<p>It is a performance on the streets of New Jersey that got Cuban-American dancer Alex Diaz hooked on to dance. He has not looked back since then. Today, he is not only a performer but also a teacher and choreographer. He finds balancing these acts, though challenging, an enjoyable affair. In Bengaluru, to conduct a few workshops, he talks to Nina C George about his journey so far.<br /> <br />What got you interested in dance? <br /><br />Well, being of Cuban descent and Spanish being my native tongue, salsa music (not necessarily dancing) was an important part of my childhood. Dance happened during my college years. A group of friends and I went for a ‘Latin Night’ in a popular club in Jersey City, NJ. I noticed a small group performing Salsa on the other side of the club. While I knew that there was a dance form associated with salsa music, I had never seen good salsa dancers up close. I was amazed by what they showcased that night, and then along with my roommate, I signed up for some salsa dance classes in New York City the following weekend.<br /> <br />How is it to be an instructor and performer? <br /><br />It is fantastic. I have been incredibly fortunate to find a profession, wherein I do not ever feel like I am working. I always look forward to teaching, social dancing, creating choreographies and performing. Teaching gives me great satisfaction. <br /><br />Choreography and performance is a form of self-expression, so the satisfaction not only comes from the creative process but also from the feedback received from the audience.<br /><br />How do you describe your style? <br /><br />My style is a mixture of the training that I have received from my mentors over the years, and the inspiration I’ve drawn from watching other dancers perform. Also, a solid understanding of salsa and other Latin dance forms over the last 17 years has allowed me to become ‘free’ on the dance floor.<br /> <br />What is the best thing about dancing? <br /><br />Dancing transports me to a place where there are no worries or problems. <br /> <br />How important is the choice of music during a performance? <br /><br />Music is one of the primary ingredients for a great salsa experience. Music is the main catalyst. If I go out for a night of dancing and the DJ plays music to which I cannot connect, I come away feeling like my experience has been incomplete.<br /> <br />If you weren’t a dancer, what would you have become?<br /><br /> I would have become a software engineer.<br /><br />What form of Indian dance do you like and why? <br />I admire and respect Indian classical dance forms, and in particular kathak. I feel that Indian classical dance forms are great at story-telling, very expressive and technically very challenging.<br /> <br />What helps you stay positive? <br /><br />My family, friends and of course dance.<br /> <br />How are your training sessions in Bengaluru coming along? <br /> <br />I feel that dance is an integral part of Indian culture. Most Indians are quick to try out salsa and other dance forms. <br /> <br />What is the best thing about your stay in the city? <br /><br />The people here are amazing. However, I am a huge foodie, and I love South Indian food. <br /></p>
<p>It is a performance on the streets of New Jersey that got Cuban-American dancer Alex Diaz hooked on to dance. He has not looked back since then. Today, he is not only a performer but also a teacher and choreographer. He finds balancing these acts, though challenging, an enjoyable affair. In Bengaluru, to conduct a few workshops, he talks to Nina C George about his journey so far.<br /> <br />What got you interested in dance? <br /><br />Well, being of Cuban descent and Spanish being my native tongue, salsa music (not necessarily dancing) was an important part of my childhood. Dance happened during my college years. A group of friends and I went for a ‘Latin Night’ in a popular club in Jersey City, NJ. I noticed a small group performing Salsa on the other side of the club. While I knew that there was a dance form associated with salsa music, I had never seen good salsa dancers up close. I was amazed by what they showcased that night, and then along with my roommate, I signed up for some salsa dance classes in New York City the following weekend.<br /> <br />How is it to be an instructor and performer? <br /><br />It is fantastic. I have been incredibly fortunate to find a profession, wherein I do not ever feel like I am working. I always look forward to teaching, social dancing, creating choreographies and performing. Teaching gives me great satisfaction. <br /><br />Choreography and performance is a form of self-expression, so the satisfaction not only comes from the creative process but also from the feedback received from the audience.<br /><br />How do you describe your style? <br /><br />My style is a mixture of the training that I have received from my mentors over the years, and the inspiration I’ve drawn from watching other dancers perform. Also, a solid understanding of salsa and other Latin dance forms over the last 17 years has allowed me to become ‘free’ on the dance floor.<br /> <br />What is the best thing about dancing? <br /><br />Dancing transports me to a place where there are no worries or problems. <br /> <br />How important is the choice of music during a performance? <br /><br />Music is one of the primary ingredients for a great salsa experience. Music is the main catalyst. If I go out for a night of dancing and the DJ plays music to which I cannot connect, I come away feeling like my experience has been incomplete.<br /> <br />If you weren’t a dancer, what would you have become?<br /><br /> I would have become a software engineer.<br /><br />What form of Indian dance do you like and why? <br />I admire and respect Indian classical dance forms, and in particular kathak. I feel that Indian classical dance forms are great at story-telling, very expressive and technically very challenging.<br /> <br />What helps you stay positive? <br /><br />My family, friends and of course dance.<br /> <br />How are your training sessions in Bengaluru coming along? <br /> <br />I feel that dance is an integral part of Indian culture. Most Indians are quick to try out salsa and other dance forms. <br /> <br />What is the best thing about your stay in the city? <br /><br />The people here are amazing. However, I am a huge foodie, and I love South Indian food. <br /></p>