FAQ

Registration

How can I register for the Congress?

Our reservation process is very simple. Congress passes (Packages A - F) can be bought online, by mail, in person at Steps Dance Studio (call 416.656.7837 for hours) or at the Sheraton Centre hotel during the event (Fri. Oct. 10 to Sun. Oct. 12). If you wish to mail in your payment, please print the 2 page form (found online) check off which package you are buying and attach payment (cheque or moneyorder payable to Steps Dance Studio).

Can I purchase tickets at the door?

Yes. Tickets are available at the Sheraton Centre Hotel at the Congress Registration Booth- located on the lower level. The Registration Booth will be open:
Fri. Oct 10~ 2:00 pm to 1:00am
Sat. Oct 11 ~ 10:00am to 1:00am
Sun. Oct 12 ~ 10:00am to 1:00am
You can buy individual day or evening tickets or select from various package options: Go To www.canadasalsacongress.com/registration

What payment methods do you accept?

On-line payment can be made using VISA or MasterCard. You can mail in payment via cheque or moneyorder. The Registration Booth (open throughout the Congress) is accepting Cash (CAN, US), VISA, MasterCard, and Debit.

I bought tickets in advance. Where do I pick them up?

Congress passes will NOT be mailed. All pre-paid purchases will be added to our database. Each person must pick up their own congress pass in person at the pre-paid registration booth at the Sheraton Centre Hotel (lower level) between Fri. Oct. 10 and Sun. Oct. 12 (See above for hours). Please bring your receipt/ confirmation of payment and a piece of photo ID. If you have bought an individual night ticket, you can go directly to Security with your ticket to enter ballroom.

Do I have to keep my wristband on all weekend?

Congress passes will be in the form of a wristband and must be worn at all times.

What happens if my wristband breaks?

The wristbands are waterproof and durable so they should not fall off. Registration volunteers are also careful to ensure that the bands are comfortably placed on your wrist. If you remove your wristband, you will need to purchase another congress pass/wristband. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Evening Performances

What time do the evening performances begin?

The evening performances begin at 9:00pm (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), without delay.

Is there reserved seating?

The Canada Salsa Congress is pleased to introduce VIP seating! There is a limited number of VIP reserved seating available. It can only be purchased in advance by upgrading your full congress pass or 3 night pass. For complete details, go to the online Buy Tickets tab, and select VIP Seating. General seating is based on a first come, first serve basis. Doors open at 8:00pm.

Can the event ‘Sell Out’?

No. The venue is being held at the Sheraton Centre Hotel, featuring the largest ballrooms in Canada. The evening performances seat up to 1200 attendees, plus standing room. The workshops and post-performance social dancing are held in large ballrooms ensuring comfort and space for all attendees.

How early do I need to get there for the evening performances?

The evening performances begin promptly at 9:00pm. Unless you have reserved seating we suggest you get there early as general seating is first come first serve. Overall we have noticed that people begin arriving at around 8:00pm. Please give yourself additional time if you have not purchased tickets for the show in advance.

Can I videotape the performances?

There will be absolutely NO videotaping allowed during the evening shows.

Is there a live band?

Yes. The 2008 Canada Salsa Congress is excited to have Los Angeles Salsa band Johnny Polanco y su Conjunto Amistad on Saturday, Oct. 11th at 11:30pm, immediately following the Saturday evening performances. Click on the Artists tab for more details on the band.

How much are tickets to see the band?

Tickets are $40 to see the dance performances (9:00pm-11:00pm) and the band.
Concert only, $30 (admission after 11:15pm only).

Is there a dress code?

No, there is no dress code in effect.

What do I wear to the congress? What attire is most appropriate?

We suggest that you ‘Dress to Impress’ during the evening portion of the Canada Salsa Congress, in particular, on Friday and Saturday evening.

Are kids allowed to attend the event?

Yes, the Canada Salsa Congress is an All Ages event. Children can view the evening shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for half price of a regular adult ticket. Additionally, the full Congress pass or workshop passes are half price for children. Children must be present when purchasing tickets.
Please note: children will not be allowed entrance to the Pre-Congress Welcome Party on Thursday October 9th.

Workshops

Can I videotape during the workshops?

There is no videotaping during the time in which the instructor is teaching. You will be given the opportunity to videotape at the end of the class if the instructor allows it.

What should I wear?

You want to be comfortable. We recommend wearing workout/dance gear and appropriate footwear (dance or jazz shoes).

How do I know what workshop I should take?

The workshop schedule is available on-line as well as hard copies during the event. Each workshop is identified with a level (beginner, intermediate, advanced, etc.) Here is a general guideline to the congress level system:
Beginner: Have taken salsa lessons for at least 3 – 6 months.
Intermediate: Have taken salsa lessons for at least 6 – 12 months.
Advanced: Have been dancing and taking salsa lessons regularly for more than 1 year.

There are also numerous workshops geared to all levels. Each participant is encouraged to choose any workshop they are interested in; challenge yourself and have fun!

Do I need to stay for the entire workshop once it is in progress?

No. You can come and go from workshops as you please. We only ask that you are mindful not to disrupt the class in progress.

Is there limited space for workshop attendance?

No. The workshops are held in large ballrooms ensuring comfort and space for all attendees. The instructors use headset microphones and teach from an elevated stage.

Are there vendors selling merchandise?

Yes. A large area in the main foyer of the Sheraton Centre Hotel lower level is filled with various vendors throughout the course of the Congress. (apparel, shoes, DVD’s, etc.) Most only accept cash.

Pre-Party

Where is the Opening Night Gala being held?

The Opening Night Gala location will be announced shortly. Doors open at 9pm, the Canadian Salsa Championships and performances will take place at 11:00pm. Tickets are $20 and are available only at the door.

Does my full Congress Pass include admission to the Opening Night Gala?

No. The Full Congress Pass only covers the events that are being held at the Sheraton Centre Hotel.