By Marina Kolias

The event as a whole was an incredible experience.  I thought that the congress as a whole demonstrated the depth of the culture of salsa; and it showed how many different types of salsa dance there are out there.  It also confirmed that salsa is for everyone.  The congress revealed that the passion for salsa transcends social boundaries.  I was impressed how so many different types of people embrace it, and I was touched to see the young and old alike enjoying themselves, and dancing for the sheer pleasure of it.  I was left with a newfound respect for salsa because of the congress.   

I hope what I describe above was really the point of the congress.  That is, to spread the passion, meaning and joy of salsa to the world.  That being said, I believe that the logistics of the event could improve to help realize this goal.   

If the congress wants to spread the word and include all types of people, the event should be marketed so to invite and include all types of people, with all different skill levels.  To this end, I believe that some advanced planning could assist the congress achieve this objective.   

First, for just a few dollars, you could hire a publicist, or PR person to send out a press release to advertise the event.   If you know the date at least 6 months in advance, it can be included in a number of cultural calendars.  I suspect that each of the local televisions stations has a cultural events calendar on its website, and that it would be free to advertise the salsa congress there, if the information is distributed well in advance of the event.  I know that KNPR, our local public radio station has a cultural calendar, and public radio listeners as a whole are very interested in and participate in multi-cultural events, such as the Greek festival, and would be very interested in the salsa congress just for the shear cultural experience and art of it.   It has been my experience that a publicist has ready access these media outlets, and could quickly and efficiently distribute your information to them.   

Second, the congress needs to put on workshops and events that can be enjoyed by persons of all skill levels.  Perhaps the biggest criticism I have with regard to this year’s event was the fact that I, as a beginner, did not feel that there were any events for me, and people with my skill level.  Certainly, if your goal is to spread the salsa word, you have to invite and welcome the beginning dancers, and not just cater to the advanced and experienced dancers.   

For example, I paid for the entire weekend of workshops, but could not enjoy any of them.  There were no workshops for beginners.  The classes I took were far too advanced for me.  I felt that I was subject to much criticism when I tried to participate, particularly from the other students in the class!  In fact, two other students scolded me for not letting them lead, and another literally refused to dance with me!   I left in tears.  Yet, I tried not to let this experience diminish the personal satisfaction if get from salsa.   

The salsa congress, like any other event, cannot be perfect.  However, I do believe that if you keep in mind the goal when planning the event, there is a better chance that your goal will be realized.   

Thank you for your attention.  I hope that this was helpful to you.   

Thank you,
Marina E. Kolias - Attorney
Telephone: (702) 474-4417
E-Mail: mkolias@koliaslaw.com