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Planet Salsa Weekend Review (8-10th May)
What can I say about the Planet Salsa Weekend? It was not held in any hotel nor club in London but at Dance Junction in Rochester, Kent. We had to find our own accommodation, which for me at least meant a bed and breakfast ten-minute drive away from the venue. No  programme details of the workshops until the eleventh hour. Classes started from noon till five in the afternoon and dance parties from nine till two in the morning, not what I would call a long day. There were only thirteen dance instructors and there were more females than males. Despite of all these, I believe everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable weekend of fun.
Although this was the first Planet Salsa weekend for the year, I think the organisers Terry and Yolande from Salsa Chillout , and Steve Eden from Salsa Sensation have really outdone themselves.
The venue, Dance Junction is exceptionally spacious and tastefully decorated. It has spacious mirrored studios, perfectly sprung dance floor and best of all it’s air-conditioned. Everyone who took classes were given equal attention by the thirteen  instructors, who themselves are all top levelled international teachers and performers. I certainly achieved my objective for this weekend, of improving my posture, styling and footwork. The timetabling of workshops from noon till five was just right for my stamina. Of the five daily workshops, my favourite must be Neeraj and Gosia’s body movement with shines, Junior’s and Emily’s salsa on 2 with styling and Tropical Gem’s performance moves. There were also the beginner’s fast track classes, a sort of foundation course led by Yolanda. A shortage of men dancers at Anne and Anichi’s on1 workshop meant that other instructors were drafted in to help out, namely Neeaj, Farid, Nunon and David. It ended up like a pro/am competition which was most entertaining.
 I must give a mention to the shows, three nights worth, two on both Friday and Sunday and a whooping six on Saturday. Not only were the shows entertaining but also educational. I have to congratulate the performers of their sheer passion and professionalism, made the weekend a memorable one for all of us. I must not forget to mention the DJs too, Mauricio, Julian the Duke and Fonesca (Switzerland), who all did a wonderful job.
If you had booked in advance, the weekend pass would have only cost £69, worth every penny I’d say. If the Planet team can maintain the same standard for their future events, they will no doubt to be total sell-outs.
To find out forthcoming Planet Salsa Weekend contact;
Terry and Yolanda at
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or Steve at
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Reviewed by Karen Chau
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