How, why and when did you get into salsa?
About 10 years ago a friend of mine took me to her beginner’s salsa course Christmas party. After that we occasionally used to go to the Finca in London on a Saturday night for a laugh – just social dancing. I didn’t realise there was a salsa ‘scene’ until we picked up a flyer for the 2003 UK Salsa congress and decided to go. As soon as I saw the dancing there, I was totally hooked and decided to learn properly.
Who first taught you to dance salsa?
First class I walked into was Marchant’s... I never left!
Did you have any dance training prior to salsa?
I trained in Ballet, Tap, Modern and Jazz from childhood. Before I started salsa, my full time job was a teacher of Jazz, Modern and Tap.
Tell me a little about Alchemy Dance Company. When, why and how did you set it up?
Late 2004 Marchant and I were discussing my future in salsa. He set me a challenge; he gave me two pieces of music, from which I should choose one to choreograph a group routine. He said he would find the other dancers and also perform himself (quite a gamble on his part!!). He had worked with Steven and Simone previously and asked them to join us.
We came together in early 2005, trained for a year and debuted ‘Timbalito’ in April 2006. The final choreography was a collaboration between Marchant and myself, the other two also contributed parts.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Any person I see perform (dance, music, theatre) who totally ‘becomes’ their art. I went to see Beverley Knight in concert recently, she was so inspirational as a performer – she was her music.
In salsa my inspirations are Marchant, Eddie Torres, Burju (Hacha y Machete), Kimberley Flores, Jessica Ortiz, Juan Matos, Franklin & Nelida. All of them not only have the skills but passion and fire in performance which is amazing.
Who do you admire?
Burju from Hacha y Machete. I admire the way she has cut her own niche in the market, developed her own style (along with Victor and the rest of her team). Her passion and enthusiasm for teaching and performing is totally infectious. And for all women in salsa it is admirable and inspirational.
What’s your favourite track at the moment?
Latest favourite is Woody’s Blue – gorgeous!
What are your all time favourite tracks?
I don’t know the names of most mambo tracks! Couple I do are Nica’s Dream Mambo, Manhattan, Mis Dos Pequenas.
Few non-salsa favourites are Long Walk by Jill Scott, What’s on Your Mind by Rakim, Moody’s Mood by Quincy Jones, Spain by Al Jarreux, When We Get By and Spanish Joint by D’Angelo, Heart Mind & Soul by El Debarge, All I Do by Stevie Wonder, Datskat by The Roots, This Masquerade by George Benson … I could go on and on! (Oh yes – On & On by Erykah Badu!).
What are your favourite albums?
Favourite albums aren’t salsa, but I love ‘Who is Jill Scott’ by Jill Scott, Brown Sugar by D’Angelo, Timeless by Sergio Mendes, Earth, Wind & Fires latest – ‘Illumination’. Many many more … I love music!
What was the last CD you bought?
I download most of my music now, but I did buy Corrine Bailey Rae’s album for a friend recently.
What music is in your car/cd player/tape player at the moment?
All my music – on my ipod!
Who are your favourite artists?
Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, India Arie, D’Angelo, Eric Benet, Stevie Wonder, Beverley Knight, Sounds of Blackness, Incognito, Amel Larieux, Quincy Jones, Earth Wind & Fire, Brian McKnight, George Benson, Dwele, Common, Rakim, Floetry, John Legend … to name a few.
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?
I would be teaching Jazz, Tap & Modern.
Tell me something most people wouldn’t know about you?
I have a beautiful 4 year old son.
What’s your all time favourite salsa club/event that you have played/taught/danced?
I absolutely love Mambo City’s Congresses.
What has been your most memorable moment?
Alchemy’s debut performance. The whole event was magic for all four of us.
Have you had any embarrassing/nightmare-ish moments in salsa?
None I would mention!!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would like to say thank you to Marchant from the bottom of my heart for all his support, teaching, guidance, friendship, and for believing in me all the way.
Davina Morris
www.alchemydance.co.uk
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