RGV Salsa Heat Wave

Sponsored by
Melinda Garcia
956.566.3370
melig08@yahoo.com
www.rgvsalsaheatwave.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
4th Annual RGV Salsa Heat Wave
to Award Dance Scholarships to South Texas Youth

Mcallen, TX (Feb. 21, 2012) – The 4th Annual RGV Salsa Heat Wave, a Latin Dance Convention held at the McAllen Convention Center, will be awarding three deserving students one-year dance scholarships to one of three prestigious McAllen dance schools. With government funding for the arts at risk and the Valley’s average income one of the lowest in the country, the RGV Salsa Heat Wave wishes to help offset tuition costs and grant three students the opportunity to pursue their love of dance.

The RGV Salsa Heat Wave is a Latin dance convention that takes place only once a year. It is an exciting weekend, open to the public, and filled with world-class instruction, electrifying performances, and live music by some of Texas’s most acclaimed Latin music artists. The RGV Salsa Heat Wave aims to help sustain the Latino energy, beauty and culture so unique to the Rio Grande Valley and provide a platform for passionate young artists to pursue a career in the arts.

The event consists of hourly workshops in salsa, bachata, and cha cha, taught by highly acclaimed, professional Latin dance guest artists. There are workshops for all ages and all levels of dance experience. “Whether you love to dance, are a dance pro or have never danced a day in your life but want to learn, we’ve got classes for you,” says Melinda Garcia, co-producer of the event.

After a day of workshops, the professional guest artists treat attendees to an evening of spectacular performances. Last year, attendees enjoyed a line-up of world-renowned performances including an awe-inspiring routine by Ismael Otero and Shani Talmor from NYC-based Latin Dance Company, Caribbean Soul. After the performances, attendees can show off what they learned in the workshops as the night continues with an open dance floor and live music provided by one of McAllen’s most loved Latin bands, Ache Del Barrio and Houston-based Latin DJ, David Cruz.

Most importantly, amidst the day workshops, young aspiring dancers are provided with a free professional audition experience by participating in a separate Scholarship Audition workshop. During the Scholarship Audition workshop, students will learn a short salsa and cha cha shine combination routine. One or two elimination rounds may occur during the audition workshop. Those who remain will perform during the evening performances, which is open to all attendees. Judges will determine the final three and winners will be announced immediately following the performances.

The RGV Salsa Heat Wave is to take place Saturday July 14th, 2012 at the McAllen Convention Center. Young dancers between the ages of 11 and 15 are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible at www.RGVSalsaHeatWave.com. Registration for the scholarship audition may also be taken at the door the day of the event however, only the first 50 registrants, whether online or at event, will be considered. For tickets and more information about the event, or to register for the scholarship audition, please visit, www.RGVSalsaHeatWave.com.

The RGV Salsa Heat Wave is a non-profit event sponsored by the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. This event has doubled in size since its inception and its goal is to be able provide a growing number of dance scholarships each year. For more information please contact Melinda Garcia at 956.566.3370 or melig08@yahoo.com.

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