Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnny and Andres Giraldo.
Johnny and Andres, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
“Salsa y Control” originated in 1999 when my brother Andres and I started performing duets with unique, intricate salsa footwork combinations. Salsa y Control later expanded to include partner dance performances with my wife Felicita. In 2003, the three of us established what we know today as “Salsa y Control Dance Company.” Our drive came from our passion for the music and dance and for the desire to inspire others to express inner emotion through the art of dance.
In 2008, Andres and his the dance partner Leah, evolved SyC into what is now the biggest salsa dance company in Boston. SyC has grown to more than 60 dancers between 5 dance teams. In 2012, Andres and Leah opened the doors to the Salsa y Control Dance Studio, the only salsa studio in Boston at the time. Simultaneously, I continue teaching classes in Cambridge with my dance partner Kelly at the Dance Complex and the Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre.
Salsa y Control Dance Company performs regularly all over the United States and internationally. We have performed at salsa congresses, festivals, latin clubs, colleges, cultural events, weddings, birthday parties, special events and more in places such as Los Angeles, Orlando, Houston, Dallas and many other US cities as well as Mexico, Colombia, Canada, Curacao and at venues such as Boston’s Symphony Hall and the Hatch Shell. We also hold a monthly dance event called the Salsa y Control Vinyl Jam Dance Social and host the biggest Salsa event in New England called the Boston Salsa Festival held every August.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been for the most part a smooth road and very rewarding at the same time. Some of the struggles would be working with and directing large groups of people, handling schedules and developing new choreography are just some of the things that come to mind.
Salsa y Control Dance Company – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We teach individuals of all ages and walks-of-life on how to become better dancers. We provide easy to follow and fun instruction that helps people gain confidence, feel better about themselves and at the same time build relationships; all while learning how to dance Salsa. Our choreographies are known for their musicality and their intricate, yet clean movements, that include fast paced footwork and challenging partner-work combinations.
What we are most proud of is being able to make a difference in people’s lives by helping them achieve their dance goals. Our teaching approach is making sure everyone feels welcome, by creating an environment that’s inclusive for every individual and tailoring our classes with the different learning styles of people in mind. I think that’s what sets us apart from others.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment is definitely being able to perform and dance next to each other. We are two brothers who grew up listening to Salsa music in our native Colombia. We came here to the US, as kids, with our parents in search of that “American dream”. We found that “dream” in sharing our passion for Salsa music and teaching people how to dance. But most importantly, the fact that we get to do what we do for our careers (and to do it together) is pretty special.
Pricing:
- 1.5 hour / 5 week session in Cambridge for $75
- 1 hour / 6 week session in Allston for $75
- 1.5 hour Drop-in classes are $18 in Cambridge
- 1 hour Drop-in classes are $15 in Allston
Contact Info:
- Address: Multiple locations
- Website: www.salsaycontrol.com
- Phone: 617-312-6464 and 617-755-6920
- Email: info@salsaycontrol.com
- Instagram: @sycdance and @andresgiraldosyc
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/salsaycontroldancecompany
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/sycdance
Image Credit:
Carven Boursiquot, Tom Kochem, Kristie Gillooly Dean
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