KNOW YOUR SALSEROS -- MARCH, 2010

In this month's Know Your Salseros we meet Jacqueline Hernandez, who is a veteran salsera that you've probably seen lighting up the dance floor with her beautiful smile; and Jared Ankawi, a "newbie" who just started, and loves it already!

Name: Jacqueline Hernandez

Where are you originally from (ethnicity):  I was born in Bronx New York, but my parents are originally from Puerto Rico.

How long have you been dancing:  I have been officially dancing for sixteen years.

Where did you learn:  As a little girl, I was always dancing with my  cousins to all types of music.  As I got older, I started going to different clubs.  I was also part of a group and have done some performing.

Where do you go out to dance:  I often go to Sangria, Pi, Ya Social and Woody’s.  I have also traveled to different Salsa Congress.  In addition many great Salsa house parties.

What do you think could be done to expand the salsa scene:  I pretty much think that ya Salsa, Salsa Detroit, promoters and myself have been doing a wonderful job in expanding the salsa scene.

What do you do aside from dancing:  I am a Bilingual Coordinator for quality Home Health Care Services.  I spend quality time with my family, and occasionally hang out with friends.

Your favorite song:  I really do not have a favorite song.  I listen to romantic, classic and exotic Salsa, Cuban, Bachata, Merengue and Reggaeton.

What advice would you give to someone who is new to salsa dancing:  Salsa dancing is not about the level of dancing.  Salsa is about feeling the music and rhythm and having fun while you are dancing.  Learn and create your own Style.  One thing that Have appreciated about the Salsa community is the interacting with different nationality and learning about different cultures.

Name: Jared Ankawi

Where are you originally from (ethnicity): Chaldean

How long have you been dancing: I started Salsa dancing mid-January of this year, so not long.

Where did you learn: At the JCC with Marci

Where do you go out to dance: I only been to Sangria so far, but I want to venture out more

What do you think could be done to expand the salsa scene:  Since I haven’t been on the Salsa scene that long, it is hard to tell right now 

What do you do aside from dancing:  I work at GM Pontiac Powertrain as a Chemical Manager.  I also enjoy sports (both playing and watching)

Your favorite song:  My favorite Salsa song so far is Elvis Crespo - Tu Sonrisa.  My favorite non-salsa song right now is Pittbull ft Akon - Shut it down, but his changes all the time, it is whatever song I have stuck in my head!  It is usually something to dance to

What advice would you give to someone who is new to salsa dancing: Relax and go with the flow.  I was so overwhelmed with all the different moves we learned and didn’t know how to get them all out on the dance floor, but they just come to you when you are out there as long as you relax and feel the music.