How, why and when did you get into salsa?
I saw Elder, from Salsoteca on TV once and liked what he was doing, I was still training at a Performing College and thought Salsa could be interesting to learn. I started back in 1995, but only really got into it seriously in 1999 when I won a competition.
Who first taught you to dance salsa?
Elder Sanchez and DJ Julian The Duke from Salsoteca.
Did you have any dance training prior to salsa?
I’m a professionally trained dancer, I’ve trained in Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz and worked in Theatre, TV and with Dance Companies in Portugal and in the UK long before I started Salsa.
Tell me a little about your company. When, why and how was it set up?
I haven’t set up a company yet. My work is project-based at the moment while I’m trying to present my show El Barrio www.elbarriothemusical.com and tour it, then I guess I’ll have to do it anyway.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
From other dancers, whatever the level, from paintings, poems, films, but I guess mainly from music. I listen to a song I like and I just float onto the rhythm, it’s a natural high…
Who do you admire?
I admire those who stay positive all the time, and honest people.
What’s your favourite track at the moment?
Something I’m writing for my Show!
What are your all time favourite tracks?
Truly depends on my mood. I love old Jazz classics and Kaisha (zouk) stuff but I’ve been listening a lot to Sing Sing by Jack Constanzo.
What are your favourite albums?
On the Salsa sphere: Eddie Torres is a classic, most things by Ray Barreto, Puppi, Maraca - which I just recently saw live- and Snowboy. Other than that Baduizm by Erika Badu and too many others to mention.
What was the last CD you bought?
Who buys cds??!! Nah..I like to support my fellow artists. It was Cristina Aguilera, I know…but it was surprisingly good.
What music is in your car/cd player/tape player at the moment?
A mix of Salsa, Latin Jazz, Zouk, Nusoul and a relaxing track to close me off from the outside world…
Who are your favourite artists?
My mum, singing old traditional African songs.
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’m not a spring chicken no more, but I have other skills. I’m a qualified Massage Therapist, but I still love what I do too much. If I didn’t do what I’ve been doing all my life, I would be called Maya and would be living in Peru.
Tell me something most people wouldn’t know about you?
I’m shy socially. I was told I needed to learn to talk to people, to network, but I still find it too hard if I don’t feel it naturally. Also I’m a natural blonde.
What’s your all time favourite salsa club/event that you have played/taught/danced?
Internationally, the Polish Salsa Congress. In the UK, there have been a few places like Salsa Republic and Bar Salsa.
What has been your most memorable moment?
Winning the two Salsa Championships! One UK Open (99) and one World Open Championship in the UK (03). It’s a great feeling of achievement for all your hard work.
The Life Achievement Award was also great but didn’t feel that my work contribution to Salsa was truly presented. But straight after that quite a few people came to me saying how much I had inspired them throughout the years. That was the icing on the cake, truly.
Also the day I danced with an up & coming Frankie Martinez…if you have this tape, tell me please!
Have you had any embarrassing/nightmare-ish moments in salsa?
Lots! Once I was dancing in Bar Salsa with this guy and he did a drop and I fell on the floor…while I was down, he asked me: “Don’t you know this one? It’s the one you cross the arm…” Hello?!! Can you help me up and say sorry?!!
Apparently happens often…Maybe he’s still around..
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I wish the Salsa community/promoters/dancers were more together and realised there’s strength in partnerships. I don’t think it’s utopic. Everyone is bit worried about their own corner and doesn’t look to the Big Picture. Also dancers please try to use your body more, it’s not the waltz! Whatever your level, you’ll enjoy the dance much more! If not you can always get my DVD (!) www.irisdebrito.com
I teach every Tuesday at Sound, Leicester Square, London at 8:30pm Int/CBL and Style, on rotation at Salsa Republic.
Watch the video of Osbanis and Iris's "Rumberos", as featured on Youtube;
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