The Conga Room and Univision Los Angeles Launch Latin Dance Championship and TV Programming

With On-Air Host Carlos Alvarez, a $5000 Cash Prize to Winners and Celebrity Judges, Competition Highlights Will Air on KMEX Univision 34 Every Thursday


LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - April 28, 2009) - The Conga Room, recognized as the preeminent Los Angeles destination for its vibrant Latin nightclub and live entertainment, is teaming up with KMEX Univision 34, the #1 Spanish-language television station in the country, regardless of language, to bring a Latin-style dance competition to the Southland. Known as "The Conga Room Latin Dance Championship," the competition will launch May 7th and be held every Thursday until its grand finale in late July. Highlights of the competition, including winning (and losing) dance moves, celebrity judge commentary and a step-by-step recap by on-air host, KLVE's Carlos Alvarez, will air weekly, immediately following the competition on KMEX Univision 34's wildly popular 11pm newscast.

"We're very excited about teaming up with Univision to bring this much-anticipated competition to our dance halls and their air," said Brad Gluckstein, The Conga Room's founder and co-owner. "The Conga Room has historically been a place where world-class dancing occurs, and Univision Los Angeles will bring the excitement and suspense of the Latin Dance Championship to millions of viewers across Los Angeles."

Auditions for The Conga Room Latin Dance Championship will be held on May 7th and May 14th, when 12 couples will vie for the $5000 grand prize and the title of Latin Dance Champions. The competition will play out every Thursday beginning May 21st and run for approximately 10 weeks with the grand finale being held July 23rd. Competing couples must show their groove in the salsa, merengue, reggaeton/hip hop and bachata categories. Judging will be based on couple's timing, authenticity, technique and showmanship. The public may partake in the excitement by attending in person every Thursday evening at The Conga Room at L.A. LIVE across from Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles or by watching the KMEX Univision 34's 11pm newscast every Thursday or the Tu Estilo show, which airs Saturday mornings at 11:30am.

First opened in 1998, The Conga Room gained a reputation for being "The Latin House of Blues" for its world-class performers and vibrant dance floor. With its recent move to Downtown Los Angeles' most sought-after location, L.A. LIVE, The Conga Room continues to bring the best in Latin entertainment to Southern California audiences. The Conga Room celebrity owners include Jennifer Lopez, Jimmy Smits, Paul Rodriguez, will.i.am, Trevor Ariza, Baron Davis, Amaury Nolasco and Sheila E.

For more information about The Conga Room Latin Dance Championship including auditions, entry forms, official rules, how to participate or attend, please visit www.congaroom.com/latindance or call 1-866-95 CONGA.

About The Conga Room

Dubbed the Latin House of Blues, the original Conga Room featured the best in local and international Latin artists, uniting patrons seeking great music, dancing, food, drinks and atmosphere. Founded by entrepreneur Brad Gluckstein and co-owned by Jennifer Lopez, Jimmy Smits, Paul Rodriguez, will.i.am., Trevor Ariza, Baron Davis, Amaury Nolasco and Sheila E., the venue is the cornerstone of L.A. LIVE, the hot new entertainment complex across from the Staples Center. Encompassing 15,000 square feet, accommodating 1,000 patrons and boasting onsite TV and radio broadcast capabilities, the Conga Room scintillates the 13.5 million complex visitors with world-class performances, pan-Latin cuisine and a distinctive architecture and design motif that aggregates contemporary elements from Mexico, Barcelona and the Caribbean.

Contact Information: CONTACT: Lauren Lundy For The Conga Room 310-280-3710