What you need to know

So it's your first Salsa Tumbao festival? Maybe your first dance festival? Wander on in - you've found an amazing group of friends - not just in Auckland - but around the world. Chat to everyone!
We all have a love of dance in common.

What to expect?

Arrive at Tapac a little bit early. There's heaps of parking - but - if the weather is good - zoo-goers like to use it as a free parking option.  

Head through the main doors. The Tapac staff are super friendly and helpful. We'll be in Studio 4 in the first hour - first on the right. And in Studio 2 - far back corner - after that. Just follow the excited chatter of Cuban dancers catching up with friends.

Yes - we will have eftpos. Old school though - no fancy wave your watch in our direct stuff here. Passes will be available at the front desk. So for that friend who never makes up their mind til the last minute? They can just come along on the day.

Workshops

The workshop schedule is on our website - but we will have printed copies floating around for reference. If you don't know which workshop to pick when there are two options - ask someone in a Tumbao T-shirt. We can explain what happens in the different workshops and help you chose.

All our workshops are aimed at the open level. That means there will be a mix of dance levels in them. If you are a beginner and find you are struggling - find a volunteer to help you out. Most of us know the basics and we're a friendly bunch who are passionate about Cuban dance.

We can also direct you to bathrooms and coffee and lunch and... - though Tapac is pretty compact and easy to navigate. No getting lost here!

What to bring?

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Something that allows you to move freely. We will have plasters at the front desk for any rubs and niggles - so grab one before it becomes a blister.

Bring water! Lots of it!
Our instructors will get you moving. It always amuses me that the third workshop will kick off with a warm up - when everyone is sweaty and limber already. There are water fountains dotted around to refill water bottles.

Other bits we find useful - a fan (yes, really. Like the Victorian hand fans - elegant and so, so useful to cool you down!); a towel (useful to wipe the beads of perspiration from your brow); an extra t-shirt; lollies - for energy.

Lunch Options

The closest lunch options are in Grey Lynn or in Pt Chevalier. Go back down Motions road and turn right to Pt Chev or turn left to Grey Lynn - there's a really good hole-in-the-wall Taco place on Great North Road. Yum!
Snacks - there is a coffee bar at Tapac and we'll have a jar of lollies at the entry.

Let's Party

The Saturday night party kicks off with a Cha Cha Cha workshop with Sweet Azucar at 7.30pm. Ke Lo Ke will be live on stage at 9pm. That happens at The Mt Albert War Memorial hall. Find the YMCA or Rocket Park - that's the hall were in.

Friday night, you ask? You have options:
Chico con Tumbao will be playing at Botticelli in Takapuna. Book a table to fill up on their delicious Italian fare before listening to some great music.
Or DJ Neat will be back at Albert's Post - all Cuban, all night! Groups are already organising Ruedas in the background. Always a great way to spend a friday night.

One more REALLY important thing - dance your hearts out!