The Only Youth Salsa Congress in the World!
We would like to welcome you to the 4 th annual Children-Teen
Salsa Congress in Tampa Florida July 4 th to July 7 th 2008.
This congress, unlike any other congress,
is the only congress geared to attracting young performers
and dancers from across the United States to celebrate the
art of dance while offering fun in the sun during the day.
This three-day event showcases talented youth through evening
performances and social dancing. During the day, all groups
have the opportunity to visit the Busch Garden & Adventure
Island theme parks in Tampa. No other congress caters to young
performers and ensures them to have fun both on and off stage.
Our History
The Children-Teen Salsa Congress was started
three years ago by none other than David Melendez. David Melendez
was a performer, director, instructor and choreographer. He
had been part of the Salsa/Mambo scene for over 30 years. At
the age of 16, he decided he wanted to learn how to “salsa” after
seeing his friend dance. David eventually retired from performing
and began an endeavor that would to this day still influence
the salsa world.
In 1992, he opened his own dance studio called Starlite Dance
Studio. Starlite Dance Studio served two missions, to share
Mambo with new generations and to serve as an outlet for youths
to channel their energies into a positive skill that would
enrich their cultural identity. After all, David Melendez himself
started dancing as a teen and knew the impact anyone could
make given the right tools.
Although David Melendez lost his 6 year battle with cancer
in February, it is our desire to continue his legacy with this
Congress he worked so hard to promote for young performers.
The 3rd Annual Children-Teen Salsa Congress will be hosted
by Edwin Rivera, a Starlite Dance Studio Alumni.
About the Host
Edwin Rivera is a testament of what the introduction
of the arts at an early age, and the influence David had to
the mambo/salsa community. Edwin Rivera started his dance career
ten years ago in dance under David Melendez at the early age
of 13 years old and his career has enabled him to travel all
over the Unites States and all over the world from North America,
Europe, Asia and South America. Edwin Rivera has had the great
opportunity to be involved as a performer/choreographer for
the last year and a half in Chile with T.V. show called, “Rojo Fama
Contra Fama.” In addition, he had his big screen debut
along side Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez in the movie ELCantante which
is a film about salsa music legend Hector Lavoe.
Edwin Rivera along with the Orlando Children-Teen Salsa Congress
Organization would like to extend an invitation to you to be
part of this wonderful event.
As a youth group director or dance studio
owner, this is a perfect way to reward your student and youth
groups for their dedication and hard work all year long to
the arts. It allows them to be surrounded by their peers and
social dance with students their own age. Help be a part of
this great tradition for generations to come!
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