So I had just decided to take up Salsa lessons here in Chiang Mai. I had been to a couple of the social dance nights, and really enjoyed myself, something about it rekindled my love for dance. With about 8 years of Ballroom dancing experience behind me and 2 years of competition dancing, I was definitely no stranger to the dance floor and partner dancing. But Salsa was always something I’d wanted to try and never really got around to it.
I use the analogy that Ballroom dancing is like a composer composing music, its choreographed and structured. Where Salsa is like Jamming with your mates in a garage, everybody brings their own style and knowledge to the dance floor, and you just go with it creating a connection that is right there, in the moment.
So at this stage I had just done two lessons with my dance teacher, and she suggested I attend this workshop that was taking place over Friday and Saturday of that week. Not wanting to back down from a challenge I figured I’d give it a shot.
The Workshop
Each day was a 2 hour session, where our instructor JR would run us through the theory behind what he was teaching us, a demonstration of what he was going to teach us, and then breaking it down into bite sized chunks for the class to digest.
It was a great turn out, at least 20 people in the class and a good mix of guys and girls. How to explain JR’s teaching style? Well I think he’s a comedian, he had us in stiches for half the class. You could see why it worked so well, the humor and his approachability made everyone at ease, and gave people a real sense that this was going to a be a lot of fun.
However to be honest I had no idea who JR was, particularly as I was completely new to the scene. So how do you rectify that? An interview of course!
JR was very gracious in giving me the opportunity chat to him about his passion and why he does what he does.
An Interview with JR
BM: So JR where are you from originally?
JR: I’m from the Philippines.
BM: And where are you based now?
JR: I’m based in Thailand for 3 years already.
BM: Where do you currently teach?
JR: Actually I’m teaching all around Thailand – in Bangkok, Pattaya, Koh Samui and Chiang Mai. I’m also doing workshops in other Asian countries, such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore etc.
BM: Wow that sounds pretty hectic. Do you have you own studio?
JR: I used to have my own studio a while ago, but now as I’m travelling a lot that is why I do classes using different studios.
BM: How long have you been dancing and teaching?
JR: I’ve been dancing since I was 8 years old; I started Teaching since I was 17 years old so I’ve been teaching for 14 years already.
BM: Being new to Salsa myself, I had no idea there were so many different styles, what is the style of Salsa you teach?
JR: I Teach Salsa LA on1 & Salsa NY on 2.
BM: What is the basis of the workshops you conduct? What is the end goal you are trying to achieve?
JR: My workshops based on technicality, musicality and repeating of the steps.
The goal of my class is to teach how to dance properly, comfortable & easy.
BM: With a dash of comedy?
JR: Haha, yes just a dash.
BM: Why do you hold the workshops?
JR: Because I really like to share my knowledge about dancing and I enjoy helping my students to grow, to improve and to get more confident in their moves on the dance floor.
BM: You have quite a long career, what are some of the accolades you have achieved?
JR: One of my significant accolades is the 1st place in Couple Salsa Category at Sapphire Ball, Philippines National Competition 2008. Also being a coach of the salsa competitors for the National Competition at Sapphire Ball and being an Adjudicator for Salsa Category at Philippines National Competition 2009.
BM: What other events are you really excited about right now?
JR: It is going to be many exciting events in the nearest future. Starting from teaching and performing at the “International Latin Festival in Vietnam”. Then being an artist and teacher at “Singapore –Malaysia joint Fiesta”. Also I will join a Kizomba competition at “Afro Latin Invasion” in Kuala Lumpur. But the most exciting for me now is a big dance project that I’m organizing in Bangkok in October 3 2015 in co-operation with all major dance studios in Thailand. The name of the event is “Salsa-Bachata-Kizoukba Dance Challenge” and I consider this challenge as a very significant step for improving dancing level of Thailand’s social dancers.
BM: Where do people go if they want to find out more about learning from you or see your performances?
JR: I always announce all my performances and workshops schedules at my page on Facebook. So anyone who is interested to have classes with me can join workshops or ask me for private lessons anywhere in Asia.
BM: Thank you JR for taking the time, it’s been a pleasure.
JR: Thank you.
Would I do it again?
Yes, definitely. In fact I will be attending his second workshop this week in Chiang Mai on the 27th to the 28th of June. If you want to learn more Salsa beyond the basic beginner class level you may have experienced going to social dances, then this workshop is for you. There is something to learn for both beginners and more advanced dancers.
I highly recommend it to anyone who will be in Chiang Mai at the time. Check out the Facebook page here for details.
See you guys at Salsa!
B