Elizabeth Jaramillo

Name: Elizabeth Jaramillo    
Nationality: Ecuadorian American
Currently residing: Lithia, Florida
Profession: Zumba Instructor & Pre-School owner  
Salsa Style: Cuban & South American, Advanced

How long have you been dancing for?

I have been dancing for about 20 years.

What made you start with salsa?

I started dancing Salsa after I watched people dance at the Palladium in New York City.

Where do you take your lessons?  

I take my lessons at Gyms, from Salsa instructional videos, at night clubs and in several dance studios.

What’s your best salsa tip for a night out in Tampa, Florida?

The best place to dance Salsa in Florida would be Hyde Park Cafe, Tampa. It is a great place for dancing; Hyde Park Cafe has a great tropical atmosphere but without the craziness.

What is your best salsa memory?

My best Salsa memory would be dancing Salsa in New York. New York City really is THE Salsa city!

What is your worst salsa experience?

The worst experience I have when dancing Salsa is being ignored when asking for a dance by one of the Salsa instructors offering lessons at a club. What a way to promote a class! * sarcasm mode off *

What are the best salsa tips you have for women dancing salsa?

The best tip for women dancing Salsa would be to always have an upright back posture! If you slouch you loose elegance and style.

Which song will get you up on the dance floor?

The songs that will immediately get me on the dance floor are: “La Rebellion” from Joe Arroyo, “Cali Pachanguero” by Grupo Niche and “Valio la Pena” by the one and only Marc Anthony.

Which salsa dancer/teacher/choreographer inspires you?

The dancer who inspires me the most is Beto Perez. He is a great dancer, who is also the creator of Zumba.

Where do you see salsa going in 5 years from now?

I see that Salsa is becoming more and more popular in the Anglo Community in the USA, in Europe and Asia. The movement is just starting now!

What inspires you on the dance floor?

The two things inspiring me on the dance floor would be: the music and a good male dance partner.

Lastly, if there was one salsa wish you could make, what would that be?

I wish more men would learn how to dance. So far it is mostly women, the ones who know how to dance.