Search Results for: Salsa Congress

Creator of Salsa Vida Takeshi Young graced us with his presence in International Salsa Magazine

In International Salsa Magazine, we have always tried to cover all types of Latin music artists, including producers, arrangers, composers, singers, musicians, dancers, and club owners. However, it is also important to talk to other platforms that promote Latin music as we do, so we contacted the creator of the website Salsa Vida, Takeshi Young, to learn a little more about this online media site and everything it has to offer the public.

Takeshi with a painting — Takeshi Young with a painting of Hector Lavoe

Takeshi’s relationship with Latin music

In view of the trouble digital marketing specialist, dance teacher, and competitor Takeshi Young went to create a site like Salsa Vida, we obviously had to ask what relationship he had with Latin music. He replied that he loves to dance and has been doing so for about 19 years. His attendance at various salsa events led him to create a calendar for the San Francisco Bay Area, where he currently resides.

The acceptance he had led him to include much more content like articles, events, guides, and much more. The main goal was to show salsa lovers all the places they could go to enjoy this genre, but over time, Salsa Vida was turning into a sort of online newspaper that provided information on many other things related to the same topic, especially dance academies. For its operation, it uses tools like WordPress, iTools, and Chat GPT as an information bank to his writings, most of which are of his authorship.

He used the name “Salsa Vida” because of the lifestyle that he associated with salsa, which he considered to be unifying, nourishing, and joyful.

Greatest challenges in creating Salsa Vida

One of the most annoying parts about creating Salsa Vida was the calendar, as Takeshi always had to keep an eye on updates, date changes, and event cancellations. Fortunately, he always received information from many of the organizers, who told him when there were any changes in their schedules.

Takeshi at the San Francisco SBK Congress — Takeshi Young dancing with the San Jose State Salsa Team at the San Francisco SBK Congress

Salsa Vida’s most important goal today

Takeshi pointed out that, at present, Salsa Vida’s most important goal is to teach and promote salsa around the world, which has led him to write all kinds of articles in which he seeks to educate his community on all kinds of topics related to Latin music, such as “what is pachanga” or “what is cha cha chá.” With this, he wants those interested in learning about dancing or knowing more about this rich world to have a starting point from the theoretical part.

In addition to that, the website still maintains the calendar to help salsa lovers find events related to their passion near their homes.

Contacts obtained to date

Takeshi claims to have so many contacts with a lot of bands, especially in the Bay Area, which has helped him keep on growing his website. However, the people he interacts with most in this environment are dancers and instructors who give him a lot of information about their work with their academies and students.

Moreover, his work has also helped him gain invites and press passes to all kinds of events and concerts in both San Francisco and the rest of California, allowing him to cover them and bring the latest updates to his loyal readers.

Takeshi and Alyssa — Takeshi Young and dancer Alyssa Aguilar

Goals with Salsa Vida for the coming months

As for Takeshi and Salsa Vida’s goals for the coming months, the creative young man keeps searching for and publishing events from around the world for his readers to see, as well as highlighting the importance of expanding and publishing even more countries in his calendar so that many more salsa fans from other latitudes can use Salsa Vida to find what they want.

Today, the Salsa Vida calendar has events in about 80 countries, but Takeshi says it is not enough and wants to expand much more to other locations. He also wants to add more languages to make visitors to his page feel more comfortable, and new sections such as “Dancepedia” that would come to be a kind of Wikipedia, but focused on dance.

And if that were not enough, he wants to design an app through which those interested can use the same functions of the site in a much more comfortable and interactive way from any mobile device.

Takeshi’s other occupations

As well as handling Salsa Vida, Takeshi is also a digital marketing specialist and teaches salsa at San Jose State University twice a week.

Importantly, he has a BA in philosophy and a BS in software engineering, both from the aforementioned university. During those years, he was also a member of his class’s salsa and mambo clubs.

Michigan’s biggest Salsa Social!

North America / USA / Michigan

Ya Salsa!

The Ya Salsa Social is Detroit’s biggest salsa dance party. Hosted once per month by Ya Salsa, attendees have the chance to learn salsa from some of the best instructors in Metro Detroit.

Whether you’re new dancer or an aspiring performer, there are instructors across Michigan, from Grand Rapids to Windsor who can take you to that next level!

Photo 1: Michigan’s biggest Salsa Social! — Photo 1: Michigan’s biggest Salsa Social !

Dimas & Sherin Nuevo Ritmo Dance

Dimas and Sherin have been teaching together for more than 5 years. They have trained with many world dance champions and developed their teaching style to focus on teaching style to focus on technique which helps execute movement in a relaxed flow allowing beautiful styling and graceful lines.

They offer private and group lessons in:

Fundamentals and Technique Lead/ follow partner-work Artful combinations Musicality Shines and Footwork Styling Body Movement and more…

Group Congress Style Workshops Every Sunday:

12:30 pm: Beginner Salsa
1:30 pm: Bachata
2:30 pm: Intermediate Salsa

Andres Arias

Dance Styles: Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Kizomba, Cha cha cha, Men and Ladies Styling.
Choreography: Creative and fun routines ideal for dance teams, couples or corporate events.
Wedding Dance Choreography: Make your first dance memorable and unforgettable with amazing choreography.
Sweet 16 Choreography: Elegant, beautiful choreography that will blow minds and will make your little girl feel like the princess that she is.
Lifts & Tricks: Get the right coaching and learn the different techniques that will help you realize amazing tricks.
Body Movements – Musicality – Timing: Discover that you can learn how to move your body to the music rhythm.
Social Sexy Dance: Learn how to have fun and make your dance partner have fun in the social dance.
Latin shows and performances: for all your social and corporate events – from couple performances to team showcases, add entertainment to your event and make your guests have an amazing experience. Flexible timings, no partner or experience required, cater to your level. Prices negotiable depending on desired hours

Mambo Marci Productions

Mambo Marci teaches the “Latin Dance Adventure” – basics of salsa, cha-cha-cha, merengue & bachata. Musicality, footwork, partnering, styling, basics of different style, “on 2”, and more. Partners not needed! They rotate in class.

Beginning Level Group Class:

6-weeks
Tuesday, 7-8 pm
Gift Certificates Available!

Events

Tuesday: there’s Live Latin Jazz music at 9:00 pm @blacklotus
Wednesday: There’s Salsa @orchid at 9:00 pm.
Thursday: there’s Salsa @tequilablue at 9:00 pm.
Friday: There’s a Latin Night @diablo’s at 10:00 pm and Salsa @vicente’s
Saturday: are full of Salsa, there are 3 whole hours of salsa music from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Sunday: there’s Salsa @rosie’s at 10:00 pm

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about salsa music in Ya Salsa, The American Legion Pst 346 31775 Grand River Ave Farmington, MI

https://www.yasalsa.org/

Advanced Salsa Dancers With Superpower

North America / USA /

If you identify as an Advanced Salsa Dancer (ASD), remember that with great power comes great responsibility. When you become an ASD, the superpower than you gain is your awesome dance skills. You can use those skills to further your own pleasure and gain by holding them back from the newer dancers below you. Or, you also can give those skills freely to the new dancers waiting to be inspired.

Photo 1: Advanced Salsa Dancers With Superpower

“Waiting” To Be Inspired

The main reason to be inspired is than most new dancers aren’t actually “inspired” by the dance in a deep and meaningful way. They may love it on first sight the same way you like a thing in a store or a person you are attracted to.

Photo 2: Advanced Salsa Dancers With Superpower

But, just like you don’t know that person, they don’t know the dance yet. You don’t know yet if you want to put in the work to have a relationship. You don’t know if there’s enough to get in return until that attractive person shows you their personality. Yes, there are a few new dancers who ‘get the bug’ and dive deep right away.

But, most new dancers need time and inspiration to really fall in love. It can take you a year or maybe more. You can dance some Latin music before or get caught “Salsa” properly. It must be a combination of community, opportunity, and self-confidence that get you to that point. You need be inspired.

Photo 3: Advanced Salsa Dancers With Superpower

An Artist can make someone at their first congress feel amazing, or feel horrible.

The Superpower

The people who have put in the work to become great Salsa dancers are the people in the best position to inspire others. Their superpower is the ability to make people fall in love with the dance. It’s the reason that international artists can inspire so many.

Photo 4: Advanced Salsa Dancers With Superpower

They’ve put in the work that lets us see the best of the Salsa dance. We are attracted to their dancing, which is the first step, the first movement. An Artist can make someone at their first congress feel amazing, or feel horrible.

If the artist has a disengaged pity dance, their partner may not feel the desire to continue learning the dance. If the artist gives their all, their partner may find a renewed appreciation and desire for more.

Photo 5: Advanced Salsa Dancers With Superpower

ASD do the same thing, but on a local level. They’re generally more accessible than the international travelling pros that put them in a position to immediately influence their local community. An advanced salsa dancer who gives of themselves freely will often find many newcomers who are working to be better.

They inspire a growth mindset in their newcomers. There are many examples of this in their own community. One driven earlyintermediate dancer can pinpoint the exact moment that he/she decided to really give all enthusiasm to Salsa dance. It simply took one motivational sentence and dance from a local teacher.

Passion For Community And Dance

Photo 6: Advanced Salsa Dancers With Superpower

Many hardcore dancers feel passionate about the Salsa dancing style. So, many times they forget that newcomers often don’t know enough about the dance to be passionate about it. Mainly, newcomers become passionate about the community, energy, music, and vibe. They may like the dance, but they simply don’t know enough about it to be in love. ASD, remember that how you make beginners feel will determine how they feel about the Salsa dance.

It’s you who will show them the possibilities they have to grow. Use your superpower for all good; share it with those who need you to be inspired. Sure, in a few years you’ll have the benefits when those newcomers turn into your fellow Advanced Salsa Dancers Thanks to their instructor who you are, their best dancer of inspiration.

Photo 7: Advanced Salsa Dancers With Superpower

Ottawa Salsa Convention Join Ottawa’s 2nd Annual Salsa Convention 2017

North America /  Canada / Ottawa

What does a 3-day Salsa Convention entail? It means bringing together 50 of the most nationally & internationally renowned Latin dance stars from all of over Canada, USA & Mexico to perform right here in the Nation’s Capital. With over 30 Latin dance workshops taught by award-winning performers, there will be something for all levels of dancers.

Each day of the convention is then followed by social dancing to the sounds of some of the world’s best Salsa DJs across Canada and the United States. This 3-day convention is like no other, showcasing the best of Latin dance, right in the heart of the Nation’s Capital at Aberdeen Pavilion in Lansdowne Park. Let’s celebrate Canada’s 150th together through the best of Latin dance.

Ottawa Salsa Convention - Schedule part 1 — Ottawa Salsa Convention – Schedule part 1

Ottawa Salsa Convention - Schedule part 2 — Ottawa Salsa Convention – Schedule part 2

Ottawa Salsa Convention - Schedule part 3 — Ottawa Salsa Convention – Schedule part 3

Some of the performers are…

Mario Acosta Cevallos (Edmonton):

Mario Acosta - Ottawa Salsa Convention — Mario Acosta – Ottawa Salsa Convention

Mario Acosta-Cevallos is a four time World Salsa Champion, a Canadian LatinAmerican Ballroom Finalist, and Director of the Edmonton area based SalsaVitus Dance Company. He is known for his hypnotic performances marked by high levels of grace, speed, and technical difficulty. Mario’s current projects include travelling to teach and perform, developing his dance teams and pro-ams, and creating new and exciting routines for the upcoming next year.

Ana López (Winnipeg):

For many years, Ana Karen has excelled in dance in Manitoba, nationally and internationally. She is a three-time Manitoba Dance Festival Ballet scholarship recipient, and was the featured ballet soloist at a M.D.F.

Gala showcase. She most recently placed in the “top twelve” out of 145 dancers at the international ballet competition, the Youth American Grand Prix (Y.A.G.P.), at the semi- finals in Chicago, U.S.A. for both her Contemporary solo and her Pointe solo.

Ana also won the highest overall score for all senior solos at the Canadian National Dance Championships (C.N.D.C.), for another Pointe solo, which was to be the first time the highest overall score was awarded to a ballet number in Winnipeg. Most of Ana Karen’s dance training has been done at Marquis Dance Academy after having trained for two years in the R.W.B.’s professional division.

Ana Lopez - Ottawa Salsa Convention — Ana Lopez – Ottawa Salsa Convention

During her training at Marquis, Ana Karen has won multiple Elite Gold and Gold with Honours awards for her solos, trios and group numbers for Ballet, Pointe, Modern Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz and Lyrical.

She has also captured both gold and silver medals at several Dance World Cups in Montreal, Vancouver and Niagara Falls. She has continued her professional development as a teacher of ballet by studying at the worldfamous American Ballet Theatre (A.B.T.) in New York, N.Y., Ana Karen most recently won the Pro-Am World Salsa Championships in Miami, Florida and placed 2nd for Bachata Cabaret at the World Latin Dance Cup in Miami, Florida.

Harold Rancano and Regan Hirose (Winnipeg):

Harold Rancano and Regan Hirose, are a Latin dance couple best known for their energetic, and acrobatic flair on stage. Based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba, the flavorful couple has achieved plenty of success on a national and international level. Most notably they are the current World Champions for Bachata Cabaret having won gold at the World Latin Dance Cup in Miami, Florida; and are also the current Canadian Bachata Champions having won gold at the Canada Salsa Congress in Toronto, Ontario.

Harol y Regan - Ottawa Salsa Convention — Harol y Regan – Ottawa Salsa Convention

The couple has also competed and won various competitions in Salsa and Bachata in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Calgary, and Saskatoon. Aside from competition, the duo also directs Cubanisimo Dance Company in their hometown, where they train and coach their teams and students, 3 of which won gold at the 2015 World Latin Dance cup. They also coach and mentor various teams outside of the city by both teaching and creating choreography.

Also known for their connection and unique choreography, the couple has travelled to several festivals and congresses to share their vast knowledge of styles and various latin rhythms such as; Salsa on 1, Salsa on 2, Bachata, Pachanga, Cuban Salsa, Cha cha cha and Lifts & Tricks. Whether it’s privates, group classes or to coach teams, the couple has the experience to adapt to any teaching environment.

Lenin A Guerrero Maldonado & Roselyne Gonzalez (Cleveland , Ohio):

Lenin is proficient in rhythms such as: Salsa, Cuban Rumba, Pachanga, Bachata, Chacha, Boogaloo and Mambo. He is the director of Salcity of Angels Dance Company, one of the best and strongest dance companies in Mexico. His unique style is loved and enjoyed by audiences everywhere. It is full of energy flavor and charisma. It is not only elegant and technical but also dynamic and passionate. Lenin has been trained by several instructors including: Abel Peña (L.A.), Machito Ruiz (L.A.), Jose Aguilar (N.Y.), Jorge Martinez (Oaxaca, Mexico), Jose Chavarria (L.A.), Ernesto and Maritza (Chiapas, Mexico).

Awards:

Second place in the Euroson Latino Competition 2010 Professional Couples Category. (Mexico),
National Champion 2010 – National Competition Salsa Con Clave Professional Couples Category. (Mexico)
Second Place 2010 National Competition Salsa Con Clave Groups Category. (Mexico)
International Champion 2011 in Costa Rica Salsa Fest Professional Couples Category. (Costa Rica)
Third place in the National SalsaBachata Competition 2011(Mexico)

Lenin y Roselyne - Ottawa Salsa Convention — Lenin y Roselyne – Ottawa Salsa Convention

Experiences: Lenin has had many opportunities to travel to different countries through dancing. He is recognized internationally. He has performed at the most recognized congresses in all of Mexico and the USA. In March and April of 2014, he went on a dancing tour of 27 cities in France and 5 cities in Germany.

Most recently he traveled to Panama in 2014 and the United States in 2013 and 2014 in various cities. He now resides in the United States (Cleveland, Ohio) and travels to the principal salsa congresses in the country as well as those in Mexico. Current Projects: Team and individual training, Traveling to the major congresses in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Continue traveling all over the world through dancing.

Roberto Quaresma & Daria Novoselova (Toronto):

Dedicated and passionate duo from Toronto, Canada, Daria Novoselova and Roberto Quaresma, started dancing together about 3 years ago.

Only 3 months into their partnership, they entered their first competition at the World Latin Dance Cup in Miami in December/14 and became amateur Salsa On1 world champions. Shortly after, Daria suffered a devastating neck injury during a dance practice and had to undergo surgery not knowing if she would ever be able to dance again.

After months of recovery and wearing a neck brace, she gradually returned to the dancefloor just in time to go back to Miami to defend the couple’s championship title. Despite a very challenging year for both dancers, in December/15 Roberto and Daria became 2x amateur world salsa champions.

The comeback story inspired many and was covered by numerous newspapers, such as the Toronto Star, as well as the CBC News. Since then the couple have traveled and performed in many congresses around the world such as Los Angeles Salsa Fest, Dubai Latin Festival and Japan Salsa Congress.

They have recently returned from the World Salsa Summit competition held in Miami in January/17 with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place medals in various salsa and bachata divisions. Known for their flare, playfulness and charisma on stage, Roberto and Daria are part of the Latin Energy Dance Company led by Vanesa Stay.

Angelo De Torres & Kathy Dondish (Toronto):

Angelo and Kathy began dancing together since 2009. Their passion for Latin dancing has led them to start competing and performing together. They are the 2011 Chim Pum Callao Congress and the Canada Salsa Congress Bachata Champions and were finalist at the Toronto Bachata Festival.

They enjoy travelling and sharing their passion for dance and have performed at international events such as the All Star Salsa European Cruise and the Israel Salsa Congress. Together they have developed a unique style of bachata, have taught hundreds of classes and workshops, and have choreographed numerous routines for both professionals and amateurs alike. Angelo De Torres is a professional dancer and choreographer and has had a love and appreciation for music since a very young age.

The diverse forms of expression inherent in Salsa, Bachata, Pachanga and Latin Hustle are what captivated him to learn and share his passion.

Angelo y Kathy - Ottawa Salsa Convention — Angelo y Kathy – Ottawa Salsa Convention

He has extensive training with respected international instructors such as Billy Fajardo, Katie Marlow, Nelson Flores, Tito Ortoz, Tamara Livolsi, Francesco Scalvenzi and Milko Succi.

Angelo has been teaching and dancing since 2008 for Steps dance studio under the direction of Jennifer Aucoin and is now a co-owner/director of Steps Dance Studio Inc.

Kathy Dondish has had the passion for dance at an early age, when she took her first ballet class at the age of 6 and trained in gymnastics at age 11. Her love for Latin dancing only grew stronger as of 2007 and hasn’t stopped since. Today, she is a performer, teacher and competitor. Having trained with top Toronto dancers as well as internationally has increased her drive to share her love on stage and in the studio.

Hiram and Briia (Toronto):

Hiram and Briia have been dancing together for about a year in a half! In 2012 they joined Cadence Dance Academy and they been traveling and performing with them all across North America ever since. They have been traveling together in North America for showcases and teaching workshops.

Briia comilang started dancing at the age of 4 since then she had traveled for showcases around the world. Train in ballroom, ballet, hip hop, contemporary! She strives to become an all-around dancer.

Hiram y Briia - Ottawa Salsa Convention — Hiram y Briia – Ottawa Salsa Convention

Now Briia is a professional salsa dancer and a Canadian representative amateur ballroom dancer who’s traveled to China, Spain, and Italy for many competitions! Now she continues to strive to the top by teaching, choreographing and sharing her passion with others! Hiram’s love of dance has been evident in Mexico since he was a young child.

He began training Modern Jazz and Contemporary before he decided to migrate to Canada where he trained in Jazz, Ballet, Acrobatics and Hip Hop. He later partnered and competed with, 4x Salsa World Champion, Paulina Posadas. The dynamic duo went on to win 1st Place in different national competitions

Adriano Ieropoli and Samantha Scali (Montreal):

Adriano Ieropoli and Samantha Scali are professional dancers based out of Montreal, Canada.

In 2009, at age fourteen they began their partnership by teaching locally and performing for various stage productions, concerts, festivals and salsa congresses. In 2015, they started competing internationally and founded Novaera Productions their very own dance studio in Montreal. That year, Adriano won his first world title in the same gender division and he is now the current world champion in the men solo division.

Adriano y Samantha - Ottawa Salsa Convention — Adriano y Samantha – Ottawa Salsa Convention

Adriano and Samantha are the first Canadian couple to have won a world title in the Professional Salsa On2 division, having placed first at the 2017 World Salsa Summit.

Team Same Gender México

You can see know all of the performers in their official website http://www.ottawasalsaconvention.ca and all the information you need to know.

Albert Torres The Ambassador Of Salsa

North America / USA / New York

Albert Torres, a sympathetic boy with blushing cheeks who born in Brooklyn – New York – never suspected what his destiny had prepared him, to be the father of the Congresses of Salsa worldwide. His name would resound from North to South and from East to West, by the continents: American, European and Asian; in the different important scenes of the Latin music movement and would be the inspiration for many dancers of this branch.

His legacy would belong to the astonishment and shelter of the artists and the public that would applaud his talent, vigor and semblance to the rhythm of the phrase “Una Bulla”. This cheerful infant, without a doubt, was going to be a legend of Afro-Caribbean music. I’m talking about Albert Torres, The Ambassador of Salsa!

Albert began to listen to the salsa genre from the age of 5, staring in astonishment at the whole scene, sitting, of his first dance lessons … At the famous Palladium in New York, where his mother danced and liked the music of Mongo Santamaría and Tito Puente.

This child, future congressman of Salsa, grew up when the history of Latin popular music (salsa) was being written in the South Bronx, where Puerto Rican communities were having a great explosion of creativity and musical activity.

At the age of 12 years old his family decides to move to Puerto Rico, “By that time I did not want to speak Spanish, I did not want to be Puerto Rican. I did not want to be part of that environment”, said Torres. He only danced disco and Hustle. However, at the age of 15 his life took a dizzying turn when he heard:

“Oye que lio que lio se va a formar

cuando mi gatito sepa

y es tan simple la razón

El que a su gata le cuenta que el que a

su gata le cuenta

no es nada más que un ratón

un ratón…

…Échale semilla a la maraca pa que

suenen

chacucha cuchu cucha cucha

échale semilla a las maracas pa que

suenen

échale semilla a esas maracas oye

chacucha cucha cucha cucha

y hace rato está sonando sonando

chacucha cucha cucha cucha…”

Albert Torres simply fell in love with the Salsa thanks to this theme: “El Ratón” of Cheo Feliciano together to Fania All Stars. “The legends of salsa changed my life. When I heard these legends, that August 26th of 1971, in the Cheetah, something happened inside me. The music entered by the feet and came to my heart”. Thus, declared his beginnings in the Salsa, Albert Torres.

In 1991 his passion for Salsa took him to impress the girls of the neighborhood by his incredible steps to a Hollywood celebrity when he, first time, participated in the movie Mambo Kings in which he was chosen as one of the main dancers.

Hollywood - Albert Torres — Hollywood – Albert Torres

There he not only helped Antonio Banderas with the dance steps, but also with the English by that time for Banderas was very hard. In addition, during the filming of the movie Albert had the opportunity to share with big of Salsa like Celia Cruz, José Alberto “El Canario” and his great idol Tito Puente.

That film was the hit that catapulted Torres to world fame being chosen by Debbie Allen as one of the 4 dancers (of more than 400 couples) to participate in the Academy Awards (1993) and to dance “My beautiful Maria” whose Singer was Plácido Domingo and where he stood out as the first Puerto Rican to dance in the history of the ceremony.

Then, he returns to the cinema being the choreographer and dancer of Salsa scenes in the romantic film “Dance with Me” with Vanessa Williams and Chayanne during 5 months.

Later he worked on the movie “Out to See” (1998) with Jack Lemmon and Walter Matteau and in the same year he also made a guest starring appearance on the Keenan Wayan’s Show where he performed with Jennifer Lopez. Everywhere there was Salsa, Torres seemed to be there. At the time and with all this like trajectory Albert Torres in 1991 also began his stage as a producer.

He started promoting Salsa clubs in Los Angeles, “I lost a lot of money. Nobody wanted to know about Salsa”, said Albert. Nonetheless, he began to handle Johnny Polanco y Su Conjunto Amistad, which were the best-known salsa group in the Western United States.

In 1992 he founded his own company, Albert Torres Productions Inc. (ATP) and began to organize salsa parties in several places in Los Angeles. The most important were the Boathouse in Santa Monica, St. Marks in Venice and Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City.

At that moment the genre of salsa was losing popularity. However, Albert Torres with his wit, insight and a lot of intelligence pulled him forward on his own. He revived it in such a way that he became the most influential salsa promoter in the United States. He was who brought to Los Angeles some of the most important names in the Latin music such as: Fania All-Stars, El Gran Combo, Oscar D ‘León, José Alberto “El Canario” and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, among many others.

In the late 1990s, after the I administration of President Clinton relaxed the laws restricting presentations by Cuban artists in the USA, Albert Torres was the first promoter, who brought to the famous and the notorious Van Van group to Los Angeles in January, 1997.

The show, which took place in a night club in downtown LA, was a success. Since then, Los Van Van has received major media awareness with prestigious publications such as Los Angeles Times, New York Times, among others and including the most coveted music honor, a Grammy and Latin Grammy nomination. Torres’s passion and promotional skills have played a key role in the U.S.A Latin Entertainment explosion. Ricardo Lemvo, musician and singer living in Los Angeles, founder and leader of the salsa band Makina Loka said:

“Personally, I have a great deal of gratitude to Albert. In 1996 when I released my first album, Tata Masamba, he was the one who presented my music to the Latin audience in Los Angeles. He also placed my band at Sportsmen’s Lodge, Grand Park and many other venues. Albert was also who recommended me to film director Randa Haines and as a result, my band, Makina Loca came out in the movie “Dance with Me” with Chayanne and Vanessa Williams. I will be eternally grateful to Albert Torres for giving me a hand at the beginning of my career”.

1997 was crucial for Albert and the world of Salsa in Los Angeles because began the dream of Mr. Eli Irizarri of Puerto Rico, the concept of the Salsa Congresses in San Juan. “I was not the first year, but I heard a lot of nice things even though it was a financial failure. I attended the event in 1998 and was the master of ceremonies. Then, I started the same concept in Los Angeles beginning in 1999 and in the next 8 years following the Los Angeles Congress stood out as the largest in the world. There attend more than 6000 people daily arriving from more than 42 countries”, said Albert for an Argentine media.

In 1998, at the head of ATP, organized the first edition of Los Angeles Salsa Congress and in May 1999 was carried out, with the presentation of Tito Puente in the opening. In this first congress Albert transformed the event into an exciting music and dance venue that attracted 20,000 Latin Music enthusiasts from all over the world and USA and with such great success that he immediately became co-producer Salsa Congresses in over 32 countries.

“My most important desire to be a promoter of the Congresses would be that this can be used for dancers, can realize their dream of dancing on a stage and also find a way to respect the dancers as they deserve it. This is extremely important”. Albert Torres.

In LA Salsa Congress the stars are born, many of the world renowned dancers have their start at this event. The mission of LA Salsa Fest is to pass on to the next generation through educational seminars, dance workshops and being able to perform on stage.

Since then, Albert Torres Productions has created and produced the World’s Largest Salsa Music event. In addition to this, ATP is the co-producer of the World Salsa, broadcast from Las Vegas every year by the ESPN TV network being watched by more than 20 million homes worldwide, where more than 1000 competing dancers will be known on the planet. “On ESPN told me that if I wanted to see it on TV I had to do competitions.

I do not like it, but for the dancers to get to know each other worldwide, I decided to make the World Salsa Championship, the biggest and most important salsa tournament in the world. Now, since April (2012) I decided to do it alone, without partners, and now it’s called World Latin Dance Cup. I added other categories like cumbia, bachata, casino, children and people over 45 years. We have about 20 categories”. Torres Said in an interview with a Peruvian media.

In the World Latin Dance Cup No requirements. You have to take stock and follow the world rules. These are of time, originality of the dressing rooms, of musicality. If you drop the wig, the earring (while dancing), points are removed; if you do not wear stockings, too. A wig will not give points, but if it falls it will take the points. In this championship there is not a world champion, so there is a champion in each category.

According to his friends, Albert was a “workaholic”. He was always on the road promoting salsa music through all the congresses he organized around the world. Always in transit, he spent one night in Istanbul, the next in Paris and the following week in Tokyo. For example, at the beginning of 2007 he had 48 weeks of travel and in one year he could travel to 48 exotic countries such as Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Japan, Hong Kong, Brazil, Bulgaria, Romania, China, Colombia, Venezuela, Spain, Mexico, Peru, Holland, Hamburg, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, France, Ecuador, New Zealand, Australia and Puerto Rico.

Therefore, it is not surprising to see on your Facebook wall, the immense and felt messages of thanks from dancers from all corners of the earth. His latest project called “The Legacy Project” is an initiative to combine our music culture with the latest technology tendencies in order to reach and unite more people so future generations can appreciate, preserve and be part of the history of Latin dance and music around the world.

In 2011 Albert Torres was honored to be accepted as a Member of the Council for Dance of UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) and Elected Grand Marshall at the National New York Puerto Rican Day Parade in front of 2 million spectators lined up on 5th Ave that past June 12 of the same year. This past May, 25th the world of Salsa and entertainment received a huge impact, the news of the death of Albert Torres, victim of a Stroke.

Family, friends, national and international press as well as web portals lamented and reviewed this regrettable fact. Rudy Mangual, creator of the famous magazine Latin Beat Magazine commented to an international media that before this terrible fatal outcome, Albert was very delicate of health in the last months; he had diabetes and had an infection in the pancreas. He also said that he regretted his gone because he and his wife Yvette Mangual had a very special affection to Albert.

Albert Torres’s family wishes to thank all of our Salsa Family for your thoughts, prayers and well wishes during this difficult time. Albert passed away today May 25th, 2017, peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones. We all find comfort knowing that he is now promoting and dancing alongside his Idols, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Cheo Feliciano, Tito Rodriguez and Ray Barreto. As well as his close friends Johnny Polanco, Rudy Regalado, Alicia Gomez and many others. We would love nothing more than for you to help us continue keeping his legacy and DREAM OF UNITY alive by supporting the great event that he started 19 years ago:

The LA SALSA FEST.

Thank you again and may you all be blessed. UNA BULLAAAA!

Rest In Peace ALBERT TORRES

6/14/1956 – 5/25/2017

On the other hand, different personalities of the artistic world expressed their deep pain:

“Salsa and I lost a good friend. Like everyone else in the music world, I was in shock: Albert was an exuberant, vibrant person. It seems unfair that he left the planet in the prime of his life at only 60 years old.

I remember in one of our many conversations, he expressed his great desire to bring the famous African salsa group Africando to the United States. Africando had a song, “Yay Boy,” that was all the rage not only in New York but also in Latin America, but not many people had seen the group live. It was a huge undertaking to organize a concert with Africando since the lead vocalists lived in Senegal, Togo, and other parts of Africa. When Albert finally managed to bring Africando to Los Angeles in 2004, he was over the moon. That was one of his greatest triumphs.

Albert, your passing is a huge blow to all of us in the salsa world. We will miss you terribly. Thank you for everything you’ve done to promote our music. Salsa. We will never forget you.

Rest in peace, brother.” Ricardo Lemvo

“Creating Unity through Salsa”, words from my brother Albert Torres. That’s exactly what we are trying to do, will keep this in my heart forever… Your legacy lives. Thank you Albert! Thank you Edwin and the #LASalsaFest team for this”. Tony Succa

Famed Salsa legend, dancer and Hollywood choreographer turned mega event planner Albert Torres is already part of our history. His continuous efforts to globalize Salsa have made a major impact on the preservation and accessibility of both Salsa Music and Salsa Dance around the world. To achieve this, he was constantly traveling around the world, encouraging conferences and festivals, discovering talents for dancing.

No doubt, Albert Torres brought the music it in the blood. He had his own vibration and constantly he was being a role model. He played that key role in the confluence of people and places that created an environment for the growth of Latin music in America and the world.

For that reason, on the Facebook wall of Albert thousands of emotions multiply. And the messages coincide in the gratefulness and the claim of “una bulla”, una bulla salsera para Albert. Today on some side of the Salsa´s Big, sure, you’re dancing and singing!

Albert Torres in solidarity with charitable causes

“Before I was an event producer, I handled 50 beds in a hospital helping people with drug, alcohol, and mental problems… I have been sober since December 14, 1985. For that, I can live and help others to live their Dreams”. Albert Torres

Great dancer and Champion fell ill last year after the WLDC. With the support of dancers worldwide he was able to beat leukimia and will be back this year. What an inspiration and great story. Let’s all appreciate each day that we are blessed with. Welcome back Jeremy.

ATP continues with the Albert’s legacy and offering top-notch quality events with world-class performers. His bands are legendary and his events feature some of the finest musicians and dancers the world has ever known.

“Para mí la salsa no es latina sino mundial. No tiene barreras de colores ni de país. Es increíble ver niños chiquitos bailar como los de los 80 que bailan… Para mí la salsa es como si fuera una paella, una comida increíble: tiene tantos condimentos y tantas cositas.

La salsa es así: con un poquito de rumba, jazz, tango, y si le pones swing, ballet y se mezclan todos con una bella canción de Óscar de León, algo sucede que nos afecta desde los tobillos hasta el corazón… Los problemas siempre van a estar esperándonos en casa, pero qué cosa bonita llegar a un lugar donde todo el mundo se lleva. Cuando empieza esa música todos tenemos algo en común. Ojalá el mundo aprendiera de eso”. Albert Torres (June 14, 1956 – May 25, 2017)

To learn more about Albert Torres and his events, please visit: www.worldlatindancecup.com, www.mysalsacongress.com and www.alberttorresproductions.com

To read more about Albert Torres’ work with Baile de Los Niños, providing cultural outreach programs to at-risk youth and low-income families, visit: www.alberttorresevents.com/bailedelo sninos/mission.asp