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Dance till you drop

The Salsa Fiesta in Abu Dhabi promises a treat for all salsa lovers in the UAE Inaki Fernandes, who will also perform at the fiesta, says salsa brings people from different cultures together

WHETHER YOU ARE a resident or a tourist in Abu Dhabi, if you enjoy salsa or feel like dancing to it, you can be sure to have a ‘salsaholic’ time here.

Salsa Fiesta, the largest salsa show brought up by Abu Dhabi Salsa, is all set to sway the capital tomorrow. Along with some well-established local names from the salsa community and the legendary fathers of Abu Dhabi Salsa, the event brings forth a number of international artists and performers, live Latino bands and Salsa DJs.

International salsa partners Tony Lara and Daniela De Francesco from Spain and Italy, Inaki Fernandes from United Kingdom, Milton Lopes and Emel Lopes from Turkey and Janny Delgado from Cuba have confirmed their attendance at the event.

Tony Lara is not only considered one of the world's best Salsa DJs, but also one of the world's most famous bachata specialists. His amazing dance partner Daniela De Francesco is renowned for her ladies styling and reggaeton workshops. “We are extremely geared up for this event as it is our first trip to Abu Dhabi. We feel very honoured and excited about performing there as we will do a new premium Bachata Tango Show, also,” say Toni Lara and Daniela, speaking to City Times.

“Salsa is about bringing people from all backgrounds and just connecting in a very profound way. The result is pure fun. I think it is a great thing and everyone who attends will benefit from such a fiesta as they will leave the event smiling and knackered from so much dancing,” Lara adds.

The event will premiere partners Inaki Fernandes and Miriam Oppel. Salsa lovers have been waiting for a long time to see the pair dance together. “We are rehearsing between 8 and 10 hours per day,” says Fernandes. “I've met good dancers in many congresses around the world from the UAE and I had such a good time. The spectacular thing about this salsa fiesta is that it has all the ingredients to make it a memorable event. It is always great to see people coming together from different cultures sharing the same passion and exchanging knowledge.”

“My expectations for the audience as a dancer are for them to enjoy the energy and inspire new and old dancers to open their mind. As a teacher I aim to focus on the technique and execution of moves with style,” he adds.

Milton Lopes, pairing with his wife Emel Lopes, says, “As we see, salsa comes from the Caribbean and has stretched out over the whole world giving joy and laughter by bringing people of all countries together under one roof. Salsa is doing more than many organisations are doing for peace, I can say. So let’s get the whole world dancing salsa, and we will be creating a better world.”

Abu Dhabi Salsa started in Abu Dhabi many years ago when the salsa community took the initiative to spread the rhythm and teach new enthusiasts. With ambassadors to international events, they have been organising salsa workshops, events and parties in Abu Dhabi together with local and international salsa artists.

Orson Brando Ugalina, organiser of the event says, “Salsa Fiesta is one of the biggest salsa events in Abu Dhabi. It is like a night of reunion for salsa lovers. We all were waiting for this for a long time.”

From the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, nine confirmed salseros will also attend Salsa Fiesta led by Lindsey Hay, pioneer founder member of Salsa in Riyadh.

EVENT DETAILS

Salsa Fiesta, Versailles A and B, Le Meridien, Abu Dhabi, on October 30

Tickets: Dh125, at the door: Dh150

citytime@emirates.net.ae