Disclaimer: The 15th annual Los Angeles Salsa Congress is not about the kind of salsa you eat (Merengue fans: stay home and cry into your pies). Salsa dancing has its roots in '20s Afro-Caribbean culture, and this week will feature troupes from everywhere from Dubai to New York City, all performing across 40,000 square feet of dance floor. There's also a series of motivational workshops and Zumba workouts, because you've really got to be in shape to kick that much ass dancing. Tonight's all-ages kickoff party, held at Stevens Steak & Seafood House in Commerce, is open to everyone, not just those with tickets for the weekend's marquee performances. Admission is just $10, and festivities include performances by L.A. Weekly's Best Salsa Band, Orquesta Son Mayor, plus multinational salsa big band Orquesta Tabaco y Ron, lots of DJs and a nice shuttle to and from the Bonaventure, where the rest of the weekend congress takes place. Westin Bonaventure, 404 S. Figueroa St., dwntwn.; Wed., May 22-Sun. May 26, 8 p.m.; $30-$400. (310) 445-9705, mysalsacongress.com.

May 22-26, 2013

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