Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective

The Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective (CALDAC), formerly known as the Denver Salsa Bachata Congress, stands as a beacon of vibrant culture, education, and community in Aurora, Colorado. For locals across the Denver Metro area and beyond, CALDAC offers a truly unique and enriching experience, dedicated to the promotion, education, and preservation of Latinx and Afro Caribbean culture through the arts. This non-profit organization is not just a dance group; it's a dynamic collective that inspires connection, celebrates diversity, and enriches lives through high-quality artistry and service.

CALDAC is perhaps best known for its annual convention, CALDACON, Colorado's largest Afro-Latin dance convention. This multi-day festival brings together world-class artists, instructors, performers, and enthusiasts from across the globe, right here in Aurora. It's an immersive experience filled with intensive workshops, breathtaking live performances, energetic social dancing, and live music that creates an electric atmosphere. Beyond the sheer excitement, CALDAC is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and safe environment, actively promoting and educating attendees about consent on and off the dance floor – a testament to their dedication to community well-being.

The impact of CALDAC on its participants is profound, as echoed in glowing testimonials. One long-time attendee expressed, "I absolutely love this event. I have gone for many years now as a participant and a performer, and it is always done with high class and professionalism. As a queer female dancer who has experienced neglect and harassment on the dance floor, I always look forward to the safety that this event provides. They promote and talk about consent every night and what that actually looks like on and off the floor. It creates an accountability vibe for everyone and, if something was to happen, I feel confident they would handle it. This event also always has the best shows. Hands-down, the best variety and the best talent that you will get all year round from any other festival. Which makes the workshops for this festival, extremely diverse, inclusive, and educational. I always walk away, knowing so much more and feeling poured into. The organizers of this event put their heart and soul into what they do and it shows. I will be a long time attending, and can’t wait to see what other opportunities they will bring to the future of this event!"

Another participant of the Congress shared, "The Congress was an unforgettable experience! Everything was organized professionally, with our workshops always on time and provided with good sound and space. I particularly enjoyed the high-quality instruction from world-class artists. Despite the advanced level of dance, the event was still very beginner-friendly, making it accessible to everyone. The world-class performances and amazing lineup of competitive artists were truly impressive. Having live bands every night was a huge highlight, creating an electric atmosphere. The event also did a fantastic job of educating attendees about Afro-Latin culture, leaving me with a richer understanding of these beautiful dances. The social dancing was excellent, and I felt safe and welcomed as part of a diverse and inclusive community. I would definitely recommend this event to my friends and anyone interested in dance. I can't wait to attend next year!" These powerful sentiments illustrate the transformative and inspiring nature of CALDAC's offerings.

The Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective maintains its primary presence and often hosts its large-scale events, such as CALDACON, at the Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center, located at 13200 East 14th Place, Aurora, CO 80011. This major venue in Aurora provides ample space for numerous workshops, performance stages, and social dancing areas, accommodating the large number of attendees that the annual convention attracts. While CALDAC's administrative address is 12001 E 33rd Ave I, Aurora, CO 80010, its activities are widely accessible through various venues across the Denver Metro area, making it convenient for Coloradans from different regions to participate.

The chosen locations for CALDAC events are typically well-connected by local transportation networks and offer suitable parking, ensuring ease of access for participants arriving from within Aurora, Denver, and surrounding communities. The organization’s commitment to engaging the broader Colorado community means they strategically select venues that are readily reachable, facilitating a truly inclusive experience for all who wish to immerse themselves in Afro-Latin dance and culture. This accessibility is crucial for fostering a thriving arts scene and ensuring that cultural enrichment is available to as many locals as possible.

• Annual CALDACON Convention: Colorado's largest Afro-Latin dance convention, typically a 4-day event featuring workshops, performances, live music, and social dancing.

• Dance Workshops: A vast array of workshops taught by world-class artists and instructors, covering diverse Afro-Latin dance genres including Salsa, Bachata, Zouk, Kizomba, Mambo, Casino Rueda, Cha Cha Cha, Hustle, Ballroom, Ballet, Urban Kiz, Afro-Latin House, Afro-Contemporary, Afro-Brazilian Dance, Dancehall, Timba, Pachanga, Lambada, Bhangra, and more.

• Dance Performances: Showcasing high-quality performances by local, national, and international artists, often including competitive showcases.

• Live Music: Featuring live bands every night during major events, creating an authentic and electrifying atmosphere for social dancing.

• Social Dancing: Extensive opportunities for social dancing in dedicated rooms for various styles like Salsa, Cuban Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, and Zouk, extending late into the night.

• Instructor Certification Programs: Offering certification programs by internationally recognized trainers for aspiring Afro-Latin dance artists and instructors.

• Cultural Education: Dedicated to educating attendees about Afro-Latin culture, history, and the significance of the dances.

• Youth Participation Initiatives: Encourages significant youth involvement, providing opportunities for training and performance on large stages to constructively channel creative energy.

• Community Outreach: Facilitates cultural and performing arts works, reaching a wide range of community members.

• Event App: Provides a dedicated app for attendees to browse and select classes, track schedules, access instructor information, and get event updates.

• Commitment to Inclusivity and Safety: A women-owned, LGBTQ+-friendly, and trauma-informed non-profit organization that actively promotes consent and creates equitable spaces for all participants, regardless of background or orientation.

• World-Class Talent: Attracts and features international and nationally renowned artists, instructors, and performers, offering unparalleled learning and viewing experiences.

• Diverse and Comprehensive Workshop Selection: Offers over 100 workshops in a wide variety of Afro-Latin dance styles and related disciplines, catering to all skill levels from beginner to advanced.

• Vibrant Social Dancing Scene: Provides ample time and dedicated spaces for social dancing, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere for connection and practice.

• Live Music Experience: A significant highlight, with live bands performing nightly during major events, enhancing the authenticity and energy of the social dancing.

• Professional Organization: Praised by attendees for being professionally organized, with workshops on time, good sound, and sufficient space.

• Cultural Preservation and Education: Beyond dance, CALDAC focuses on the deeper cultural significance of Afro-Latin arts, enriching attendees' understanding and appreciation.

• Strong Community Vibe: Fosters a strong sense of community, where attendees feel safe, welcomed, and part of a diverse and inclusive group.

• High-Quality Media Coverage: Excellent photography and videography with nightly recaps keep the community engaged and informed.

• Support for Small Businesses: Aims to develop commerce opportunities by elevating and promoting small businesses in Colorado through its events.

Address: 12001 E 33rd Ave I, Aurora, CO 80010, USA (Administrative Office)

Event Location (CALDACON): Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center, 13200 East 14th Place, Aurora, CO 80011

Phone: (720) 500-2031

Mobile Phone: +1 720-500-2031

The Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective (CALDAC) is an indispensable cultural asset for locals in Aurora and across the entire Colorado region. For those seeking to enrich their lives through vibrant cultural experiences, engaging physical activity, and meaningful community connections, CALDAC offers an unparalleled opportunity. In a state that celebrates diverse lifestyles and outdoor pursuits, CALDAC provides a dynamic indoor alternative that is equally stimulating and deeply rooted in rich cultural traditions.

What truly sets CALDAC apart for Coloradans is its unwavering commitment to inclusivity, safety, and cultural education. In an increasingly interconnected world, having a local organization that not only teaches dance but also actively promotes consent and fosters an LGBTQ+-friendly, trauma-informed environment is invaluable. This dedication ensures that everyone, regardless of their background or identity, feels genuinely welcomed and respected on the dance floor and within the community.

The sheer scale and quality of CALDAC's offerings, particularly through the annual CALDACON convention, are a significant draw. Locals don't need to travel far to experience world-class instruction in a multitude of Afro-Latin dance styles, witness breathtaking performances, or enjoy the electric energy of live bands. This brings a slice of global dance culture right to their doorstep, making high-caliber artistic and educational opportunities accessible and affordable.

Beyond the physical act of dancing, CALDAC fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Afro-Latin culture. Attendees walk away not just with new dance steps, but with a richer knowledge of history, music, and community, contributing to a more culturally informed and empathetic populace. The positive social atmosphere, where new friendships are forged and a sense of belonging is cultivated, makes CALDAC a powerful antidote to isolation and a true cornerstone of local community building. For any Coloradan looking to expand their horizons, find joy in movement, or simply connect with a diverse and welcoming group, CALDAC is an experience that promises to be both unforgettable and profoundly enriching.

Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective

12001 E 33rd Ave I, Aurora, CO 80010, USA