Extra Saucy Miami Salsa Congress Starts Tonight

Miami and salsa are almost interchangeable - there's hardly an ad or commentary about Miami that doesn't include a salsa soundtrack, with exclamations of "caliente!" It's a cliché, but also true: the heart of the salsa sound -- Cuban son and its Afro-Caribbean rhythmic roots -- makes Miami move to a beat unlike anywhere else in the USA.

It's no surprise then that the 10th edition of the Miami Salsa Congress is bigger than ever. This year it features over 400 national and international stars, 30 dance workshops, live concerts, and, of course, parties that last till 6 a.m., all centered at the newly gleaming Fontainebleau Resort on Miami Beach. We caught up with executive producer Rene Gueits to ask him about the 10th anniversary extravaganza.

New Times: After a decade, what differs most from the inaugural event?

Rene Gueits: The shear size of it. And more then ever locals from across Florida have taken an interest, giving the event more of an arts festival feel. This new wave of attendees adds to the international [feel] of the past decade.

Why the emphasis on the Fontainebleau?

It's the best South Beach has to offer -- and that's what we like to offer.

Have the audiences changed in 10 years?

Yes, the audience has become more diverse, with attendees traveling from as far as Japan, Australia, Europe, the Caribbean, Canada, and the United States.

Have salsa styles changed over the period?

Yes, styles and preferences are constantly evolving. The shows have become much more elaborate and exciting.

Would someone who danced salsa in the beginning days of the 1970s recognize the salsa of today?

They would definitely recognize the dance, although they would most certainly notice an evolution.

Will anything surprise us this year?

"The extraordinary compilation of talent. Over 400 performers including three nights of dance showcases, five bands and world renowned DJs, including some of the biggest names in the industry."

The 10th edition of the Miami Salsa Congress starts Wednesday and runs through Sunday. The big weekend events begin at 8 p.m. with a two-hour performance from leading salsa companies. On Friday night alone, there will be groups from D.C. , New York, Japan, Caracas, and of course Miami -- 26 performance troupes in all that night. Then the 4,000-square dance floor is opened up to all. After that, DJs and live acts take over until 3:00 p.m. There's also a Beginner Salsa Boot Camp at noon on Saturday. A closing workshop on Sunday at 4 p.m. is simply called Ladies Styling. For details on times and events for the five-day affair at the Fontainebleau Resort on Miami Beach, check the Salsa Circuit Global Events for more Miami Salsa Congress updates.

Source By Anne Tschida

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Posted in dance salsa , latin dance , Miami Salsa Congress , Miami Salsa Congress 2011 , salsa dance , salseros

Miami Salsa Congress Celebrates its 10th Anniversary, the LARGEST Latin Dance Festival on the East Coast, August 3rd Through 7th

MIAMI, July 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Annual Miami Salsa Congress celebrates its 10th Anniversary at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach on August 3 - 7, 2011. Over 4,000 event fans are expected to travel from around the world to experience what has become 'The Ultimate Summer Dance Event' featuring the biggest names in Salsa. The event includes 3 nights of performances by local and international dance companies, 30 dance workshops with world-class dance instructors, music by the industry's top DJs. Event participants can also enjoy 4 live concerts with award winning Latin orchestras, a FREE Salsa Boot-Camp for beginners, and 5 days of non-stop Salsa dancing with pool-side parties, and South Beach style after-parties until 6AM.

The 5 day festival will open with a pre-party at MIA nightclub in Downtown Miami on Wednesday, August 3rd. The official Kick-Off party will be hosted at PLAY nightclub in Miami Beach on Thursday, August 4th, featuring the headlining congress DJs and Puerto Rican orchestra, Potencia Latina. All other events including workshops, dance showcases, pool-parties and concerts will be held at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach from Friday, August 5th through Sunday, August 7th.

Featured Concerts:
FRIDAY NIGHT: Timbalive
Miami's leading orchestra in the Cuban style Salsa genre
SATURDAY NIGHT: Herman Olivera & Willy Torres
The anniversary tribute to "Salsa Dura" featuring two of the world's top Soneros, together on stage.
Herman Olivera: featured as a lead vocalist on over 40 productions to date including GRAMMY AWARDED work with the Eddie Palmieri Orchestra.
Willy Torres: a GRAMMY AWARDED vocalist and lead singer for the world-renowned Spanish Harlem Orchestra.
SUNDAY NIGHT: Edwin Bonilla Y Su Son
Edwin Bonilla: recognized as a top percussionist in the Latin music industry. Work includes multiple solo albums and tours with industry giants including: Gloria Estefan, Marc Anthony, Juan Luis Guerra, and Ricky Martin.
The Miami Salsa Congress is presented by: Salsa Lovers and The Miami Beach VCA, and sponsored in part by: FANIA,McDonalds, Casa Bikini, and Monster Energy Drink. Media passes are available for main events, workshops, backstage, show rehearsals and pool-side events including the pool-side Bikini Fashion Show sponsored by CasaBikini.com.




SOURCE Miami Salsa Congress

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Posted in Casa Bikini , Cuban style Salsa , LARGEST Latin Dance Festival , latin music , Miami Salsa Congress , The Annual Miami Salsa Congress