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PROFILING DAIYANI FROM ORISHA DANCERS

She is a great person as she is a great Salsera. A true champion of the scene as well as the dance. She is considered one of the top dancers of the state, but not just that, but also one of the ones that could very well be the first female champion known statewide.

Today, we had the pleasure to have an interview with a great performer. We had the pleasure to talk person to person with Daiyani. That's right, the one that is considered by all Salseros, one of the bravest and most dareful of Salseras of the state since the beggining. With no further delays, here she is.

First of all, a bit about yourself?

My complete name is Daiyani Soza. I am Venezuelan, I was born in Caracas, Venezuela. I am 30 years old at the moment, I am single... well, but I am engaged... hehehe... I am going to have a baby soon, and I love to dance. I just love Salsa, Merengue... all kinds of Latin music.

You know, we always have trouble spelling your name, why Daiyani?

Hehehehe... It's nothing important like a cultural thing or anything. My mom just made it up... hehehehe...

How did you get in this scene, how did you decide to become a Salsera?

Well, I always had the spirit of a Salsera. I always had it with me! In my country, in Venezuela, we always listen to Salsa and all types of Tropical music.
Regarding dancing to this extent, and when I started to get really focussed on the dancing was when I saw people dancing Salsa on ONE, the style that is danced in Los Angeles, California. I remember that I was very inspired when I saw someone dance Salsa here in Utah when she came to visit, her name is Elena. I was shocked when I saw her dancing, she is from L.A.
I loved it, I just loved it when I saw it, I had to learn all the styling, steps and more.

People consider you a pioneer here in Utah, and are admired by many women, how do you react to that?

I feel very flattered. Very happy that I was part of the initiation of Salsa here in Salt Lake City, but also I feel like they should feel like they are also inspiring me as well. I feel that they should think about it more in a way that they also inspired me as much as I hope I inspired them. What moves me is that I see more and more people learning. I really like that Salsa is getting so big here, it's very satisfying, very beautiful.

Do you admire anyone in the Salsa world?

I admire so many dancers, just so many. I believe that you can always learn from all types of dancers and Salseros.
If I was to think of some of the ones that impacted my inspirations more, I would say the girls from Los Rumberos, I would think the techniques from Liz Lira, a very clean and glamourous dancer. Also Carolina, the ex-partner from Johnny Vasquez. The very world known Eddie the Salsa Freak, and also Joby Vasquez. I would love to take some classes with them, I haven't had the opportunity yet.

How do you see the changes from when you started to now?

Well, one of the things that I would like to let people know is some of the things I saw when I started, about four years ago or so. Anyways, I remember that when I wanted to learn how to dance Salsa, there wasn't anybody here to learn from, techniques, basics, and little things like that that take time. I remember that after a year I started to RE-LEARN about them but with technique. I want people to know that other girls and me, when we started it was hard to learn, because we had nobody to learn it from. It was very hard! Now there are many women to learn from, now people have options of great dancers to take classes from. People should take advantage of that, because back then there wasn't anything like that.
Now, you find different dance companies to take classes from, you have great... I mean great women to take classes from, and the need to go to other states is becoming minimal unless you want to go professional. There are different styles and forms now. I think that's the biggest difference, the options and variety of people to learn from, there are just more than before, and am sure there are more coming.

We've seen you competing, how did competitions change?

I remember that before people will win by applause, now you have judges and pre-eliminations and more. I like the fact that there is judges now, SPECIALLY if the judges know about Salsa and dancing in General, because sometimes we have the wrong idea that dancing is just moving like a nut. Someone who knows about dancing should know about partnering, costume design, following and leading, techniques and more. I think it's great that competitions have been getting better everytime.
I just feel it's really touching when you win something, when you really earned it. It's very satisfying to be receiving a price from people who really know what they are talking about.

Do you think competitions are harder now?

I think they are, they are harder than before. One thing that has affected in that way is the way you practice for them. Now you have to have a lot of practice to get top three, you just have to practice a lot. Sometimes, I remember that me and my partner didn't have time to practice enough and we would get very stressed about it. I know that to compete these days, you have to have plenty of practice just to get to finals and to place on top.
When you don't have much time and you can't dedicate much to competitions, you won't really make it. It's hard now.

Have you ever competed out of state?

I haven't yet, but I would LOVE to go compete outside of Utah. It would just be very nice to go compete outside besides here in clubs throughout Utah.

There are different styles, what is your favorite?

Bueno... I really like the way L.A. Style is so glamourous and very showy when you dance it. The N.Y. style is more of a body movement, and subtle in the way it's danced, but great combinations, more of a Rumbero style. Regarding choosing one or the other, I really love both of those two, those are my favorites.

Any future plans?

Right now, regarding Salsa... I have been a bit distant because of my pregnacy, but I am always willing to teach from whoever wants to learn. My immidiate plans are to prepare people for competitions, and of course learn some more. Everyone can always learn more.

How do you see the future of Utah in the Salsa scene?

I believe that everything starts from an idea, then everything grows from it. It's the samething here... Whoever considers themselves a Salsero, and want to learn and progress then he or she will pull the scene with them. I think that's the way the state is going to grow, only if the Salseros who are leading now progress and advance, they will pull the growth of the state in this beautiful dance. That way they'll connect with other people and they will make the scene bigger... it starts with one's self.

What is the key to achieve a great level?

Practice of course. Practice is the very key to get up there, but also there are other things that can push you, but PRACTICE is the main one. Being humble is good, but it's good to be aggressive and go at it, but also be ready to take classes from others, don't think that you are better because there is always things you can learn from others.

Anything that you would like to say to everyone?

I would love to say hi to all the Latinos as well as the rest of the people who are learning and know Salsa. My best wishes to all of you, and keep practicing. Focusses only on the good things you hear and dump the things that are negative and destructive. Always have Salsa in your heart, that's where you want to keep it, and you'll love to love it.