Lily Vasquez--Dallas,Tx

1.Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia. I'm a marketing manager. I lived in New Jersey for almost half my life and moved to Dallas a year ago.


2.How long have you been salsa dancing?

I've been dancing all of my life, but professionally and On2 for 13 years.

3.What would you say to those beginning to dance or those interested in learning?

Dancing has become more of a competition than a feeling. It's not about who does the craziest tricks or the most turns, it's about feeling the music and allowing your partner to feel it along with you. If you have to think too hard, you're doing it wrong! Also, try to find your own style, be unique.

4.How would you compare the Salsa/Mambo dancing to other types of dance?

Salsa/Mambo to me is a bit more complex in a sense of technique but at the same time it's very passionate yet sophisticated. Every break, every beat has a story and it shows when two people are in sync dancing it.


5 Tell us one thing many may not know about Lily Vasquez?

I guess that i left the 'salsa scene' years ago to concentrate more on being a singer/songwriter. you can hear my music or find out more in regards to that at www.lilyvasquez.com

6. What style(s) of dance are your favorite?

I love chacha as well as 80s salsa. On2 is by far my style of choice.

7. Are there any pet peeves we should know about before meeting you,lol?

hmm, in relations to dancing? I guess that no girl likes to have her arm twisted to the point it hurts! A man's job is to make his partner look good, if she looks like she's dying, you failed. lol

as far as anything in particular? I dont like rude people, no one is better than anyone else, yes, that includes people in the scene lol


8. What does Salsa mean to you?

Salsa is passion. Salsa is a combination of a beat, rhythm, lyrics, dance, a partner, all working together to make you forget about anything that is going on and take you on a feel good trip. It's my theraphy honestly.

9. How has your life changed since you began your journey into Salsa?

Salsa has given me many opportunities such as traveling, meeting new people, learning other cultures as well as learning about myself. It taught me discipline, teamwork and gave me the inner strenght to pursue my dreams. I am very thankful for all the endless nights, restless days, sweat and tears i experienced during my salsa years. I would do it all over again!



10. Where are your favorite places to dance in Dallas/Ft.Worth?

I really dont have a favorite place. In the Dallas/Ft. Worth scene it's all about the people who show up and I seem to run into the same people every where i go and i meet a few new ones each time, which is pretty cool! It is very different than New York but the scene here is a lot closer for sure, which gives it that much more meaning. It reminds me of my early Salsa days :)

Salsera of the Week

Audrey Richard-Dallas,TX

1.Tell us a little about yourself.
Born and raised in Dallas, TX. Grew up with father speaking english in the house and my mother speaking Spanish. Was first exposed to salsa in Mexico City when my cousins were jamming to Eddie Santiago - Salsa Romantica. I fell in love. Came back to Dallas and bought 2 of his cd's! I work in IT, yes I'm a bit of a nerd/geek. Want to travel and dance in every part of the world! Love meeting new people and dancing as a hobby makes it easy.

2.How long have you been dancing?
Music and dance have always been a big part of my life since my father was a musician and lead singer of his own band. I've been dancing all my life! But as far as dancing salsa on1, on2, bachata.......for about 3 yrs now.

3.What would you say to those beginning to dance or those interested in learning?
For those beginning to dance or interested.....just have fun! Go for it! It's one of the best ways to stay in shape and have fun while you're doing it! And.....always smile and enjoy every dance!

4.How would you compare the Dallas scene to the Salsa/Mambo scenes around the world ?
The Dallas scene is still small, but growing. It changes a lot of year to year, new faces come and old faces go and come back again. I love that you can dance anywhere in the world and it doesn't matter that you don't speak each other’s language. The language we do understand is "DANCE!!" It would be nice to see more unity so that the dancers aren’t so scattered all over Dallas every weekend.

5 Tell us one thing we may not know about Audrey?
I used to sing on the radio as a little girl with my father on his radio station – Country Western Music!

6. What style(s) of dance are your favorite?
Wow! That’s a tough one! I love salsa! I love Bachata! And now starting to love Kizomba! My first love was Hip-Hop!

7. What is your favorite type of music to dance to?
Salsa and Bachata and now Kizomba!!!! Oh and I still love HIP-HOP! Guess it just depends on the mood I’m in.

8. What does Salsa mean to you?
This is my stress release. This is how I let my hair down after a tough week at work, at home….whatever. Salsa has become my addiction! It’s brought so much fun into my life. It’s a worldwide language and it has given me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people all over.

9. How has your life changed since you began your journey into Salsa?
You know if I feel like I just need to get away……I just go dancing! It takes me to another place. And it’s gotten me in SHAPE!!! When I first started dancing, I would dance one song and be so out of breath! I was like “I gotta start working out!” Been going to the gym consistently for the past 2 years and have completely changed my physique. I’m a new person now! I’m probably in the best shape of my life than I’ve ever been.

10. My life without Salsa would be________boring, fat and miserable!!! I gotta have my salsa fix every week!!!

Salsera Of the Week

Sandy De Lara-Dallas,TX USA

1.Tell us a little about yourself..
I was born in Mexico and was raised in Dallas Texas. I absolutely love to dance, sing and act. Not very good singer and actress, so I stick to dancing! I have a precious 7 yr old boy and a wonderful husband. At the age of 5, I learned the traditional dance of my country (Folklorico). After that, I developed a want for diversity in dance. I continued to take classes and perform through my school years, that included Folklorico, ballet, Jazz, and modern.
When I graduated from school, I was introduced to a completely different style of dance…SALSA! From the second it entered my heart, my body desired to learn and grow more. Even though I have various styles of dance training, Salsa to me is unique and fulfills me in every way. I have been blessed with meeting many beautiful people around the United States that share the same passion. I currently enjoy teaching Salsa on1 at Sandunga Dance studio on Tuesday nights.

2.How long have you been dancing?
I have been dancing and performing since the age of 5.

3.What would you say to those beginning to dance or those interested in learning?
Always allow yourself to grow in dance without judgment. Be confident, as dance is like Art, and Art cannot be judged…Every form, level and style is beautiful. Dancing is the expression of our inner intentions in life; therefore, we should always enjoy and be brought to life every time we step on the dance floor.

4.Who are some of your favorite artists?
Hector Lavoe, Roberto Roena, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Willie Colon, Ruben Blades, Cheo Feliciano, Ray Barretto, to name a few…

5.If you were given one wish, what place or venue would you love to dance at?
If I were given a wish to dance anywhere, it would be at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington D.C…the White House for our President and First Lady.

6. What style(s) of dance are your favorite?
Flamenco, Tango, Cha cha cha, modern and of course… Salsa

7. What is your favorite type of music to dance to?
All Latin musica

8.Tell us about your classes.
I currently teach at Sandunga Dance Studio Starting at 7p for beginners, then 8p for intermediate/advance students. My classes are very technical for precision and exact timing execution. The style that I currently teach is Salsa on1 Sandy’s style…sharp, sexy, and with lots styling.

9. What does Salsa mean to you?
To me Salsa is a combination of very delicious, fresh, and hot instruments/rhythms that come together and become one for the dancer to enjoy. Salsa symbolizes the UNITY of dancers and performers of all ages and experience levels. It also shatters all cultural barriers when we all unite to dance under one roof. Just like salsa…lets all stick together, and enjoy every last bit of it.

10.How has your life changed since you began your journey into Salsa?
Salsa has had a tremendous impact on my life. After I graduated, I had no clue what I wanted to do or where I wanted to be. Until I was Blessed with running into Salsa. It was then when my life took a different course. As I mentioned earlier, the second it entered my heart and experienced the sensation of all its richness, I decided to grow and learn more! I immediately fell in love with the style and decided to dedicate part of my life to learning, teaching and performing. Salsa has definitely kept me very busy and out of trouble. Lol God willin, I will continue on my salsa journey…until my feet completely tire out!