Salsa-on-Sea – The UK Salsa Congress 2006

Chris Penhall

Chris belongs to Essex-based Salsa Chillout. She has a passion for Salsa dancing and every September, two thousand dancers from all over the world, lovers of all things salsa, descend on Butlins in Bognor Regis.

Every September, 2000 dancers from all over the world, lovers of all things salsa, descend on Butlins in Bognor Regis. 

They bring buckets loads of enthusiasm, passion, several changes of dance shoes, and a lot of energy, and make this very English resort very Latin for three full days.  The big event is the annual barbecue where everyone exchanges new moves, recommends a new teacher or two and complains about their aching feet.

Terry and Yolande
enjoying some Salsa

The group at the
Salsa Congress

With them come top class teachers and performers from all over the world who provide two days of workshops and three nights of dancing, competitions and shows.

Enthusiasts from Dubai and Malaysia mingle with Puerto Ricans, Australians and Americans, all focused on the same things – shall we go to the Cuban workshop with Moe Flex, try out Leon Rose's London style salsa, or try to pick up some styling tips from Edie the Salsa Freak – or shall we try Bachata, reggae ton, zoo – the choice is endless.

But in amongst all this, there is a little part of Bognor that is forever Essex – every year, Essex-based Salsa Chillout, run by Terry and Yolande Lewis, bring a loyal band of students and colonise a part of the resort – known to all as the Chillout Village. Terry and Yolande are regular teachers at the event and were amongst the nominees for the best UK Teachers award at this year's congress.

Winners of last years Best Regional Promoters Award, they understand the appeal of weekends such as this.

“They give people of all levels of ability the chance to meet and mingle with people from all over the world with similar interests, says Terry.

“Everyone is catered for, from beginners right through to advanced dancers, and everyone takes something positive away with them, whether it be gaining more confidence, learning new things, or just meeting new friends.”

According to Paul Young of Salsa UK, organisers of the UK Salsa Congress, salsa is hugely accessible. “People of all ages, shapes and sizes can participate,” he says.  “It's not too difficult to pick up, and you don't have to jump through hoops to learn the basics.  And once you start, it's very easy to be bitten by the salsa bug!

You don't have to be a J-Lo or Ricky Martin to learn salsa, or be a budding Ginger Rogers or Fred Astir to get something out of dancing, either.

"Once you've learned salsa, he continues, "you can go anywhere in the world and find a fellow salsa dancer to dance with – there will always be someone teaching salsa, wherever you go.”

The appeal of dancing is simple, according Tracey Regan of Chelmsford.

“Dancing is a way of escaping from real life for a little while; you are always learning new things, remembering moves and simple routines.  It really takes you out of yourself and helps release all your stresses and strains.”

And for Karen Tarling of Maldon, a whole weekend of salsa is a real tonic.

“For me it's an opportunity to let my inner passions out.  The congress is a salsa dancer's heaven on earth!”

But don't worry.  If you feel like learning to dance, but the thought of a whole weekend – 5 workshops per person per day, two shows per evening, dancing till 3am – sounds a little daunting, there are classes and clubs all over Essex on every night of the week.  So, you don't have to travel to Bognor to get a little Salsa magic!

Chris Penhall Sept 2006