From everyone that I have spoken with over the last few months that attended the Puerto Rico Salsa Congress had nothing but great memories of that event! Apparently, it was the most successful Congresso to date and probably the most memorable for those salseros who religiously go each year... This year was also more special as it became a "Tribute to Tito Puente" and apparently the hotel was unbelievably beautiful with the pool overlooking the ocean.

Most salsaholics that have attended many of these events say that this one is usually rated as the one you should go to. Apparently, a lot of great dancers come from all over the world and it's a great way to meet old friends and make new ones.

What made it more interesting was that one of my all-time favourite latin ballroom couples, Tony Meredith and Melanie LePatin, were also in attendance and apparently danced two separate performances.

August 23, 2000

Feedback from an anonymous Salsera from the U.S. whom I met at the 2nd Bacardi West Coast Salsa Congress in LA in May, 2000!

About PR Congress... I rather tell people to go and look for themselves so they can make their own judgment ... I will happily give my opinion about it without comparing... it all depends what you goals are when you go to these events! I liked both of them... I certainly liked the way that performances were presented ... just because of the place/stage... this time in PR everyone had to look at the performances (no other choice or get there later at night!) before the bands or music started playing ...for me this is nice that way everyone can appreciate other people work/performance... it is a way of marketing each group/instructor work in a sense... for many people this is not a good idea because truly it can get tiring if performances are not that entertaining... you now what I mean?! ...but they tried to keep it short...they tried!! :-)

Angel' Tito Puente Tribute...I think it was very nice just because he put all of this together in two days I believe... it was OK! using volunteers from the congress... it was nice! ... los Rumberos and Salsa Brava were awesome as usual... and of course Papa Tambor group too....there were very good perfomances and performers ...I didn't see them all though... All bands were awesome... so, the parties were nice...

THINGS that were not to good: floor was kind of bad! and also it was TOO HOT!!! yes, that was one thing that I didn't like ventilation/air conditioning system was not good, I understand there were lots of people in there but still way TOO HOT!! ...everybody complained about it... about the floors: just two of the 4 or 5 floors they have were good for dancing, however we made it HAPPENED! ... that didn't bother much!! :-) ... We all have fun anyways! After the Congress some of us stayed around and we have the opportunity to go and see other performances in Old San Juan or perhaps go into a club and find everyone left from the Congress dancing there last day out! :-) ... I have the opportunity to dance one more time with Felipe Polanco (Yuppi!!) he remembered me from LA ...I thought that was awesome ...I liked him very much so, his style and that is very nice person... I missed NY dancers and performers, although there were some of them around anyways!! ... What I personally like the MOST in all these events is that I meet so many nice people from all over the world with the same type of interest that we may have when it comes to SALSA!! and make new friends that share so many differents experiences with you... That's one of the reason I'm happy to meet you too!! and be able to keep in touch! ...I love it!! ...

August 25, 2000 from a Toronto Salsera

The PR Congress was one of the most inspiring events of my salsa life. This was a WORLD CLASS event held at the beautiful Caribe Hilton. When I say world-class -- the level of dancing and performances was incredible. Workshop highlights for me were an excellent routine taught by Angel Ortiz that included 2 wonderful dips and lots of stylin'. Maria Torres' ladies styling was amazing.... She is currently performing on Broadway and it is easy to see why.... Addie Rodriguez from New York and Johnny Vasquez and Josie Neglia from LA were great too.

The performances were just wonderful. The Palladium stars (must be close to 60 yrs) showed us some cool footwork. LA was definitely in the house with a colour broadway-style performance and an interesting duet by Johnny & Maria. My favourite was a rumba by Melanie & Tony - it showed the next level of dancing with amazing expression through movement and divine styling. The beautiful men and women from Puerto Rico and Venezuela showed that dancing is a serious part of their world with amazing costumes and amazing moves.....

My band highlight (I missed Tito Nieves) was Jose El Canario..... An truly gifted musician who played an imaginary flute using is lips to whistle... WOW. Victor Manualle was another highlight. It did not hurt that he was is gorgeous too.....

When not gawking at some of the really great dancers (lots of body waves), I was:
1) working on dancing on 2;
2) joining a huge rueda circle lead by Salsa Lovers and the Curacao folks; or
3) joining a complicated follow the lead by Johnny Vasquez (reminisent of Dance with Me - I was wearing a long dress and could therfore not join in on the body wave on the floor move).

Overall - it was an experience of a lifetime.... It made me realize how much more I have to learn and inspired me to continue dancing on 2 and practicing more.....