Sol and Passion for Salsa Dancing
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Just a glance at Alessandro Sol’s infectious smile and smooth moves is enough to see why he is one of the hottest dance teachers in Los Angeles. Bullfighter’s Cafe (BFC) caught up with him at his salsa class in North Hollywood…
BFC: Is Alessandro Sol your real name?
SOL: Alessandro Sol is my stage name; Alejandro Sol is my real name. I made the change to make it easy for non-Spanish speakers to pronounce my name.
BFC: You mentioned that you grew up in TJ, what if any influences did growing up there have on your desire to dance?
SOL: My Dad was a big influence on me, he was a great dancer, he was born in Veracruz, Mexico and grew up dancing Danzon. While living in TJ, my dad had a very good friend from Puerto Rico who played Salsa at a local radio station and use to come over to the house on the weekends. So I was exposed to Salsa, Bembe, Bomba and Danzon at an early age. Later on in my teens, I stared playing hand percussion, which made me appreciate Salsa music even more.
BFC: Living in LA is HARD. What made you decide to settle here?
SOL: I really love Los Angeles, it is extremely diverse and full of opportunities, and the Salsa scene is awesome. I have met and formed great friendships in the Salsa world. And very few people know this but I was born in Los Angeles.
BFC: Where do you teach? Is teaching primarily how you make a living?
SOL: I teach my salsa classes at Millennium Dance Complex in the NoHo Art District on Thursdays from 7-9pm and on Saturdays from 1-3pm. And at the Mayan Nightclub in Downtown L.A. on Saturday nights from 8-9pm. Teaching Salsa, choreographing and performing is how I make a living, Salsa Music and Dancing are my passion and I love sharing it with others. I think is very important to maintain and expose our Latin culture and roots to the world.
BFC: What kinds of people take salsa classes?
SOL: People from all walks of life take salsa classes. In my classes I’ve taught a 9 year old, an 80 year old and every age in between. Salsa dancing is Fun, Energetic, Sensual; it reconnects you with your body and soul.
BFC: What are your long-term career aspirations (the sky’s the limit)?
SOL: I would love to share my passion for salsa with thousands of people all over the world. I would like to choreograph more movies and perform at the major salsa congresses around the globe.
BFC: What are you actively doing to pursue those dreams?
SOL: I have just finished my first instructional Salsa DVD and I am already working on the next one.
BFC: What are some of the most exciting things that you’ve experienced professionally?
SOL: There are many exiting things I have experienced professionally; one of them was when I choreographed Penelope Cruz, in the salsa dance sequence for the movie Noel. Another was being the first Salsa instructor invited to teach at the GETTY Center. I have had the opportunity to perform in several TV shows and there is nothing quite like the thrill of live TV. I also enjoy choreographing and performing at the L.A. Salsa congress with my dance team. However watching my students improve and grow as dancers is a deeply rewarding experience.
To contact Alessandro: www.love2salsa.com or email dance@love2salsa.com
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