Sat. 8 Oct. Dance Party @ Congress!

Saturday night defied the imagination. Energized from the spectacular show, some 2000 dancers poured into the cavernous Dance Hall where Washington, DC's DJ Emily hit them with a salsa blast before Ralph Irizarry & Son Café's first set. Lula Lounge's José Ortega played hooky to hang out with the band at the Congress and local percussionist Daniel Stone also took in the night.

"We've been having a blast in this city!" Ralph Irizarry said between sets.

Ralph Irizarry, amazed with the number of dancers packed into the room that was expanded to take in most of the performance hall, even got Congress organizer Jennifer Aucoin dancing. "Come on Jennifer, let's see you dance!"

Dancers were not disappointed with Irizarry & Son Café's two sets. Irizarry's demanding arrangements and vocalists Elsa Ozuna and Jorge Maldonado brought classic Cuban salsa to the floor and the dancers loved it. The smiles said it all. Dancers even got a tribute to Celia Cruz when Elsa Ozune sang El Vacio, a tribute.

People from Canada, Japan, Britain, Bermuda, Israel, the United States, and Puerto Rico danced on the carpet, outside in the vendors' row, on the dance floor, everywhere.... Handsome men asked pretty ladies dressed in their best to move on the surprisingly spacious floor.

Super Mario and Al Liquid Silver Espinoza danced with every and all ladies that came their way, gathering a huge circle for each dance. Tens and tens of videos were made as people watched - close up and personal - the world's best dancing on the floor with salseras they knew. Dancers of all levels and ages were trying out newly learned patterns and moves and shines to 4:00am!