Dear Friends, Dance Family, and Participants,
The 25th Anniversary celebration of the Chicago International Salsa Congress was truly one for the books! The CISC, famous for bringing the Chicago February Heatwave, arrived right on time as promised—but delivered so much more than we could ever have expected. It was a weekend defined by pure, nonstop excitement, acceptance, cultural enlightenment, and a deep sense of community and celebration.
A Global & Local Gathering
From our dedicated attendees to our passionate participants, the energy was electric. We were honored to host a beautiful blend of local Chicago talent and global visitors, all coming together under one roof to celebrate the rhythms that move us.
The performances this year were simply off the charts, with every show rivaling the next pushing the boundaries of creativity and technique!! Our curated concert series wowed and thrilled audiences throughout the entire weekend, shining a spotlight on the rich musical legacies of Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. We were also incredibly moved by our Emerging Artists, whose talent ensured that the excitement remained nonstop from the first beat to the last. They reminded us that the future of the art form is in very capable hands.
We want to thank each and every one of you who joined us for this milestone anniversary. Thank you for spending your valuable time with us whether you:
- Attended as a guest,
- Participated in our workshops,
- Volunteered your energy,
- Performed on our stage,
- Or worked with Team Chicago or Da Media Team,
we know how many places you could be, and we are honored you chose to be here.
We hope you left filled to the brim with the shared love and enjoyment that abounded throughout the event. Whether you were on the dance floor until dawn, learning in a workshop, or cheering from the front row, you are what made the 25th Anniversary truly historic.
Keep the Heatwave Memory Alive
As we decompress from the “Heatwave,” we would love to see the event through your eyes!
- Share your favorite moments: Tag us in your photos and videos.
- Stay connected: Keep an eye out for our official 25th Anniversary recap video coming soon!
- Tag us: Use #CISC2026 #ChicagoSalsaCongress
- Stay Tuned: Early bird information for next year is coming soon!
Yes, The CISC 25th Anniversary was a milestone, but the journey continues! We can’t wait to turn up the heat with you all over again.
Until we meet again on the dance floor,
Saladeen, Rosita, Gina, and The Chicago International Salsa Congress Team





