027 572 4974
Newbie Guide

Hey Bay Salsa Festival newbies! Is it your first time down the rabbit hole? Are you feeling a bit “who the F*$# is Alice”??? Well here’s everything you need to know!

Our Wonderland…
Our Bay Salsa Wonderland can be a bit daunting to find your way around! Here’s an overview of the events and venues to guide you on your way:

Friday night warm up party:
Held at Greerton Marist Rugby Club. This is a mixed style party and a fantastic way to meet other dancers before you
delve into the madness of the weekend. There’s plenty of free parking available at the venue

Saturday and Sunday workshops:
Follow the White Rabbit to our main venue for all our workshops at Otumoetai Action Centre. Don’t mix it up with Otumoetai College – the Action Centre has its own entry further down Otumoetai road. Parking is limited at the venue but there are parks roadside. Your timetable will tell you which room to hop to for your chosen treat of the hour. Rooms are signposted to help you find your way through our Wonderland but don’t be afraid to ask for help if you find yourself feeling a little bit upside down…

Saturday showcase and party:
Hoppity skip back to our Otumoetai Action Centre Wonderland for a full night of entertainment. Kick off the evening by enjoying the spectacular abundance of local and national talent at the renowned Showcase held in the main hall and be inspired!
After the showcase has bedazzled you, settle in for the Saturday social. This time you’ll be treated to two separate dance spaces – the main hall will host the Bachata and Salsa party while you can find Kizomba and Zouk in the old gym.

Sunday Night Party
Don’t miss the Mad Hatter’s final tea party! Get your fancy Wonderland inspired costumes on for our last night of craziness back at Greerton Marist Rugby Club.

What you’ll need:

The first rule of Wonderland is to pull up a toadstool and make yourself comfortable. We suggest you kit yourself out for a long day of learning and dancing with the following:

👟 Comfortable shoes – you don’t need to wear anything fancy. Choose what you brings joy to your soles – we suggest sneakers, but not too grippy. If you want to try heels, choose the suede bottomed flexible ones designed especially for dance. Now is not the time to break in a brand new pair of towering stilettos
👗Comfortable clothing – like the Mad Hatter, wear what makes you feel your best, but choose options that allow you to move freely. It will be warm in the workshops so keep this in mind and pack extra attire to get you through the day
🥪Other bits and bobs – deodorant, sweat towel, water, hydrolytes, snacks, lunch (the supermarket is nearby but you might find time is limited if you are doing workshops either side of the break).
What else…
Like the White Rabbit, keep an eye on your pocket watch and make sure you turn up on time to your workshops!
Clear your phone memory space – you’ll have the opportunity to record content at the end of workshops
Ask questions! The instructors are there to help you and appreciate your interest Attend as much as you can of the Festival but don’t feel bad if you need a break. Look after yourself first and foremost

We look forward to seeing you all at our grand celebration of dance and hope this will be the first of many for you!

Our thaks to Camella from ZoukBoost for providing this summary!