Puerto Rico Ready To Kick Off Worldwide Salsa Competition

By Michael Lopez

Think you’ve mastered the art of baile? If so, you may want to head to Puerto Rico in the next few weeks. The island just announced dates for its 15th annual Salsa Congress event.

Over 30,000 dancers are expected to attend the international competition. And don't think that salsa moves are just reserved for Latin America. Competitors from Australia and Europe are eager to slip into their dancing shoes and hit the floor too.

"La idea de sacar a los visitantes es para que conozcan cómo se baila en la calle y se vive la pasión del baile en festivales, fiestas patronales y en la Isla," organizer Eli Irizarry explained. "Puerto Rico necesita eventos como éstos. La música, sobre todo lo salsa, es perfecta para lograrlo. Por eso sé que al igual que cada año, el evento será un éxito absoluto."

2010's champs, Carine Morais and Rafael Barros, hailed from Brazil, but they're in for some stiff competition this year. Spain's Adrian Rodriguez and Anita Santos are expected to tear the floor up, as are Puerto Rico's hometown heroes, Kelvin Hernandez and Licelot Maldonado.

Either way, it's expected to be one heck of an event. Outside of the dancing, there will be all-night fiestas, live music from Spanish orchestras, and workshops teaching new salsa fanatics all of the tricks of the trade.

Mark your calendars, the 15th Salsa Congress kicks off July 16.

Are you a fan of salsa dancing? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cultura, Dance, Hot Stuff, Puerto Rico, Salsa, Salsa Congress