Friday - Toronto is in the House

TO is in the House! No Line-ups!

Anticipation ruled Friday as people converged on Toronto's Sheraton Center for Jennifer Aucoin's 3rd Canada Salsa Congress. Thursday's Pre-Party treats added extra buzz. Cameras flashed, delighted squeals filled the air as New and old congress goers re-acquainted as they gathered around the tables in vendor's row just outside the dance room and the show room.

When NYC's dapper MC David Melendez strode across the stage around 9:30pm, the 3rd Canada Salsa Congress was officially underway! Roll-Call!

"TO in the House!" "Montreal in the House!" "Ottawa in the House ... Winnipeg..."

"Good Evening Canada!"

"I'm from New York! The louder you are, I'm happy!" And the 1100 plus crowd roared.

"Here's the Challenge. Over next door, there is dancing to 4:00am. In NYC, if you leave at 2, they talk about you because you left early. Lets see how long you hang in!" Dance they did, closing the place each night, and finally having to be put out Monday morning with the proverbial cat.

Nothing like a little samba to get things going as Toronto's Rhymic Fire samba'd to the stage, opening the show - brilliant green and yellow feathers grabbing the eyes. Toronto's presence continued all evening with Latin Energy, Mambo Mosiac's Ladies, City Dance Corps and Roland & Gorete.

Gorete was the surprise of the night. Visibly pregnant and doing shows during Spring 2005, people wondered if or when Gorete would start dancing again. Arriving by C-Section on 24 June, Gorete's new baby boy made his entrance just in time to celebrate Québec's Fête Nationale. Congress goers were the first to know about three months later when Roland & Gorete performed a strong routine. Post-partum, not here.

DC's Son in Motion "Ducati - Expect No Less!" caught everyone by surprise. Goosing the throttle took on a whole new meaning as black and red clad dancers put a salsa spin to motorcycles, riders! "Sorry guys, no test drive. This is my ride." Melendez quipped.

Jazz legend Dave Brubeck's Take Five resonated through a whole new generation as Boston's Ana & Joel's smooth and passionate, but laid back salsa reflected Brubeck's classic.

City Dance Corps put the audience through Salsa Boot Camp and the Mambo Mosiac Ladies brought out Salsa's softer side.

Other performers included: Caribbean Soul, Grupo Pa' Lante, Jayson Molina, San Tropez, Art-in-Motion, Delima Dance Company.