“It was on a cool Monday evening in London that the SalsaCyprus gang was unwinding in Covent Garden and Leicester Square. Another UK Salsa Congress had just finished and having successfully attended this – with a wonderful performance by the Shakallis brothers representing Cyprus – this group of friends returned to London with the best of memories. While sitting at a cosy café enjoying a hot cup of coffee, all felt the need to communicate these great experiences to all the salseros in Cyprus. And there came the idea… Let’s bring the Salsa Congress Experience in Cyprus!!! The excitement, passion and energy of all members turned this idea into a reality, and what a successful one! The SalsaCyprus team promises to bring this event back every year, improved, refreshed and always a great value for money!“
Christos Shakallis, Co-founder & Promoter
Christos is running the biggest dance school in Cyprus with more than 5 studio locations across the Nicosia capital. He has been dancing since the age of 4 and with his sister Elena organise and execute many many classes, events, performances throughout the calendar year.They have won a number of awards both nationally and abroad, and have also represented Cyprus on numerous dance international festivals. Both have attended dance congresses abroad many times over, mostly for holidays and for occasionally performing & teaching. Christos is very influential in the Cyprus Dance Scene not only for number of his students, his deep knowledge of dance history of Cyprus but the cultural impact of the Shakallis Dance School the last 30 years. Christos leads the SalsaCyprus team and take cares a little bit of everything.
Giorgos Odysseos, Co-founder
George begun dancing lessons at 6 at Shakallis dance school and has not stopped since then. He dances salsa for 10 years and is trying to attend as many salsa congresses and events as he can between international business flights, late work hours and all weekenders. When he doesn’t dance, he likes to relax with tennis or a drink out. He also performs at Shakallis Latin & Greek dance professionals team. George brings a lot of deep knowledge of marketing, financial planning and strategy skills to the team. George, being the ‘small boss’ oversees the venue operations as well he is in charge of quality control and planning within the Salsa Cyprus team.
Costas Partassides, Co-founder
Costas met salsa music as a child, only to discover it could actually be danced, a decade later while a student in Manchester, UK. An IT Specialist by day, a crazy salsero by night, Costas is living salsa as much as he can. He brings along his knowledge of who’s who in the international salsa scene and strong organization and management skills. He is in charge of the IT needs of the congress, running the internet marketing, taking care of some legal matters and deals with the participants/artists management as well.
