Rogelio Moreno Of pioneer Los Angeles salsa dance company Salsabor y Caché By Laureano Ralon Facchina

I’m from Canada and this is my very first time in Los Angeles. For the past couple of weeks I’ve been trying to learn as much as I can about the L.A., and I guess my knowledge must be very limited because only recently did I discover that “Salsabor y Caché” is actually one of the pioneer salsa companies in California… How was salsa in L.A. before Rogelio Moreno came along and how long ago was that?

I started social dancing in 1993, but I did not know anything about salsa back then: I would get a girl, step all over her and, you know, the usual… Little by little, I started developing my own style. It took the Vazquez Brothers (Luis, Francisco) and me about three years to come up with what nowadays is known as L.A. style salsa, of which we are co-founders. Francisco and I started out together actually, going to the clubs, hanging out first then dancing the little that we knew back in those days…

How was salsa back then?

It was 50% Cumbia with a Mexican touch and 50% Puerto-Rican style salsa…

So what would you say you personally brought to the scene?

The L.A. style – we created the L.A. style, and therefore, in retrospect, I think I gave a lot to the L.A. scene. Salsa has been my life ever since; I’ve dedicated every single night to it…

And did you get back just as much?

I’d say I got exactly what I gave. When I perform and I inspire people, that’s the best reward that I can possibly get in return for my hard work as a dancer.

“Salsabor y caché,” what does it mean?

It signifies the “flavour” and “elegance” of salsa…

What does it take to be a good choreographer?

You have to be really patient and have an ear for all of the details in the music. In salsa every single instrument talks. You must also be able to understand the story that the song you’re working with is trying to communicate…

Let’s change the subject, what is social dancing all about?

When I social dance, I get into my own world – especially when I like a song. If you see me out you’ll notice that I don’t really dance to every song; I don’t really dance to songs that I don’t like; when that’s the case, I rather sit back a have a drink. But when I do like a song, I get a girl or my dance partner and get into my own world. Social dancing is about dancing from the heart. I don’t have to show anything to anybody. It’s something that you should feel and enjoy regardless of who’s around you.

In relation to this last point, what do you make of people that can only dance with advance dancers, or people that dance socially the same way they dance when they compete or perform?

First question: I think that even if you dance with a beginner, you can still learn from them. There’s a saying in Spanish that goes: “even the most ignorant people have something to tell you.” As for your second question: I think that some people need to understand that social dancing and performing/competing are two completely different things. They need to get their priorities straight and address each of these activities for what they are: when you social dance, it’s for you. Now, with regards to those who try to do all these complicated things when they social dance, I think they should relax a little…you don’t need to prove anything to anybody when you social dance. When you perform, on the other hand, you need to be able to share your passion with others – you need to be able to show people what you feel when you dance, and that’s one of the hardest things to do.

Last question: what do you make of the connection between salsa and politics, especially among dancers?

Believe it or not, in L.A. we actually all get along. I don’t want to talk about any other state or country, but I’m aware that there are other scenes out there where people don’t really get along. I think it’s pretty stupid for dancers to put down or make fun of other people. I think you should enjoy the music to the fullest without trying to show off, and you’ll see that the response from people will be very positive. When you’re having fun with your partner, people that are looking will appreciate you infinitely more. Dance because you love to dance, not because you want to prove something.

To learn more about Rogelio and Salsabor y Caché visit salsaborycache.com