Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a "Salsa congress"?

It's basically a big Salsa dance party! They happen pretty much all over the world these days and typically involve an invited assortment of well known dancers and performers, also from around the world. Usually congresses are at a hotel function hall or some other ballroom-type facility, and last for several days. During the daytimes there are workshops and seminars as well as vendors who feature dance videos, clothing, shoes, etc. At night there are dance parties, performances, often live music, and basically non-stop dancing. The great thing about congresses is the energy that develops when you have so many great dancers in one place. If you love Salsa and have never been to one, it will be a great new experience.

Q: I'm a beginner. This sounds like it's only for experienced dancers.

Not true at all! The 5th Annual Boston Salsa Congress™ is set up to accommodate all levels of dancers, including beginners. If you have never danced Salsa at all and are interested in workshops, we recommend taking a few lessons before the Congress to learn the basic steps. Most advanced beginner/intermediate workshops assume you have a decent grasp of basic turns and cross-body-lead. If you're not quite there yet, there will also be introductory level lessons at the beginning of each evening event that will get you the basics, so that you can dance the night away. That's where the real learning comes in! There's no way to learn Salsa faster than to dive in at a congress. Plus, the watching the shows and social dancing is always a thrill.

Q: I'm under 21. Can I still get in?

Yes, the Congress is an all ages event (0-100+ years). Please bring ID though.

Q: I thought the Boston Salsa Congress was run by David Melendez from New York.

Nope! In April 2004, David Melendez and April Genovese of New York hosted the "Boston International Salsa Congress" at the Logan Airport Hilton. This congress is the 5th Annual Boston Salsa Congress™ that has been hosted by SalsaBoston for New England every October/November since 2001. There is no direct affiliation with the two events, but it is certainly great that Boston has enough Salsa to be one of the few cities on the globe with not one, but TWO Salsa Congresses.

Q: "Springstep?" Never heard of it....

Well, that's because Springstep is a BRAND NEW place! It's a beautiful 4-story dance facility with two ballrooms, excellent sprung wood dance floors, an atrium lounge, coat check, bar and food facilites, lighting, you name it. The facility opened in the fall of 2003. It's also right next to the highway (i.e. easy driving access), plenty of parking, and has a hotel next door. The one thing it is unfortunately not, is very close to the subway, but the Orange Line is fairly close and there are lots of busses that go straight there. Driving is pretty easy--it's right directly off I-93 about 5 minutes north of downtown Boston (exit 32). More details

Q: Is there free parking?

Heck yeah! Lots! (no pun intended...)

Q: Is there a bar?

Absolutely. There will be beer and wine served at Springstep.

Q: Boston is pretty close to New York--do you dance on-1 there or on-2?

Yes! Boston is "Bi-rhythmic". We have people that dance on-3 as well... No seriously, definitely Boston caters to both styles, and the Congress workshops will accomodate both as well. Many instructors even teach their workshops on-1 and on-2 simultaneously.

Q: Is there food?

Yes. There will be appetizers and snacks available at all times, and dinner will be available each evening. There are also numerous local joints nearby.

Q: What about hotel rooms? Should I get one?

This year we have the Amerisuites Hotel immediately next door to the event location. We also got some great room rates, less than $120 with tax per suite (which has 3 beds, refrigerator and stove, etc. "Six people is fine" they said), and that includes a full breakfast buffet (a whole spread, not just your cheap hotel danish...). Also, the pool will be open all night, a Salsa congress tradition. Even if you live locally, we still recommend getting a room because it's so convenient. Why drive/commute a long way when you can just walk across the street, relax, eat, sleep, take a break, etc., and be ready to go say the next day for the workshops. A hotel room will definitely let you get more out of the Congress.

Q: How do I get there?

Springstep is conveniently located right of I-93 about 5 minutes north of Downtown Boston, so by car it's a snap. By public transportation, there are a number of bus routes that stop right outside of Springstep, from both Davis Square (Red line) and various Orange Line stops. More details on the directions page.

If you're flying into Boston, visit our "flying to Boston" page.

Qustion not answered? Ask your question here