By: Ruby Karen, October 2005
As a dancer, I’ve always been intrigued by various styles, forms and rhythm. It was in 2003 when I actively exposed myself to the world of Salsa. This time, there was no stopping. I stripped off all hindrances, placed no limitations and aggressively pursued to social dance and incorporate my own style into the “shines” portion. Unlike other forms of dance, in Salsa, the need to relate and understand the rhythm doesn’t cut it, but rather, executing the moves need to conform and comply to corresponding counts in a music bar. It was from observing and learning enthusiastically from my colleagues at social clubs, that made my dancing to a level highly acceptable. In fact, the Spectrum production showcased at Hollywood’s Ivar Theatre provided me with a medium to showcase Salsa as a performing arts.
My specialty has always been into highly technical partnering work, involving control, flexibility and strength, on the ground or in the air. While rehearsing very difficult and high ground acrobatic movements with my partner, Afka, Alex Da Silva, who was then teaching next door, witnessed some one-hand overhead pike positions I was executing. Alex then approached me and asked me to join his team to perform at the West Coast Congress. Subsequent to the Congress, in July 2004, I started to work with Alex as his main partner.
Alex had expressed his desire to incorporate tricks into our routine, and with my experience of aerials and other lifts, coupled with Alex’s “elegant” styling, we jointly created exciting tricks that held the audiences’ breath. Surely then, Alex and I continued to work together traveling in various parts of the world. On May 14, 2005, Alex and I won the prestigious, Mayan World Salsa Competition.
See the winning routine: 2005 Mayan World Salsa Championship and the article: The Story Behind.
