Salsa Saturdays Celebrate 15 Years of Dance and Culture in Burnsville

Burnsville, Minnesota – Salsa Saturdays at the Mediterranean Cruise Cafe is marking its 15th anniversary, drawing a vibrant crowd seeking to celebrate Latin music and dance every weekend. Founded by Tim Owen, a Spanish teacher at Eden Prairie High School, the weekly event transforms the Middle Eastern restaurant into a lively dance floor, featuring a 12-piece band and attracting attendees from across the Twin Cities.

The event draws diverse participants, from 75-year-old Mario Vazquez of Brooklyn Park, who dances with the energy he cultivated in Mexico City, to teenagers celebrating special occasions under the ornate chandeliers. ‘It’s good to dance your sorrows away,’ Vazquez said during a brief respite. ‘As long as I can find partners to keep up, I can dance for three hours.’

Former Burnsville City Council Member Suzanne Nguyen views the event as a hidden gem, remarking, ‘This is the best kept secret in the Twin Cities.’ She and her husband, Son, who once taught salsa, have traveled globally without finding a comparable venue. ‘It feels so genuine,’ she noted.

The idea originated when Owen was managing the band Salsabrosa and approached restaurant owner Jamal Ansari about hosting Latin nights following belly dancing. After a successful four-week trial, Salsa Saturdays were established, thriving with minimal interruptions for 15 years. ‘If you don’t have entertainment, you’re just like other restaurants,’ Ansari stated. ‘This separates us.’

Over the years, the event has grown into a cultural celebration where people can escape daily stresses. ‘They come to remember culture and tradition, and to forget the stress of the week,’ Owen explained, observing a line of patrons eager to enter for a $15 cover charge. ‘I stumbled into Latin music in college and knew I wanted to learn how to dance,’ he added.

As the evening progresses, around 10:30 p.m., Owen takes the mic to welcome guests and reminds everyone to keep political discussions at bay. “They speak the common language of dance,” he said, referring to the event’s blend of diverse cultural backgrounds.

The bands performing at Salsa Saturdays vary in style; Salsa del Soul stands out with its mix of classic Caribbean tunes perfect for dancing. ‘We’re just people who like to play music together, regardless of where it comes from,’ remarked percussionist Shai Hayo, originally from Israel.

Regular attendee Mercedes Moreno, who works with sexual assault victims, highlighted the importance of the event in her life. ‘It recharges me for the week ahead—it’s the one day of the week I can shine,’ she said. The welcoming atmosphere seems to foster connections across cultural lines, making each Saturday night a symbolic escape for many.

As Salsa Saturdays continues to thrive, it not only celebrates Latin culture but also fosters a unique community of dancers and music lovers, gathering to embrace joy and connection every week.