In November of 1986, I was involved in a car crash on Lake Shore Drive that, over night, shaped my journey and purpose in life. The automobile we were in was struck by a drunk driver, from the opposite direction, who after striking the median, took flight and landed on top of our car.   I survived, the driver did not.  That driver was my mom.  You know her well…I have her laugh! She has been the force behind Latin Street Dancing all these years!  God certainly had a plan for me and I listened.  Salsa, for me, has been no accident.  It was something I knew I needed to do!

This may not be your story, but the person dancing right next to you or on stage, our DJs and musicians all have a story of their own.  I have listened to thousands of heart-touching stories on how SALSA has changed their lives.  We all SALSA for so many reasons!  DANCE is FUN! it’s healthy, it’s a great way to stay in shape and it also has helped millions of people heal, overcome, achieve, make friends, build self-confidence, find love, and be our therapist!

Salsa became my way to heal and to find my purpose.  I thought I was only helping myself and I never would have thought I would be able to help so many others through MUSIC and DANCE!  Many of our invited and local guests have overcome extreme obstacles and life-challenges to do what they do, and to share with us their great talent here, at OUR Congreso!  I am so PROUD to have them with us!  They have become our family and our friends.  Please give them all a BIG Chicago welcome and make them feel at home in our wonderful town!  I would also like to give a shout out to the friends and families who show support for the artists in their lives. They cannot do it without YOU! 

So, on behalf of Andres and myself, don’t hold back!  Make some noise! Scream, whistle and cheer!  And let the MUSIC & DANCING begin!  It is, after all…a great party!

Lisa “La Boriqua”