Posts Tagged ‘angel ortiz’

We recently had the opportunity to interview Angel Ortiz host of the 2010 New Jersey International Salsa Congress. We will be in attendance of this premiere event on April 22nd-25th.

K&I 1. How did you get started dancing Salsa?

Angel Ortiz: It was in 1989 on a Tuesday evening, I went to the famous Copacabana Nightclub in New York City. This was the hotspot for Salsa every Tuesday evening (original location). The music, watching the people dance, and the excitement of the nightclub scene caught my attention. I then kept going on Tuesday’s when I had the chance. I had not done any previous salsa dancing or taken any lessons. It was really exciting times. While there, I made new friends and was referred to Eddie Torres. I then started taking private lessons with Eddie. In early 1990, he placed me in his professional dance team. Since then, I’ve traveled to 113 cities in 27 countries teaching salsa On1 and On2 Crossbody lead style.

K&I 2. What do you enjoy most about salsa congresses?

AO: For me it starts with the traveling part of it. I love traveling, seeing new places, and re-visiting previous locations. Secondly, the gathering of friends, sharing stories, and having lots of fun is another aspect. But what really impresses me is the fact that the salsa congress can be compared and described as a “united nations” of dancers. Truly an amazing gathering of people from all walks of life.

K&I 3. What motivated you to join up with the first ever New Jersey Int Salsa Congress?

AO: Because it’s the first of its kind in New Jersey! Secondly, because with up to 21yrs in the business as a traveling guest instructor, I felt the Congress would be a great forum and avenue in which to share this knowledge base with the organizers of the event as well as with all those eventually visiting the event. It’s a unique perspective I wanted to share with the goal of encouraging and fostering more awareness to keep Salsa Congresses going for another 20yrs!

K&I 4. What can one expect from the Congress?

AO: (a) The Experience! Fun, dancing, and more dancing. (more…)