In less than one week, salsa and bachata fans from the world over will be coming to Toronto for the 13th Annual Canada Salsa & Bachata Congress. Hosted by Jennifer Aucoin & Steps Dance Studio Inc., the four-day long event will feature 35 international artists, 60 dance companies from across the globe, 40 of the world's best instructors, ten DJs and a live band. Attendees will be able to join in a variety of workshops for all levels, beginner bootcamps, master intensives, four nights of social dancing in three ballrooms, and the 9th Annual DanceFeet Canadian Championships with Professional, Amateur & Pro-Am Heats & Showcases. Also on site will be 20 vendors and booths which will include presenting partners DanceFeet, Telelatino and Ossington Chiropractic and Rehabilitation.

This year, for the first time, all of the events, workshops, performances, parties, trade show and accommodations will take place under one roof at the beautiful Fairmont Royal York Hotel with over 50,000 square-feet reserved for this incredible event. 

What: Canada Salsa & Bachata Congress
When: Thursday, October 8 to Sunday, October 12, 2015

Where: Fairmont Royal York Hotel in downtown Toronto, 100 Front St. West

Cost: Tickets for attendees range from $20 to $40 for individual show or evening tickets up to $195 for a day and evening pass. Or save on à la carte pricing by purchasing a full pass for $300. Online sales close Wednesday, October 7 at midnight and tickets must be picked up at the registration booth. Tickets can also be purchased at the door but the prices will be higher.

You can enter to win either one or both sets by completing the Rafflecopter forms below. Please note that the winners will be contacted by email and will need to provide their full name within 24 hours of receiving the winning email notification in order to claim their prize. Winners will need to show photo ID at the registration booth at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel to pick up their tickets. Prizes include admission only.

Sponsored in part by DanceFeet, Ossington Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, Aventura Dance Cruise, Telelatino, Salsa in Toronto and Lula Lounge, to name a few, the Congress attracts some of the most talented performers from the world over.

Tonight is the final dance performance showcase and if it is any good as last night's performance, you definitely don't want to miss it. We watched in awe as local dance troupes took the stage along with performers from Montreal, Vancouver, New York, Miami and even as far as Italy.

Tickets are available at the door for $45 and include access to the Farewell Party and social dances that follow. Three separate ball rooms offer bachata, hustle and salsa dancing. If you plan on driving in, I suggest parking at City Hall which has an underground connection to the Sheraton Centre. I arrived at 7:30 pm, left at 2 am and parking cost a mere $6. The show starts at 9 pm but the doors open at 8 pm. Arrive early to get preferred seating or you can upgrade to VIP seating for an additional $20. At the very least, bring your dancing shoes y baila, baila, baila!

In the meantime, check out some photos from last night's performances. More to come!