Hey Bay Salsa Festival newbies! Is it your first time at court? Are you feeling a bit “where’s my head”??? Well here’s everything you need to know!
Our Kingdom…
Our Bay Salsa Festival Kingdom 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:
Saturday and Sunday workshops:
All nobles and monarchs are summoned to Otumoetai Action Centre for our upcoming workshops. Be careful not to enter the neighbouring grounds of Otumoetai College; our grand pavilion has its own distinct entrance further down Otumoetai Road. Carriage parking at the gates is sparse, but roadside parking is permitted. Your royal schedule will decree which chamber to grace with your presence each hour. Rooms are clearly marked to guide your progress through the palace, but please seek out our court attendants if you lose your bearings!
Saturday showcase and party:
Return to the grand courts of Otumoetai Action Centre for a full evening of royal entertainment and pageantry. Kick off the festivities by witnessing a spectacular abundance of local and national talent at our renowned Showcase, held in the Great Hall to inspire the entire realm! Once the showcase has thoroughly bedazzled you, prepare to mingle at the Saturday Royal Social. For this occasion, the palace has decreed two separate ballrooms for your enjoyment—the Great Hall will play host to the vibrant Bachata and Salsa courts, while the Kizomba and Zouk dancers shall gather for their revelry in the Old Garrison Gym
Sunday night themed ball:
Held at Greerton Marist Rugby Club. This is a mixed style party and a fantastic way to finish off the weekend in style. Supper is provided and there is plenty of parking available.
Royalty has decreed that as this is a licensed venue, no BYO refreshments are permitted, or you may lose your head!!
What you’ll need:
The first rule of the kingdom is to pull up a throne and make yourself comfortable. We suggest you kit yourself out for a long day of learning and dancing with the following:
👗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…
Keep an eye on your time piece 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!