You know, there are Events that come and go in your life and they just become
a note in your Diary…but there are some Events that have a much bigger
meaning and it becomes not only a huge mark in you Calendar and in your
Heart but one of the those that you end up talking about for a very long time.

For those people that think that A CONGRESS is not for them, because it may be
too professional, or lets say too expensive for their taste or just not "their cup
of tea"…well think again.

Three days of Non Stop Salsa and Other Workshops, Parties, Bands,
Mingling with different people from Overseas and Interstate, Shopping for
"Salsa and "other" Clothes" CDs, DVDs, Jewellery, Food, and lots more….
now you tell me? What other Event even slightly resembles something like this?
For me, and for many others - it really was "Salsa Heaven"

But the interesting thing was, that it WASN'T only for Salsa Dancers. The Shows consisted of
some numbers with Hip Hop, R&B, Flamenco, Matrix, Ballet type, Punk and all sorts of other
Themes and Music that were combined with Latin Flavours. All combined and layered out into
ONE HOT WEEKEND !
The experience that I got, the sheer "natural high", the warmth of what I love best…will remain
with me forever. But the most that I got out of this year's Congress: were the PEOPLE

I have never been to such an Event where all sorts of different people, different ages,
and from different parts of Australia and the World, were just so approachable,
being themselves, introducing themselves, dancing and just having some pure
and simple fun. Everyone was treating each other with respect, telling their
Salsa Experiences and Stories, and not afraid or "stuck up" to share their way
of teaching and opinions…mingling like they were just One Big Happy Family.
That was very cool.
Because that's what it means to be in the Salsa Scene folks…You become
part of One Big Happy Family.

I was fortunate enough to have Interviewed some amazing, but very down to
earth people, who have some incredible talents up their sleeve, and yet with
no inhibitions or no prejudice.

I was amazed at how ALEX & LEE CHI were such cool people, never restless,
never getting sick of talking to people, always with a smile and cheer…
and to think that Alex is a Fireman !!

Edie and Al were just as incredible. Edie was absolutely amazed at
our Level of Dancing in Australia and we are rated to be "up their with the
Koreans" so she says. And that's a "biggy".
When I asked her what she thought of that very sensitive issue on "Salsa &
Relationships", she was only too happy to give me her views and experiences.
Well, you'll have to pay me to get THAT INFORMATION..hahaha.,,,

Some of the Performers and Schools from Interstate were incredible.. I mean, I met a guy from
Wyoming, where they have an only school of 6 students and the guy has just been dancing for
2 weeks. He was BLOWN AWAY by the whole thing!! He wouldn't shut up and didn't let go of
my arm…He kept on telling me how amazing Salsa People were, how kind and what
amazing dancers we all were..haha. that was really funny.

But you know, it takes a lot of hard work, sweat, determination, patience, team work
and not to mention a hundred of other things, to put something like this together,
so for all those that thought it was expensive.. give me a break.
Do you have any idea what it takes to put something like this together? Well,
maybe now you do.

Thank You to all the Organizers and People involved (Marcia, Michael, Kiran, and
many others that I will forget..sorry.
FANTASTIC JOB ! I had the time of my life and it was definitely the Ultimate
Salsa Experience!

Your ever faithful Salsaholic
Branka Zeljic
" Artista Famosa " Salsa Classes