British Salsa Congress 2003
Seriously Salsa, producers of Europe's largest salsa festival, are bringing the
best of British and International performers together for an unparalleled
weekend of salsa shows, workshops and dancing.
Grupo X and Jimmy Bosch
Jimmy Bosch, one of New York's premier band leaders, and first class trombonist.
Nancy Ortiz and Leon Rose!!!
Neither of whom need any introduction, are performing together for the first
time anywhere in the world. Not to be missed!
Yamulee
First time performing in the UK, director Osmar Perrones, ex Santo Rico dancer.
This awesome new troupe, one of the hottest new properties in New York,
performing their UK debut at The British.
Griselle Ponce's new troupe
Again, a UK debut for a phenomenal troupe lead by none other than Caribbean
Soul's Griselle Ponce.
Fogarate Dance Project
Debut Performances by another brand new troupe from the US, lead by one of the
Mambo world's finest dancers Juan Matos. The first UK appearance for this
troupe.
All of this, plus world debut shows from other international performers such as Caribbean Soul, The CoboBrothers and many many more.
I'm here with Tony and Colette of Seriously Salsa, talking about their upcoming
event - The Second British Salsa Congress. This is the second Salsa Congress
you have organised. Perhaps you could start by telling us something about the
first one?
The first british salsa congress was a vision that we both shared some 2
years earlier. It took that time to plan, research the world's best
performers and teachers, and put together the largest salsa congress in
europe.
And what were the highlights of the first Congress for you?
Undoubtably for me, the first night at about midnight, when i got into the
main party room, to see 2000 people dancing in one room, from over 18
countries was for me an emotional experience. It had been two years of
incredibly hard work, but that moment made it all worth while. Other
highlights included the shows, the atmosphere in the skyline pavillion
(chill out area for guests), and of course, coaches home... Sleep at last!!!
Well that sounds like it was an amazing event. What are you going to be doing
this year to top it?
Debut shows from world class performers. There are a few incredible new
troupes just formed in the US and UK of course. Troupes like Yamulee and
Fogarate will be making their UK debuts. These guys rock! And of course,
lets not forget Jimmy Bosch, band leader and trombonist from NY will be
appearing with Grupo X. Don't know how we'll top that next year.
Can you tell us anything about the "Salsa Idol" event or is it all a big
secret?
An interactive experience, lots of people have fed back that they would love
the opportunity to get on stage in a low pressure enviroment. So... some of
the best choreographers in salsa (Ismael Otero, Emma Moore, Juan Matos etc)
will be guiding some participants into putting together a short piece to
perform on the last night. The piece will ultimately be down to the
performers, but these guys will give some structure to the piece.
Well, thank you for your time. I'm guessing that you must be quite busy now
that the Congress is so close, so I'll finish there.
Milton Cobo |
James Cobo |
Nancy Ortiz (with Eddie Torres)
Hacha Y Machete |
Hacha Y Machete |
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