It is seriously rare in Australia to have an event dedicated to Salsa. Perhaps ten or so years ago it was an option. (Sydney Salsa Congress was certainly a highlight for Salsa enthusiasts!) But with the influx of many, many dance styles into the Aussie Salsa scene, the hard-core Salsa lovers have been left with two options: attend those large Latin festivals that are able to bring quality talent in all styles catered for (maybe even On2!) or simply opt for international events in Europe and USA for Salsa exclusive ‘marathons’.
As someone who values my time on the dance floor more and more with passing years, I find the multi-style dilution making it more and more difficult to justify my expense of travelling to Australian events. BTW – total respect for people who are really into learning everything. The only problem is that no adequate time can then be really devoted to any one style, and the result is a struggle for the Salsa scene to achieve great levels. For me personally, Salsa has always been a style that pushes its boundaries and embraces its potential to keep developing to ever greater heights, allowing its loyal followers continuous growth. (Like a true science or an ever-evolving language.) Truth be told, Australia has long been lacking in Salsa-specific events – UNTIL NOW!
Salsa Palladium and Mambo Convention comes as a real blessing this year – especially since I have been unable to escape overseas for a serious Mambo fix. Graeme Haney is known in Australian circles as an exceptional and passionate DJ of Salsa and, more specifically, Mambo. For the last decade it’s been difficult to attend a congress in Oz without seeing one of Graeme’s “Conversion to On2” workshops on the schedule. That is because this man firmly believes in the beauty of Mambo and is tirelessly dedicated when it comes to sharing his passion for this style.
It’s about time Australia saw not only Salsa, but Mambo exclusive event on its shores! An event of this calibre in the past has always required a long haul flight to NYC, Milan, or London. This year, only 90 minutes on the plane will get Aussies to experience Eddie Torres Junior (NYC), Serena Cuevas (LA) and Mamboleo’s Gary and Jayne (UK), along with live bands that actually play Mambo music. Did I mention a score of On2 dancers (beginners to advanced!) from all around Australia? And the best thing – I can actually dance non-stop: Mambo, Mambo, Pachanga, Mambo, Cha Cha, Mambo, MAMBO… It’s all about On2!! (Feeling like a kid again!)
This will be an event of workshops and lectures by the International artists – just enough to fill up the weekend without imposing on the weekdays for those rushing back to Monday morning work schedules. But if you do want to extend your Mambo experience – Friday night pre-party and Monday night after-party will both be pumping at Off Broadway Hotel, otherwise known as the music mecca of Graeme’s regular Mambo hang-out. What else can we possibly need??? TICKETS!
Check out the Facebook Page here – and see you all Mambo lovers there!