The India International Salsa Congress '2007 Part 2

Written by Edie, The Salsa FREAK!, and submitted by Lourd Vijay

This article is the second and final part of Edie the Salsa Freak's adventure in India during the India International Salsa Congress of 2007. In this part she describes her amazement in wearing and dancing with a Saree, and the manner in which she experienced the whole congress. The first part can be read here.

After choosing my material, the vendor made me, literally on the spot, THE most beautiful silk with gold-trim Sari I had ever seen. In fact, it was so nice, I decided to wear it that Saturday night to the Congress! I surprised the crowd by getting on stage all wrapped up in a blanket and after making them "guess" what I had on (most did by the way), I slowly unveiled it. I've never worn something like this before, and I believe that EVERY woman, I don't care who you are, need to try one of these things on! It's fabulous! I would love to wear one every day if I could! Especially around the house… they are ssssooo comfortable!

That night, I MC'd the entire evening's performances with it on, and DANCED with it on …. ALL NIGHT LONG!!!! At first I didn't think I could dance at all with it on… it kept getting in my way of spinning, and it was heavy, and bulky… but with help I doctor'd it up and tucked it in so well under my belt, that I was absolutely FINE afterward! I lasted the end of the night with that thing on!!! I couldn't believe it – and neither could anyone else! I even did some Swing dancing with one of the Swing Guys when they played swing music! You just get used to the weight, and the turns, and have to power your way around a bit differently, but I'm telling you, those outfits make you feel ssssooooooo FEMININE, it's unbelievable!

I mean, the MINUTE I put it on, I felt …. "like a woman". I had to have help (obviously), so just having someone dress me… made me feel like some sort of Princess. Oh my gosh, what an experience. First of all, I am not used to having someone help me get DRESSED, and second of all, once I got that thing on, holy smokes! I felt so "female" !!! Really, now I know I am a woman, and I know that I can be very feminine, but this outfit, this Sari… geez. It really does make you feel … so… beautiful!

What was fascinating about putting it on was how it is simply "wrapped" around your body like a sheet. In fact, it is just simply that – a long piece of material, not unlike a bed sheet, or a bed spread. In fact, I believe THAT'S how they were invented! Some woman must have been late for work one morning, and she ended up ROLLING OUT OF BED and her bedspread got caught in her underwear, and that's how she made it to WORK that day… it looked so good, it just kinda' CAUGHT ON… from then on…
(that's what "I" think happened – the guys look… well. Normal I guess, but the women look AMAZING!!! )

Edie is dancing in her Saree at the beginning of this short clip.

While social dancing at the event, the weirdest thing I noticed was seeing "Indian versions" of superstars like Angel Ortiz, an Indian version of Frankie Martinez, an Indian version of James Cobo – it was kind of spooky! They were almost identical!

Overall the Bangalore Congress was excellent in my book. The people were so warm and so friendly, and the organization venue, and hotel, superb. Considering the strict "ending time" rules and regulations that everyone must follow while there, I believe Lourd did an outstanding job of making everyone feel welcome, and at home. I believe next year's event will definitely be a sell – out!!

Fantastic Event Lourd! Kudos to a job well-done!


About Lourd Vijay

Lourd Vijay is the principal Promoter of Latin culture, music and dance in the Asian Region. He recently stood 10th at the “most Popular Entrepreneur of the year 2009” amongst 180 nominees from across the country. An innovative choreographer and a very able instructor, he is the director of the Lourd Vijay’s Dance Studios (www.lvds.in | www.indiasalsa.com ) in India.
 
Lourd holds a Post-graduate Diploma in Management. He has just launched a project called the Street Kids Street Dance Initiative – a project to impart dance as a vocation to socio-economically challenged individuals. Lourd is also the organiser of The India International Salsa Congress, the All India Salsa Championships, the Chennai Salsa Festival, the Goa Salsa Festival, the Winter Dance Festival, The Spirit of dance festival, Free Spirit Street Arts Festival as well as the Ambassador of the Hong Kong Salsa Festival.