Nelson Gastón Vidarte By Laureano Ralon Facchina

How long have you been dancing Salsa and what attracted you to this dance?

I’ve been dancing for 10 years; I started with my sister, who was my first dance partner. I guess I was seduced by the dance, the connection with your partner, and the interaction with the public – a powerful give and take.

Do you have any background in other dances?

I started dancing Cuban style and did so for three months, but then I felt the need to try other rhythms, such as Jazz and Tango. Later on I took on L.A. style.

I know you're originally from Argentina, how's the Salsa scene there?

Nowadays, Salsa in Argentina is very popular; we have amazing dancers in every style (Cuban, LA, NY). In Buenos Aires it’s mostly Cuban and NY. In other cities it’s mostly L.A.

Who was your first Salsa instructor in Argentina?

My first instructor was a Cuban guy; I took lessons with him for three months before moving on to the more linear style. I also took lessons with Silvio, from 2x4 Mambo.

I'm assuming your dancing must have changed completely when you moved to Miami, although at the same time, I see that your style is 100% L.A.. Did you train with anybody specifically in Miami?

The Miami style gave my dancing more “sabor”, though I try to keep my L.A. style intact. Slowly, people are starting to recognize my own personal style.

How's the Miami Salsa scene these days?

The scene here was, is, and will continue to be Cuban. Miami is Cuba. Not exactly the same as Cuba, but there’s a very similar feel…

How would you define your Salsa style?

Sexy, elegant, clean and full of surprises.

What makes a good instructor?

It’s essential to have knowledge of different dances, rhythms and styles. Patience and clarity as a communicator is also absolutely essential.

What makes a good performer?
A good performer is someone who dances for the public. Creativity is important, as is the necessary humility to take criticisms gracefully.

I know you compete internationally. At what point did you feel you were ready to take your social dancing to the next level – that is, competition and performance?

Some people are born with it. Others become. The process is hard to rationalize. When you’re ready, you’ll just feel it inside.

Tell us a little bit about your achievements as a professional Salsa dancer?

In Argentina, I competed on TV shows and private events organized by the Federal Government. Here in the US, I also participated in TV shows, and had the pleasure to dance for Gilberto Santa Rosa. Then came the international congresses, conventions and international competitions…

I know you have competed against our very own Alfonso Caldera in the past. What do you think of the man's dancing?

He’s an excellent L.A. style dancer.

I saw one of your choreographies on Youtube in which you mix Salsa with Tango. I thought that was cool enough, but then I discovered that you're also organizing what seems to be the first Salsa-Tango Congress ever in Miami. What can you tell us about this event?

We’re organizing it for February of 2008. The event will be named “Salsa plus Tango Festival”, and we have intensions of fusing both scenes/dances and sharing our passions for these two dances. For more information, visit energyonesalsa.com.