This month the Writers Forum Interviews New Jersey Salsa/Mambo Instructor Ismael Otero.

New Jersey Salsa/Mambo Instructor
Ismael Otero

How long have you been dancing mambo and what got you into it?
Almost 4 yrs, my mother tried to get me into it but all I wanted to do is dance hip
hop, house, and breakdance. I didn't get into it until I saw Julio La Salsa
about 5yrs ago and he did some incredible turns and foot work. Pride also
got me into it. I didn't want to be a Latino that couldn't dance his music.

Where did you originally learn how to dance mambo and who was
(were) your mentors?
Luis Zegarra was a family friend for many many yrs so he taught me
how to dance on 2. I also invented turns, I would show them to Nelson
Flores and he would help me to add more stuff. Eddie Torres once told me that he
likes originality and that stuck in my head.

How long have you been teaching mambo and what made you decide to teach
mambo?
I'm going on 3yrs and I started teaching because when I was an
assistant for Luis Zegarra people would comment on how they liked how I
would teach and that my patience also helped.

What do you like most about teaching?
when my students like to learn and get excited. I love when my students
have a good time and its partly because of me.

Why do you think people come to learn from you?
First because I am patient and strict but at the same time if you were to
come to my class I will make sure you learn something.I try to keep the
pace the faster you learn the more I teach you.

What is the hardest thing you find about teaching?
Teaching is not hard but sometimes I get students that don't listen and as
a result they learn a little slower.

Do you still like to go to clubs and dance socially?
Of course, I love to dance. I'm one of those salsa junkies....

How about performing? Do you still perform and who have you performed
for or with? 
When I was dancing for Luis Zegarra I danced for Jerry
Rivera, I have done 116 festivals and various shows in NY+NJ. On my own
I've danced for Frankie Negron,I also taught him how to dance. I am also
teaching up coming salseros.

Name your favorite on stage performance?
When I danced for Frankie Negron In Philly Pa. the crowd really appreciated
dancers.

What got you into performing and what was your first time on stage?
My first time on stage was in Side Street for a student show. I got into
it because I always wanted to perform for one thing or another.

What did you feel when you first performed live on stage?
Nervous and then puzzled on how fast the performance was over.

Have you ever choreographed a routine?
Before Frankie Negron was signed his manager Buchie wanted to impress
Sergio George and other executives with a routine for Frankie, His back up
singers and 2 dancers. I also choreographed 3 dance routines for my group
which I named Caribbean Soul.

What do you like about being a dance choreographer?
My originality and imagination. I like being different and also like to
listen to the ideas of my students.

What do you look for in a song when you are putting choreography
together for it?
I like percussion and good breaks, also I try to use songs not often used
or heard.

Which gives you the best joy? Teaching, performing or putting together
choreography?
All of the above but putting together choreography lets me use my
imagination and creativity.

How is it that you prepare yourself for a workshop? and for a
performance?
I practice, cross my fingers and just do it, basically.

What advice would you give those just getting into mambo? How can they
work at getting better at dancing?
1..Understanding, If you understand the music
2..Practice, Practice at home and in the clubs (yes, clubs) don't
worry if other people are watching  we all started somewhere...
3..Most important, HAVE FUN!!!

How best could you describe your way of dancing? of teaching? and of
performing?
Exciting, different, and sometimes crazy (teaching) I developed my own
program to help people learn faster, so far its been working.

How is New York Mambo Dancing different from mambo dancing in other
parts of the country?
I think New York is more creative from what I've seen other states still do
the same turns but I haven't really traveled far.Thats just my opinion.

Do you think that dancers get treated with respect? If not why?
No, I think that most dancers are under paid and most (not all) concerts
don't make room for dancers on stage. Ironically the music is supposed to
make you dance so if the audience can't dance, they can at least see
dancers.

What would you like to see happen to mambo within the next few years?,
More movies, bigger contests, documentaries showing the many styles of
dancing.

What is the best way for someone interested in learning mambo can get
in contact with you?
I can be reached by pager at (888) 475-0363 or you can call me at (201)876-9154.