What Is a Salsa Congress or Dance Festival?

It always starts with that very first step: You finally have the courage to take your first Salsa class.  

Initially, the goal is just to learn a few steps so you can dance while everyone else sits down during that same, tired three-song Salsa set that’s played at every single DJed function you’ve ever been to in your life (let’s be honest, we all know which ones they are). Plus, hey, you can also get a slight workout and stay in shape. 

Before long, though, you quickly realize that dance class has become a way of life for you. Suddenly there are more than just those three Salsa songs in existence, and in fact there are countless different artists you’re hungry to learn about. Soon you find yourself counting the minutes until you can leave work and jump right into full dance mode. With consistent practice, you’ve now graduated to the advanced beginner level, and at this point that one class a week is no longer enough to satisfy your dance itch.  

And then it happens: You finally see your first-ever Salsa Congress flyer. 

…which begs the question: What is a Salsa Congress?

Many of us tend to think of the word in the commonly-used political sense, but a quick glance at Dictionary.com also reveals the following definition: “Congress: (noun) [kong-gris] The act of coming together; an encounter; meeting.”

With this description in mind, a Salsa Congress or festival is an event that provides classes, shows, and social dancing—usually over the course of an entire weekend. As noted in the definition above, these festivals truly do bring together people from all places, ages, and backgrounds, all for a love of the universal language of dance. Typically these festivals offer anywhere from 20-60 different workshops led by various dance instructors, some of whom are local, while others are attending the event from out of town. Some congresses even bring in international artists, giving participants a special opportunity to take a class with an artist they would not otherwise have access to.

Once the evening rolls around, performances typically start between 8-9pm, with each show (a mix of solos, couples, and team performances) typically lasting between 2-4 minutes. The shows also vary in skill level, ranging from student and amateur shows, to headliners and professionals who close out the evening with a bang. 

Another exciting feature at some (but not all) Salsa Festivals is dance competitions, which afford dancers the opportunity to put their skills to the test on the most technical of levels. Competition also features a wide range of categories and experience levels, making it accessible to all dancers. The competitors are all vying to walk away a coveted trophy or medal at the end. 

Last, but not least, social dancing begins after the performances and usually goes on until 2-4am. Some events such as Tri-State Dance Fest even have an have an afterparty that goes until 6am. You’ll have your choice between multiple rooms such as Salsa, Bachata, Timba, Kizomba, Zouk, Hip Hop, Old School, Hustle, and even a kids’ room. This allows attendees to roam freely between different styles of dance. Socials sometimes also feature live bands, which can range from local groups playing covers, to popular headliners such as Oscar De Leon or Victor Manuelle.    

Want to stock up on your dance gear? There will also be vendors that sell various dance-related products and services, catering to both guests and performers alike. You’ll see brands like Gfranco or Burju for dance shoes, MiCuerpo Fashion for bodysuits and dresses, or Glo for affordable rhinestones that give your costumes that extra sparkle. It’s also common to see massage therapists or even nurses providing liquid IV hydration. The list goes on. 

Some festivals have special elements; for instance, in 2022 the New York International Salsa Congress offered an exhibit put together by the International Salsa Museum. This exhibit gave guests a unique experience by highlighting the history of salsa in New York City.

At the end of the day, whether you’re a beginner or a professional, enjoy classes or shows, or just want to have a fantastic time, the consensus is clear: Now that you’ve caught the dance bug, a salsa congress is something you absolutely need to experience. 

And just as with that very first Salsa class, don’t be afraid to just take a leap of faith and embark on a whole new chapter of the journey. 

Tell us… what was your first Salsa Congress like? If you haven’t been to one yet, what aspect are you most excited to experience?