2005 Puerto Rico Salsa Congress
by Donna Nkonga
posted August 9, 2005

Ever since the Chicago Congreso, my newly made Salsa friends and I agreed we had the time of our lives and wanted to continue to share in this Congresso delight. We decided to look at the Congresso schedule, and a tropical paradise in Puerto Rico looked very inviting. So we were on!

That week there was a flurry of activity starting in the bitter cold of February from making reservations at the Wyndham Resort and Casino where the Congreso was held, to researching things to do while on the island. We checked in with each other periodically to discuss each person's project and to offer any help. We reminded each other of how many weeks, days, then hours we had until our trip. Cindy Wright was very helpful along with her sister Suzanne and brother-in-law Chris, who traveled to San Juan on vacation.

Travel Day
My trip started off a little rocky with a 7-hour delay, along with my luggage lost. But, it could only get better. And besides, having friends my size helped. They were generous in loaning me their clothing until my luggage was located. My luggage was found the next day.

The Classes
I took many classes, starting with basic all the way to advanced. I noticed their advanced level is very advanced. Some of my instructors were Milton Cobo, Sekou McMiller, Seve and Mouaze, Patrick & Vanessa, and Barbie Novoryta offering a Ladies Styling class. I loved the Cha Cha Cha class offered by the Palladium Legends. The instructors were very experienced. The class was given in Spanish, so it was a test of my Spanish ability. The instructors were very patient; the classes consisted of about 50 students, and all were eager to apply what they learned during the day to show off that evening.

The Performances
Standing room only, many were not allowed in due to the crowding issue. The performances were outstanding, very creative. Some of the acts that stood out in my mind were a group from Philadelphia with a motorcycle theme wearing black and white sexy costumes along with sounds of engines, but, it went along with a Salsa theme. Another was a Green Acres theme with the dancers dressed as if they were on a farm. At the beginning I thought how would they pull this off, then they delivered and had the crowd roaring!

The Grand Ball
There was a grand ball each evening. I had to ask myself, am I at the performance or at the Grand Ball? The dancers were so outstanding! Women were doing 5 to 6 spins at a time, and the men were dancing as if they were on ice. Onlookers commented they felt intimidated to dance with the crowd. But, later everyone of all skill levels were on the dance floor.

The Clubs
Believe it not, I went to the local clubs also. We went to New YorRico, The Pool Hall, and Club Rumba. Each had an outstanding live Salsa band.

The Food
Patricia Feliciano told me the food was great and to try the seafood since it is inexpensive compare to Indy. Gerardo Becerra told me to try the Asopao and to have as many Piña Coladas as I could take. I tried it all. The restaurant staff was very accommodating. The food was unlike any I've had in the Midwest.

Conclusion
The week was such a remarkable and unforgettable experience! I formed relationships from Salsas (os) from all over the world. I ate a lot; did not sleep much. I hope with all the dancing I lost the weight I might have gained from partaking of all the delicious food.

I highly recommend the Puerto Rico Salsa Congress to everyone. Now I'm in the planning stage of the 2006 Congreso.