In 2005, Atlanta was able to have its first Salsa Congress due to the direction of Joe Burgos, Founder, Piel Canela Dance Company New York and Sheila Sampath, Director of the Piel Canela Atlanta Division. There was so much support from around the nation to come perform and teach at this first time event that it was successful beyond our expectations.

2006 exceeded all of our expectations with the Atlanta Salsa Congress and the Hotlanta Dance Challenge combined events for an incredible dance immersion - the first of its kind in the US.

The entire hotel will be blocked for our events so be prepared to experience once again a “Dance Immersion” that will far exceed any expectations you may have for a 3rd year Congress. The merging of Competitive Ballroom, Social Salsa, as well as other Latin Club Dances in one weekend is a first time concept that we believe will exponentially increase the awareness of dancing as both a social activity and sport--- that is attainable to all levels and ages. Look forward to more immersion this year as performances and workshops will be combined.

I want to thank Eddie Ares and Nancy Senner, Organizers of the Hotlanta Dance Challenge for continuing to embrace the concept of a Dance Immersion. We look forward to both of our events to be an eye opening and exciting weekend for all types of dancers.

We welcome you to enjoy Atlanta—the Jewel of the South—and are so grateful to this beautiful city, the diversity of the dancers and how supportive our scene is to the many varieties/styles of not just Salsa but dance.

Please be our guest and our VIP’s for this incredible weekend!

Sheila Sampath,
Organizer Atlanta Salsa Congress 2007
www.SheilasSalsa.com