Name: Florent Agis
Age: 32 (23/10/1978)
Nationality: French
Currently residing: Suburban Paris (France)
Profession: Translator
Salsa Style: Cuban Salsa (advanced), but I took up L.A. Style Salsa on1 a couple of years ago, so sometimes I mix both, creating my own style (depending on the music, of course)
How long have you been dancing for?
I have been dancing Salsa for about seven to eight years.
What made you start with salsa?
I was really exposed to salsa for the first time back in 2000 when I was an Erasmus student in Spain. One of my flatmates used to listen to salsa music all day long, and I remember borrowing her CDs to listen in my room. There was also a local salsa club in town where I used to go from time to time, but I could not dance properly. I started taking lessons a couple of years later in France.
Where do you take your lessons?
I stopped taking regular lessons a few years ago, but my thirst to learn new moves is still there, so I sometimes attend workshops at festivals/congresses.
What’s your best salsa tip for a night out?
There are so many places to dance in Paris and the Paris region, whatever the style. For Cuban I would recommend “La Pachanga” on Mondays, the “Bembe” parties on the first Friday of each month, and the Rétro Dancing on Saturdays.
For Puerto Rican, the “Agua” boat parties on Tuesdays (there is a Kizomba room in the basement), the “Phil & Madj” parties (bimonthly) and “Sal’Sounds 70s” parties (monthly) on Fridays, and “Barrio Latino” / O’Sullivans pub on Sundays. My favorite salsa club is “Le Moving”, on Saturdays, a spacious venue with 3 rooms, a perfect floor, mixed salsa styles and free soft drinks.
What is your best salsa memory?
Tough one. My best salsa memory in recent months was at an outdoor salsa festival in the southwest of France, called Latinossegor. On the last night, the DJ announced the last song of the festival. I picked a girl who was standing next to me and with whom I had shared a couple of dances throughout the weekend. I did not know the song (I learned later that it was “Bacalao con Pan”, by Irakere), but I liked its groove straight away. After a few seconds I realized that we were the only couple dancing and everybody was watching us! I was on another planet, really gave myself to the music and the connection with my partner was perfect. Her smile for the whole duration of the song was the best part.
What is your worst salsa experience?
“Physically” speaking, a few months ago a girl I was dancing with hit me in the nose really hard with her elbow while performing a spin or something. But generally speaking, I disapprove of the lack of respect (people dancing a certain salsa style who disrespect the other styles...).
What are the best salsa tips you have for [men/women] dancing salsa?
For women: do not tell your salsa level (meaning do not tell you’re a beginner) to a guy who is inviting you. The dancer will (should) adapt himself to you.
For men: always smile in general, and if you are dancing with a girl who told you she was a beginner, try to make her comfortable. It will make her happy when she realizes she’s able to follow your lead.
Which song will get you up on the dance floor?
I have to say “La Bruja Loca” by Pornoson. The song has so much energy to it. I like the electric guitar sounds at the beginning and at different moments throughout the song.
Which salsa dancer/teacher/choreographer inspires you?
Super Mario. I had watched hundreds of videos of him on the Internet before having the opportunity to meet him at the Tumbao Festival (Lille). Not only do I like the originality of his moves, but also his approach to the dance and the advice he gives while teaching.
Where do you see salsa going in 5 years from now?
More and more, I see DJs from different salsa styles teaming up at parties, and I think that is great. I would like to see that trend continue. I also think that salsa dancers will become more versatile.
What inspires you on the dancefloor?
The energy and musicality of the song I am dancing to, and most of all a nice big smile on the face of the girl I am dancing with.
Lastly, if there was one salsa wish you could make, what would that be?
I used to be a singer in an amateur salsa band, I have been dancing salsa for several years, I am a member of a salsa troupe, I have organized salsa parties and actively collaborated in the organization of a Salsa/Bachata festival, and I am also a DJ in my spare time. So my wish is to be able to keep on exploring the salsa world for many more years and to keep having fun.
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