Chicago Salsa Festival Review 2009

In a nutshell:  Chicago Salsa Festival. Yes. Go next year. Totally worth it. Yes.

Just like I reviewed it last year, this festival is great for a few reasons. First, Chicago is close enough to make it a must-do for both the Congress in February and this festival in June.  The weather was PHENOMENAL.  Unlike the wintry, windy miserable weather we have to deal with in February, it's such a pleasure to enjoy walking around downtown Chicago in the spring. The festival is structured similarly to a congress, in that there are workshops all day, and performances in the evening, and live bands at night. However, the numbers of people are less, so everything is more intimate: in the classes one can actually see and hear the instructors; at the performances one can see and enjoy the shows in more intimate settings; and dancing to the live bands can be appreciated in smaller venues. But the levels of talent are no less apparent!!!

If you haven't seen the Colombians yet... check 'em out. They have a very unique style of salsa dancing on all the beats, with very fast, impressive footwork. They were quite a highlight this year, as well as last year. A standing ovation was had for them at the Saturday night performance -- a woman dancing with two guys -- breathtaking choreography!

The only negative would be the stress of driving/parking/getting to the evening venues. Unlike the congresses where all events are in the hotel, one must navigate to the various clubs in the evenings.  Chicago traffic is INSANE!  And prices for parking and food are outrageous, with the highest tax rate in the nation!

Again, just like last year, my favorite part was the outdoor Grant Park "Summerdance" event on Sunday. Open to the public, a live salsa band plays and everyone dances. Everyone from Joe Shmoe on the street, to the salsa champions of the world! I saw some friends I hadn't seen in a while, and enjoyed dancing to the sounds of Pa' La' Rumba, a local Chicago band who were SMOKIN' with classic salsas and cha-cha-chas, under the beautiful sunshine.

Looking forward to next year! Let's represent the "D" in Chi-Town. Join me!