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BAHRAINI professional performer Jaffar Alalawi is set to mambo his way into people’s hearts in Spain this month, alongside top salsa artists from around the world, in a major festival that celebrates the popular dance form.
The founder of a sport and dance studio in Mahooz, Jaffar - known in the salsa community as Jaff - has been doing cha cha, merengue and more since he fell in the love with the art in 1997.
Not only has he passed his talented trade onto others wanting to learn the different sultry styles of salsa, he has also represented the kingdom in a range of festivals and events. He is now set to take part in the Latin Dance Festival and World Team Project European Meeting 2022, to be held from December 8-11, in Lloret de Mar, Girona, Spain.
“I’m excited and thrilled to be representing Bahrain in such an amazing global festival alongside my dance partner Isis Conde,” said the salsa master. “We will be showcasing our LA Salsa style dance skills which I am fond of. The energy level is tremendously high and explosive, and LA style is perhaps the most glitzy and glamorous of all Latin American dances.”
LA Salsa, also known as ‘On 1’, is strongly influenced by the Latin Hustle, Swing, Argentine Tango and Latin Ballroom dancing styles. It places strong emphasis on sensuousness, theatricality and acrobatics. The lifts, stunts and aerial works of today’s salsa shows are derived mostly from LA style forms with origins in Latin Ballroom and ballet lifts. It was originally popularised by famous dancers including Alex Da Silva, Luis Fransisco and Johnny Vazquez, a trio of dancing brothers who were highly influential in its growth.
The LA Salsa is complex and captivating with its fast tempo accompaniment.
“It will be ‘muy caliente’ (so hot),” added Jaffar, who has been showcasing his skills since 2011 at events in Poland, Germany, Spain, Italy, England, Morocco the GCC and more.
“I can’t wait to show what Bahrain has to offer as the country has a vibrant dance community. I am also looking forward to experience and share salsa with other like-minded individuals from across the globe. We are all unified in our love of dance, and as dancers we aim to spread happiness through expressive movement and theatrics.”
Jaffar, who practices three hours a day with Isis, is also familiar with Cross-body salsa, Cuban style Casino and New York style.
After the festival, which will feature workshops, shows, parties, socials with national international instructors and DJs, Jaffar and Isis will make their way to Scotland where they will continue to spread their style through workshops and performances.
“I also aim to continue promoting salsa in Bahrain as the dance brings so much joy to all,” added Jaffar.
Jaffar also teaches the Korean martial art, Taekwondo, having represented Bahrain in the Arab Olympic Championship in Lebanon in 1997, in the Jordan Arab Olympic Championship in 1999 and Asian Championship in 2002.
