World salsa champ spins encore

Partner breaks foot during winning dance

So he thinks he can dance? No. He knows he can dance. Just check the trophy room.

Coquitlam has a world-class salsa dance champion in its midst with Alfonso Caldera.

This dance professional recently returned from Portland, taking home his third world championship from the sixth-annual Portland Salsa Congress with his partner and former student Jessica Shatzko.

This notch under his dancing belt humbled Caldera, and he gave full credit to his partner for pulling through despite massive setbacks.

"Jessica broke her foot in the qualifying round," Caldera said. "Because I did a move where I throw her in the air, and when she lands, I catch her. She still puts her foot down, and it broke. She still finished it and told me at the end that she thought she had broken her foot."

Caldera said he was blown away when he found out she powered through - especially in a dance competition where the strength of your legs are essential.

"I couldn't believe that she could do it," he said. "She's never backed down. She was always pumped. She never, for an instant, thought of quitting."

Shatzko, 17, who lives in Mission, went on to win the competition with Caldera at her side.

The two champions weren't always on the same level though, as Shatzko came to Caldera as a newbie.

Through a year of training, Caldera mentored her into the dancer she is today through his school, Bravo Dance Company.

"I've been teaching for roughly 10 years," Caldera said.

It started off as private lessons among friends. But being a native of Nicaragua, where salsa was "in his blood," Caldera quickly turned his private passion into full-blown public lessons.

"Salsa is my only addiction," Caldera admitted. "I love teaching people. Especially after how they turn out at the end, you know? Not only do they learn how to dance, but salsa, or any type of dance I would say, is something that gives you confidence."

And despite his ongoing teaching, Caldera can't stay far away from pushing himself and competing, such as the one in Portland.

But it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. Caldera came to this country 21 years ago never having tested his dancing in a professional environment.

He knew he was good, but he didn't know just how good.

So, like any good dance movie portrays, he took his moves to the clubs.

"It started out as social dancing and then they started putting on competitions locally," he said. "So I started competing, and I started winning all the competitions."

Caldera said salsa just comes naturally to him, and most wouldn't argue.

He promises to continue to teach and to compete for as long as he can.

As for Shatzko, well, she's got her sights on the So You Think You Can Dance, Canada? TV show - just as soon as she turns 18 next year.

"In my opinion, she's probably going to win it," Caldera said.

For more information, visit www.bravodancecompany. com or look up Alfonso Caldera on Facebook.

To attend one of his classes, check out CAPA Coquitlam at 109A-2922 Glen Dr. Classes are held on Monday nights.


Source  Sam Smith

Posted in Alfonso Caldera , Caldera , salsa dance , salsa dance steps , Shatzko , World salsa , World salsa champ