For the first time, Olu Olu Coffee Lounge is coming to Salsa Grand, bringing one of Olu Kongi’s signature community conversations to Zagreb.
Hosted by Olu Kongi, the Coffee Lounge is an open discussion format built around real experiences from the salsa world – from social dancing and friendships to the unwritten rules and dynamics of the dance floor.
There is no stage between the panel and the audience here. Come in, grab a seat, listen, ask questions and share your own perspective.
TWO TOPICS AND PLENTY TO TALK ABOUT
This time, Olu will open the conversation around two topics most social dancers can relate to:
Salsa friendships vs. “real-life” friendships
What makes friendships created through salsa so special? How are they different from friendships outside the dance scene – and what happens when our salsa and everyday worlds overlap?
The Dance Floor Hierarchy: Who gets asked to dance – and why?
Why do some dancers get asked all the time while others stay on the sidelines? How much do skill, confidence, popularity, appearance, familiarity or status influence our choices on the social dance floor?
MEET THE GUEST PANELISTS
Olu will be joined by dancers and artists with different roles and perspectives within the international salsa community:
DJ Dmitri Matalka – international salsa DJ and passionate social dancer with more than two decades in the salsa scene, known for his mambo and mixed salsa sets at festivals and socials around the world.
Alina Vakhner – passionate and popular social dancer, professional dance costume designer and founder of VAKHNER Design.
Martina Gojkošek – passionate salsa teacher and stretching master who brings years of dance, teaching and social-floor experience to the conversation.
Nando & Margarita – international salsa instructors and dedicated social dancers who travel, teach and perform worldwide while remaining deeply connected to the social dancing community.
AND YOUR VOICE MATTERS TOO
The Coffee Lounge is not just about hearing what our panelists think.
We want to hear from you!
Do salsa friendships feel different to you? What makes you ask someone to dance – or hesitate? Have you noticed an unwritten hierarchy on the social floor?
Come with your experiences, questions and opinions and become part of the conversation.
Grab a coffee, take a seat and let’s talk about the things that happen beyond the steps!