One of the freshest new talents to grace the South Florida Salsa Scene is Bachata Greg. Greg launched his solo career after several years with Piel Canela at the 2007 Flava Invasion. You may have seen him dazzle the Born to Salsa Social audience in May with his Salsa/ Mambo performance for the 2007 Trans Atlantic Latin Dance Tour kick off celebration. In this interview Greg shares a little about his history, influences, and future plans.

How did you get the name Bachata Greg? 

Well, I actually was nicknamed Bachata Greg by some of my friends from Atlanta when I moved there from Madrid some years back. The amount of Bachata that was heard and danced in Atlanta at that time was significantly less than what I was used to hearing and dancing in Europe so I was constantly asking for the DJ to play more Bachata. I don’t claim to be the world’s best Bachata dancer but my personal style, which is a mix between new age European and traditional Dominican seem to be well received by my students.

When did you first show an interest in salsa and who was your first instructor?

I have been interested in Salsa for as long as I can remember but it became a serious passion of mine while finishing my International Business Degree in Madrid Spain. There are many Cubans there sharing there rich Caribbean dance culture with the Spaniards.  My first instructor was Tony Escartin of the EL Duque School of Dance in Madrid.  He taught me many forms of dance from Jazz to Cha Cha.

 What Style of Salsa do you teach?

I prefer Mambo on 2, but I have taught a lot on one as well. Through my maturation as a dancer I was exposed to many styles. I started dancing Casino in Madrid, then moved to the States during the LA Style explosion, and then ended joining a New York Style dance company.

 Who are your biggest Salsa Influences?

Joe Burgos (Piel Canela) and James Cobo (The Cobo Brothers)

What would you say is the most difficult thing you experienced while learning salsa? 

I would say the most difficult thing for me while leaning salsa was either trying to understand my instructor’s rapid fire Madrilenian Spanish in class or just understanding that fundamentals must be mastered before more advanced salsa patterns can be smoothly executed. I was so passionate about getting good fast. I learned that it is a process that we all have to go through.

Which Salsa Artist do you admire most? 

It is hard to pick between Frankie Martinez and Juan Matos. I think I admire them equally.

Did you have a dance background growing up? 

No, I always loved dance and music but I actually grew up a jock. I was captain of my High school Basketball team and actually had a scholarship to play football in college. Funny how things turn out.

You have performed quite a bit over the past few years. What is your favorite piece of Choreography?  

My Favorite couple performance was a piece I did with my partner Jacquie Salguero called Mambo Rage. When I was dancing with Piel Canela my favorite group performance was Besitos De Coco.

Your lead has been described as silky smooth with an engaging connection that takes your partners to another place. What do you attribute that too? 

Years of practice LOL!! Well, I think becoming a good lead has to do with understanding timing, balance, and good connection with your partner. Creating an enjoyable connection with your partner, for me means good eye contact and a visibly positive attitude.

How would you describe your teaching style? 

Interactive, detailed and most of all fun. I think some instructors think the fun is for the dance floor and class should be run as a boot camp. I think a low stress high energy class is what people enjoy.

Are you working full time in dance? 

Not yet but hope to soon. I plan to open an international chain of cultural art centers between US and Spain. The first school is scheduled to open in Florida sometime in 2009.

You have lived and danced all over the world. In your opinion, what Salsa Scene do you enjoy most?  

I really like New York, and Valencia (Spain), but I would have to say South Florida is my Favorite scene to dance these days. It seems that the scene has exploded with so many great talents. Those parties are always fun with lots of good dancers to dance with.

What projects are you involved with right now? 

Too many to say!!  Recently I have been working a lot with the budding Sarasota and gulf coast salsa community. I have done several classes and parties there in conjunction with The Sarasota Salsa Meetup Group lately. I am also working on an instructional Bachata DVD that should be out in the Spring. It will focus on my personally developed style of Bachata. I am really excited about it.

Where do you teach your classes? 

I am currently teaching Salsa/Mambo and Bachata classes in Atlanta on a weekly basis in addition to a monthly workshop and privates in Sarasota.  My class size veries from 10 to over a 100 students. It just depends on the event or occasion.What are your immediately plans for the future? 

Well besides the DVD, I am planning on completing a new piece of choreography that will debut in January. It will be a Bachata/ Mambo Piece.

Do you have a Website? Bachatagreg.com of course. You can also check out my profile on myspace (myspace.com/bachatagreg).

Any parting words for aspiring dancers that you would like to share? 

The Love of Salsa and Dance is in the heart not the blood. Everyone can learn to dance if they set there mind to it. We all have different measures of talent but go through the same learning process from beginner to advanced. Make sure you have the right mix of formal instruction and sweaty nights out dancing ‘til dawn and you will be just fine.

Interview by Kim Coleman.  Kim, AKA The Salsa Nurse, is one of South Florida's most active Salseras.  Her lighhearted style and dradle like spins make her a joy to dance with and a pleasure to watch. In addition to dancing, she has become quite the performer and event organizer. She is a former member of the  Piel Canela Latin Dance Company and was most recently featured on the Trans Atlantic Latin Dance Tour '07. She is currently playing a huge role in helping the Gulf Coast Salsa scene grow as an organizer for the Sarasota Salsa Meetup Group and correspondent for Salsa Power."

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