Orlando Salsa Congress

“You’re going where??” Yes, a congress. Don’t know why they call it that—no important decisions are being made, except which dress to wear or how high to style your faux-hawk. Salsa congress becomes part of your vocabulary when you’ve finally admitted you’re addicted to salsa and become a willing participant in the international salsa sub-culture.

It’s smaller than you think. Sub-cultures usually are. “You always see the same people at these things,” Karine said, taking a drag of her cigarette as we lounged on the water-resistant mod furniture outside the Hilton Orlando. At that moment I locked eyes with Milton from the Cobo Brothers as he made his way back to the ballroom, and quickly looked away.

I’m a little peeved that Cobo Brothers booked their annual party in Raleigh the same weekend of Stiletto Dance Retreat. I have to admit a pre-existing disdain of all things Raleigh-Durham, however. One bad trip at a Cobo Brothers’ event, and I was convinced that their snobbery wasn’t worth the money…I also have to admit that they are fine, fine dancers: their routines are always clean and kick-ass.

I had heard great things about the Orlando Congress, and was curious to see how it would pan out. Friday night was an epic fail. I danced three times with people I already knew. Saturday I decided that if I was going to have fun, I was going to have to be a man and start asking people to dance. I did. It worked. Apparently these guys were just a little shy. Once I got my heart rate up, I was having fun. My dances were above average to really good for Greenville standards. I met some new dancers who I hope to see again on the dance floor.

And thanks to the salsa congresses, I probably will. I’m excited about going to Memphis this year. According to Susan, “for some reason, Memphis and Greenville have always gotten along well.” Susan has been on the salsa circuit for five years now, and it’s fun to hear her stories about the personalities that make this scene.

It’s a young scene. A party scene. As I approach my 30’s, I don’t know how much longer I’ll enjoy being around so many young beautiful women in tight mini-dresses. But I know I’ll love to dance for the rest of my life. And so, for now, when’s the next salsa congress?