How, why and when did you get into salsa?
I started to dance Salsa at the age of 20, I was basically chasing a beautiful woman and instead of falling for her I fell in love with the dance, 7 years later I still am ha ha ha ha.
Who first taught you to dance salsa?
I started to learn how to dance from my current business partner Marcia Pinheiro Percival. She is the one responsible for me dancing today.
Did you have any dance training prior to salsa?
Prior to Salsa I was a construction worker, it has been a huge change for me. Once I started dancing, I received coaching from Instructors in various forms of dance. This was extremely helpful in my development as a professional dancer and instructor.
Tell me a little about your company. When, why and how was it set up?
Latin Dance Australia was founded by my business partner Marcia, and incredible woman who set her self a dream of having Australia’s largest dance company. In 2003 she decided she needed a partner to continue growing the company and that’s when she invited me into the business. 4 years later we are not just Australia’s largest dance company but one of the world’s most successful Salsa Schools as well.
We currently teach over 800 students a week, Organise the Sydney Salsa Congress, have trained over 70% of Sydney’s professionals and have 2 internationally recognised dance couples in Liz and I and our up and coming LDA Dancers Mary Grace and Sujit Dey.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get most of my inspiration from watching other forms of dance, I love west coast swing, Zouk/Lambada, even Latin American Ballroom.
Who do you admire?
The person I admire the most is my business partner Marcia, she has 1 baby girl, a baby boy on the way, is a great mother and one of Australia’s most successful business women. She is Australia’s most influential Brazilian and Latin Promoter.
What’s your favourite track at the moment?
Humm that’s a hard one, I love so many songs it’s hard to say sorry!!!
What are your all time favourite tracks?
As above, too hard, I love so many songs all for their own reasons it’s too hard to say.
What are your favourite albums?
Actually this one is easy… My favourite Album is the KA musical Album… Amazing powerful music, it’s simply amazing…
What was the last CD you bought?
The last CD I was RNB Super Club 11. I love listening to my RNB.
What music is in your car/cd player/tape player at the moment?
At the moment I have a mixed CD with a lot of Salsa and Zouk… I go through stages, last month it was my 60’s CD before that it was “The Worlds Greatest Beer songs” Album.
Who are your favourite artists?
My favourite artists would have to be Picasso, Love his work. Wish I could afford his paintings hahahaha…
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 a professional Footballer, love my football almost as much as I love my Salsa… My favourite teams are Penarol from Uruguay and of course the SOCCEROOS!!!
Tell me something most people wouldn’t know about you?
Iam a movie buff and I have an a little Shitzu crossed with Maltese puppy… She’s beautiful and she is great to have around.
What’s your all time favourite salsa club/event that you have played/taught/danced?
I have 2, Outside of Australia competing at the World Salsa Competition at the Club Mayan and placing 3rd was amazing since Liz and I are the only International Couple to place in 11 years of the competition. In Australia nothing beats performing at the Sydney Salsa congress in front of over 2000 screaming people.
What has been your most memorable moment?
I would salsa competing at the Mayan… Nothing beats that!!!
Have you had any embarrassing/nightmare-ish moments in salsa?
I guess looking back at some of the shows I have performed… I actually choreographed a themed Salsa Show and I was Popeye… that’s embarrassing
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Salsa has absolutely changed my life in the most positive of ways. That’s why I love what I do so much, I feel the dance has given me my adult life, I want to give back to the dance as much as I can by teaching and performing to the best of my ability and sharing my passion for Salsa with as many people as possible…
Jaime Jesus
Director
Latin Dance Australia
www.latindance.com.au
Watch a clip of Jaime Jesus and Little Liz from Youtube;
|
