It all started with a casual FB post on some interesting phenomenon that he noticed in the world of salsa, people started commenting and the rest is pretty much history :) The world of salsa dancers has started to anticipate his posts every week in what is now known as Friday's Coffee Lounge by Olu Olu where this Salsa Cosmopolite tackles controversial topics regarding the much commented lifestyle of both salsa social dancers and artists. He's sharp, intelligent and doesn't miss a thing - so if he hasn't said anything about a phenomenon you've noticed, it's probably because he'll do it in his next edition of the infamous Coffee Lounge ;)     

After a couple of editions of his extremely interesting panels live, his Coffee Lounge will have a premiere at this year's edition of Croatian Summer Salsa Festival! Make sure you save your spot, cause you're up for some really interesting topics and guests.

Guest speakers

We've selected a range of interesting salsa personalities which will add up a bit of their own flair to the panel:

• Mark Anthony Shepard - artist, DJ, fashion guru and social dancer. Neither salsa nor kizomba hold a secret to him - after London joining us one more time on Olu Olu's coffee lounge here in Rovinj!
• Luis Vazquez - the legend himself, one of the creators of LA style, artist and ambassador of salsa for more than 20 years - sharing his insights and view on things
• Ricardo Sousa - one of the most renowned kizomba artists and a beloved social dancer whose voice definitely should be heard
• Osbanis Tejeda - this talented Cuban dancer and musician has it all - great charisma, superb skills and good looks! He has been invited as a guest teacher all around the globe to teach about what he does best - Cuban dance and music.

Topic which will be discussed:

1. Live Music - Why is it that increasing more and more dancers are turning away from live salsa music? Despite the popularity of bands like New Swing Sextet, La Maxima, Salseology, Jimmy Bosch, etc. there seems to be not many opportunities for dancers to dance to live bands. And in fact many dancers quite openly state that they prefer dancing to DJs because of shorter length tracks.

2. Kizomba at salsa events - Do you feel that kizomba and salsa congresses are natural bedfellows, albeit in their own room. Is kizomba at a salsa event, be it festivals or local events, that draws large crowds of dancers a good thing? If not why not?

3. Cuban salsa in decline? - Lately, there seems to be a marked decline in the number of festivals and recently one was cancelled at short notice. Is this just a blimp or is Cuban salsa dancing really in decline? Especially with the increasing popularity of kizomba festivals, is Cuban salsa going to rely on half empty rooms at CBL style salsa festivals/congresses/events? What say ye?

WHEN AND WHERE?

Hotel Park, Congress Hall (where the workshops are taking place), on Friday 26th June at 12:30 (till 13:45) during the lunch break, ENTRANCE: free of charge! 

Come, meet some really interesting people, participate, give your opinion - it's time to hear your voice! :)