2014 NYC Salsa Congress - undecided to go

Myst

Myst

Changui
I did a quick search and didn't notice any posts on the upcoming 2014 NYC Salsa Congress, taking place from August 27-Sept 1.

I am a bit undecided about going. I have never been to a Congress before, and I've met with mix opinions about them. Since I live close to NYC, I already have access to all the big mambo socials and instructors, so the social dance part although appealing, is not critical to me.

The workshop on the other hands are mostly done by NYC instructors (ie: Eddie Torres and Thomas Guerrero), but Mouaze Konate from France will be doing a Cha Cha workshop - a unique opportunity to learn from one of my fave dancers that otherwise I'd be unlikely to meet.

May be since it's so close and I don't have to book a flight, I can as well attend my first Congress close to home?...decisions decisions....
 
I think you need to experience it at least once in your life. I've only been there once and really enjoyed it. The only downside was the endless performances if you're into performances and Celebs who would much rather pose than social dance. You also get an opportunity to dance with some of the best leads/follows all over the world and chances are you'll probably meet also other Salsa Forum members. My advice go for it, at least this once.
 
MAMBO_CEC said:
I think you need to experience it at least once in your life. I've only been there once and really enjoyed it. The only downside was the endless performances if you're into performances and Celebs who would much rather pose than social dance. You also get an opportunity to dance with some of the best leads/follows all over the world and chances are you'll probably meet also other Salsa Forum members. My advice go for it, at least this once.
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I think part of the criticism of salsa congress stems from people getting burnt out after trying to attend every single event in an effort to maximize their VIP pass.

I'll try to avoid falling into this trap by only attending selected (if any) performances, and only the most relevant workshops (2 or 3 max per day). This way I'll mitigate information overload and physical exhaustion before even getting to the nightly socials.
 
Myst said:
I think part of the criticism of salsa congress stems from people getting burnt out after trying to attend every single event in an effort to maximize their VIP pass.

I'll try to avoid falling into this trap by only attending selected (if any) performances, and only the most relevant workshops (2 or 3 max per day). This way I'll mitigate information overload and physical exhaustion before even getting to the nightly socials.
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Given that you live close to NY and your main reason for the congress would accordingly be not so much the social dancing but the workshops, I recommend the BIG San Antonio congress in mid-August--they will have a much better instructor line-up than the NY congress, including Oliver Pineda (who rarely comes to US congresses) and Terry & Cecile. It also includes a salsa history class with none other than Larry Harlow.

Personally I think the NYC congress is overpriced, and especially for someone like you who already has access to the NY instructors, a full pass is not worth the price IMO. You could get the evening pass (for concerts, shows and dancing) and perhaps arrange a private with Mouaze. The workshops are extremely crowded and it can be hard to get much out of them if you're struggling to see the instructor most of the class.
 
Im liking the San Antonio... but I cant make it this year. thanks for the suggestions.
NYC Salsa Congress... you should just try the evening pass like Sabrosura said.
I did it last year & had plenty of fun.
 
Sabrosura said:
Given that you live close to NY and your main reason for the congress would accordingly be not so much the social dancing but the workshops, I recommend the BIG San Antonio congress in mid-August--they will have a much better instructor line-up than the NY congress, including Oliver Pineda (who rarely comes to US congresses) and Terry & Cecile. It also includes a salsa history class with none other than Larry Harlow.

Personally I think the NYC congress is overpriced, and especially for someone like you who already has access to the NY instructors, a full pass is not worth the price IMO. You could get the evening pass (for concerts, shows and dancing) and perhaps arrange a private with Mouaze. The workshops are extremely crowded and it can be hard to get much out of them if you're struggling to see the instructor most of the class.
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You bring a good point about crowded workshops, that would defeat the purpose. But I'd assume then this would be the same in the BIG congress. Also, the BIG is definitely better price for the congress itself, but once you ad flight and hotel, and local transportation, it's actually a lot more.

I didn't consider the private class option, are these announced at the hotel with instructor contact info? If you have experience with this, can you advice how to go about requesting privates?
Thanks for your input.
 
Myst said:
You bring a good point about crowded workshops, that would defeat the purpose. But I'd assume then this would be the same in the BIG congress. Also, the BIG is definitely better price for the congress itself, but once you ad flight and hotel, and local transportation, it's actually a lot more.
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BIG will not be as crowded as the NY congress in terms of workshops because they have a greater workshop variety with many good instructors teaching simultaneous workshops on different interesting topics, whereas the NY congress does not so most people will try to crowd into the same classes. Yes it is more expensive once you add the hotel and flight, but you can bring the cost down by sharing the hotel (most people share) and you can also do some sightseeing activities, i.e. you get more for your money than just the congress experience. The hotel is in the middle of San Antonio, great for walking around.

Myst said:
I didn't consider the private class option, are these announced at the hotel with instructor contact info? If you have experience with this, can you advice how to go about requesting privates?
Thanks for your input.
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They are usually not announced, you would have to contact the instructor beforehand, or you can talk to him directly at the congress but he might already be booked up by then.[/quote][/quote]
 
Myst said:
Thanks for all the advice. I ended up getting a great deal on a VIP full pass, so hopefully I'll meet many fellow SF dancers there.
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What about the LVG anniv.or Frankie's social the previous week will you be going to any of those?
 
Way took support the Congress., I'll be there as well. Gotta see which nights. Nyc is expensive folks. A Congress in a
Cheap city will be less expensive.... Sheesh... Go to the Congress, take workshops if you want and find dancers who you don't know and dance your assets off.... Rinse and repeat for as many nights as possible. Great job Myst. I find it interest people beef about Congress prices but not about yamulee charging at least 30 bucks for a high school /Jr high gym across the street from their studio... Lvg is now pushing up o that same price for their regular studio. The Congress is at the freaking Hilton in the middle of the city with full fledged security, multiple ballrooms etc.... I have no connection to any event, I pay. The way like everyone else, but Damn, amniotic the only one who looks at these things and sees these real costs associated with the Ny Congress...
 
TrulyMadlyAmanda said:
I'm going to be at the NYC congress too, yay. :) shall we do an SF meet up?

Personally, I think $100 for four nights, big live bands, shows, Hilton in the centre of New York is an incredible deal...wow. :)

What's the LVG weekender, please? :)
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$100 for four nights? Where did you get that deal?
 
I am planning to go down for the NY congress, starting Sat. I have never been to this before, can someone comment on how late will the performance last into? I know the schedule said dancing will start 11:30pm, but that never happens right?
 
Hello everybody,

I am already here for the congress and I would like to get some advice to make the most of the NYC salsa scene.

For tonight I've found the Abakua social and Yamulee's aniversary. Any thoughts about either of those? Which one should be better? Are there any better options?

Thank you very much and best regards,
 
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