Chicago Salsa Congress 2008

Posted September 16th, 2007 by Geo-
in
The Chicago Salsa Congress continues to light up the midwest salsa scene. No doubt plane, train and car loads of Detroit salseros will make their way to Chicago for another year for dancing, workshops and top notch performances. Unlike some of the other Congress that are temptingly located in great locations for shopping or playing on the beach, this one is by the airport and thus, it's all about dancing.

For the quality of workshops, perfomances, dancing and overall cost, in the humble opinion of this writer, this is the dollar for dollar best bet for a congress.



  • When: Feb. 14th-17th 2008
  • Where: The Westin O'Hare
    • 6100 North River Road
    Rosemont, IL 60018
  • Cost: $279 Earlybird until Jan. 17th 2008

For reservations & passes click here...



The Chicago Salsa congress is the first Congress for many a Detroit Salsero. With something for all levels of dancers, it's a worthwhile trip out to the windy city. In the past, the workshop schedule has been more diverse -- including classes in hip-hop, samba, afro-cuban and casino de rueda. If you are thinking of attending only one Congress in 2008, this should be at or near the top of your list. Not historically the best organized or most on time congress, sorry to say, patience is called for.

Previews

Check out YouTube.com for lots of performance, workshop and social dancing videos from years gone by. Click here...

Chicago-Midwest Salsa Open

For the first time, the Chicago congress will host qualifying rounds for the 2008 World Salsa Congress in San Juan Puerto Rico.

The Detroit Connection

Detroit Salseros historically have made a pretty big showing in Chicago. In previous years there has been a strong Detroit connection with performances by Laura Geldys, Elaine Marerro as MC of the evening performances, and Duane Wrenn and Maribel Vasquez leading casino de rueda and ladies styling classes respectively.

With the final instructor and perfomer schedules not yet announced, hopefully this year Detroit will have some more good representation.

  • Currently the only Detroit connection for 2008, DJ Isaac who won the Battle of the DJs at Troy Dance Studio, has been invited to DJ.

Stay tuned for more announcements...

Transportation

In addition to Planes, and Automobiles, there are also Trains and Buses.
  • Flights are still relatively inexpensive with prices as low as $124 on Travelocity
  • A recent addition to the Detroit/Chicago route is MegaBus where you can make a round trip for $30 - $40. A number of people have recommended this so take a look at www.megabus.com
    • You probably won't be the only salsero on the ride.
  • Also the more traditional train is still a bit cheaper than the plane at between $55 and $95 for a round trip. For information on Amtrak, click here...

Chicago Salsa Congress 2008 Survival Guide

Posted February 11th, 2008 by Geo-
in
For many Detroit salseros the upcoming Chicago Salsa Congress will be their first Chicago Congress or maybe even their first congress. So we are here to offer a little info on what to expect and how to make it home in one piece.

Review: The 7th Chicago Intl. Salsa Congress - Highlights

Posted February 20th, 2008 by marks_time
in

There is too much to report here so I will stick to the top three highlights.
I have been to about a dozen salsa congresses over the years and I can honestly say this one was the best ever. I don't say that lightly. I had attended my first Afro-Cuban Music & Dance Festival in Boulder, Colorado in August of last year and figured that a salsa congress would not be able to match up anymore. Not.

YA Salsa Interviewed by Nuevotec

Posted February 27th, 2008 by Geo-
in
Zeke and the Nuevotec crew caught up with Detroit salseros at the 2008 Chicago International Salsa Congress for a talk about YA Salsa and dancing in Detroit.

Yasalsa.com - Detroit's Finest interview

Signups closed for this event

20 individuals signed up
Jamin
Sebastian
Geo-
K-Shep
kempo1
nellie
detroitswat
Prabal
12 anonymous

Is anyone going with a group?

On January 1st, 2008 jesssoul says:

I would really like to go to this since I've never been to a congress before - but for once not alone. Is anyone interested in carpooling or getting a group together to go? I've never been and don't want to spring for the pass unless I can go with a group.

Organizing a group

On January 1st, 2008 Sebastian says:

Yes, I'm working on organizing a group to head out to the congress. I was looking at prices for renting out a bus to go out there but I am not sure if that will work out. I should hopefully have some more information out on the site soon.

Transportation for the Congress

On January 11th, 2008 Geo- says:

I added a bit of transportation information to the article. If you have any cheap ways to get to Chicago, please add a comment.

Geo-

nellie I bought my ticket

On January 11th, 2008 nellie says:

nellie

I bought my ticket with Travelocity! , $ 123.90, no need to pay expensive Chicago parking & if I remember correctly, the hotel had airport transportation!

I don't like to drive in the winter...

Salsa Congress Week Adventure

On February 4th, 2008 Anonymous says:

Anybody interested in a salsa club tour in Chicago before start of Congresso? I live
in Chicago and if interested, I can drive you or group to nitely salsa clubs and maybe a
1 hour mambo beginner dance lesson. let me know what you can afford.
773-913-2201, Geo.

See you in Chicago!

On February 14th, 2008 Geo- says:

Its about that time and I know some have already started heading down to the Congress. Have fun, have safe trips and lets do it!

Geo-

Chicago Salsa Congress 2008 Videos on Youtube

On March 3rd, 2008 Geo- says:

Lots of videos of performances, interviews and workshops are showing up on youtube.com.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=chicago+salsa+congress+2008

Geo-