London Salsa: UK Salsa Congress, Butlins, Bognor Regis

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Like homing pigeons, some 2,500 dancers zeroed in on the Butlins resort at Bognor Regis from all over the UK and the globe for the 4^th UK International Salsa Congress on 23-25 September, writes Lee Knights. Pics by: Mike Payne

This year, the big star was the party animal. The atmosphere, the vibe, the buzz just took off and the dancers ran the joint. What did they want? They wanted

to dance!

And that’s just what they did – non-stop from Friday evening til Monday morning, through 100 dance workshops during the day and three all-night parties that carried on ‘til dawn.
For my money, this event just gets better and better.

Gormack: Best fing about Congress? “The dancing.” Worst fing? “The dancing.”

Congress delivered everything it said on the tin; it was bigger, bolder, brighter, brasher and slicker than ever before, the weekend of a lifetime. Once again, live music came courtesy of the best of British Latin/R&B bands - Alex Wilson rocking the joint with his unique, gob-smacking authentic sound, dripping with Latin spirit, urgency and flava. We told you it was unmissable, a five chilli event and it was.

Get yer coat luv - you’ve pulled! Million Moves Man Super Mario with mystery partner.

Ok, there are a lot of people and, at first, it’s a bit like landing on another planet. Maybe you need a shoehorn at some of the workshops and to get on the floor. But once you’re in the chalet, you’ve sussed out the venues, the restaurant, whether you’ve got towels and toilet paper, there’s nuffink to do but throw yourself into the experience and party big time.
Some of last year’s stars went awol – twice world Salsa champion Janet Fuentes Torres; Johnny Vazquez ‘The Prince of Salsa’; Frankie Martinez and Al Espinoza.

Tropical Gem - faster than the speed of light.




DJ Jose Luis: Now, what does this button do?


	But like the Dude King Henry V said: “And Salseros in England and across the globe now-a-bed, Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here, And hold their danceshoes cheap whiles any speaks That danced with us upon the UK International Salsa Congress Day”


	Whatever chaos and cock-ups might have had Congress founders Paul Young and Imogen Moore - and S-UK firebrand Angela - tearing their hair out backstage, none of it showed through to us punters.




	They said on the news Earth now has two suns and we’ve all got this red glow thing. Who cares? let’s party babe!


	Organiser Salsa-UK rolled out the weekend – at least as far as us punters were concerned – without even breaking into a sweat. Well done and thanks to all the S-UK team - this was a class act. Best fings? A relaxed, friendly, chilled vibe; a most excellent workshop programme and live music from the Alex Wilson R&B Latino Project playing and singing like they’ve got chilli peppers running through their veins! Worst fing? Wasting time sleeping and eating and not dancing! Ed. To hire photographer Mike Payne call: 07734721983

	“This was the Congress Year of the Party Animal - they wanted to dance and that’s just what they did.”

		Left: Angelique leads The Syncronised Salsa Titantic Team.


	What you said about the UK Congress:

	“Classeswise, I thought the Reggaeton was wicked. Claudia, the instructor didn’t speak a single word of English but her body movements were louder than words. She moved like a Goddess, isolating each part of her body. I’ve never seen that before!!” - *Carole x*




		The vibe - chilled, friendly and happening.

		Above: Getting down with Alex Wilson & Co.

	“I lost six and a half pounds overthe weekend. Is this a record?” - *Shaun xxx-* Best fing: “Da shows – especially the Swing Guys – and da parties. Worst fing - da Congress isn’t long enough – it should be a week.” - *Ellen xxx* Best fings: “Organisation, a good atmosphere, a good time dancing.” And nil points for - “The chalet.” - *Sue, Sandra and Gita, Croydon and Horley xxx* Best fing: “The whole experience, really professional, have to take your hat off to Salsa-UK. Worst things - The Butlins people. You not passing on Gary Young for me to dance with.” - *Ruth, Coulsdon xxx* Best fing: “Atmosphere.” Worst thing - “Chalet.” *Althea, Birmingham xxx* Best fing: “Shows by the Swing guys from Italy and the Out of Africa performance. Worst fing - I loved the hotel. Let me put it this way, having stayed in the hotel, you’d never get me back in one of those chalets.” - *Robert, Wembley xxx* “I don’t really come to party or do workshops. It’s just a chance to catch up with people.” - *Bob, Herne Bay xxx* Best fing: “Alex Wilson Music seminar - Awesome. Worst fing - Apart from Alex Wilson, the music.” - Mr E. x Worst fing: “Catching me ex-Mrs wiv her new fella.” Best fing: “Having a kiss and cuddle wiv me ex and talking about getting back together. Babe, I still love you.” *Steve, Huddersfield. xxx* Ahhh, bless. Ed


	What’s this? Horizontal Salsa? Great styling, Derek. After the After- Party at the 4th UK Salsa Congress at Butlins.


	*Best of Your Letters on the UK Salsa Congress*

I looked through the Congress photos on your site & saw Mario & others doing their stuff on the dance floor then scrolled down to the last photo & was so surprised to see that last picture. Mike Payne.....Photographer extraordinaire, unfortunately I was looking at a picture which included myself trying to participate in congress life after no sleep.
That morning, after NO SLEEP I managed to drag some friends to breakfast with the idea of attending (or more likely watching) some classes...Got as far as 1 of the shoe stalls....had to get back to the apartment to get some plastic....after the purchase of more dance shoes eventually decided time to look at a class....Unfortunately the bowling green that we had to pass on the way to a lesson, was much to inviting & the sun was shining, so we had a little rest from all the Congress activities...I did have an embarrassed giggle at the picture , but just a warning to beware that Mike Payne maybe taking a picture of you soon!
(PS & I’m not Derek!) I think the site’s really great, good to see a sense of humour too.
Keep up the good work... SA If you’re not Derek, which mystery lady are you? Ed.

Countdown to the 4th UK Salsa Congress


	THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE....


	by Lee Knights

The first ever UK Salsa Open Competition gets underway this month with eight regional heats to be held across the country.
This is expected to attract some of the finest dancers around and is aimed at talent scouting for the next generation of top UK and international performers and instructors.
Regional heats are scheduled to take place at major venues in London, the South East, Midlands, North East, North West, East, Scotland and the West Country (see Diary for details).
Winners from each of the regional heats will go through to the UK Open Finals, to be held at the UK Salsa Congress - the premier event in the European Salsa Calendar - at Butlins Resort in Bognor Regis on 23-25 September.
Developed by Salsa-UK, organisers of the UK International Salsa Congress, the Competition is open to both professional and amateur couples and teams and and all Salsa styles, including Cuban, LA, Mambo, London or others.
Winners of the UK heats will win trophies and free Congress passes. More: www.ukcongress.com or www.salsa-uk.com or call 020 8776 9000. London Salsa Scene Recommends: ,,,,,

Lady in Red (above): dining and dancing in elegant surroundings at Salsa-UK’s Summer Banquet and Ball at Salomon’s Country Estate in Tonbridge, Kent, recently. More: www.salsa-uk.com. Photograph by Mike Payne (to hire, call Mike on 07734721983).

©London Salsa Scene is an online, independent magazine guide covering salsa and the Latin lifestyle in London and beyond. The views published are not necessarily those of the Editor. All rights reserved. London Salsa Scene retains Copyright over all the articles and photographs published on this website - it is an infringement of that right to use this material elsewhere without our written permission. Disclaimer: London Salsa Scene publishes information on behalf of promoters, organisers, dancers and others in good faith but is not responsible if these events are cancelled, altered or if performers and instructors billed not not appear; this is exclusive liability and responsibility of the event organiser.


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