Since last year’s Salsa Congress, many Salseros from the DC area were engaged in extensive planning and preparation to attend this year’s event in San Juan, Puerto Rico. A wave of contagious enthusiasm swept across this community of Salseros in which scores of dancers, many whom had never attended the Congress before, were hard at work trying to find a way to make it to this year’s extravaganza. In fact, those who raved about last year’s Congress gave the event such incredible praise that one was left with the impression this was definitely an event so special it was not to be missed.

For the most part in the DC area, word of mouth gave the Congress a glowing reputation, the result of which led to a significantly increased number of people who attended this year’s event compared to the year before. According to the estimates, there seemed to be a third more people this year that gathered on this enchanted isle in the Caribbean to enjoy the best and newest traditions in music and dance.

To say this event (international in scope) was well attended is an understatement. Many delegations representing different countries from around the world attended as well as those from many cities from across the United States.

For many Salseros, planning and preparation began months ago. Many pretty women from our area spent considerable time shopping for those very special outfits (as if they needed an excuse to shop). And do not kid yourself, many caballeros were also shopping for the appropriate attire. They wanted to strike a dashing appearance, be dapper and perhaps develop a new look for themselves. Planning also involved scheduling vacation or days off from work. Possibly, baby sitting arrangements or accommodations for a pet may have had to have been made. Additional cost could have included the purchase of a new piece of luggage and film for the camera for all the pictures to be taken. And of course, as the time drew near, many already beautiful women felt a compelling need to further pamper themselves with a visit to a salon for a shampoo, manicure, facial, and pedicure. Including all other costs associated with the trip probably made the journey anything but inexpensive. Consider a registration fee of $150.00 to $300.00, airfare, hotel accommodations, a taxi to and from the airport or the cost for long-term parking at an airport facility. Additionally, meals, tips, and maybe a rental car have to be figured into the total. And of course, money would be required to pursue some of the things typically enjoyed when one becomes a tourist in another country.

Obviously, the total cost among individuals is going to vary. But for the sake of discussion let’s say the average cost was about $1,200.00. That amount certainly isn’t a king’s ransom, but it is considered a fair amount of money to a lot of people. I’ll speak for myself, $1,200.00 isn’t exactly "chump change". For me to make the trip would have required a number of sacrifices. However, on occasion money is no object when a great time and special event is being planned for to engage in something greatly enjoyed with people whose company is truly valued.

Cost wasn’t the only consideration to be addressed in making this year’s trip. Additionally, preparation to be your best on the dance floor at the Congress was of extreme importance. Many Salsa enthusiasts spent considerable time and effort in taking private lessons, seeking out a dance partner or at least others to practice with. Many Salseros spent hours practicing in front of a mirror. Not only was the focus on learning a few new steps, but a real concentration was placed on perfecting the basic footwork. This is a necessary part of the drill to facilitate incorporating new steps and turns into one's repertoire.

This event was looked forward to with a seriousness of purpose, enormous enthusiasm, and the excitement and anticipation of a great time. It is with great remorse that I was not able to make this year’s event. As luck would have it, circumstances seemed to conspire against me having any opportunity to be there. I would much rather report on the event via my own "first hand" experience. Unfortunately, the only way for me to enjoy the event was to live vicariously through the experience of others. The account I offer is based on their impressions.

Everyone I interviewed gave rave reviews regarding certain aspects of this dance extravaganza. Many first-time Congress attendees as well as those who had been there before were awe struck by the inspiring performances. The Salsa Congress stages dance exhibitions to display the best and varying styles in Salsa. One person was favorably impressed by the various interpretations of Salsa from different parts of the world. Another person noticed that people of all ages, sizes and shapes were there well represented and dancing their hearts out. To be enraptured by the excitement of the dance that stimulates the visual senses as well as the wonderful rhythm felt in body and soul was truly a remarkable experience for all.

Although this great dance spectacle was a feast for the eyes, it was the music that served as the lifeblood for this excitement that many dancers felt. Every band that played was absolutely sensational. One person described the music as infectious with the added feeling of the rhythm taking over your body. It was as though you had no control over what was happening. This great music was played by bands that left many Salseros with a feeling of being overwhelmed by these fabulous rhythms.

Apparently, the Congress also accepted the participation of young children and adolescent boys and girls to be a part of this colossal event. Although favorably viewed by most people there were those who had some reservations about it. The sensual and flirtatious character of the dance combined with some dancer's subtle and sometimes overt sexual moves makes for an awkward situation when children are present.

No mature guy wants to dance with a young teenager. A discussion ensued on this point and it was agreed that the young people at the Congress would in all probability be dancing with members of their own dance teams, families and friends. Nevertheless, a few people were not crazy about kids being there. On the other hand, the need to foster an environment in which the great traditions in music and dance can be perpetuated by the younger generation is vital. Thus, having young people enthusiastically participating was considered an encouraging sign.

Although this was a splendid affair, with all its grandeur, excitement, and magnificence, this year's event was not entirely without flaws. Purely from a dancer's point of view, some felt they did not get exactly what they paid for. A few people expressed disappointment in not having the opportunity to spend more time actually dancing. The number and length of the exhibitions limited dance time. Each day festivities began at 9pm and ended around 3am.

Another problem that further exacerbated this limited number of times to dance was the extremely crowded conditions on the dance floor. Several people claimed you were lucky if you were able to dance eight or nine times a night.

Another complaint was that some dancers with reckless abandon threw caution to the wind and did not seem to be concerned with having any consideration for others. All types of show moves were being executed on an already too crowded dance floor. Needless to say, the hazards associated with this kind of behavior can cause injury to others. A suggestion for next year's event to consider is a gentle message that could be sent to each delegation to impress upon its participants the need to be considerate of others by dancing safely. It would go a long way as an enhancement in making the dance floor more enjoyable.

A further remedy for this problem would have been the expansion of the dance floor. Apparently the size of the floor and seating arrangement was largely dictated by the needs of the exhibitions. Perhaps a different configuration designed to accommodate both Salseros who came to dance as well as those who were more interested in the shows could be provided for next year’s event.

Another area of concern was the lack of proper temperature control. The air conditioning left much to be desired. People were in some cases extremely uncomfortable. A possible remedy for this problem would be to approach the hotel management and require better management of this important and required convenience. The hotel must provide a comfortable environment. Attendees of the Salsa Congress must be satisfied. The Congress is a client of the hotel. The hotel may face the consequences of the Congress selecting a different venue for next year and the years beyond. That just might get their attention, particularly since the Congress will be around well into the future.

Others thought the classes could have been better scheduled and given better definitions for what each level entailed. May felt the skills required to take some classes were far beyond their reach. Better definitions of each level would enable Salseros to choose the appropriate class to match the proper skill level.

One other area of some dismay regarded the lack of opportunity to meet people from different places from around the world. People were looking forward to this feature. Of course the lack of space, crowded conditions, and the absence of any effort to orchestrate the social interaction of the registrants made meeting others difficult. Perhaps the use of hospitality suites at the hotel or other locations nearby would add to the experience. This in combination with increased communication on line would probably create yet another opportunity to more fully enjoy this experience in dance. In the final analysis there was general agreement by all this was an extraordinary event in many ways. But it needed some improvement to make it better for next year.

It must be stated no professional polling techniques were used in gathering the information contained in this article. No scientific methodology was used to survey the people interviewed. It was nothing more than casual conversation with a small number of people about their experiences. Thus, we may wish to take their comments with a grain of salt. Although, these were "off the cuff" remarks by a small group, I do not think it is wise to dismiss their comments entirely. Pretend for a moment that the information gathered was certified through the use of professional polling techniques used in political campaigns or in the way commercial enterprise attempts to ascertain the acceptance of a product or service in the marketplace. A report containing these remarks could be valuable in determining the future direction the Congress may choose to take. If what was said by a few dancers from this area is a representative sample, it would be prudent to examine these concerns closely and act accordingly.

Critique can be a measurement that can be used to properly evaluate the good as well as the bad. It provides information by which to look at what should be done to bring about changes for the better. If it is accepted as an evaluation, it can be used as a great tool. Just as the good news of last year resulted in more people attending the Congress this year, the opposite effect could occur next year based on the news provided by some dancers this year.

It is of great importance and in the best interest of all, particularly for the Salsa Congress management to consider the comments. Although the annual Salsa Festival is a cultural event, it can become an extremely lucrative business venture. Repeat business is as important as new business. A good business question to ask, is will last year's participants be returning for next year’s extravaganza? I am sure that will be contingent upon changes that will no doubt be made.

The general impression many Salseros have of the Congress is that the organization is experiencing growing pains. It is the sincere hope that the Congress continues for many years to come. It must be noted a very young organization is managing an event monumental in scope. This was only the third year the Congress was held. The Salsa Congress brings many people from around the world closer together, making us during this festival of dance, truly a global village. This terrific accomplishment must be fully appreciated and valued. Best of luck to our friends in Puerto Rico.