Don’t sit on the couch this New Year’s Eve.
Hot Salsa Dance Zone teachers Alberto Gonzalez and Teresa Szefler want you to slip on your most comfortable party shoes and get down to the Latin beat on Dec. 31.
For the sixth year in a row, the pair are hosting their New Year’s bash in the rehearsal hall at Coquitlam’s Evergreen Cultural Centre — the same venue they hold salsa and bachata lessons on Saturday nights.
Their New Year’s affair is always a popular one, drawing more than 100 fancy-dressed revellers from all over Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
And not all are in couples. Szefler said many participants come alone and enjoy the sounds, colours and lights on the special night.
“Singles are especially welcome,” she said. “Everybody is friendly and wants to socialize. It’s a good place to shake off the year and just have fun.”
Gonzalez said many guests are also from Mexico, and Latin and South America who are now living in the Tri-Cities. As well, the bartender is from Peru. “He always puts on a show for the crowd.”
The evening starts at 9 p.m. with a beginner’s salsa and bachata lesson for about an hour. It will be followed by a dance performance by Gonzalez — a Mexican native — and Szefler, who is from Poland.
But come 10 p.m, the room goes dark and the disco ball twirls for the dance, which lasts until 2 a.m.
Gonzalez said there’s plenty to celebrate as the Tri-Cities heads into 2016: the city of Coquitlam is marking its 125th anniversary with year-long events and it’s gearing up for the opening of the Evergreen Line.
“We’ve had a very good year but next year will be even better,” he said.
• Tickets for the Hot Salsa Dance Zone New Year’s Eve party are $35 until Dec. 30 and $40 at the door. Appetizers are included in the price and champagne will be served at midnight. A cash bar will be open throughout the night and parking is free. This event is for adults only. Visit hotsalsadancezone.com or call 604-725-4654 or 604-808-2311.
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