on the timing and may know a few steps but classes will show you how to put it all together smoothly.   Picking up a new turn pattern or some useful lead or follow technique will also be helpful.

The Welcome Party - Thursday Night
The congress weekend often begins with a pre-party held at a local club or at the congress venue.   There will be social dancing, performances, and sometimes a salsa competition.   It's a good way to warm up for the many nights of dancing ahead.   You will get a good look at whom you will see over the weekend, and give you opportunities to start to make connections.   Start with familiar faces you recognize from class as they can introduce you to new people.

About Congress Workshops
If you are new to on2, it can be beneficial to take some workshops during the congress weekend.   Workshops are taught by local and international dancers.   You can check out the workshop schedule on the website to see which instructors are teaching on2 classes (often from New York   or Puerto Rico). Classes can include anything from turn patterns, styling, shines, body isolations, lifts and tricks, technique, and musicality.   They also range from beginner to advanced.   It's tempting to try to do all the workshops but   this can lead to "burn out" and leave you feeling tired for the night's festivities; so plan ahead! Workshops are a great way to introduce yourself to people that can be potential dance partners for you later on that night.

What to bring to a day of workshops

1. WATER!

2. Food - granola bars, fruit, cereal bars, energy bars

3. Gum/mints

4. Workshop Schedule (usually available at registration desk)

5. Deodorant Extra change of clothes

6. Towel

7. Band-aids

8. Extra pair of shoes (high heels or flats)

9. Paper & Pen

10. Video recording device (see below)

Workshop Strategy

1. Plan ahead by checking the workshop schedule and choosing the "essential" ones. Take workshops with instructors that you wouldn't normally have access to (i.e. international instructors or local instructors that you haven't had a chance to learn from yet).

2. Pack water and snacks.   Plan time to EAT in between workshops, or you'll crash and not have enough energy to make it through the evening shows and all-night dancing.

3. Bring a video recording device. While most congresses do not allow students to videotape DURING the workshop, most instructors allow you to tape the lesson at the end of the class.   If you don't have access to a camera, you can also bring a notebook and pen to write down key points that you want to remember.   Don't expect to remember everything.   Try to take down 1 or 2 tips, for example, a favourite part of a turn pattern or a particular styling move that you like.

4. Take workshops that are at your level, or find a partner with whom you can work with in case you have to go slower or would like to go faster.   It can sometimes be frustrating to take a class if your partner is at the wrong level.   

Vendors - Shoes, T-shirts, DVD's
Apart from the dancing, there will be many venders set up at the congress.   You can get your hands on items such as clothes, shoes, music and instructional DVDs.   You don't want to blow all your money but you may want to pick up an instructional DVD from one of your favourite dancers.   Normally they would have to be purchased online and usually be subject to a a shipping charge - so save yourself a couple of bucks and buy them in person.   Shoes are also often priced at a "congress discount", so it's a great time to buy!

Performances
Congresses usually have 3 or 4 nights of performances (Thursday, Friday, Saturday,Sunday).   Some larger congresses may also have an afternoon performance.   Shows typically run for about 2 hours so be sure to arrive early to get a good seat.   Unfortunately, most congress schedules do not run on time, but still arrive early just in case.   Toronto's Canada Salsa Congress has managed to consistently run on time year after year, so be early!

1. VIP seating: Many congresses offer VIP seating.   When you purchase your congress pass, you can usually upgrade your seats for an additional fee.   Check their registration page for more information.   Purchase early because VIP seating is limited.

2. Saving Seats:   If you have a group of friends going together and want to sit together, consider designating some people to get there early and reserve seats.   Be reasonable about the number of seats you try to save.   Also, the person/people who get there early are doing the group a favour, so be considerate and get there as soon as possible to claim your seat.   Once the show is about to start, your seats may be fair game to others.

3. Audience Applause:   Give them lots of love! Performers spend a lot of time and energy to prepare to entertain you.   While most performers feed off of the audience's energy, it ismore so the case for student groups and new performers, so be free with your applause and cheering!  

4. Saturday Night shows :   Saturday night performances usually showcase the congress "headliners" - some of the international and local favourites.   If you can only make it to one night of shows, this is the night to attend.   With the growth of talent from around the world, you'll often find fantastic entertainment every night of the congress.  

5. Videotaping :   At most large congresses, performances will be professionally recordedfor the congress DVD, so videotaping is usually NOT allowed.   If you do, you may find your camera confiscated or yourself thrown out of the venue.  

6. Photography:   Most congresses allow for photography, but do not permit flash photography as it can distract performers. Announcements are usually made at the start of the show.  

After-Show Social Dancing
Each night after the performances there will be dancing to DJ's and often live music continues until about 4:00 a.m. for 3 consecutive nights.   You may not make it to the end but if you get some rest beforehand, you should try to stay up as long as possible.   Be prepared for a workout by bringing hairpins, elastics, and maybe even a change of clothes. This is a great opportunity to dance with people you wouldn't normally have the opportunity, especially out-of-towners.  

1. The invitation to dance : Asking strangers to dance can be intimidating but very beneficial. Remember to be on the look out for the fellow dancers you met in the workshops earlier. Do some observing initially to get a sense of who is dancing on2.   If you see someone who may be dancing at your level, they could be a great person to practice with.   They will feel grateful to be asked.

2. Waiting to be asked to dance:   At a congress, throw any "shyness" out the window.   If you want to dance, you will most likely have to do some of the asking.   If you see someone you'd like to dance with, work up the courage to ask them.   It's just a dance. If they ask politely and don't look creepy, (and if they aren't tired from dancing), then there's a good chance that they'll say yes.

3. Getting turned down for a dance:   It happens to everyone, even the best of dancers.   There are many reasons for why someone may say no (tired, thirsty, have to go to the washroom, feet hurt...) If you've asked nicely (i.e. actually asked for a dance, not interrupted a conversation, not tried to pull someone onto the dancefloor etc.), try not to take it personally.   If someone was rude to you after a polite invitation to dance, then once again try not to take it personally. You never know what might have just happened to them.   If you ask them again later and they're rude to you again, then they probably just lost an opportunity for a great dance with you!   Move onto someone else.

4. Being asked to dance by someone who "doesn't look like they can dance": First off, looks can be deceiving. Remember that "anyone" can learn to dance salsa, and some of them don't look like they can dance.   Some of them look like they can dance but maybe not as well as you think.   Try not to look them up and down (as if you are evaluating them).   If they seem pleasant, you may want to give it a try.   It's jus a dance.   You may be passing up a dance with a great person who dances really well.  

5. "Band" songs:   You'll find that when the live band is playing, songs can last between 10 -15 minutes which can really challenge your endurance. Typical "DJ music" is 3-5 minutes long.   So, pace yourself - you may need longer breaks between songs, or only start dancing after several minutes of the song has already played.   Also, if you plan on dancing a "band" song, try to find someone with whom you already know you enjoy dancing :)

6. The 1-dance rule:   Although not an explicit rule, most people follow a 1-dance rule, i.e. that when you ask someone to dance, you dance to only one song, thank them when it's over, and move onto someone else.   Obviously this rule serves many purposes (which won't be listed here).   If you enjoy a dance with someone and would like to dance again, AND if you are certain that they are grooving with you too, then maybe ask for another dance, OR ask to save you another dance later on in the night.   This way if you both want to dance again, you can hook up again later on.

7. Who am I dancing with? :   After a great dance, you may want to ask for the person's name and where they are from.   Remember to be respectful in how you ask (try not to have "meat market" written all over you). It's nice to be able to address them by name or introduce them to your friends.   You may run into them again at another congress or salsa event.   It's one of the beauties of salsa - you meet so many people from around the world!

8. Asking a "pro" to dance: Dancing with people more advanced than you are can be a challenge but will improve your dancing immensely.   Asking a well-known dancer/instructor/performer to dance can be intimidating.   There are some "pros" who work it on the dance floor all night, and some who like to spend it socializing, catching up with other dancers.   If you'd like to dance with someone, try not to "rush/ambush them".   Try not to interrupt a conversation.   If they are out on the dance floor, that might be a better opportunity to ask for a dance.   Be warned that it can get competitive with people lined up to dance with him/her.    Remember that they need break, water etc.   Dance early in the night.

9. Carpet Dancing:   You may find people dancing on the "carpet".   Often times for lack of space on the dancefloor, to be close to a booth, or to be "seen". Whatever the reason, dancing on a carpet can be a little harder on the feet, ankles and knees than dancing on hardwood floors, especially if there are lots of spins.   Ladies, be careful, watch you heels (they might get caught on the carpet).   Guys, be gentle :)

10. Dancing On1, On2 or anytime: Most dancers from around the world who attend congress usually fall in one of these categories (although of course there are a ton others, like Cuban, Rueda, Colombian etc):

    1. On1 : Those who break on beat 1 and 5

    2. On2:   Those who break on beat 2 and 6

    3. OnAnytime:   Those who dance to any beat but not consistently on any one beat.  

If you want to dance On1 or On2, then seek out people who you've seen dance that style.   Many people dance On1 and On2, so sometimes it's a matter of asking which one they want to dance on.   If you are a follower dancing on "anytime" with a leader who can clearly lead, it can still be a fun dance.   If they are just off beat with a lead that is "still in development", then it could be a little challenging.   Try to have fun, and be thankful for the "1-song rule" :)   (see above)

When the congress is over...Start looking forward to the next one!   Hopefully, you'll have a wonderful time dancing, learning and meeting new people. Congresses are made for fun, but remember that it's up to you how much "fun" you actually have.    The congress may seem a little overwhelming at first but as long as you pace yourself, and remember to have a good time, it will be a memorable weekend.

There are congresses that take place around the world almost every weekend of the year.   Here are some links to websites that list those events:

Tosalsa.com - http://www.tosalsa.com/congresscentral/index.asp
Albert Torres events - http://www.alberttorresevents.com/home.asp
World Salsa Federation - http://www.worldsalsafederation.com/Congresses.html


Have fun!