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The Latin sensation in Zurich. Salsa Passion

Europe / Spain

Salsa passion is known as one of the best Salsa Dance School in Zurich to build your foundation. More than 15 years of teaching experiences. See why it’s rated as one of the best in tow.

Zurich. Salsa Passion - Photo 1 — Zurich. Salsa Passion – Photo 1

Salsa, Kizomba, Bachata, Cha Cha Cha, Lady Styling, Rhythm and dance Technique. Salsa dance Courses and Workshops for Beginner to Advanced levels. As a student you would benefit from Winny’s and diverse dance and music background. From leading to following technique, from rhythm to musicality, Spin, Body control, styling and footwork technique.

Good teaching strategies can be borrowed, but a good teaching heart is unique and cannot be replicated. Whether you want to become an excellent dancer, for fun or just for social reason, we love to help you to achieve your goal and teach with our hearts and passions.

Director of Salsa Passion – Winny. She is one of the best female instructor in Switzerland that can both lead and follow equally well in all Latin Styles such as Salsa Cubana, Cross Body Style, Mambo on2, Salsa Puerto Rican, New York On2, L.A style on1, Son and Cha Cha Cha.

Zurich. Salsa Passion - Photo 2 — Zurich. Salsa Passion – Photo 2

Whether you are completely new to the art, or experienced dancer, we have the patient, the knowledge, the experience to bring you further.

Dancing is about social and fun, but while you are investing your time and money to learn, why not learn it properly.

They’ve developed a “step by step” method that is fun and efficient for everyone to learn. We teach the “know how”. You will learn the vocabulary and the techniques of how to put them together, so you can become creative in a long run, and not just coping or try to memories a program.

“For us, teaching is not just a job, is an opportunity to give, and we love it!” Salsa with a smile, Salsa with passion!

What do we teach

Rhythm

How to dance into the rhythm with the style that you have choose to learn.

Music and Interpretation

We teach our classes with live percussion. We also have special training CD to help you to develop your skill.

Coordination, body movement and Posture

We love to show you how to look good while dancing, not just walking around and making steps. They have warm up and exercise at each course, to help you to perfect your coordination and body movement.

Partner Work – turn patterns and combination for all levels

Any figure or combination without technique is no different then it’s like just making a bunch of movements. We will show you how to makes each figure leadable, what makes a combination easy to follow or the opposite. We taught each figure with leading and follow technique, and how you can become a “smooth dancers”. Read our tricks and tips.

Footwork

Steps and combination to help you develop your dancing technique with balance, speed, and “shine” on the dance floor.

Zurich. Salsa Passion - Photo 3 — Zurich. Salsa Passion – Photo 3

Turning /Spinning technique

How to keep your balance when turn, how to gain speed and avoid getting dizzy. We have exercise to develop your turning technique at each of our course, plus tricks and tips how to turn during Partner Work.

Información de contacto:

Email address: [email protected]
Telephone: +41-76-5173138
Location: 4th Floor, Militärstr 84. 8004 ZH

Don Perignon and La Puertorriqueña Release Classique et Savoureux

Timbalero, director, and music producer Pedro Luis Morales Cortijo, better known as “Don Perignon,” presents the 14th musical production from the “dancer’s orchestra” titled Classique et Savoureux. The leader of La Puertorriqueña features three guest vocalists on the album: Venezuelan musician and sonero Marcial Istúriz; Josué Rosado, one of the most iconic voices from La Puertorriqueña’s history; and “El Niño de Trastalleres,” Andy Montañez. With this record, Don Perignon reinforces his commitment to producing “flavorful” salsa with the dancer in mind.

In September 2025, Don Perignon and Andy Montañez reunited in the recording studio to reinvent “La Bikina.” The digital single fused the signature sound of Don Perignon’s La Puertorriqueña with the seasoned expertise of Andy Montañez. This alliance revives a nostalgic duo—the “dancing timbal” and the “singing compressor” that dates back to 1981. At that time, “Perín” took the reins as Andy’s musical director at the invitation of the legendary vocalist following his departure from Dimensión Latina. From that eight-year partnership, Andy Montañez still treasures Don Perignon’s participation in the 1988 recording of El Eterno Enamorado (TH-Rodven), where the latter not only played the timbales but also served as the album’s musical director. Regarding this, Andy says: “I remember him with great affection and appreciate his discipline in directing that recording, especially because every track became a hit.”

Don Perignon and La Puertorriqueña Release Classique et Savoureux

As promised in earlier press releases, that single was the prelude to Classique et Savoureux, where “La Bikina” is featured as the third track. Don Perignon released the song arranged by pianist and composer Domingo García 60 years after its original composition. The song, originally titled “The Beginning,” was penned by Mexican songwriter Rubén Fuentes Gasson.

Tracklist and Credits

The tracklist for Classique et Savoureux is as follows:

“Ella Sigue Bailando”: Composed and performed by Joe González; arranged by Andy Guzmán.
“Hay Que Quererlas”: Composed and performed by José Karlo Ribot; arranged by Roberto Pérez.
“Pura Imagen”: A classic piece by Adalberto Álvarez, vocalized by Joe González; arranged by Juan C. Cardona.
“Ayer Te Vi”: Written by Rubén Rada, featuring the vocals of Henry Santiago; arranged by Ramón Sánchez.
“No Se Equivocan”: Written and performed by José Karlo Ribot; arranged by Carlos “Cuto” Soto.
“Yo Soy Guaracha”: Written by Ángel Santos, performed by Marcial Istúriz; arranged by Carlos García.
A Medley of Boleros: Featuring “Necesito Llamar Su Atención” (Roberto and Erasmo Carlo) and “Mírame Más” (Julio Gutiérrez), performed by Henry Santiago and Joe González; arranged by Juan C. Cardona with a flute solo by Roberto Calderón.
“Será Mejor”: The closing track, written by Héctor Olmo and arranged by Juan C. Cardona, featuring vocalist Josué Rosado.

The Musicians

Leading his musical generation on the timbales and as director, Don Perignon was backed by the musicians of La Puertorriqueña and several guest artists. On the congas, Antonio “Coqui” Marrero, Jean Carlos Camuñas, and the late William “Kachiro” Thompson ensured the time and clave remained rhythmically precise. On the bongos, you can hear the distinctive touch of one of the original members of La Puertorriqueña, Miguel Aponte. On bass, the unmistakable Efraín Hernández interacts with Juan Rivera on piano. Other pianists on the recording include Luis Marín, Leni Prieto, and Ricky Rodríguez. The production is rounded out by the backing vocals of the incomparable Henry Santiago, Juan Bautista, and Joe González. The trumpet section featured Ángel and Richie Segarra along with Jesús Alonso; Sammy Vélez on baritone sax; and the trombones were handled by Juan C. Cardona, Gamalier González, César Javier Ayala, and Carlos “Cuto” Soto.

Pedro Luis Morales Cortijo “Don Perignon”

The album was recorded at the studios of Rolando Alejandro and Angelito Segarra, with mastering by Wiso Rivera.

This release “reaffirms Don Perignon’s commitment to the evolution of salsa in the digital age” without neglecting physical formats, as the album is available on CD and LP to ensure the music is accessible to everyone.

With the title Classique et Savoureux, Don Perignon honors more than four decades of using his stage name inspired by the French champagne Dom Pérignon. He expresses gratitude for the longevity of a concept that began without a clear goal but was built on heavy discipline and the firm purpose of making music for the dancer. In an interview, the bandleader stated that his musical project “is already a classic, thanks to the dancers who have appreciated and supported its sabrosura (flavor).”

Also Read: Long live the music! Repeat after me: “Long live the musicians so they can keep making it.” And I’ll add: “Long live SALSA!”

10th Annual Salsa Festival in Cuba: A Milestone Between Stage Lights and the Shadow of Crisis

The event founded by Maykel Blanco celebrates a decade of history amidst blackouts and inflation that make access difficult for the local public.

Havana. What began in 2016 as a personal dream for musician Maykel Blanco has evolved into Cuba’s most significant cultural tourism event for the genre.

As the Salsa Festival reaches its 10th edition, it has succeeded in uniting top-tier orchestras under a single project, fostering an organic exchange between local dancers and international visitors who travel specifically for the occasion.

However, the announcement of this year’s celebration scheduled for February 26 to March 1 at Club 500 comes at a time of extreme fragility for the country.

While the government promotes the festival as a showcase of “credibility and growth,” the Cuban population is grappling with a profound economic crisis characterized by daily blackouts, shortages of basic goods, and a steady decline in quality of life.

Tributes and a Star-Studded Lineup

This special edition will pay tribute to the 70th anniversary of Elito Revé y su Charangón, an iconic institution of popular dance music. Organizers announced in a press conference that the event will feature a strong international presence, including foreign dance instructors and DJs.

Starting Friday, February 27, four high-caliber orchestras will perform each night. Among the confirmed headliners are:

Los Van Van
Alexander Abreu y Havana D’Primera
Adalberto Álvarez y su Son
Alain Pérez
Willy García (Special guest from Colombia, former vocalist of Grupo Niche).

Cartel Oficial de los Artistas que estarán en la 10ma edición de el festival de la salsa en Cuba

The Economic Barrier to Entry

Despite its cultural relevance, ticket prices have sparked debate. Presale tickets at Cine Yara were set at 800 Cuban Pesos (CUP), a price that will rise to 1,000 CUP per night at the venue.

In a context of stagnant wages and runaway inflation, these figures are out of reach for many everyday Cubans, highlighting the gap between official propaganda and daily reality.

Main Concert Schedule

Date	Featured Artists
Thursday, Feb 26	Opening Gala: Issac Delgado, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, and Eduardo Sandoval.
Friday, Feb 27	Los Van Van, Manolito Simonet y su Trabuco, Papucho y Manana Club.
Saturday, Feb 28	Maykel Blanco y su Salsa Mayor, Adalberto Álvarez y su Son, Alain Pérez, and Willy García.
Sunday, March 1	Alexander Abreu y Havana D’Primera, Haila Mompié, and Elito Revé y su Charangón.

PROGRAMACIÓN OFICIAL (Horarios) de todas los conciertos que brindaremos en EL Festival dela salsa en cuba en su 10ma Edición

Beyond the Music: An Immersive Experience

The festival—driven by MB Producciones, ARTEX, and the Paradiso Agency—is not limited to evening performances (which begin at 9:00 p.m.). The agenda also includes:

Dance Workshops: Classes in Casino (Cuban salsa), Rumba, Son, and the popular “Reparto” genre, taught by prestigious instructors.
Pool Parties: Meet-and-greets with national and international DJs at the Memories Miramar Hotel.
Academic Forums: Lectures on the evolution of popular music and the legacy of figures like Elio Revé Matos.

Presentadores Oficiales de la 10ma edición del Festival de Salsa en Cuba

Once again, the Salsa Festival presents itself as a musical oasis on an island mired in uncertainty, leaving open the question of whether art can truly build bridges in the midst of such a structural crisis.

Also Read: Compay Segundo The Eternal Patriarch of Cuban Son

Chicago International Salsa Congress

North America / USA / Chicago

Mission of the Chicago International Salsa Congress

The mission of the Chicago International Salsa Congress is to unite cultures and generations, engender leadership through empowerment opportunities in its showcase and to keep alive the history of the many cultures collaboration in the creation and evolution of Latin and Afro-Caribbean music and dance.

The Chicago International Salsa Congress is brought to you by a special group of dedicated individuals whose energy, skills, passion and perseverance unite to bring you the number one Latin Music and Dance event in the Midwest!

In 2002 they produced the first Chicago International Salsa Congress (CISC) now in its 14th year. The CISC fosters personal awareness, develops leadership, creativity and inspires highest performance by providing emerging artists an opportunity to learn from and perform with professional artists in the congress showcase.

Schedule: Chicago International Salsa Congress

Día	Horario	Actividad
Jueves 2/9/17	3:00 PM – 11:30 PM	Onsite Registration opens
	7:30 PM	Rueda Summit
	8:30 PM – 9:30 PM	Opening Night! Meet & Greet the STARS of the 2017 CISC
	9:30 PM – 10:30 PM	Dance Showcase
	10:30 PM – 3:00 AM	CISC Concert Series featuring Carpacho y Su Super Combo!
Viernes 2/10/17	9:00 AM – 4:30 PM	Onsite Registration
	9:30 AM – 3:30 PM	Workshops
	4:00 PM – 5:30 PM	Emerging Artist Showcase / Chicago Midwest Salsa & Bachata Open Competition (Elimination)
	5:30 PM – 7:30 PM	Youth Performance Challenge w/Natasha Silva
	6:00 PM – 8:00 PM	Kizomba Bootcamp with Philippe & Upa Danca
	6:30 PM – 11:30 PM	Onsite Registration
	8:00 PM – 10:00 PM	Dance Showcase
	10:30 PM – 3:00 AM	CISC Concert Series: Tromboranga / Bachata Ballroom / Kizomba Party!
Sábado 2/11/17	9:00 AM – 4:30 PM	Onsite Registration
	9:30 AM – 3:30 PM	Workshops
	4:00 PM – 5:30 PM	Emerging Artist Showcase
	5:30 PM – 7:30 PM	Youth Performance Challenge w/Natasha Silva
	6:30 PM – 11:30 PM	Onsite Registration
	8:00 PM – 10:00 PM	Dance Showcase
	10:30 PM – 3:00 AM	CISC Concert Series: Jimmy Bosch with Yoko, La Japonesa Salsera! / Bachata & Kizomba
Domingo 2/12/17	9:00 AM – 4:30 PM	Onsite Registration
	9:30 AM – 3:30 PM	Workshops
	12:00 PM – 2:00 PM	Youth Performance Challenge w/Natasha Silva
	4:00 PM – 5:30 PM	Emerging Artist Showcase / Chicago Midwest Salsa & Bachata Open (Finals)
	6:30 PM – 11:30 PM	Onsite Registration
	8:00 PM – 10:00 PM	Dance Showcase
	10:30 PM – 3:00 AM	CISC Concert Series: Herman Olivera with Nelson Gonzalez / Bachata & Kizomba

Photo 1: Chicago International Salsa Congress

INSTRUCTORS

Enjoy 3 days of over 70 workshops covering Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels of dance styles, movement and musicality. The instructors are from American and European continent to don’t stop dancing.

PERFORMERS

The CISC produces seven Dance Showcases to excite your senses and inspire your creativity. Featuring world-class dancers from near and far, you will be captivated as we unleash their talents on the stage. The shows include our Matinee Emerging Artists Showcases at 4:00PM and World Class Dance Spectacular at 8:00PM featuring national and international performers.

LIVE MUSIC

CICS will present an unforgettable dancing experience in an elegant Grand Ballroom where Latin Music’s top artists and salseros connect. Enjoy four nights of non-stop dancing on our spacious dance floor until 3:00 AM to the hottest sounds of yesterday and today. The Chicago International Salsa Congress Concert Series is unmatched in celebrating Latin Music’s timeless presence in honoring the legendary pioneers while inviting a forward vision as new, young artists take up the torch and carry it forward.

Photo 2: Chicago International Salsa Congress

TROMBORANGA SALSA ORCHESTRA

As part of the new generation of independent latin orchestras, Tromboranga is the pure essence of “Salsa Dura”. Tromboranga’s spicy ingredients are the trombones sound, solid and strong percussion, and they recover the essence of “soneos” (voice improvisation among the chorus). With influences from the salsa music from the 60s and 70s, maintaining a raw, strong and a very danceable sound.

His original songs like “Humildad”, “Palo pa la campana”, “Amigo el ratón”, “Adios que te vaya bien”, talks about stories that can describe the life of any of us, and they have become number one in Latin radios and dance floors worldwide. Tromboranga is made up of musicians from the Caribbean and Europe, all residents of Barcelona, Spain.

JIMMY BOSCH

(18 October 1959, Jersey City, New Jersey), known also “El Trombón Criollo”, is a trombonist, composer and producer of Afro-Cuban jazz, salsa and Cuban music.

At thirteen he was already part of different local bands of Latin music. At age 18, while studying classical music at Rutgers University, he meets Manny Oquendo and joins his band. He plays with Manny Oquendo about two decades; then comes to work with Marc Anthony. In 1996 he created his own band, “Los Masters”, with whom he recorded two albums. He has his own record label, JRGR Records.

Photo 3: Chicago International Salsa Congress

YOKO LA JAPONESA SALSERA

Born in Osaka, Japan, Yoko Mimata began her artistic career at the age of fifteen as a vocalist in a rock band her native Osaka. Las Estrellas, a salsa band composed of former members of the famous Japanese orchestra “Orquesta de la Luz”, invited Yoko to join them as lead vocalist.

Subsequently, in 1997, settled in the Big Apple, city in that began to venture into the salsero environment. Her great debut took place at the Salsa Congress in New York in 2006, where she performed with the orchestra Chino Nuñez and Friends. Later she became the lead vocalist and participated in the recording of the second album by Chino Nuñez, “Dr. Salsa”; In which she sings duet with Ray Sepulveda “Hoy les cantamos”.

NELSON GONZÁLEZ

(Born May 30, 1948) is a Puerto Rican tres player. He specializes in the Cuban tres, and only occasionally plays the Puerto Rican tres (similar to the cuatro). He is a prolific session musician and has been a member of renowned salsa ensembles such as Fania All-Stars, Orchestra Harlow and Típica 73. He has authored a book on the tres guitar method published by Mel Bay. Together with Pancho Amat and Papi Oviedo he is considered one of the most influential modern tres players.

Photo 4: Chicago International Salsa Congress

HERMAN OLIVERA

He is a salsa singer from Newark, New Jersey. Born to Puerto Rican parents, he began his career in New York City where he earned his reputation as a “sonero,” that is, an expert in the demanding art of lyric extemporization. In a genre overrun by pop-oriented singers, Herman’s musicality and mastery in this regard garnered him the sobriquet of “El Sonero del Siglo XXI”. Today Herman counts among the most in-demand and hardworking salsa singers around. His voice literally permeates the sound of hard-hitting salsa from the 1980s to the present-with album credits with the likes of Tito Puente and Eddie Palmieri, among many others where he has contributed to the continued vitality and development of the sonero tradition.

DJS

The fifteen DJs at this year’s congress will definitely get your feet, hips, shoulders, and everything else grooving on the dance floor with the best Salsa, Mambo, Cha Cha Cha on the planet!!!

VENUE INFORMATION

HYATT REGENCY O’HARE is just 5 minutes from O’Hare airport with a free shuttle. Easy access by train or car. Beautifully appointed guest rooms, great amenities and nearby shopping and dining make this a perfect getaway for your CISC weekend.

Photo 5: Chicago International Salsa Congress

Ricardo Vega and Karen Forcano

Latin America / Argentina /

Ricardo Vega and Karen Forcano. Salsa dancers and instructors of Latin dances.

Karen Forcano is originally from Argentina and took her first steps into the dance world at an early age, largely due to the influence of her mother, who was a ballet dancer. At 6 years of age, she began with ballet lessons and then at age 7 she was introduced to the exciting world of salsa and merengue, which would now be known as the start of her professional career.

Ricardo Vega is from Chile and began dancing ballet when he was only 7 years old. Although much of his influence came from his grandparents, who were tango dancers, Ricardo’s experience in dance included the styles of ballet, contemporary, jazz, as well as many others.

Karen and Ricardo met when they were 9 years old but their start in the professional/competitive world of salsa began in 2009. Since that time, they have been conquering championships as a couple, both on and off the dance floor.