|
 For
the last 10 years I have
been in the dance and
salsa music
entertainment business.
It has allowed me to
make a living from my
passion. Along the way I
have worked with clients
such as the Kennedy
Center, Starbucks Coffee
Company, National
Geographic, the
Smithsonian and many
other very prestigious
institutions, companies
and agencies. I have
gained notoriety as a
salsa historian, dance
instructor, promoter and
events producer.
Although a one-woman
show, disc jockeys,
dancers, musicians and
many others benefit from
employment as
independent contractors.
They are hired for a
variety of programs and
events. Influence to
work independently
initiated from the
founder of LATINA
Style, Anna Maria
Arias. She insisted on
the work-from-home
method, and as
advertising director I
was part of the team
that launched LATINA
Style.
The salsa business was
chosen to fill a need in
Washington, D.C. My
knowledge on music and
dance was more than
others except for a few
of the local musicians.
A friend encouraged me
to write about the
artists and the dance,
later on creating a Web
site on the research and
information gathered. I
taught him how to dance,
tutored him on the
music, its history and
its artists. He is now a
great dancer and a
knowledgeable DJ. We
began promoting salsa
nights and have been
working closely for the
last 10 years.
The business has changed
as more people enter the
salsa arena as
instructors or promoters.
The challenge has been
to set oneself apart
from the pack.
Fortunately the best
part of the business—public
speaking to educate an
audience on the
fascinating history,
development and
evolution of the music—requires
a breadth of knowledge
that most care not to
learn.
In addition, recognition
ceremonies and
accompanying dance shows
have proved to be
popular and highly
anticipated. March 5,
2008 marked the 7th
Annual Tribute to Women
in Salsa. During this
event, women were
recognized for their
contribution to the
world of salsa.
Immediately following
the awards all female
dance teams present new
choreographies. “Tribute
to Men in Salsa” and
“Tribute to Salsa
Choreographers” are also
very popular. Overall,
it has been gratifying
to be recognized as an
authority and person of
influence in a male-dominated
business. |
