Ladies, prepare to be swept off your feet; gentleman, prepare to learn how.
The first Albuquerque Latin Dance Festival will take over different parts of Albuquerque from Aug. 23-29.
James Foley, executive director of the festival, began organizing the event when he realized that the city has yet to see one like it. Albuquerque’s “virgin territory” became an opportunity for Foley and his volunteer crew to put their feet where their mouths are.
Public Relations Representative of the event, Jesus Muñoz, said the eight-month project will be the hottest venue of the summer and was born out of the necessity for a unified Latin music community.
The Festival will present a variety of events, most relating to its theme of “Salsa: Past, Present and Future.” Throughout the week, attendees will have access to 45 dance workshops, 25 music performances and a film and lecture series focusing on salsa.
Though salsa remains its core focus, the dance workshops and performances will cover a broader spectrum of styles, including bachata, flamenco, tango, cha-cha and more.
Edie “Salsa Freak” Williams, a dance instructor from Los Angeles who has taught salsa in over 60 countries, will be featured among others.
For those cursed with two left feet, more than half the workshops are for beginners. Programming Chair Santiago Candelaria said the festival offers something for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy.
Attendees looking for a less physical experience will have open access to the free film and lecture series in partnership with the National Hispanic Cultural Center.
On Aug. 26, America Ferrera will present “Dry Land,” a pre-screening before it debuts the following day. Music performances over the week will feature local artists as well as Jiovanni Cofino and the Latin All Stars from Las Vegas, Nev.
Ticket prices range from $20 for a single workshop to $99 for a full-event pass.
One of UNM’s Latin fraternities, Lambda Theta Phi, will sell discounted full-event and Saturday-night passes to students. Proceeds go to the fraternity and the annual student scholarship fund at UNM. Also, KOAT will give away a full-event pass every morning the week of the festival.
The organizers found that the process of orchestrating such a large event (more than 20,000 are expected to attend) frequently tested their resolve. The crew shed many volunteers since the project began.
Despite serious illness, family emergencies and other “salsa drama,” like the search for funding, Muñoz said organizers remained dedicated to their vision of success.
“Every day you have to remind yourself of what you’re doing and why you’re doing it,” he said. Candelaria said organizers saw this as an opportunity for diverse groups to unite through a connective form of dance.
“It crosses socioeconomic boundaries, culture boundaries,” he said. “It’s a powerful way to bring people together.”
*Albuquerque Latin Dance Festival
Abqlatinfest.com
505.508.8159
August 23-29
Various Venues
$20 to $99*
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