The Cobo Brothers – Their Magical Lead

By Edie, The Salsa FREAK

In my entire dancing career, I’ve danced with hundreds of men.  Some were good, some were bad, some were mediocre, and some were great.  However, the gap between great and Magical is very, very wide.  The Cobo Brother’s lead is just that. 

~ Magical ~

“Whenever I dance with the Cobo Brothers, I feel like I’m doing something morally wrong... I start feeling guilty... like... I shouldn't be enjoying this so much...!!” 
  - Edie, The Salsa FREAK

JUST WHAT IS IT ABOUT THEIR LEAD?

I've asked countless Salseras, both professional and non, if they've ever felt a lead like the Cobo Brothers.  

The answer is ALWAYS, a resounding "NO....nothing like it.  anywhere..." 

WHAT IS IT?

Ladies, when it comes to dancing Salsa, both Cobo brothers can take you to a place you’ve never been.  They have an uncanny way of leading from deep within.  The experience you feel will be like the most amazing sex you’ve never had – if not better.  I’m not kidding.  Ever since I can remember, Milton and James Cobo have been a phenomenon.  They are invited to Congresses all over the world, not only to teach and perform, but for the women.  Not only is their captivating lead to die for, but their style is second to none.  They practice their craft like a passion beyond comprehension.  

What blows my mind (and every other woman’s) is how on earth they lead so well. 

What is it about their lead that enchants, mesmerizes, captivates and
ENTRANCES women

all over the world?

What are these Columbian brothers DOING that give women this drug-like fix of a lead?  

I don’t know what it is, but whatever it is, every serious Salsero needs to train, examine, and study the who, what, where, when, why’s and how’s of the Cobo Brothers’ lead. 

James is about ____ years older than Milton.  Both of them are highly educated degreed engineers, currently working for IBM.  They’ve told me their IBM job gets the rent and essentials paid, but at this point in their lives, teaching Salsa on the side pays for their Salsa habit!  They live in North Carolina, but every other weekend they’re in New York, working on their craft at one of the many socials in the Manhattan area. 

They both share an apartment, and have worked on figures and turn patterns together for years, both trading off as the lead and follow.  I am under the firm belief that a great leader is also a great follower.  This way, the leader understands and has empathy for the follower’s part, and the steps necessary to get through the move.  If it is uncomfortable, they feel it, and will notify the leader – without offense - because they have each other to practice on. 

When a man and a woman practice together, conflicts may arise because of polarity issues.  The female vs male polarity can actually hinder the quality of rehearsals.  The differences between men and women and their polarities influence circumstantial reactions.  If a female rehearses (works) with a male, and she/he gets an arm pulled or knocked off balance, feelings between both may get a bit uneasy, even if the partners are good friends.  However, when two very masculine heterosexual males work together, rarely is there any conflict - ESPECIALLY if they are brothers. 

I learned that if your brother is a Salsero, and you rehearse moves together, you have a priceless advantage over everyone else during practice. 

• You always have someone to practice with.
• You have a truthful partner.
• You’re blessed with a critical unbiased partner with no hidden agendas.
• You can never offend, nor get offended. 
• An added benefit is if you live together, there’s no need to plan studio space to practice.  Creativity feeds off spontaneity

Ladies, if you ever get the opportunity to have a dance with one of the Cobo Brothers, I believe you will have lived life to its fullest. 

There’s nothing more. 

The next best thing is heaven. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very proud to introduce to you, “Milton and James Cobo”

James Cobo

Where were you born, and where do you live now?

What or who influenced you to start dancing Salsa?

When did you start dancing Salsa?

Do you teach Salsa full time? 

What type of day job do you have? 

Do you know any other dances?

What attracted you to Salsa?

Every time we dance together, I often lose myself in your lead.  How do you do this?  How do you make every woman who dances with you surrender like that? 

Do you ever get tired of constantly being asked to dance, literally every single song?

Do you ever get burned out of dancing Salsa?  

You were injured the past few years.  What exactly happened?

I’m a firm believer in “Things happen for a reason.”  Mentally, what did you learn about yourself from that injury? 

It’s horrible not being able to do what you love – your “Salsa” passion.  What did you do with your time away from the dance?  How did you cope? 

I understand you’ve injured your groin recently.  How did this injury happen, and why do you think it’s taken so long to heal? 

What do you recommend to dancers who have an injury? 

How did you learn what worked, and what didn’t?   

Who started dancing Salsa first, you, or your brother?  What is the story behind that?

You’ve been invited to teach Salsa all over the world.  Which is your favorite country to teach, and why? 

Who were/are some of your mentors?  

What are your goals for the future? 

Of all the people who ever existed on earth, whom do you admire most, and why? 

If you had the opportunity to step outside of yourself and have a heart-to-heart advice session with “James Cobo”, what type of advice would you give him? 

Milton Cobo

Where were you born, and where do you live now?

What or who influenced you to start dancing Salsa?

When did you start dancing Salsa?

Do you teach Salsa full time? 

What type of day job do you have? 

Do you know any other dances?

What attracted you to Salsa?

Every time we dance together, I often lose myself in your lead.  How do you do this?  How do you make every woman who dances with you surrender like that? 

Do you ever get tired of constantly being asked to dance, literally every single song?

Do you ever get burned out of dancing Salsa?  

From conversations I’ve had with you in the past, you look at the analytical side of the lead, for example, how physics is applied to motion.  Do you use your background in physics to figure out complicated turn patterns?  Do you explain physics as a dynamic of momentum and motion while you teach your classes? 

Were you ever shy as a child?  

What has mastering the dance (the lead) done to your self-confidence? 

What you may consider to be just “messing around” with Salsa moves and patterns with your brother may be entire, serious rehearsal sessions to others.  Can you describe what a practice session is like with your brother?  

You’ve been invited to teach Salsa all over the world.  Which is your favorite country to teach, and why? 

Who were/are some of your mentors?  

What are your goals for the future? 

Of all the people who ever existed on earth, whom do you admire most, and why? 

If you had the opportunity to step outside of yourself and have a heart-to-heart advice session with “Milton Cobo”, what type of advice would you give him? 

Milton and James Cobo can be reached at (919) 454-3520