The DC Bachata Festival Review 2011

by SalsaSteph

Bowie, Anton and I drove down to Washington DC (Aug 12-14) expecting lots of bachata, zouk and salsa. I went for a couple of reasons: to scout talent for the Toronto Bachata Fsetival, Feb 16-19, 2012; to learn more bachata; hear the newest in bachata and zouk music; to support Adrian who did an amazing job organizing the zouk part of the festival. Bowie, who djs at our Sunday Salsa Social and teaches our Dominican bachata bootcamps, was featured on Sunday night, and closed the party with a bachata bang!

One thing for sure, is that our Canada Salsa Congress and Toronto Bachata festivals are very organized, and for that I am grateful! Shows are on time, etc etc. I won't even get into that. The great news is there were 5 dance rooms-including tango and west coast-and even if some were tiny, at least there was music, carpet and people to dance with til 5am, coz that's all ya need really!

The bachata room was always the best attended which was great to see. Andy Andy's Saturday night concert was really enjoyable to dance to-songs weren't too long as usually expected with bands.

The salsa room featured some of the best music I've ever heard! Dj Eric B was there, along with other great djs from Philadelphia, New York (and Toronto :). In fact, Eric B said he will come guest dj at our social very soon, so can't wait for that!

I loved Darlin's workshop the best, then Troy and Jorjet's, then Island Touch, then Bachatateeze. I missed Kathy Reyes and Lee/la Gata, who only taught on Friday (?).

Kim Rottier and Mari Hodges did a great job teaching zouk with their partners Henry from Venezuela and Damian from Argentina. Adrian and Amy of Zoukalma also added variety and were so much fun to dance with.

I had my first 3some girl zouk experience-haha! Verrry fun, especially because it was with the best 2 women leads Kim and Mari!

Bowie is a rockin bachata dancer. We're definitely going to showcase his talent with more bachata workshops. Even Troy was like, wow! I watched you dance 3 songs...(as I watched his facial expressions to say' dammmnnn'!).

Jules Bertrand from Interfusion Danse Montreal and San Tropez are teaming up to host the 1st annual Montreal Bachata/Zouk festival November 5.  Here's to growing the bachata and zouk communities!

Here's to the Bachata/Zouk Room at the Canada Salsa Congress, workshops with K-yo Victor and Gabi Povoa @ our new event called ZoukFest, and the Toronto Bachata Competition starting October 6 at the CSC!!!

Wohooooo!