Event FAQ

• What is the Vancouver International Salsafestival?

  The Vancouver International Salsafestival (VIS) is an intimate, world class, crazy fun event. Features include an incredible lineup, high production quality, implementation of wild ideas, and personalized care like you’ve never seen.

• Who attends this event?

  VIS attracts a wide range of attendees, cutting across lifestyles, demographics and socio- economic boundaries. In our first two years alone over 5,600 people attended. Whether you’re someone who appreciates first class entertainment and parties, or a hardcore dancer looking to improve your craft and dance with people from all around the world, this event is for you.

• How is VIS different than other congresses and festivals?

  By combining our passion for dancing and excellence in production, we’ve designed every aspect from the ground up with you in mind. We respect the fact that you’re investing time and money to attend, and want to do right by you. This shows in the increased social dancing time, tightening of the shows to feature only the best, completely rethinking dance education, and working hard to create an amazing atmosphere.

• What are the details for the 2012 edition of VIS?

  VIS 12 takes place at the Westin Bayshore resort hotel in Vancouver on March 1 to 4, 2012.

• Who are the artists for VIS 12?

  We’ve already announced Yamulee, Johnny Vasquez, Swinguys, Troy & Jorjet, David & Paulina, Ataca y La Alemana, and of course Jimmy Bosch live. For more details upcoming artist announcements visit the artists page.

• I heard VIS 12 is smaller and more intimate. Is that true?

  The last two editions of VIS were very successful. But we felt we had reached the maximum of what we could do with the current format of the event. Hence, the desire to go a new direction. Our options were to (1) increase the scale of the event or (2) redesign the event from the ground up. The former may have produced a bigger spectacle, but we’re convinced the latter will produce a much better event for you. Ultimately, that’s what excites our entire team to give you our all and keep running VIS as a not-for-profit event.

• I love my Bachata. What’s in it for me?

  Glad you asked. In addition to a full day of education with the best in Modern and Dominican Bachata, you’ll also get to dance up a storm in the new edition of our Midnight Bachata Socials. Head over to our bachata section for more details.

• How do I get in touch with you?

  We’re all over social media like Scooby on Scooby snacks. You can start with friending us up and talking on Twitter and Facebook.

Box Office FAQ

• What are the different ticket options?

  You can purchase invididual evenings and education days, as well as a full pass for the entire weekend. Head over to the box office for more details.

• Where’s the early bird deals?

  In order to streamline the registration and avoid ongoing messaging about different tickets and deadlines, early bird deals have been eliminated.
  Instead, all passes and tickets will be released at the same time with prices adjusted to maximize your value.
  The more exclusive nature of VIS 2012 means far fewer tickets than previous years’ sold out events. So if you’re thinking about attending, think fast.

• Is there lots of tickets available?

  While ‘extremely limited’ is an overused phrase, in this case it’s the truth. In order to provide balanced workshops, more space to dance, give you a chance to connect with everyone and receive super personalized love and care, we’ve decided to set strict limits for each ticket. The ticket status indicator in the box office will let you know how ticket sales are coming along.

• What if I wait ’til the last minute?

  Please don’t as we’re looking to sell out well before March. And we do not like turning you down one bit.

• What is the ‘Gala VIP Upgrade’?

  On Saturday night we have the Palladium Gala. If you’re purchasing a Full Pass OR Palladium Gala ticket, you can go for this $40 upgrade which includes Platinum Reserved Seating in the front and a Private VIP Reception with open bar.

• Why can I not purchase tickets for Thursday night?

  Thursday’s Launch Extravaganza is a door-only event. We’ll fill you in on the details as we get closer to the event.

Evening FAQ

• How many evening events does VIS 12 have?

  Four.

• What are they?

  Thursday is Launch Extravaganza, kicking off VIS 12. Friday is Mystery Party, an evening filled with surprises. Saturday is Palladium Gala, the single most amazing 50s theme red carpet event you’ll ever attend. Sunday is the Kickback Party, featuring our infamous dance battle. For more details head over to our program page.

Education FAQ

• What’s the deal with the workshops?

  VIS 12 is launching two new programs called Salsa U and Bachata U to replace the traditional workshop format. The goal is to provide you with a more specialized education experience. Specifically, you’ll have more time with each instructor, supervised practice sessions, two tracks of education, balanced workshops, and more.

• Tell me more about Salsa U.

  Salsa U is designed to take your Salsa dancing to the next level. This Saturday full day program will include sessions focusing on different aspects of your dancing: styling, connection, footwork, partnerwork, and more.

• Who are my Salsa U instructors?

  You’ll get to spend quality immersion with the Prince of Salsa Johnny Vasquez, Karel & Osmar of Yamulee, US Salsa Open Champions David & Paulina, Swinguys, Teddy Olaso, and a few more instructors we’re announcing soon. So instead of rushing through hour-workshop after another you get to spend a morning with say, Karel doing ladies styling.

• Tell me more about Bachata U.

  Bachata U is designed to take your Bachata dancing to the next level. This Sunday full day program will include sessions focusing on different aspects of your dancing: musicality, different Bachata styles, footwork, partnerwork, and more.

• Who are my Bachata U instructors?

  You’ll get to spend most of the day in immersion with Dominican Bachata Legends Troy & Jorjet and Modern Bachata Sensations Ataca Y La Alemana, and a few more instructors we’re announcing soon.

• What does 2 tracks of education mean?

  On each day we have two tracks, one geared towards early Intermediates and another geared towards more advanced dancers. Both tracks will work with all the instructors. We’re going to contact you personally to develop the best schedule for you.

Community FAQ

• What is My VIS Idea?

  We know you’ve got some awesome ideas for us and we want to hear them, talk about them with you, and find ways to put them to work. That’s what My VIS Idea is all about. The easiest way to share your ideas is by posting them on the community page.