…does not stay in Vegas, but rather journeys home with you in the form of precious memories and never-ending laughs.
In July, I had the opportunity to attend my first ever Salsa Bachata Congress in Las Vegas. I had no idea what to expect, and I had never visited Las Vegas before. Between road-tripping with teammates, huge pool parties in the Vegas heat, top-notch workshops, my first ever Alma Latina bachata performance, and dancing all day and all night (with verrrrrry little rest in between) – it ended up being one of the best weekends of my life!
The 10th Annual Reno Latin Dance Festival is right around the corner, and I could not be more excited. This time I know what to expect, but I still vividly remember feeling exhausted after the last 4-day marathon so here’s a quick survival guide of things I hope to get right this time around.
Hydrate
My teammates make fun of me for being obsessed with water and always reminding everyone to stay hydrated, but I don’t mind because it is essential, especially in that Vegas heat and especially when you’re dancing all hours of the day and consuming lots of alcohol.
Meal Prep
Depending on the location of the festival, healthy food can be hard to find in a hurry. Plan ahead by bringing protein-packed snacks and meals and lots of yummy fruits and veggies to snack on. We even brought a microwave and plan on adding mini fridge and blender to our room this year. Just be prepared to be the party room if you bring these coveted items!
Plan Ahead
Start eyeing that schedule now, and highlight all of the workshops and performances you want to attend. It can be hard to go to everything, especially if you’re like me and want to take workshops on styling, technique, footwork, bachata, salsa, hip hop, and whatever new dance style you discover at the festival. It’s even harder to go to every workshop and to find time for much needed rest if you have additional practices for performances. So plan ahead and prioritize what’s important to you. Workshops are a great way to meet new people and learn new moves to try out in the evenings!
Pack a bag
Pack a small workout bag or tote to carry with you during workshops and to keep your stuff organized while you perform. Fill it with:
- Reusable water bottle
- Gum
- Wet Wipes
- Vitamins
- Needle and thread
- Safety pins
- Bobby pins
Have fun
Soak up every moment! It can be nerve-wracking to be surrounded by professional dancers, but you are attending for a reason and you can learn something from everyone. My friends and I challenged each other to be more confident and bold in social dancing, trying on new outfits, and meeting new people. You won’t regret it!