How, why and when did you get into salsa?
When I was 19 I took a gap year and went to live in Florence, Italy. I studied at a language school there with people from all over the world including a Colombian guy. One evening he suggested that the class go to a salsa club. I had never heard of it, but when I heard the music and saw the dancing I was hooked!
Who first taught you to dance salsa?
When I came back to England a few months later I went to University in Leeds and took up classes there with Nicolai currently of ‘Fuego Latino’.
Did you have any dance training prior to salsa?
I had had no dance training at all before salsa – I had been a complete wall-flower as normal club music had never appealed to me.
Tell me a little about Danzon. When, why and how was it set up?
In 2003 I decided to give up my day job in Dublin and try to make salsa a full-time career. I had been teaching the odd class here and there up until that point, but then got serious, and got an accountant and set up a company.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Salsa music was my first love, rather than the dancing, and it inspires me to be able to better express it through dance. I get a real kick out of seeing my students progress and that inspires me to improve both my dancing and my teaching.
Who do you admire?
There are several female dancers based in Dublin who look amazing on the dance floor, but internationally, Susana Montero has been a real role model for me, not only in terms of her dancing and teaching style, but as a woman making a name for herself teaching the lead as well as the follower. She was the only female dancer at the time that I knew of who was teaching for herself rather than as part of a couple.
What’s your favourite track at the moment?
I know it’s cheesy but the salsa version of ‘Lovely Day’ is just great.
What are your all time favourite tracks?
‘Niňa y Seňora’ by Tito Puente is a perennial favourite as is ‘Moros y Cristianos’ by Mamborama.
What are your favourite albums?
‘Night of the Living Mambo’ by Mamborama is my all-time favourite.
What was the last CD you bought?
The mix from the Cork Salsa Bonanza weekend.
What music is in your car/cd player/tape player at the moment?
Alex Wilson ‘Inglaterra’
Who are your favourite artists?
Tito Puente, Mamborama, Jorge Herrera, Edwin Bonilla, Johnny Polanco…
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?
Before I gave it up I was doing academic research at Trinity College, Dublin. I hope never to have to go back J
Tell me something most people wouldn’t know about you?
I started playing the piano at the age of five and was big into it until salsa took over.
What’s your all time favourite salsa club/event that you have played/taught/danced?
My own club, Strictly Salsa on Thursdays at the Garda Club, Dublin. Even if I get there in a bad mood, I’m feeling great by the time I’ve finished the warm-up.
What has been your most memorable moment?
When I first went to that salsa club in Florence and saw salsa for the first time. I remember looking at the dancers and feeling a real sense ‘there’s a whole new world here!’
Have you had any embarrassing/nightmare-ish moments in salsa?
Twice I’ve shown more than I’d like to when coming out of a top / the strap on a cat-suit breaking, both mid-dance.
www.danzon.ie
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