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Eddie Torres, known the world
over as the Mambo King, is responsible for developing a teaching technique
and terminology used by many dancers and instructors today. In a memorable
display of generosity, the Mambo King bestowed the title of "Prince
of Salsa" upon Johnny Vazquez of Los Angeles.
Johnny graciously, humbly
and with visible emotion, accepted the honor.
Johnny Vazquez and his partner
Olivia Dasso, are considered one of the best couples in their field. In
a very different choreography, both appeared on stage in Mexican "charro"
suits. The number included Johnny singing a Mexican Ranchera to taped
Mariachi music. His voice is quite good.
For the first time, a team
of international dancers was fielded to perform a tribute to Tito Puente.
Angel Ortiz of New York asked for volunteers via the Internet to participate
in the tribute. He choreographed a number to Puente's Mambo Birdland.
He called for two rehearsals during the Congress and then presented the
number. Thirty five dancers from New York, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Japan,
Sweden, Holland, Hong Kong, Italy, Guadeloupe and others performed. At
one point the males turned around to reveal tee shirts that spelled out
the name TITO PUENTE. The crowd went wild. (Angel has just announced he
will be auditioning dancers to become part of his new group Team New York.
Interested parties should contact him for details).
Registration was quick, smooth
and easy. You gave your name and were issued registration materials, a
number, and a ticket for the official Bacardi Salsa Congress tee shirt.
You then took your number to the next table and were
photographed and issued an identification badge. You then went to the
tee shirt booth to pick up the tee shirt.
Traffic flow was very controlled.
At the entrance to the ballrooms you presented your I.D., had the date
punched, and were shown to the performance ballroom. There was another
door designated for exiting. Upon leaving the area, you were marked with
a stamp visible under black light. You then returned to the entrance and
showed the stamp.
The Andy Awards are named
for Mambo Ace, Anibal Vazquez who died last year of a heart attack. This
year, four awards were given in his honor to people or entities that have
continuously supported and promoted Latin American music, especially Salsa.
The recipients, selected early this year, were percussionist and bandleader,
Tito Puente; dancer/instructor, Laura Canelias: CEO of RMM, Ralph Mercado;
the bar, El Coabey: and radio station Z 93/95.
There was more media coverage
this year than before. Lamusica.com
and Starmedia.com
were a constant presence. Lamusica.com transmitted live coverage of one
evening's staged performance. The Latin American arm of HBO was present
filming the exhibitions, bands, dancers on the floor, and interviewing
the audience.
There was a large staff with
dedicated duties and specific responsibilities. An outside company was
hired to handle registration. Other staff handled the meeting room assignments,
audiovisual, and other technical needs. A different group managed crowd
control.
As wonderful as the Bacardi
Salsa Congress 2000 was, there is still room for improvement as is the
case with any young event. The start time for the evening exhibitions
were not adhered to. The audience was kept waiting far too long. The Masters
and Mistresses of Ceremonies talked too much and on two nights, solely
in Spanish. Non Spanish speakers were lost. A full, wooden, level dance
floor is needed.
Based on the vast improvements
made this year, there is no doubt that next year's Congress will be beyond
magnificent!
NOTE: Photos Courtesy of
Fernando Lamadrid. To see complete photos visit www.justsalsa.com
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