On an Island where reggae, soca, hip hop and R&B usually dominate, Latin-crazed Mambo Nights was where all the excitement ruled last weekend.

The Fairmont Southampton Amphitheatre was packed with salsa fanatics and a few newcomers who wanted to experience the wave of Latin Dance.

As everyone took their seats they were welcomed by the unseen sultry voice of Darleen, who kept you on the edge of your seat and enticed you on what you were about to experience.

The opening number 'Luvia' by City Dance Corps of Toronto, exploded on stage with a hot tango number then broke into a salsa performance to a Ne -Yo remix.

They were accented with umbrellas and matching outfits. This act, which was exceptional, was only a taste of what was in store for the rest of the night.

We were then entertained by the first of two acts by Cultural Explosion who always seem to keep the audience roaring at the intricate dance moves and turn patterns.

They were followed by iFreestyle.ca, San Tropez of Montreal and Steps Dance Company of Toronto who all performed stylish salsa numbers.

One routine of the night, Latin Energy Kids of Toronto, left the audience speechless as this tiny twosome started off with the little boy playing a violin as the girl danced a flamenco number.

Halfway through the performance she ripped off the bottom of her skirt which revealed her salsa attire and the two did a wonderful performance which could very well make the adult performers pay attention.

Bermuda's own Sea Breeze shined onstage with a wicked shine routine which consisted of both dancers showing off their solo performances and then coming together for a well choreographed duo.

As usual, Anya and Christian from New York and California gave a phenomenal samba performance with Anya wooing the crowd with her dance and costume — a showstopper within itself.

Saltimambo of Montreal danced well. Their performance included a lot of clean turn patterns, which is always a winner.

We were then graced with a home performance from Sabor Dance School, which is always a treat.

The solo performance of Manuel Dos Santos was 'off the chain' as he performed a salsa number, which broke off into Zouk, a style of rhythmic music originating from the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique.

The Sabor Dance School's Tango performance, which followed, was jaw dropping — hands down the best tango routine I have seen in a while.

The first half of the show ended with a performance by Santo Rico of New York who is what I like to call the salsa risk takers.

Their dance is so precise and the way they move their hips and dance double time always leaves me in awe.

After a brief intermission, the show began again with Marshall and Laura of Sabor who performed a magical salsa number. Marshall suspended a huge gift in mid air and out pops a doll, Laura, who he brought life to with his touch and the magic of Latin dance.

Many of the performers performed again in the second half with the addition of Masacote of Boston and Mas Mambo of Toronto who both took over the sage with their exceptional performances.

Overall the night was a hit and SalsaMania Productions has done it again with this August's Mambo Nights — leaving us all wondering and anticipating the next event.

For more information of SalsaMania Production and Sabor Dance School, visit bermudasalsa.com.