Jimmy is one of the most prominent instructors in Atlanta, GA. He moved to ATL from LA in 2004, only to bring a fresh and energetic presence to the scene. He is known for his unique dance style, intricate footwork and lively spirit on the dance floor. You can’t help but notice him when he’s out there doing this THANG! He is also a great choreographer, working on his FOURTH performance class at the present time.  Jimmy is under very high demand in Atlanta for group and private classes, workshops and choreography of various routines. He also co-organizes some of the hippest and best-attended socials and events in the Southeast. I got a chance to talk to Jimmy when I was in Atalnata, Djing for the grand opening of the latest addition to his socials repertoire.

How did you become involved with salsa dancing, and who was your first instructor?

In 1999 while visiting Universal City Walk in Hollywood, I came across the Conga room salsa competition where the likes of Francisco Vasquez, Johnny Vasquez and Alex Da Silva were competing. It was at that point that I was bit by the salsa bug and started dancing salsa…..LA style. Soon after I started dancing with Los Rumberos only to end up competing and winning the Mayan Championship in 2002 and 2003 in both the amateur and professional division respectively. My first instructor was Francisco Vasquez.

Did you have any other form of dance training before that?

I was born in Lima Peru, and grew up dancing folk dances native to my country. Upon moving to California at the age of 17, I expanded my love and passion of dance to the ever-popular LA salsa scene.

What style of salsa do you teach?

LA Style On 1

Do you prefer being a social dancer, competitor or performer? Why?? I like all of them but if I were to choose, I’d probably go with performer. The excitement of being on stage or in front of an audience with their  focus purely on our performance brings out the best in me as a dancer and I tend to go the extra mile with my dancing.

How many times have you performed?

Too many. I’ve lost count.
 
How would you describe your teaching style?

I try my best to keep the energy level very high. Make sure we all have a lot of fun yet focus heavily on the technical details. I try my best to use as much humor as possible….makes everyone relax and pick up faster.

Who are your top 3 favorite professional male and female dancers?

Frankie Martinez, Francisco Vasquez and Fernando Sosa. For the females it would be Stephanie Stevenson, Magna Gopal and Emily Alabi. 

When you teach a class do you have material prepared or do you judge the crowd’s skill level and go from there? 

A mix of both really. I do prepare several patterns, both partner work and footwork, for various levels then during the warm-up sessions I calibrate the level of the crowd and either use one of the patterns I’ve come with or pull something new up as I breakdown the steps.
 
Where do you currently teach and what is your average class size?

I currently teach group classes, privates, workshops and performance classes mainly in Atlanta, but frequently travel to neighboring cities in the Southeast to teach as well.

What is kind of salsa is you favorite to listen to and to dance to?

For listening purposes slow and romantic but to dance more the faster energetic. 

Do you have a website?

Yes. www.jimmyrumba.com

Tell us something about you that very few people know?

I love cooking Peruvian food for my friends.

What words of advice can you give to the readers, students, and instructors reading this article? 

Practice makes perfect. The best way to improve, advance and develop your own sense of styling is to dance with as many people as possible regardless of the level. Enjoy and dance from the heart…it’s will always be more enjoyable.