“Bengaluru may well be on its way to becoming the Salsa capital,” says John Anthony, the brain behind the India International Dance Congress (IIDC). Starting off with 600 participants in its first edition, (IIDC) is now in its fourth year, and “has grown beyond expectations.” The four-day event will also include the Asia Open Championship, said to be Asia’s biggest championship for salsa and bachata dance forms.
This year the fest will have over “2,000 participants, 40 international and 50 national artistes. One of the major highlights of the congress will be the presence of Eddie Torres, popularly known as the Mambo King. He is considered a legend in salsa and one of the most sought-after artistes,” says John, who founded IIDC in 2012. Another act salsa fans can look forward to is Tropical Gem, headed by Fernando Sosa. Alien Ramirez and Oliver Pineda, who have been world champions several times, are a part of this event, which includes many workshops.
The congress will kick off with the championship followed by boot camps with Tropical Gem and Alien Ramirez. Divided into 12 categories, the competition will see 200 contestants from across the world vying for the title and a cash prize of Rs. 2.5 lakhs.
There will be themed parties every evening adding to the fun besides giving the performers an opportunity to unwind.
John, who is the founder of Latino Rhythms Dance Academy, hopes to bring more international participants to India. “IIDC is a platform where trainers and performers from across the world come together to share their knowledge.” A few years ago, when John quit his software job to follow his dream, he says he “never dreamt that he would help others to do the same. People are scared to take up a career in this field. But, due to IIDC, many have been encouraged to pursue their passion for dance.”
IIDC will be held at the Clarks Exotica Resort, Devanahalli, from July 16 to 19
