Founded in 2002 by Co-Artistic Directors Moris Alvarenga and Sonia Kyriacou, the Canadian Salsa Dance Corporation is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring the artistry, passion, and joy of latin dance. Located in the heart of Montreal, the CSDC has established itself as a leading force in the latin dance community in Québec and throughout Canada. Our festivals, conventions, public performances and workshops spread the infectious energy of latin dance styles. The CSDC promotes cultural expression and connection to the roots and origins of latin dance while continuing to challenge and push the art form forward into the future. The CSDC does this by supporting new creations led by professional choreographers, dancers, and musicians. THE CSDC produces two events annually; The Montreal Salsa Convention and The Montreal Bachata Festival. 

Originating in Cuba in the early 1900’s, Salsa remains as the most popularized and widespread latin dance. Salsa is dynamic and rhythmical. It is grounded in a deep relationship to music and connection with a partner.  Salsa has since been adapted by dancers in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Columbia, Panama, and Venezuela. The initial inspiration to establish the CSDC came to Co-Artistic Directors Moris Alvarenga and Sonia Kyriacou while on tour in Puerto Rico in 1998. As professional dancers, they were deeply inspired by creating and performing Salsa around the world, but realized that there was a lack of Salsa and latin dance representation in Québec. They decided it was their mission to bring this captivating art form back to Montreal. They created the CSDC to provide the dance community and the public  with more opportunities to experience the transformative power of salsa. Today, the Canadian Salsa Dance Corporation has evolved into a beacon for salsa and latin dance enthusiasts. 

Since 2005, the CSDC has hosted the Montreal Salsa Convention, a renowned event that has become a hallmark in the global dance scene. The convention serves as a cultural hub, bringing together over 5,000 artists, dancers, musicians, competitors, and spectators from around the world annually. The Montreal Salsa Convention takes place over four days with programming that includes performances, workshops, social dancing, and panel discussions.

In the mid-2000’s, modern latin musicians began to popularize Bachata music on the radio, and dancers quickly caught on. Bachata became a sensation around world the and Alvarenga and Kyriacou decided it was time to share it with the Québec dance community.  In 2011, the CSDC created the annual Montreal Bachata Festival to bring together professional Bachata dancers, choreographers and musicians from around the world. The festival offers a dynamic lineup of performances, workshops, and social dancing. 

Since its inception, the CDSC continues to bring together international and national latin dance artists including professional choreographers, dancers, world champion competitors, and musicians. We provide opportunities for the public to celebrate the rich culture of Latin dance while embodying the spirit of unity and connection both on and off the stage.