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Every
September, 2000 dancers from all over the world, lovers of all
things salsa, descend on Butlins in Bognor Regis.
They
bring buckets loads of enthusiasm, passion, several changes of dance
shoes, and a lot of energy, and make this very English resort very
Latin for three full days.
With
them come top class teachers and performers from all over the world
who provide two days of workshops and three nights of dancing,
competitions and shows.
Enthusiasts from Dubai and Malaysia mingle with Puerto
Ricans, Australians and Americans, all focused on the same things –
shall we go to the Cuban workshop with Moe Flex, try out Leon Rose’s
London style salsa, or try to pick up some styling tips from Edie
the Salsa Freak – or shall we try bacchate, reggae ton, zoo – the
choice is endless.
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| The group
at the Salsa Congress |
But in
amongst all this, there is a little part of Bognor that is forever
Essex – every year, Essex-based Salsa Chillout, run by Terry and
Yolande Lewis, bring a loyal band of students and colonise a part of
the resort – known to all as the Chillout Village.
The big
event is the annual barbecue where everyone exchanges new moves,
recommends a new teacher or two and complains about their aching
feet.
Terry
and Yolande are regular teachers at the event and were amongst the
nominees for the best UK Teachers award at this year’s
congress.
Winners
of last years Best Regional Promoters Award, they understand the
appeal of weekends such as this.
“They
give people of all levels of ability the chance to meet and mingle
with people from all over the world with similar interests, says
Terry.
“Everyone is catered for, from beginners right through to
advanced dancers, and everyone takes something positive away with
them, whether it be gaining more confidence, learning new things, or
just meeting new friends.”
You
don’t have to be a J-Lo or Ricky Martin to learn salsa, or be a
budding Ginger Rogers or Fred Astir to get something out of dancing,
either.
According to Paul Young of Salsa UK, organisers of the UK
Salsa Congress, salsa is hugely accessible.
“People
of all ages, shapes and sizes can participate,” he says. “It’s
not too difficult to pick up, and you don’t have to jump through
hoops to learn the basics. And once you start, it’s very easy
to be bitten by the salsa bug!
"Once
you’ve learned salsa, he continues, "you can go anywhere in the
world and find a fellow salsa dancer to dance with – there will
always be someone teaching salsa, wherever you go.”
The
appeal of dancing is simple, according Tracey Regan of
Chelmsford.
“Dancing is a way of escaping from real life for a little
while; you are always learning new things, remembering moves and
simple routines. It really takes you out of yourself and helps
release all your stresses and strains.”
And for
Karen Tarling of Maldon, a whole weekend of salsa is a real
tonic.
“For me
it’s an opportunity to let my inner passions out. The congress
is a salsa dancer’s heaven on earth!”
But
don’t worry. If you feel like learning to dance, but the
thought of a whole weekend – 5 workshops per person per day, two
shows per evening, dancing till 3am – sounds a little daunting,
there are classes and clubs all over Essex on every night of the
week. So, you don’t have to travel to Bognor to get a little
Salsa magic! | 
