So as I’m
born and bred in Surrey, England, why am I claiming to be an expert in Latin
dance styles?
As Mike Robbins
says, “Authenticity has the power to inspire others.” I’m not from the Latino
community, so therefore I must be lacking this authenticity. If we research
this further however BrenĂ© Brown explains, “Being your authentic self is living
in line with your values.” She also explains that we each have a unique
perspective that nobody else has access to.
I
discovered Latin American style Salsa in Surrey. I fell in love with the music
and the dancing but I was appreciating them from my own unique perspective. It
was important for me to explore the genre in detail and to contextualise what I
had found. I travelled to Africa, Cuba and New York and immersed myself in the various
styles within their vernacular context. My aim however, has never been to
become an imitation of a Cuban or Latino dancer.
There was
an attempt by a few individuals from the Latino community to try and retain
possession of Salsa dancing as it became popular in the UK. The majority of
people, of course, paid little attention to this. They followed the dancers who
inspired them, the ones who looked the best when they danced or those who
danced in a manner that they found most appealing. Dance as a museum
exhibition, as a relic from the past, does have its place and does have a
value. As a form evolves and develops however, the interest and excitement
builds. We explore, discover and expand what the dance can be.
The Cuban
dance Son, often credited for being the original form of Salsa dancing, came
from a fusion of European and African cultures. Partner dancing from Europe started
to be combined with hip movements from Africa. You could argue that Salsa is as
much European as it is African.
When I
dance socially or perform my own choreography, I dance as myself. I love having
the freedom to create my own style and express my personality. I absorb ideas
from watching other dancers and I bring nuances from other dance styles. Other
elements just emerge organically from somewhere within. I love to include some
elegance and turn-out from Ballet and I naturally gravitate towards more
sophisticated styles. I’ve travelled and trained with many of the best dancers
in the world. For me, it’s all about trying on a variety of motions then
sifting through to find what aligns with who I am.
My dancing
authentically represents me.
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Photo by Dee Organ |
The great
joy that then follows on from this is the inspiration that my dancing gives
others. People are able to discover new things through me and to see new
possibilities. It’s the best feeling when someone says to me “Now I know how I
want to dance Salsa”, or “I prefer your style” when comparing me to other
international artists.
The
offerings of my business, Dance Diversion, also come from a thorough
investigation into my authentic self. I’m offering what gives me the most joy
and what opens up new opportunities for others. Modelling what other dance
promoters were doing never quite tempted me to set up on my own. I’m very
pleased to report that I’m courageously forging my own path. The word ‘courage’
comes from the Latin word ‘cor’ meaning ‘heart’. My business is an offering
from the heart. What I offer isn’t for everyone. If you like words like ‘raw’
and ‘flava’ then my style of dancing probably isn’t for you. If you dance to
avoid talking to people, then my events probably aren’t for you. If your values
are similar to mine however, you are going to love what I do.