Guest Post by Kareem Aly, Latin Sparks co-founder.

Discover your inner dancer

We all know our best dance moves shine when we’re brushing our teeth and wiping the fog off the bathroom mirror. But when it comes to dancing in public… well, that’s another story. We get into our heads. We feel shy and self-conscious, and would be lucky just to keep a basic rhythm.

But, there are those rare moments when you can’t help but give in to that deep desire to just let go and dance. And, ironically enough, that’s usually when we pull off our best moves.

Photo courtesy of Latin Sparks.

That sweet spot, that feeling of freedom, is what the Latin Sparks Festival is all about. It’s a space with no judgement, no labels, and no expectations. Because of that, what started as a neighbourhood street party with only a few dozen people is now a 4-day festival that attracts thousands of guests —dancing pros and amateurs alike—from across Canada and the US.

“What started as a neighbourhood street party with only a few dozen people is now a 4-day festival that attracts thousands of guests.”

From May 30th to June 2nd, Ottawa will be transformed into the streets of Havana for Canada’s favourite Latin festival. The main event on Saturday, June 1st is an outdoor block party where you can enjoy a night of dancing under the stars like no one is watching. The event includes live music, DJs, international performers, beginner dance classes, food trucks and outdoor bars (since we all need some liquid courage from time to time). In other words, you’ll have all the necessary ingredients to release that inner-dancer you never knew existed.

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Latin Sparks Festival also hosts a variety of other events throughout the weekend including an Ottawa River boat cruise party, dance workshops ranging from beginner to advanced, and a giant taco brunch to refuel your body after three days of dancing.

Going into its eighth year, Latin Sparks is expected to attract more than 6,000 people of all ages, backgrounds and dance abilities. There is no experience or partner needed. Just a love for dance and a wee bit of adventurism.

Schedule

Thursday May 30th to Sunday June 2nd, 2019

• Dance Social – Thu, May 30th 7pm–1am at Queen Street Fare
• Boat Party – Fri, May 31st 8:30pm–1am at Jacques-Cartier Dock
• Dance Bootcamp – Sat, June 1st 12pm–4PM at Studio X
• Block Party – Sat, June 1st 6pm–2am at Albert Island
• Hangover Brunch – Sun, June 2nd 11am–3pm at TacoLot

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💃🏼💃🏽 G I V E A W A Y 💃🏾💃🏿 From May 30 to June 2, #Ottawa will be transformed into the streets of Havana for Canada's favourite Latin festival and we're giving away 4 tickets for you and your crew to take in @latinsparksfestival's main event on June 1: a huuuuuge outdoor block party on Albert Island! . Live music + DJs? Check. Professional dancers + beginner classes? You bet. Food trucks and outdoor bars? They'll be there. . 🎟️ HOW TO ENTER: 1. Follow @apt613 2. Like this post 3. Tag at least 3 friends who should join you for a night under the stars! . We'll DM a winner on May 27 . On the fence about attending? Read more about this 4-day festival on the blog (link in bio) . Already planning to go? We'll be there too. Remember to tag #apt613 to get featured!

A post shared by apt613 (@apt613) on May 23, 2019 at 4:01am PDT

Full festival passes cost $74.99–89.99 online. Visit latinsparks.ca for more info and single ticket prices. Discounted group rates are available. Follow @latinsparksfestival on social media and RSVP to the party on Facebook.