Houston – From nightclubs to neighborhood stages, what began as a one-time milestone event has evolved into the Texas Salsa Congress (TSC), a creative placemaking organization led by founder Ruby Rivera. Rivera, who draws on her Puerto Rican and Guatemalan roots, launched TSC to move salsa out of late-night clubs and into parks, theaters, and public spaces across Houston. The goal is simple and civic-minded: offer free, accessible programming so people from all zip codes can experience Latin music and dance.
Rivera and her team emphasize that salsa is about more than steps; it’s a means of bringing families together and building community. TSC events are intentionally intergenerational — grandparents, parents, and kids share the same dance floor. The Congress also hires artists, musicians, and dancers who reflect the city’s diverse Hispanic cultures, from Cuban and Puerto Rican to Colombian and Venezuelan traditions.
A key to TSC’s growth has been partnerships and funding that keep programs free and sustainable. The BIPOC Arts Network & Fund (BANF) has supported TSC through grants, cohort programming, and capacity-building efforts, allowing the organization to expand internships and community outreach. That backing, combined with collaboration from district partners and businesses, helped TSC bring daytime lessons to downtown spaces this past summer and broaden its reach across Houston.
Dancer Michael Whitmire described his own journey into salsa as rooted in friendships and community: what started with learning basic steps grew into a long-term love for the music and warmth of the people.
Looking ahead, TSC is preparing to scale its youth programming and explore roles in large-scale cultural activations, including opportunities tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As Houston continues to diversify, Rivera says initiatives like the Texas Salsa Congress play a vital part in preserving traditions while inviting new generations to dance, learn, and belong.