how to prepare for a Salsa congress????

S

smiling28

Moderator
Hi,

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited. My first ever Salsa congress in October (Singapore SISF). REALLY looking forward to it.


instructors such as:

Albert Torres
Hacha Y Machete .
Bill Fajardo and Katie Marlow
Alex Diaz
Junior and Emily
Super Mario
Susana Montero
Leon Rose
Jamie Jesus & Little Liz (aus)
BOBBY DICKERSON (Japan)
JOSEPH ENNIN (Hong Kong)
June & Jackson (singapore)
Gary (Singapore)
Catherine Tan (singapore)
Gupson Pierre (singapore)
Sharon Pakir (Australia)
Gavin Chan (Malaysia)
Fi And anarsi (singapore)
Our very own Jayzen and his lovely wife!!!



QUESTIONS
Click to expand...

1) SO what do I do between now and October - how to prepare?

My goals are:

a) Have a great time and develop/further wonderful new friendships!
b) Dance as much as possible with people from different backgrounds and locations!
c) Improve my body movement and 'dancing' as much as possible. Do not care so much about moves but how I MOVE
d) Develop and enjoy Bachata as much as possible.
e) Dance as best as I can. Live as much as I can :)


To do this,
- I am currently taking lessons in my Cuban style to improve general dancing
- taking lessons in NY/LA style to improve my awareness of those styles so that I can dance Cuban with the girls at SISF as well as possible
- Have LOTs of DVDS to watch and learn
- Have spent LOTS of time watching videos of great dancers from different backgrounds. (MAN, i LOVE fred astaire...........in a manly way)
- planning a private lesson before I leave
- AWESOME Cuban instructor is returning for a month (as of next week) for workshops daily. Will go to as many as possible (Son/afro cuban salsa and LOTS of afro-cuban Rumba)
- trying to stay rested and physically fit for October. Thinking sports massage. Anyone do this?
- dance a bachata song or two at least 4 times a week by myself and with anyone who will dance with me (plus watch DVD instructionals)



2) How do I organise myself at the SISF?

I know the program being released will help but generally. Do i just bring a backpack with water bottle and food and then just go to as many workshops as possible?

Do you try to get as many workshops with the same instructor for continuity or different instructors for variety.

My priority for workshops would be: connection with partner and music, body movement and bachata.

* Do not want to confuse myself with too much LA/NY style stuff so early in my dancing life :)

3) Any logistical/basic tips?
eg. How do you keep up the energy and pace yourself for every workshop yet give your best in each?

4) Is it cool/accepted to ask the wonderful female instructors to dance at the parties especially as I am a beginner although very passionate.

- is there a sort of unspoken rule to only ask those at your so called level whatever that is?
- any other unspoken rules?

5) any other stories or hints?

6) What would you tell yourself when you were attending your first congress again with a time machine :)

7) Any other seasoned veteran tips...

Many many thanks. Trying to optimise the time and money invested :) :) :)


Mucho Gracias!!!!!
 
smiling28 said:
Hi,

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited. My first ever Salsa congress in October (Singapore SISF). REALLY looking forward to it.

so jealous of you :)

QUESTIONS
Click to expand...

1) SO what do I do between now and October - how to prepare?



2) How do I organise myself at the SISF?

I know the program being released will help but generally. Do i just bring a backpack with water bottle and food and then just go to as many workshops as possible?

There should be a lunch break, surely if you got one thing from Singapore it was the importance of food :)!
But yes just take lots of water with you (btw, where is it on this year?)
Someone on here suggested an excellent plan for workshop taking, make a list of those you don't want to miss under any circumstances and then a second list of those it'd be fab to get to, then if you need a break/sleep/new feet you know when you can do that

My first congress was MSF (malaysia) last year and I did nearly drop and there were only 4 workshops a day

Do you try to get as many workshops with the same instructor for continuity or different instructors for variety.

Don't think it matters as long as you record somehow what goes on in a workshop else it goes in one ear and out the toher!

eg. How do you keep up the energy and pace yourself for every workshop yet give your best in each?

No idea - but i reckon caffeeine and food probably help!

4) Is it cool/accepted to ask the wonderful female instructors to dance at the parties especially as I am a beginner although very passionate.

Absolutely, you might only get a 1/3 of a song - that happened at MSF last year, the male instructors would dance a bit with several girls socially as there was such a demand and not enough songs. You gotta be brave and just go for it! They will rarely say no! There were only 2 guys who said no last year so it should be all good - though try and get them early before they sneak off to bed!


- is there a sort of unspoken rule to only ask those at your so called level whatever that is?
- any other unspoken rules?

nope. same as a club.

5) any other stories or hints?

bring more than one pair of comfortable shoes, possibily pain killers for your feet!
you know how hot it is in singapore, so bring several t-shirts :)

6) What would you tell yourself when you were attending your first congress again with a time machine :)

Be braver about asking people to dance!
And try and do it on the first day or 2 as some instructors leave/people leave


7) Any other seasoned veteran tips...


Many many thanks. Trying to optimise the time and money invested :) :) :)


Mucho Gracias!!!!!
Click to expand...
[/b]

i think i've done smth funny w/ith the bold on here, sorry!
 
smiling28 said:
2) How do I organise myself at the SISF?

I know the program being released will help but generally. Do i just bring a backpack with water bottle and food and then just go to as many workshops as possible?
Click to expand...
smiling28 said:
How do you keep up the energy and pace yourself for every workshop yet give your best in each?
Click to expand...
Everyone will tell you to pace yourself. I would tell you to pace yourself too, except that I'm not very good at it myself :oops: -- I just get too excited and end up filling the whole two days solid with workshops and dance at the parties from start till finish. I'm like a zonbie by Sunday night and usually fall ill when I get home. :roll: Still, try and pace yourself if you can. Once the workshop schedule is out, decide which ones are "absolute must's" and which are "maybe good to try's". Also ask yourself what's more important to you -- workshops? dancing at the parties?

Make sure you catch up with sleep at some point during the weekend (I'm bad at this -- which is why I fall ill afterwards, I suppose). Eat properly. Also, make sure you are in good condition before you get there. Look after yourself in the run up to the event.

smiling28 said:
Do you try to get as many workshops with the same instructor for continuity or different instructors for variety.

My priority for workshops would be: connection with partner and music, body movement and bachata.

* Do not want to confuse myself with too much LA/NY style stuff so early in my dancing life :)
Click to expand...
Unless you get on one of those "beginner/improver stream" type courses some congresses offer, it would be pretty difficult to stick to the same teacher. Typically, a teacher may teach turn pattern workshops and/or shines at different levels (beginner/intermediate/advanced), and you can't expect to be able to do all of them (it won't make you popular either!).

You usually get some body movement workshops, and some styling workshops also cover that aspect (not always). Rumba workshops are quite common and are good for body movement work. I rarely see workshops on musicality -- if there's one, go for it. Connection is another difficult one -- a good teach may cover that aspect in partner work workshops, but it's by no means a given. And I must say Cuban style workshops I have taken were usually very poor on this aspect.

If working on connection is very important to you, you may want to contact one of the teachers beforehand and arrange a private lesson to specifically for that. I'm sure someone like Susana Montero will be able to teach you a lot about connection (and body movement too).

smiling28 said:
4) Is it cool/accepted to ask the wonderful female instructors to dance at the parties especially as I am a beginner although very passionate.

- is there a sort of unspoken rule to only ask those at your so called level whatever that is?
Click to expand...
Don't worry about your level or her level, just ask. And if you manage to beat the queue and get a chance to ask teachers/performers, ask!

smiling28 said:
6) What would you tell yourself when you were attending your first congress again with a time machine :)
Click to expand...
Don't get yourself injured even before dancing starts! (I ended up with a knee injury just as I arrived at my first weekender. I stupidly forgot about it and didn't ice it, and by the end of the weekend, the knee had ballooned to the size of a melon and I couldn't walk :( ).

One more tip:
Pack a pair of dance shoes in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage goes missing.
 
I've been to one weekender. I learned some good stuff. However, I've pretty much forgotten all the moves! I wrote a lot of them down, but that's not quite the same. When I go to my next event, I'll be practicing my new stuff almost exclusively for the first few hours of the social dancing. Only way to get it into the body. You'll do so many classes that even 2 days later you'll have forgotten bits, and your notes or videos will just be one big blur, even if they are really good.
 
pick your fave dancers and just do their classes or you will forget everything you did , salsa overload . you don't have to do every class. though you can still pick up tips by watching the class, while chilling with a coffee. for me the best part is the dancing at night. so many people to meet . or just go for it see what happens you can always sleep later. :twisted:
 
smiling28 said:
2) How do I organise myself at the SISF?

I know the program being released will help but generally. Do i just bring a backpack with water bottle and food and then just go to as many workshops as possible?
Click to expand...

It depends. I've experienced two congress where you were able to buy water and some food. But I've also had a congress where it was good to bring my own water along. So check you the information of the organisators if they are providing water and/or food or if you need to take care of yourself.

And with regards to how many workshops to pick, irishgirl already described my way of deciding about workshops. ;)

smiling28 said:
4) Is it cool/accepted to ask the wonderful female instructors to dance at the parties especially as I am a beginner although very passionate.
- is there a sort of unspoken rule to only ask those at your so called level whatever that is?
Click to expand...

If you get the chance to ask them, I suspect there are also others who would like to dance with them, then do it. Altough they are instructors, they aren't there to just teach in a workshop, but also have some fun on the dancefloor. And don't care about the level of other people, if you want to dance with them, just ask and have fun on the dancefloor.

I would also suggest to take a digital camera with recording capabilities with you. Usually you are allowed to record the stuff you learned at the end of a workshop. And in my experience and opinion, it helps a lot to be able to watch the recordings back at home and remember what you learned.
 
do every class possible, stay at the parties as long as possible then take the next couple of days off work to recover. Oh, and drink those freshly squeezed fruit juice drinks/smoothies when you start to flag - big energy boost (they worked wonders on me at Blackpool).
 
If I had to go back in time Id tell myself

-get a hotel room in walking distance of event as you will not want to drive, not b/c your drunk but b/c you are exhausted

-be braver about asking everyone to dance, dance with EVERYONE

-take a camcorder so I can remember more than 1 turn pattern

-call in sick on monday!!
 
salsashoes said:
check first as some teachers dont let you or dont like you videoing the lesson .
Click to expand...

Are you talking about lessons or workshops? In case of the second, this is the first time that hear about not being allowed to videotape a workshop. In case of the first, I can think of some reasons why they might not allow you to videotape.
 
irishgirl said:
smiling28 said:
Hi,

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited. My first ever Salsa congress in October (Singapore SISF). REALLY looking forward to it.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
irishgirl said:
smiling28 said:
so jealous of you :)

QUESTIONS
Click to expand...

1) SO what do I do between now and October - how to prepare?



2) How do I organise myself at the SISF?

I know the program being released will help but generally. Do i just bring a backpack with water bottle and food and then just go to as many workshops as possible?


There should be a lunch break, surely if you got one thing from Singapore it was the importance of food :)!
But yes just take lots of water with you (btw, where is it on this year?)
Someone on here suggested an excellent plan for workshop taking, make a list of those you don't want to miss under any circumstances and then a second list of those it'd be fab to get to, then if you need a break/sleep/new feet you know when you can do that

My first congress was MSF (malaysia) last year and I did nearly drop and there were only 4 workshops a day

Do you try to get as many workshops with the same instructor for continuity or different instructors for variety.

Don't think it matters as long as you record somehow what goes on in a workshop else it goes in one ear and out the toher!

eg. How do you keep up the energy and pace yourself for every workshop yet give your best in each?


No idea - but i reckon caffeeine and food probably help!

4) Is it cool/accepted to ask the wonderful female instructors to dance at the parties especially as I am a beginner although very passionate.

Absolutely, you might only get a 1/3 of a song - that happened at MSF last year, the male instructors would dance a bit with several girls socially as there was such a demand and not enough songs. You gotta be brave and just go for it! They will rarely say no! There were only 2 guys who said no last year so it should be all good - though try and get them early before they sneak off to bed!


- is there a sort of unspoken rule to only ask those at your so called level whatever that is?
- any other unspoken rules?

nope. same as a club.

5) any other stories or hints?

bring more than one pair of comfortable shoes, possibily pain killers for your feet!
you know how hot it is in singapore, so bring several t-shirts :)

6) What would you tell yourself when you were attending your first congress again with a time machine :)

Be braver about asking people to dance!
And try and do it on the first day or 2 as some instructors leave/people leave






MANY MANY THANKS - great tips. ANd you are coming to SISF in me and through my posts after :) Happy to share!!!
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
AWESOME x 2345348705984905!!!!!!!

Thanks everyone. REALLY helps, such great tips :)

Looking forward to this and will be really prepared as much as possible. I know that whatever I do, I will be overwhelmed upon arrival and that is why i am going :)

Really happy with my training effforts of late. LOTS of dancing. Just need better quality :)
 
most instructors allow videotaping of the workshops but a few have restricted it to only those who've done the workshops (which is fair). Have seen that happen with Jayson Molina.


J
 
AndrewS said:
Oh, and drink those freshly squeezed fruit juice drinks/smoothies when you start to flag - big energy boost (they worked wonders on me at Blackpool).
Click to expand...
Same here :D -- a smoothies stand should be considered a must-have for every congress! Unfortunately, not all congress organisers have realised this yet.
 
Wow not sure if this congress has come and gone. Well to late to tell you how to get better for it, hopefully you been working hard doing that.

While at the congress tough, I can give you a few tips.

First is do the workshops (looks like you will be, lol), great place to meet people. You can also hang around in the vendors area.

Second, energy for the night dancing. That is a hard one, especially if your taking the workshops. Well you need to take a power nap after your workshops. I also always get some food for the room. So if I have dinner, go back to the room and sleep, then wake up to get showered and dressed. I try to have like a fruit or something. I also save my vitimins for the day, and take them then. You can also try a energy drink I guess.

Third, while you are there, just don't be afraid to ask people to dance.

Well once your out there and dancing away, the rest will come easy. Find out where they live, get the email, myspace, etc......

And before you know it (oh these weekends go so fast), you will be posting something on how to get even better for your next congress, lol.








smiling28 said:
Hi,

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited. My first ever Salsa congress in October (Singapore SISF). REALLY looking forward to it.


instructors such as:

Albert Torres
Hacha Y Machete .
Bill Fajardo and Katie Marlow
Alex Diaz
Junior and Emily
Super Mario
Susana Montero
Leon Rose
Jamie Jesus & Little Liz (aus)
BOBBY DICKERSON (Japan)
JOSEPH ENNIN (Hong Kong)
June & Jackson (singapore)
Gary (Singapore)
Catherine Tan (singapore)
Gupson Pierre (singapore)
Sharon Pakir (Australia)
Gavin Chan (Malaysia)
Fi And anarsi (singapore)
Our very own Jayzen and his lovely wife!!!



QUESTIONS
Click to expand...

1) SO what do I do between now and October - how to prepare?

My goals are:

a) Have a great time and develop/further wonderful new friendships!
b) Dance as much as possible with people from different backgrounds and locations!
c) Improve my body movement and 'dancing' as much as possible. Do not care so much about moves but how I MOVE
d) Develop and enjoy Bachata as much as possible.
e) Dance as best as I can. Live as much as I can :)


To do this,
- I am currently taking lessons in my Cuban style to improve general dancing
- taking lessons in NY/LA style to improve my awareness of those styles so that I can dance Cuban with the girls at SISF as well as possible
- Have LOTs of DVDS to watch and learn
- Have spent LOTS of time watching videos of great dancers from different backgrounds. (MAN, i LOVE fred astaire...........in a manly way)
- planning a private lesson before I leave
- AWESOME Cuban instructor is returning for a month (as of next week) for workshops daily. Will go to as many as possible (Son/afro cuban salsa and LOTS of afro-cuban Rumba)
- trying to stay rested and physically fit for October. Thinking sports massage. Anyone do this?
- dance a bachata song or two at least 4 times a week by myself and with anyone who will dance with me (plus watch DVD instructionals)



2) How do I organise myself at the SISF?

I know the program being released will help but generally. Do i just bring a backpack with water bottle and food and then just go to as many workshops as possible?

Do you try to get as many workshops with the same instructor for continuity or different instructors for variety.

My priority for workshops would be: connection with partner and music, body movement and bachata.

* Do not want to confuse myself with too much LA/NY style stuff so early in my dancing life :)

3) Any logistical/basic tips?
eg. How do you keep up the energy and pace yourself for every workshop yet give your best in each?

4) Is it cool/accepted to ask the wonderful female instructors to dance at the parties especially as I am a beginner although very passionate.

- is there a sort of unspoken rule to only ask those at your so called level whatever that is?
- any other unspoken rules?

5) any other stories or hints?

6) What would you tell yourself when you were attending your first congress again with a time machine :)

7) Any other seasoned veteran tips...

Many many thanks. Trying to optimise the time and money invested :) :) :)


Mucho Gracias!!!!!
Click to expand...
 
Thanks champ!


Looking forward to this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!


And some more Hoo :) :) :):)
 
hi mtal

the festival is on 2 weekends from now (ie the 19th to the 21st of October). Unfortunately pass prices have gone up but if you are still interested, drop me a pm.



cheers

jayzen
 
AZZEY'S TOP CONGRESS TIPS:

- Print the workshop schedule before you leave and hilight possible workshops to take. On the day you'll be tired and running around so I just put a * on any workshop I would like to do and an X on any I definitely don't. Saves thinking time on the day and I can still change my mind at the last moment.

- Choose a hotel in hobbling distance. You'll thank me when you come out at 8am to get changed for workshops at 10am.

- Arrive early in the afternoon so you can get unpacked, iron a couple of shirts (in case you decide to come back and change during the night) and get some sleep/relax before the dancing.

- Go to the pre-congress party as the big names are often more approachable there. I danced with Maya Torres several times at the UK party without even knowing who she was until the congress! :lol: Also Edie TSF was leaning against the bar in a small club when I first asked her to dance. After that it was easy!

- Bring several different types of shoes to dance in as the floors can vary from congress to congress. Usually expect a much more slippy floor than you're used to. Great for spinning!

- The warm up hour: Take a tour of the whole floor by dancing with one person from each area by making your way around the edge until you end up back where you started. You'll find certain areas of the floor more populated by beginners and others more by advanced dancers. Being open to dancing with everyone of any level gets you noticed and the people watching will remember you later when the floor is crowded. This will help calm your nerves ; Having already had a salsa hit from lots of dances you will now be more relaxed and confident which will help you get more dances.

- The carpet or off-floor area: there will be a circle where the performers mainly dance (off the floor). Great viewing action between midnight-4am!

- When it's busy. Carpe Diem! Ask dancers who are coming off the floor to dance first as they are most likely to accept.

- Introduce yourself to the performers when they're standing around and tell them you like their dancing/work. You'll be surprised how friendly some of them are if you don't want anything from them. This is how I first met Carlos from Fogarate, a great dancer!

- After-parties are where you will find the hard-core salsero and a good opportunity to dance with the remaining teachers or someone you had your eye on earlier!

- Sleep: as much as possible! I've noticed that during 10 straight hours of dancing per night my leading ability can vary considerably due to tiredness. At my first congress I was going to the after parties and only got 2 hours at the most sleep before the workshops the next day.

- 4 hour power nap in the afternoon between the last workshop and the evening party.

- If you meet someone you want to find again, get their mobile number!

- Workshop Bag contents: Spare t-shirts, Towel, dance shoes, water, energy snacks, chewing gum/breath mints, paracetamol, plasters for blisters and nothing stealable!

- In the evening parties bring as little as possible! I once almost lost my favourite fleece as I put it down somewhere and it got moved behind a screen. Shirt+trousers+shoes, the rest is optional! I even wear my dance shoes the 100metres to the venue, which is why you get a room that is in spitting distance!

- Check out the DVD and shoe stalls on the Saturday afternoon as by Sunday they might be closed/sold out (UK congress)!

- Ask Burju (Hache y machete) and Lil' Liz to dance as they're are wonderful people and fun dancers. If you can catch them!

- Don't forget to get yourself on the congress DVD, or was that just me? :lol: :roll:
 
heh, with the congress being held in hot, humid and wet singapore, please make sure you have extra shirt-S hahaha


jayzen
 
jayzen said:
heh, with the congress being held in hot, humid and wet singapore, please make sure you have extra shirt-S hahaha


jayzen
Click to expand...

cant wait for the swim wear salsa party :) hope we reach there in time hehehehhehehe
 
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