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Welcome to Episode 204 of the Salsa Kings LIVE podcast
We have been featured as #1 in “Top 10 Salsa Podcasts” on FeedSpot.
Intro
What’s up, familia! It’s me sharing about SalsaFest Weekend, episode 204 of our podcast. This was one of the most fun weekends I’ve had in a long time. From the pre-party to the pool, the workshops, and the live shows, every moment felt special. I want to give you a breakdown so you can feel like you were there with me. And if you missed it, maybe this will get you excited to join us next year or hop on board for the Miami Salsa Cruise in February.
Key Points
- Pre-Party at Ball & Chain
The weekend kicked off with a pre-party at Ball & Chain on Thursday. The place was packed, not like a normal night. Both sides were full of dancers, DJs were on fire, and the energy was crazy good. I loved that people who didn’t know each other started dancing together. The music, the lights, and the vibe made it unforgettable. - Workshops and Learning
Friday started with workshops from Salsa Fina and others. Even though I showed up fashionably late, our crew had fun learning rueda, pachanga, mambo, and more. These classes gave our students new steps and new confidence. Saturday had even more workshops like the beginner boot camp, Cuban footwork, and mambo on two. Some were humbling, but that’s how we grow. We reminded ourselves to stay students forever. - Pool Parties
Pool parties were another highlight. Dancing outside by the bay at the Intercontinental was beautiful. But here’s a tip: don’t dance barefoot on brick floors, or you’ll get blisters. Saturday’s pool party got rained out, but the hotel let us move inside. We danced bachata and salsa in the lobby, which was something I’ll never forget. Huge shout out to the hotel for making that happen. - Shows and Social Dancing
One thing I liked about this event was the shows. There were only about five to seven each night. That made it short and sweet, not too long like some other congresses. After the shows, the live bands and DJs kept everyone dancing until late. On Friday, Nick and Daya brought the fire. On Saturday, Harold Montañez’s tribute band made the night special. I even led Jessica through a full mambo song, which was a big win. - Bonding and Connection
Beyond the dancing, the best part was bonding with everyone. We had karaoke in the rooms, board games, and deep talks. We laughed, stayed up late, and even got in trouble for being too loud. But that’s part of the fun. We also went out to eat after the socials—Nicaraguan food at Pinolandia, Japanese food, and even Club Coma DMA. These late-night adventures built stronger friendships. - Impact on Students
For many of our newer students, this event opened their eyes. They saw salsa is bigger than just the studio. They saw live bands, different styles, and performers they’d never met. Some even signed up right away for competitions. As a teacher, seeing that excitement is the best reward. It shows me they trust us, and that makes me want to give them the best path forward.
Closing Thoughts
SalsaFest Weekend reminded me why we dance. It’s about connection, culture, and fun. From Thursday night at Ball & Chain to the Saturday lobby takeover, every moment was filled with joy. Our students grew, our team bonded, and we left with tired feet but full hearts.
If you missed it, don’t worry. SalsaFest Weekend happens every October, and the Miami Salsa Cruise is coming in February. Six days, seven nights of dancing on the seas—Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and more. We’ll have live bands, workshops, and memories waiting to be made.
Thanks for being part of this journey with us. Stay connected on TikTok, YouTube, and the Salsa Kings app. Episode 204 is one for the books. See you at the next event, familia!