GET READY for the 20th Annual Canadian Salsa & Bachata Congress
Maximizing Your Congress Experience: Tips for Dancers
The CSBC is coming up in just a week! And this year it’s a BIG one. It’s the 20th year of the longest running event in Canada & one of the largest & most anticipated events in North America. What’s in store? Well.. take a seat and a deep breath. 60 International Artists, 70 Dance Companies from around the Globe, 45 of the Best Instructors in the World, Workshops for All Levels, Beginner Bootcamps + Master Intensives, 22 Hours of Social Dancing in 3 Ballrooms, 10 DJs, 20 Vendors (including I Love Dance Shoes!), Professional, Amateur & Pro-Am Heats & Showcases! There will be competitions and shows all weekend, and the winners take the Canadian Championship Title. Here are two of my favorite shoes from last year:
La Fuerza Kingsmen from NYC Saturday (CSBC 2023 Saturday October 7)
Pinuzzo from Italy (CSBC) - Saturday October 7 2023
And a fun compilation of the last 20 years at the Congress!
The activities range from Wednesday, October 9th, to Monday, October 14th, seemingly without a break. It can be quite overwhelming, so here are a few tips that will help you get the best out of the very long weekend (that will feel very short):
Focus your priorities
However exciting it may sound, no human can take part in all the programs. My first congress I jumped from workshop to workshop, watched as many performances as I could, stayed for the entire social, and came the next day to the first workshop at 10 AM. This was exhausting, and I’m sure I learnt less from the workshops than I would have if I picked a few and was present for them. They say that you cannot do all four: workshops, socials, competition, and sleep. You must sacrifice at least one of the four, and my advice is not to sacrifice sleep. Check out the schedule beforehand and organize your day around the few activities to make sure you are completely present. For example, you might have a competition or showcase, 2 workshops from your favorite artists, and you really want to watch the pro performances. You should make sure to be well rested for your competitions, so maybe lay off on the social dancing the first two nights. It can be hard to go to sleep knowing that there is dancing going on downstairs for FOMO victims, but don’t worry, there will be enough dancing later that weekend for a lifetime.
Be well equipped
Plan ahead! There are long days, and if you’re competing you might have to wait around in your costume and makeup for hours without knowing exactly when you have to go on stage. Bring a sweater to keep you warm, a change of clothes if you plan to sweat a lot during workshops, a water bottle, snacks (fruits, nuts, sandwiches), and whatever you might need to fuel your body for all the energy you're going to expand. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes! Practice shoes are a great investment, as they allow you to move comfortably all day but also practice your technique with a raised heel (rather than running shoes or dance sneakers) If you don’t have practice shoes, there will be vendors at the event (hint: us!) for you to try on different models and find your best fit, rather than purchasing online.
Get some rest
Even by focusing on your priorities and being well equipped, these events take a lot of energy, and you might feel a crash when it's all over. This is completely normal! If your body needs rest, listen to it. As dancers this is incredibly important. My advice is to take the few days after the event slower than usual, as life gets back to “normal”.
Build Connections
One of the best parts of any dance congress is the opportunity to meet and connect with dancers from all over the world. Take the time to network and make new friends during workshops, performances, and socials. You never know who you might meet - fellow dancers, instructors, or even potential collaborators! Engaging with others not only enhances your congress experience but can also open doors for future dance opportunities. Don’t be shy - introduce yourself, join conversations, and enjoy the sense of community that makes events like this so special. But if you don’t feel like it, no worries! You are also allowed to focus on yourself, and it’s totally OK to retreat to your hotel room if you're feeling tired or overwhelmed.
As the 20th Annual Canadian Salsa & Bachata Congress approaches, we can feel the excitement building for what promises to be an unforgettable event. Whether you're there to compete, learn from the best, or just soak in the vibrant energy of the dance floor, remember to prioritize your time, take care of your body, and most importantly, enjoy every moment. With so much in store, this congress is bound to leave you inspired and motivated. Don’t forget to stop by the vendor area and visit us at the I Love Dance Shoes booth — we’ll be there to help you find the perfect pair to dance your heart out. See you on the dance floor!
Come visit us! We'll be active at our kiosk between the following times:
- Thursday Oct. 10th: 11AM - 11PM
- Friday Oct. 11th: 10AM - 10PM
- Saturday Oct.12th: 10AM - 10PM
- Sunday Oct. 12th: 10AM - 10PM
