How, why and when did you get into salsa?
I got introduced by a friend who enticed me with the words "I've discovered this amazing thing called salsa, and there are loads of women, wanna go?"
So I decided to give it a go.
It was at a place called Tramps Nightclub, on Broad Street.
Who first taught you to dance salsa?
Andrea Stewart and Maverick Logan.
Did you have any dance training prior to salsa?
No, nothing.
Tell me a little about your company. When, why and how was it set up?
I don’t have a company yet!
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get my inspiration from the music, countries and people.
Who do you admire?
People who move well especially Cubans dancing salsa – their natural rhythm and the way they move using their whole body.
What’s your favourite track at the moment?
Too many to name just one, but Los Van Van – Agua.
What are your all time favourite tracks?
The ones that I can remember, there are so many, El Titere - Grupo Mandinga, Eurocuban Project - Get it up, Andy Montanez - Con Fuego and Tito Puente – Asia Mood.
What are your favourite albums?
Andy Montanez, Los Van Van, Orishas, Tito Puente, Jose Alberto, Azabache, Ricky Gonzalez, Eddie Torres.
What was the last CD you bought?
Ricky Gonzalez – Oasis and Los Van Van – Chapeando.
What music is in your car/cd player/tape player at the moment?
Combination of different Latin artists from Edwin Bonilla to Los Van Van, and Gilberto Santa Rosa.
Who are your favourite artists?
Pick from some I’ve mentioned before.
If you were not a successful Promoter/Teacher/DJ, what would you be doing instead? Or if you also have a full-time job, what do you do?
Coaching young people in track and field (athletics).
Tell me something most people wouldn’t know about you?
Most people would not know I studied interior design at university.
What’s your all time favourite salsa club/event that you have played/taught/danced?
XL’s.
What has been your most memorable moment?
Performing for the first time at the Custard Factory many years ago, with Andrea Stewart, the woman who taught me to dance.
Have you had any embarrassing/nightmare-ish moments in salsa?
Fortunately I am thankful that salsa been good to me. I lie - I once did a freestyle performance with Yanet Torres (ex-World Salsa Champion) from ‘Lady Salsa’. Half way through the show I thought “let’s do some multiple turns”. After about 3 turns I could see that Yanet was losing her balance and guess what? She fell!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Like what?
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