Winter Salsa Carnival in Toronto

Last year's ball was just that, a "ball" and the dancing was terrific. The Berkely Church is a great place to hold a masquerade ball with a multi-level layout that means there are lots of great seats in the house to watch performances and a birds eye view of the dancing. The masquerade ball also includes a costume competion for those so creatively inclined.

Helpful hint on masks: The official site says that you must have a mask, and they provide basic masks with your ticket purchases and fancier masks are available for a few bucks. But these are plastic masks which are pretty much unwearable while dancing so very few people actually wear them. If you want a nice mask there are high quality masks that you can order and with some waterproofing and moleskin a papermache mask can be worn comfortably while dancing.

Some people choose face paint which has a tendency to run, but maybe someone can make reccomendations on options for face paint.

Places to Stay on the Cheap

Toronto can be an expensive city to stay in, but since this event is not at a hotel, you have the option to stay anywhere that is convenient.

• Econo Lodge is a no-frills convenient place to stay and is close to everywhere you will want to be
• Hotel Victoria is another convenient no frills hotel near all the action
• Global Back Packers is the ultimate in a cheap stay in Toronto
• Bed & Breakfasts are a great way to save money and have a comfortable place to stay -- great for combining with a romantic weekend