By: Angel Ortiz

With up to 500 in attendance, and the help of 20 Volunteers, the very first Norwegian Salsa Congress took place in the city of Skien. This is a city located about 2hrs outside of Oslo in Norway.  There were visitors from Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Holland, UK, Puerto Rico via France, Spain, and New York.

A “Congratulations” goes out to the Salsa Congress committee (Reidun & Cristobal Svaboe, Joar Svanemyr, Michel Schroeder, Reza Corneliussen, Anne-Karin Moller, Runar Kristiansen and Arntor Blondal). Their timeless energy helped make the event a success. “Congratulations” also goes to the Cultural Department of the Municipality of Skien. Without their love for culture, the arts, and financial support, this event would not have been possible.

The event location provided 4 separate halls for the dance classes/workshops and one big hall for general evening/social dancing and shows. The music was provided by two of Oslo’s very own, D.J. Blanco and D.J. Salsita. Blanco plays every Wednesday evening in Oslo at a club called Brygge Porten.

The event was a positive experience for Norway. No doubt the event has merged Norway and Scandinavia into the salsa world!!!

One of the highlights of the Congress was the very 1st Norwegian Salsa Championships. The panel of judges consisted of the visiting instructors as well as a representative of the IDO (International Dance Organization). In addition, the Norwegian Dance Association (NDA) gave their blessings to this championship therefore deeming it the “1st Official Norwegian Salsa Championships”. Two divisions were held; the open and closed division. In the open class, anyone could participate. In the closed division, instructors and teachers were not allowed. First place prize for open division was $1,000US and the prize for closed division was $500US. 

The event was truly a success in many aspects. The first is of course the fact that an actual Congress was realized!!! Second, the different styles of dancing offered through the many workshops gave the participants the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy the meaning of salsa dancing. So don’t miss next years’ event. It will be “HOT” in Norway. Yes, it’s time for Scandinavia to continue to celebrate!!! Bring on the 2003 Norwegian Salsa Congress. Congratulations Skien. See you next year!!!!

Among the vendors:

Salsa Congress Information Booth,
Harmony Travel.com,
Salsa Wear by Zenon,
RazzMTazz Videos (with Mr. RazzMTazz – Angel Rodriguez),
Swing It (from Bergen, Norway) selling salsa jewelry and shoes,
Isandi (Women’s African handcraft),
Christian Pao and Claudia – of the Barcelona Salsa Congress (www.salsaconpao.de)

Contributing demonstrations and/or performances by:

Felipe Polanco & Tania Santiago,
Angel Ortiz & Rosa Collantes,
Susanna Montero & Leon Rose,
Patrick Mussendijk & Belen Gonzalez,
Ardelis Cabrera & Sophie Colombie,
Salsa Con Pao Team (Christian Pao),
Brian van der Kust & his Footworks Productions Team,
Ardelis & Manuela Navarete.

Instructors:

Leon Rose & Susana Montero
Ardelis Font Cabrera (Santiago de Cuba)
Angel Ortiz & Rosa Collantes (New York)
Felipe Polanco & Tania Santiago (Puerto Rico/Paris)
Patrick Mussendijk & Belen Gonzalez (Holland)
Cecilie Brinck Rygel

Winners Open Class A,
Pablo Miranda & Sara D’Eramo from Kristiansand
2nd Place winners – Lazaro and Anne
3rd Place winners- Walter Francisco and Bente

Winners of Class B, (not allowed for instructors)
Henning and Joana from Oslo
2nd Place winners- Bernard and Pernilla
3rd Place winners- Petter and Louise