Get Familiar With Alejandro Rey

When Did the Bachata Sensation Begin for Alejandro?

Although he performed Mexican folk dance for 15 years, Alejandro has also enjoyed a variety of other dance styles over the years. In high school, Alejandro and his friends formed a Hip-Hop crew called “The Next Level.” He tells us, “We specialized in krumping, pop-locking, breaking and lap-dancing (lol –seriously!).” He continued to learn various Latin dance styles, including Salsa, Samba, Tango, Merengue and Bachata.

During his college years, Alejandro formed the Latin Dance Chapter of “The Next Level,” as Paso de Oro’s Urban Bachata elite group. They incorporated the soul, swagger, and strength of Hip-Hop/R&B into the smooth, sensual, sexiness of Bachata. He defines his style of Bachata as Urban Bachata. He explains, “In Urban Bachata we emphasize musicality, partnering, attitude (acting/drama), and interaction with the audience to elevate the overall presentation. It’s all about entertaining your audience all while maintaining the passion and connection with your dance partner.”

Before Bachata…

“I started dancing traditional Mexican Folk dance when I was 10 years old. I was somewhat tricked into it,” Alejandro laughs. His mother, Alicia Mendibles Founder of Steps of Gold Inc./Paso De Oro Dance Co.), was a professional Mexican folk dancer herself. “She told me that if I didn’t dance I could no longer play football. Being the athlete that I was, I wouldn’t let anything keep me from playing ball. Therefore, I obliged to my mother’s requests.” As Alejandro studied the meaning and history behind each Mexican folk dance he became increasingly more interested and culturally aware of his deep Mexican roots.

Backstage with Alejandro Rey

Q: Who is your favorite Bachata artist?
A: My favorite Bachata artist is Toby Love. He is the definition of an Urban Bachata artist. He mixes R&B flows into his Bachata, and he can vocally hit more notes than most singers of any genre. He combines the soul of an R&B singer with the pain and storytelling capability of a traditional Bachata singer.

Q: What do you like to do when you are not dancing? Hobbies…etc.
A: When I am not dancing the first thing I like to do is go to the gym. As a multi-sport athlete in high school and college, I developed a strong passion for physical training and human performance. Whether it’s lifting weights, dancing, running, or mixed martial arts, each day I challenge my mind and body to achieve more than the previous day.

Q: If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: It would be in Brazil. The culture, beaches, landscape, and women are all beautiful! That would be my dream destination to perform any dance routine.

Q: Is Bachata the New Salsa?
A: Bachata is NOT the new salsa. Bachata is the new BACHATA!

How Has Bachata Evolved?

I like how Bachata has developed as a dance over the years. Alejandro notes that, “Three years ago Paso De Oro and I were the only Bachata dance acts in L.A. I would literally sneak my Bachata routines into my Salsa routines, as L.A. was more into Salsa, than Bachata back then.” “Over the past few years, through the progressive popularity and publicity of the music itself, L.A. began to embrace Bachata more. Now there are multiple Bachata dance acts locally and nationally, and I don’t have to ‘sneak’ Bachata into my Salsa dance routines anymore,” he laughs.

What do you see next for Bachata?

Alejandro sees Bachata dancing going in numerous directions. He clarifies by saying, “Everyone has there own and interpretation and preference when it comes to dancing Bachata. Some like it sensual, some like it flashy, some like it urban. And of course there are those who like it traditional (Dominican style).”

Thank You Very Much!

Thank you, Alejandro, for taking some time out to tell us about yourself, as well as sharing your experiences and love of Bachata!

Check out the Paso De Oro Performance at the 1st Annual LA Bachata Festival!

Buy your tickets now!!!

Special Guest DJ “El Gringuito” from DC & Tampa’s very own DJ Pedro will be playing the best in:
Bachata, Cha Cha, Salsa, Zouk and a variety of top International hits!

Workshops will be taught by leading instructors in the industry, along with top
Bachata Masters around the country including:

Lee “El Gringuito” Washington, DC	Kat Aguilar Washington, DC	Carlos Cinta “El Unico Bachatero” San Diego, CF	Christian Sola “Sensual Bachata” Orlando, FL
Jessica Alicea “Salsa Synergy” Orlando, FL	Benjamin Cartagena, “Salsa Synergy” Orlando, FL	Simone Amaral “Simone Salsa” Tampa, FL	Belle Badelle “Dance Fused Fitness” St.Petersburg, FL



FRIDAY~ Pre-Party –>
Where: Copa Restaurant and Lounge
When: 10:00-3:00a.m.
4235 West Waters Avenue, Tampa – (813) 249-2672
Join us in the VIP lounge for a night of fun and dancing!

SATURDAY~ Workshops 12:00-6:00–>

Tentative Schedule:

12:00-1:00 Belle’s Belly Dancing
1:00-2:00 Salsa Synergy Salsa Partner Work
2:00-3:00 BachaZouk with Lee “El Gringuito”
3:00-4:00 Bachata Foreplay with Lee “El Gringuito”
4:00-5:00 Caribbean Bachata Musicality & Footwork with Carlos Cinta
5:00-6:00 Sensuality & Passion: Dips and Tricks with Christian Sola

Schedule will be finalized soon!

Saturday Night Gala Event–>

Where: Simone’s Salsa
8336 W. Hillsborough Ave. Tampa, FL 33615 (813) 391-1056
When: 9:00 Doors Open (Enjoy Sangria, Snacks, Socializing)
10:00p.m. Performances Start! Don’t miss out on these…get there early! We will be announcing performers soon!
(Besides…you don’t want to miss out on the free snacks and drinks)

Dress Code:
Upscale Attire..Dress to Impress!
We will be dancing till 4am so bring your dancing shoes, towels and energy and get ready for an amazing night! There will be tents and seating outside for you to get some fresh air, catch your breath and lounge while listening to a variety of reggae, reggaeton and international music. Enjoy the moon lit night, and dance under the stars on the outdoor dance floor!

SUNDAY~ Cookout–>
Location and details will be announced soon. All you need to know is we will be having some fun in the sun, cooking out and dancing!

Ticket Information:—–>——>——>—->—->>

All Access Pass $100: Entrance to Friday Pre-Party night, Saturday Workshops & Night Gala, Sunday Cookout and first 50 passes drink free!

Pricing:

Individual Workshops: $15/per workshop

Saturday Night Gala: $10
—————————————————

All Access Pass (Fri. Pre-Party, Sat. Workshops/Night Gala, Sun. Cookout)
$100.00

***First 50 Passes will drink free!***
————————————————–

Saturday Pass (Workshops and Night Gala)
$90.00
—————————————————

*Workshop and Night Gala pricing is offered as a discount for online purchases only. Workshops will be $20 and the Night Gala will be $15 at the door. So buy early!!!

Bachata Sensation events include a variety of international music, instructors and flavor. Our goal is to provide an upscale environment full of dancing, socializing and entertainment. Join us for an amazing experience and a sensational night of dancing.

We encourage all levels of dancing, even if you are just looking for a fun night out to socialize, unwind and meet new faces. Break away from the norm and discover our diverse atmosphere of music, dancing and people. Don’t miss it!

Tickets will be going on sale tomorrow!!! We will keep you  posted! Mark Your Calendars Now!

“In South America, you start dancing as soon as you come out of the womb”, Juan says. As a child, he was always dancing at parties and such but it wasn’t until the age of 21 that he took his first dance class. “Now don’t ask me how long ago that was!” he says jokingly.

Juan enjoys all Bachata styles but especially enjoys the Dominican, Traditional and Moderna styles. He is personally known for his Moderna Bachata and travels around the world teaching this style. His Bachata DVD’s go into great detail on the Moderna style. Although Moderna Bachata is his forte, Juan enjoys dancing all styles in a social environment and incorporates a mix of all styles in his dancing.

Before Bachata…

Juan first graced the stage at the Chicago Salsa Congress in 2002 as part of a local Latin student performance. When asked about his first time performing, Juan said “I wasn’t as nervous as other performers because I was in the last row of the team where no one could see me!”. He did not stay in the back row for long, a few later Juan performed his first solo. “I definitely felt the rush and hyperventilation you get when you are nervous!”

Backstage with Juan Ruiz

Q:   Who are your favorite Bachata artists?
A:   There are many and more and more Bachata artists will come along. I have a favorite song for a while, then a new one comes out. I love the Urban Latin Bachata genre, from groups like Aventura, Extreme, 4Ever, Unique, etc. I also love the Latin pop singers that are joining the Bachata movement, for example, Daniel SantaCruz.

Q:   What do you like to do when you are not dancing? Hobbies…etc.
A:   Haha, when I’m not dancing, I’m working on organizing events and promoting parties! It’s a never ending job! I also the director of Bachateros Online Magazine, a community website dedicated to Bachata, and this baby takes a lot of time as well. Other than work, I’m into fitness and sport, always trying to keep healthy.

Q:   If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A:   Good question, there are so many more places I want to go with my dancing. Every new place I go, it’s a new accomplishment.

Q: Is Bachata the New Salsa?
A:   I don’t think Bachata will replace Salsa. Salsa is a beautiful style and will definitely continue to evolve! Most of the Salsa dancers dance Bachata and vice versa so we need both styles to promote each other. But, what I would like to see is Bachata taken more serious like Salsa is, with proper syllabuses, exposure and promotion. I know we are getting there!

How Has Bachata Evolved?

“Bachata was danced in night clubs but never had the attention like Salsa, Juan says.” He points out that most Latin dance schools focused their energy on teaching Salsa, not Bachata. And that having a proper syllabus for Bachata classes was even rarer.

Bachata has grown and evolved from what it was a few years ago from Juan’s perspective. “Bachata dancing these days incorporates the intimacy and closeness of Traditional Bachata, the shines and intricate footwork of Dominican Bachata and the stylish and smooth turn patterns of Moderna Bachata.”

When he and his partners organized the first Bachata Festival in Sydney, Australia back in 2008, they did not anticipate how popular the concept would become! Shortly after, Bachata Festivals started popping up all over the world. Now there is a plethora of festivals from China to Lithuania!

What do you see next for Bachata?

I know instructors and performers will continue to interpret and transform Bachata music. With that in mind, some will focus on close connection and intimacy between partners; others will put their energy into intricate footwork and combinations. Regardless of style, I am looking forward to it! Just imagine…a few years ago all we had was the 1, 2, 3, hip. Now we have a lot more things to do!

Thank You Very Much!

Thank you, Juan, for taking some time out to tell us about yourself, as well as sharing your experiences and love of Bachata!

Bachata, the latest craze in the Latin dance world, has taken the universe by storm. The demand for Bachata has increased rapidly within the last two years and continues to expand and take on new forms. Events, festivals and competitions are popping up around the world, from Lithuania and Australia to the UK and China.

About two years ago, Bachata was just a small snippet on a Salsa website. It has come a long way since then and has now evolved into a popular search term. The year 2008 was a pinnacle of success for Bachata, from the 1st Bachata Festival in the World held in Sydney, Australia to the launch of BachataSensation.com, one of the finest Bachata sites around the globe. BachataSensation.com is the soul destination for Bachata lovers worldwide. From the hottest Bachata music and videos, to amazing competitions, congresses, workshops and events, BachataSensation.com has what all Bachateros want.

The Bachatero(a), by definition, “is one who takes part in festivities, a carouser, one who acts in a crazy drunken manner.*” Taking part in festivities, agreed. Being a drunken carouser…maybe a believable story in some cases….but here is the edited BachataSensation.com definition:

A Bachatero(a) is one who:

1. Prefers to dance a Bachata over any another dance
2. Dances Bachata compulsively in a grocery store, lavatory, Wal-Mart, etc
3. May not understand the Spanish language but can sing every Bachata song
4. Dances Bachata by default at any event, festivity or night club even to Techno… yes, Techno
5. Attends a Salsa Congress and hangs out in the Bachata Room all night

Rodchata, one of the founding fathers of the Bachata craze, says with a smile, “Bachata will be the new Salsa, give us five years.” As the organizer of several Bachata Festivals around the globe including the Reno Bachata Convention, San Francisco Bachata Festival, Rodchata also co-organizes the Lithuania Bachata Festival and DC Bachata Congress Upcoming destinations include Hawaii and Puerto Vallarta! You can find out more about Rodchata and his upcoming events at www.Rodchata.com or www.sfbif.com for information on the upcoming San Francisco Bachata Festival.

“It’s 2010 and Bachata is the new Salsa!” says Leslie Ferreira from Bachata Caliente. “Just as salsa was the craze in the 90’s with people trying to create their own styles and techniques for the dance, Bachateros are taking this traditional Dominican dance and taking it to the next level. The classic footwork fundamentals and chest connection closed position has transformed into very fast, fancy and syncopated footwork as well as multiple spins, dips and turn patterns. What was once thought of as basic three step and tap dance, has now become full of complicated turn patterns and intricate footwork making it very attractive for salseros!”

Leslie and her partner Jorge Contreras, two of the hottest bachateros in the world, are the founders of Bachata Caliente in LA. In February 2010 they are hosting the first ever LA International Bachata Festival in Los Angeles, CA. From Lap Dance Workshops to Bachata on the Beach, this festival is really turning up the heat! The festival will feature dance stars from all over the world. Experience the Bachata craze first-hand, register for the festival at www.labachatafestival.com.

1, 2, 3 and tap, 5, 6, 7 and tap…let the Bachata sensation continue to thrive!

Be part of the latest craze. Keep up to date with the latest Bachata news, events, music and videos at http://BachataSensation.com!

*Source: Babylon Online Dictionary

©2010 BachataSensation.com. All rights reserved.

Tanja was already gracing the dance floor by the time she was three years old. Although she wasn’t doing Bachata-style dance yet, her first dancing experiences began with Jazz and Rock-n-Roll, also known as Jive. By age 4, Tanja enjoyed her first dance performance and did a Tap dance solo. At this very young age she knew she loved dancing. She says, “I loved the audience…I love performing!” She has loved to dance all of her life, and has had training in ballroom, jazz, ballet, rock-n-roll/swing dancing, as well as many of the Latin-style dances, including Bachata.

When asked about her Bachata style, Tanja laughs and says, “My style is more funky and bootylicious.” She used to only dance in clubs to the R&B and Hip Hop songs, and continues, “I was used to moving my hips differently (which still sticks with me today). I just like to have fun, and whatever the music tells me to do, I try to do.” Tanja currently enjoys dancing Bachata with her partner, Jorge Burgos. She describes their Bachata style as a modern-style Bachata that meets funky meets Cha Cha. She goes on to explain, “I love the syncopation footwork that I can incorporate into my dancing; this is also why I love, love, love Cha-Cha.”

Next Dance Steps for Tanja

For the future, Tanja is working toward being an all around dancer. Rather than focusing on Latin-style dances like Bachata, she says, “I would love to learn contemporary dancing, and I’m thinking about taking up some Jazz classes or even Ballet. Knowing many different styles helps you know your body much more, and really push it to the absolute limits. The more you know, the better it is for you.”

Backstage with Tanja

Q:   If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A:   Dubai…I really just want to visit the richest city on earth.

Q:   Who are your favorite Bachata artists?

A:   I don’t have a particular song that’s just my ultimate favorite, but I must say that right now my two favorite artists are Toby Love and Dominic Marte.

Q:   What do you like to do when you are not dancing?

A:   Sleep (she laughs). Since dancing is what we do for a living, it’s nice to just totally relax on our days off.

Where Does Tanja See the Bachata Sensation Going from Here?

Although Tanja has seen the Bachata movement evolve over the last few years, especially in Europe, she and Jorge joined this dance genre about a year ago. Tanja further explains, “During this year, we’ve been to a few countries, and have experienced first hand that Bachata is not just your regular side-to-side basic dancing with minimal turns. It’s become such a huge expression of dance. Everything you can think of has now been incorporated in this style.” She finds it to be very similar to the evolution of Salsa. Tanja feels that Bachata may turn more contemporary than anything. She says, “The sensual element will always be there, because the music is more romantic or heartbreaking in some cases.” She laughs and continues, “But nevertheless, the styles incorporated now, look like they may turn towards a more contemporary feel.”

When Did Tanja Meet Her Dance Partner?

Although Tanja knew Jorge Burgos for years, it wasn’t until they met again at the World Salsa Championships in 2007 that this dynamic dancing duo decided to become Bachata dance partners. Tanja and Jorge have been performing together since 2008. Today, they are part of the Island Touch Dance Academy management trio in Tampa, FL.

We Appreciate Your Time and Insight!

Thank you, Tanja, for taking the time to tell us about yourself, and for sharing your Bachata experiences and wisdom. We wish you and Jorge the best in the New Year, and hope you are prosperous at your new dance studio.

When Did the Bachata Sensation Begin for Jorge?
Jorge started dancing Bachata in 2008. His unique Bachata style is a mix of traditional Dominican Bachata and his own intricate footwork accentuating all guitar string notes. As an experienced dancer, Jorge sees Bachata continuing to expand and evolve in various ways that will incorporate more fun, additional sexy and sensual movements, other dances and a myriad of Dominican-style footwork.

Change is the key to the growth of Bachata from Jorge’s perspective. He says, “Transformation is great because overall, the variety is what makes anything grow. Salsa is global due to so many transformations…that’s why salsa is so big.” Jorge feels that Bachata will be constrained if people insist on it being restricted to a specific form. He says, “Bachata will stay small that way.”

Before Bachata…..

At age 5, Jorge Contreras started dancing Quebradita, meaning “little break.” Quebradita is an intricate Mexican folkloric dance that involves hat tricks and daring flips. What a fantastic way to break into the dance world!

Jorge began salsa dancing in 2001 and graced the stage for the first time in 2007 with his college team. When asked about his first experience performing, Jorge said “I felt great!”  He continues to expand his Bachata and Salsa dance expertise. He always partakes in new dances, including the latest dance craze, Zouk.

Backstage with Jorge Contreras

Q:   If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A:   I would perform in Mexico in front of all my siblings who don’t know what Bachata is, Jorge laughs.

Q:   Who are your favorite Bachata artists?
A:   Joe Veras, El Torito, Anthony Santos and Kiko Rodriguez.

Q:   What do you like to do when you are not dancing?
A:   I like to work out, swim, chill at the beach, shop, chill with the boys, family time and movie nights. My favorite sport is basketball.

Learn More About Leslie Ferreira

Before Bachata….

At age 5, Leslie Ferreira started dancing. As she recalls, “One Friday night my grandma was babysitting me and said we were going to check out a new Portuguese dance group (I’m Portuguese). The next thing I knew, I had a dance partner and we were learning choreography to some Portuguese music.” As it turns out Leslie was one of the founding members of the new group. “I’m so happy I had that experience at such a young age. Learning to follow at 5 years old has had such a major impact in the way I dance now.” Leslie performed in front of an audience for the first time a few weeks later and hasn’t stopped since!

Leslie is a well-rounded dancer in various genres including, Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cha Cha, Lambada, Cumbia, Reggaeton, Ballroom, Samba and Punta. Her Bachata reflects all of these dances – you name it. She says, “I guess my style is a bit of a collage, I take something that I like from each of those types of dances and apply it into my Bachata.” She loves all styles of Bachata and dances whichever style is appropriate for the music. Leslie says, “I love to dance close and sensual. I will admit I like being dipped. What girl doesn’t?”

Backstage with Leslie

Q:   If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A:   A couple of months ago I would have said in Canada, so that my parents and my grandma could come and watch. But now that wish has come true, so I think now I would say I’d like to perform on So You Think You Can Dance.

Q:   Who are your favorite Bachata artists?
A:   Carlos y Alejandra, Aventura (I really like their old stuff), Anthony Santos, Monchy y Alexandra and Xtreme. “I like a lot of different artists and music. The truth is I don’t understand the lyrics most of the time. Even though I understand Spanish it’s hard to understand when they sing, so often times I like a song based on the melody, beats and hits, it’s so funny to see me choreograph…I make up sounds for the words…Jorge always teases me.”

Q:   What do you like to do when you are not dancing?
A:   I love to swim at the pool doing laps. It’s my time to chill, no music, no phones, no noise, just me and the water. I love, love, love going to the beach. I go at least once a week! I also like to hike, as well as going out for dinner. I also like to cook. I’m a great cook – and I am an even better eater!!

Q: Is there another dance you really like or would like to learn?
A: I wish I knew how to dance ballet.(I will one day)  I went to the Ballet for the first time last year and I cried as soon as the curtain came up and I saw everyone standing on pointe. WOW talk about INSPIRING!!

What Do You See Next For Bachata?

I think it will go wherever we, as dancers, want it to go! Considering there are so many amazing dancers, who each inspire one another with their unique styles and flavor, the possibilities are endless. Personally I find that refreshing.

How Did Jorge and Leslie Become Dance Partners?

In August 2009, Leslie Ferreira met Jorge Contreras at a Bachata Social that she was hosting. She says, “We danced one song and that was it.” Leslie pulled him aside and asked him these three questions:

1. Do you drive/own a car?
2. Do you have a passport?
3. Do you want to travel?

Jorge answered yes to all three questions and that was it, they immediately became partners, and started Bachata Caliente

Thank You Very Much!

Thank you, Jorge and Leslie, for taking some time out to tell us about yourselves, as well as sharing your experiences and love of Bachata!