BAY AREA SALSA PRODIGY

Years ago San Francisco salsa scene got 2 new kids on the block: brothers Jairo and Luis Aguilar.  Both joined Salsamania Dance Company and quickly rose to the top.  The older brother Jairo got married, had a family and became a popular salsa DJ commonly known as DJ Chino.  Luis, however, in spite of being underage at the time, was so determined to learn salsa he sneaked into clubs, quickly progressed and made yours truly to remark he’d be a star some day.

Seeing Luis’ dedication and hard work it wasn’t hard to predict his future.  Fast forward to the present and this kid has grown into a dashing young salsero known all over the world and winning one prize after another.

After couple of years of absence from the Bay Area when he trained in New York with masters, Luis returned to his home town in spite of his NY-based partner Anya Katsevman.  Why? Because, according to Luis, Bay Area is THE place to dance.

Unlike many salsa instructors, Luis is a courteous partner who dances not only with his students, but will never refuse a dance to strangers.  His students praise his teaching and friendly attitude.  There are always critics in salsa and Luis is not spared due to his healthy self-esteem, but, at least in his case, it’s based on achievements.

Since his return, Luis started teaching, created his own group Couture Dance Alliance or CDA. (The word “couture”, - “fashion” in French -, was used to express Luis’s other passion)  CDA quickly attracted some of the best dancers who joined talented beginners.  The group and a few couples already won some coveted salsa awards.  Unlike other groups who practically disappeared from social dancing, Luis stays active in the salsa scene and started organizing his own monthly socials Wepa Tuesday at Club Cocomo promoting social dancing.

Moreover, on the last day of June, Luis partnered with his brother to create a special event with workshops followed by a dance party and invited some salsa luminaries to participate.  His partner Anya flew in from NY; Mexican cha-cha champ Maritza was already in the Bay Area; Luis’ mentor Billy Fajardo and his partner arrived from Miami and, for the first time in SF, Mexican couple Rodrigo and Selene completed the roster of highly regarded professionals. Their performances that quickly flowed one after another energized the audience and left plenty of time for social dancing. The best Bay Area band Pacific Mambo Orchestra helped keep that energy going all night.

All CDA parties are well attended and this event, first of its kind for Luis, was no exception.  Let’s hope this is only the beginning for many more to follow.

DIP (Dance in Peace)