Day 2 - The Party Continues

One thing all students, instructors and performers simply love doing is PARTYING
and the Congress really did allow everyone, to let their hair down at the after
parties. With an "endless dance floor" to Stands that allowed you to buy
anything from Salsa Clothes, CDs, DVDs, Health Products for more
energy (of course), Dance Shoes, Food and much much more…
why did anyone want to go home? Well some people didn't go home.
Instead they got themselves a Hotel Room at the Novotel (just next door)
so they could get some 'shut eye" just enough to keep them going the next day….
ahhh yes, the true life of a "Salsaholic".

But with Bands such as Saraguey, Club Havana Band and Barrio Salsa….and DJs such as DJ Joachim, DJ Dwight Escobar, DJ Vincent, and not to mention guests appearances from Super Mario… there was
no time to sit down. The Red Bulls and Energizer drinks were working overtime, as everyone mingled,
danced, and watched the sheer salsa energy fill the entire room. Familiar faces, new and old faces…
all blended into a true Salsa Cocktail. Some of the comments from the students were pretty eye
opening as they all agreed yet again, how the Internationals were so "down to earth" and so
"approachable" in the way that they asked Everyone for a dance. And as any student
knows, it's everyone's dream come true. My highlight of the evening? Dancing
3 times with Albert Torres!! 2 Salsa's and One Cha Cha Cha I will never forget.
Thank You Albert, for making my moment!

The Interstate Schools and Performers proved that they have come a long way and
were taken very seriously with their beautiful Costumes, Amazing Choreography and
wonderful moves. From the "Night Moves Student Team" from QLD, J.R.D.A Student
Team from WA, Dance Dynamics Student Team in VIC, La Bomba from S.A,
Salsabor from ACT, to all the International Teams from Canada, Japan, Puerto Rico,
Italy, and of course the USA… Salsa was shown as a World Wide Dance that has
captured the hearts, minds, and imagination of the World. Hacha Y Machete from
Boston USA and of course Alex Lee & Chi Le from San Francisco, USA showed us
what true professional dancing is all about. But the ones that really stole the show
were of course the Jambalaya Kids from New Zealand. The Future of Dance,
Performance and sheer Spirit of these Kids left us all breathless and screaming
for more. With the wonderful STAYZ leading the pact, these Kids ranging
from ages of 5 to 18 showed us such innocence, yet professionalism
in their act, their personalities and sheer love of Dance. An amazing
Salsa Performance by the teenagers had us all in amazement as they
performed to a 6 1/2 minute routine which was flawless, and perfect in
every way. When I spoke to some of these Kids from NZ I was amazed
at their courage, naturel ability to perform and sheer innocence in Performing.
They made us laugh, they made us cry, and they left us with a warm tingling
feeling in as only kids can do.