1. Is Lucy Lu your real name?

In a way it is...Let me explain...my official name (on birth cert.) is Sze-Ying Lu. In Taiwan, we put our last name 1st, and 1st name last: Lu Sze-ying.  Lucy came from Lu-sze = Lucee, that's how my mom came up with the name Lucy. And therefore Lucy became my middle name.

2. Where are you from originally?

I was born in Taipei, Taiwan. I grew up in Taipei, and moved to the States when I was 10.

3. Why did you start dancing?

Where did you learn to dance?  My first dance lesson was at GSU in 1999. The school was offering some ballroom classes as extra curriculum, so I took it just for fun.

4. You are often recognized for your leading skills. Why did you start to lead?

I started to learn how to lead because there weren’t enough guys in the class. I never thought it will turn out the way is today. I sometimes had to lead a little when I used to practice with the Cobo brothers.

5. You like to travel. Where are your favorite places to go (both dancing and for fun)?

Internationally, I always love going to PR for the music and the people-they are just so much fun and hang around, and so passionate about their music. I also love going to Japan for fun and dancing. Dancers there take dancing 200%++! And, they are always excited to see new and different dancers from out of the country. I love Japanese culture and food. I had a blast when I went to Dubai last year. Did a little dancing, and met new cool people. It's an incredible city, and the food is Yummy! Locally, I always love to visit NY whenever I can to get my mambo fix on. I also like to visit FL for a different crowd of dancers.

6. We haven't seen you perform lately. Do you have a current partner?  Are you performing?  

I’ve been collaborating with my new dance partner, Jose Maldonado (Paso Fino Dance Studios), and choreographing a new routine. Jose is a very cool dance partner. We will be performing for the 1st time in Raleigh, NC at a Salsa4u monthly social. I’m very excited, and happy about this new found partnership.

7. Who are your major influences when you dance? Favorite dancers?  

My major influences are Candy Mena and Amanda Estilo. They are just full of flavor, and energy when they dance! I love them! I always try my best to strike for the best.

8. What inspires you when you dance?  

Mostly the music and the rhythm. It has to be that kind of music that just melts you from inside out. You know, that sweet melting feeling, something like having butterflies in your stomach but only better! When I hear THE song, OMG- I want to dance, I want to feel it, and I want to get high! LOL...Also, the partner is important too. The lead has to be right so we can groove together. And last: the floor. I need a good floor to dance on due to my ankle injury, so if the floor is bad my feet won't listen to me and I can't dance well.

9. What is some of your favorite music? Favorite artists?

Some of my favorites are from the 60's, 70's, and 80's. I don't really have any favorite artists. Some how my favorite songs/artists always end up from those years. I go by my feeling of the song and rhythm. I know it is THE SONG when I hear it. And, I'm glad most my DJ friends and I like the old school salsa.  They will often play that music so I can get my jam sessions.

10. What's something that most people in the dance scene don't know about you?

That I am Straight! LOL...Just because I lead doesn't mean I'm on the “other team.” And, I'm still single. So if some guys out there want to holla at me...just kidding. I think most people mistake me as being mean or intimidating. That’s just because I'm actually shy, totally unlike what people see me as on the scene. Because I'm shy I don't really approach people first to say “hi” or to introduce myself. Thus, I think most people have the wrong impression of me. I'm actually nice and love talking to people about dancing, food, or just chatting. I'm in the process of changing that by trying to come out of my shell a bit more.

11. What are your main goals in dancing right now?  

I want to get back into performing. It's so much fun, and I want to improve my dancing. I also want to try my hands on choreographing routines to test myself in a different way. I want to get better at mambo, cha cha cha, and following to see if I can move to another level. Most importantly, I don't want to lose the fun in dancing. Most people get too involved for different reasons, and often turn sour. I just want to have fun!!! 

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