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As you might have heard, Casino sent a delegation to the Hong Kong Salsa Congress. Please find some comments below from the dance pairs and teams.

★Yumiko & Takeshi★
The purpose of our participation this time was to rediscover the excitement we experienced when we danced Salsa for the very first time, and to see the different Salsa styles from all over the world. It was also the first time for us to participate in a pair competition. Although we only had one and a half months to prepare for the final stage, we tried to make the most of our combined energy - training diligently right up to the moment when we had to perform live. Once the music kicked in and we started to dance, it was just so much fun! Fun: because we were dancing Salsa, which we cherish. Fun: because we were committed dance partners. Fun: because we were on stage. Dancing on stage with the spotlights turned on us with the heartfelt support of so many people, we were overwhelmed by an indescribable feeling of joy. The various salsa performances of the representatives from other countries were entertainment in its true sense. They skillfully displayed their individuality while enjoying themselves in the process. We too will make efforts so that we can convey a “feeling of love” through Salsa ? the Salsa which means so much to us! And last but definitely not least, “Thank you”. The whole trip this time boils down to these two words. Allow us to convey our deepest and sincerest gratitude to all people who have guided us, cheered us on and supported us. THANK YOU!

Organizers of the China Salsa Congress: Jack & Zhenzhen	Performing all over the world: Oliver & Luda, The Swing Guys Organizer of the Korean Salsa Festival: Narie	Third-place winner of the pair competition: Misato & Shu

★Koredemo Dancers★
Following the Korean Salsa Congress, we participated in yet another event: The Hong Kong Salsa Festival. We experienced something which cannot be experienced here back home. We were able to see with our own eyes the beautiful performances of dancers from all over the world, who had endured a tough selection process. We were deeply impressed with how all of the dancers from overseas displayed the utmost self-confidence on stage and how the power of their performances literally embraced us in an aura which was overwhelming. The graceful performance by Alberto Romay and Mika Takenaga won accolades from the international audience. Apart from attending the Salsa Festival, we also had a fabulous time enjoying the city of Hong Kong. Not only did we eat our way through the city, we would sometimes start dancing even outside of restaurants that played Salsa music! The Hong Kong trip proved to be a fun and valuable experience for us all.

★Misato & Shu★
In the pair competition, “Misato & Shu” won 3rd place: "We were both very surprised by this favorable outcome. At this year’s Hong Kong Salsa Festival, all the performances were outstanding. Furthermore, it was evident from the atmosphere that the audience and performers shared a sense of unity. We definitely want to participate again next year!"

Interaction with people from all over the world!	Hong Kong skyline by night

★Bijo & Yajuu★
“Wow, we are finally here!” These were our first thoughts upon arriving in Hong Kong. It was our third performance overseas this year after prior entries in Korean and Singapore. Having been able to perform in the “Asia Open Salsa Competition”, we felt that we were able to experience something which will accompany us for the rest of our lives. What was really unique was the interaction and friendship with people from different parts of the world. In order to dance, language and words are of no relevance and therefore we were able to dance with people from different countries. Although we started Salsa only in our mid-forties, we have been blessed by fantastic instructors and surrounded by good dance buddies, thus making it an unforgettable one and a half years. We are already looking forward to next year’s participation.

★Faith★
“We were in Hong Kong!” Participating in the pair competition surrounded by the warm ambience of the venue turned out to be a memorable experience. On the day following the competition, we were able to enjoy performances of dancers from all over the world including Europe. Alberto Romay and Mika Takenaga’s performance clearly stood out from the rest. At the parties taking place concurrently, we had fun dancing with people of various nationalities and were often approached by others who said they had seen our performance. And our colleagues from Singapore always made sure to pat us on our backs whenever they caught sight of us. Interaction with people across borders and continents really provides the spice to life when it comes to culture and art. We definitely want to participate again next year.

After successful completion of all dance performances, a big party was organized at “La Boheme” which was rented out for the occasion. All those who attended were indulged with unlimited food, unlimited drinks and unlimited dancing to celebrate the occasion. Renowned international dancer Ken Baldwin, who flew in Tokyo for “dance expression 2007 Volume 3” could also be seen on the dance floor. Participants were also treated to private lessons, a high stakes bingo game and surprise dance performances: all of which contributed to the fantastic atmosphere of the evening. Once again, let us express our gratitude to all participants in making the party such a big success.

This time the Casino Christmas Party was held on the floating bar “Jicoo”, designed by famous manga artist Leiji Matsumoto. Participants were able to dance the night away in the stylish interior of the ship while enjoying Tokyo’s glowing skyline. Furthermore, they were treated to an impromptu Salsa lesson by none other than Alberto Romay. Christmas came early this season for everybody who joined this elegant and sophisticated party. It was a night to remember!

Casino’s 2nd “dance camp” was completed successfully on the weekend of November 3rd. Despite the start of the camp being delayed due to congestion on the highway, dance lessons were completed as originally scheduled - six whole hours of instruction time divided into three lessons. This time the camp had a very international flavor due to the dynamic background of participating students and instructors. Participants were treated to lessons by Alberto, Mika and one-on-one instruction with Yumiko. It was a great opportunity for students to enhance their skill level.

At Villa Hakone, students and instructors alike were treated to a breathtaking view while enjoying a sumptuous buffet and hot pot dinner. To top it all off, Bijo & Yajuu made sure to heat up everybody’s dance fever with their spectacular performance. And last but definitely not least, the outdoor bath with its smooth soothing water made it an autumn day to remember. The 2-hour lesson on the second day was challenging at first especially after the sumptuous dinner the night before. Thereafter, an optional half-day tour was organized including lunch at the gorgeous adjacent Hakone Garden Resort. The Prawn Tempura was said to be especially tasty. Lunch was followed by a coach trip to a hot spring resort near “Kagetsu” Park. The hot bath was exactly the right thing for an aching body seeking relief.

Casino’s dance camps are not just meant to improve your dance skills. They are an opportunity to make new friends, mingle with people from different countries in a fun setting twice a year. Why not consider participating in the next dance camp scheduled for summer 2007?

The typhoon had everybody worried but in the end it turned out to be a beautiful autumn weekend. It was the first time ever for Casino to incorporate a Salsa event into a local Ward Festival. Dance Studio Casino was represented by instructor Eiko providing Salsa lessons and Danshaku serving as Salsa DJ. The response of ward residents was beyond our brightest expectations and we felt fortunate that the Salsa lessons were enjoyed by so many. Other highlights were the many Salsa group performances. The glamorous outfits caught the attention of ward residents, who were able to experience Salsa not just with their body movements and ears but also with their eyes, making it a truly sensuous experience.

Los Van Van, the renowned Cuban Salsa band, which came to Japan last summer, returned to Tokyo again this summer and performing alongside with them were Studio Casino's Alberto & Mika, Erick & Fumiko as well as Richard & Miu.

One of our studio teams, the 'Koredemo Dancers' performed at the Korea
Salsa Congress. Here is a picture of two performers at the congress--Junior
and Emily. Their performance was spectacular! Standing with them is Shu, a
performer from our studio, in addition to being a professional hair and make-up
artist who helps with our events and recitals.

The 'Koredemo Dancers' performed as representatives of Studio Casino at the
Tokyo Salsa Festival at Odaiba's Venus Fort on July 22nd and 23rd. The costumes
of our dancers matched the godly atmosphere of the venue, Venus Fort's 'Kyokai
Hiroba' (Church Park).

We had our second Salsa Party at Bar 'Sofia' in Nishiazabu. Arisa Sunaga and her
Latin Band were accompanied in their live set by instructors Mika and Alberto.
It was quite different from our previous parties, and everyone enjoyed the rich
atmosphere!!

The Dance Training Camp in Atami, Shizuoka was held on 7/2 and 7/3 at Atami
Village. We enjoyed both the dance lessons as well as Atami's hot springs ('onsen').
Thank you very much to the people who participated in the training camp with us.
More than 30 people turned out for the training, which lasted more than 4 hours
each day. It was a enjoyable experience that made us feel like college students again.
Please watch for the NEXT DANCE TRAINING CAMP in the AUTUMN!!!

On Saturday, 6/17, Mika and Alberto gave a lesson at the SalsART 1929 event held
near Yokohama's Bashamichi station at Bank Art 1929. There were lots of people who
showed up for the salsa lesson by Mika and Alberto, and the event was a huge
success. Thank you to all who showed up. Please take a look at some pictures and
see the fun atmosphere of the event.

We had a Salsa Party at Sofia in Nishiazabu on Saturday, 4/15. We all enjoyed the
Italian buffet dinner with wine and sangria, as well as the Salsa lesson given by Mika.
The venue was beautiful and the atmosphere was chic, and a bit different from the
casual salsa parties we're used to. We all had a big surprise as well!!! This year's
Miss Universe Japan, Yukari Kuzuya was at the party!! And, as always, we were
pleasantly surprised by Mika and Alberto! Thank you all for coming.