by Sofia Ivanova

Who is Angel Rodriguez?

Torino, Italy Nov 1, 2003: Angel is co-founder of the Razz M' Tazz Dance Company of New York City, he's married to the beautiful Salsa Diva, Addie Rodriguez, he's the producer of a series of highly successful instructional salsa video tapes, and last but not least, he's a very wise businessman.

Angel was first exposed to Salsa at the age of nine when his mom would play the music while cleaning the house. He grew to love the music and the dance and both have been kind to him. Yet, little did he know that someday, it would turn into a lifetime profession for him.

He first met Addie while he was out dancing at the Copa Cabana. She came over and asked him to dance and the rest is history. They eventually married and founded their Dance Company - Razz M' Tazz, 16 years ago. They have enjoyed much success with Razz M' Tazz and toured the globe. Angel & Addie also have a very successful series of instructional Salsa/Mambo dance videos that can be purchased through SalsaChicago.com.

I managed to get some time with Angel during a very hectic Torino Salsa Congress this past Oct/Nov 2003. As one of the main organizers, he was always in high demand and never once lost his cool even while surrounded by dancers, dance instructors and others bombarding him with questions over the four day event.

He chose Torino as the site for the Congress as he felt there would be less politics than in a bigger city such as Milan. Angel has also benefited from the popularity of Salsa in Italy and has nine dance schools in Milan! He was invited to teach in Italy ten years ago, saw the enthusiasm of the people for the dance and being the wise businessman that he is, decided to teach in Italy by opening a dance school. Since then, the schools have multiplied as the dance becomes more and more popular. He now distinguishes the dance company by adding the country name after it, as in Razz M' Tazz - Italia! Angel no longer teaches his own classes, but now carries the title of Ambassador and instructor of instructors given to him by the FIPD (Federal Instructor & Professional Dancer Organization). Angel will also be judging the I.D.O. Championships in Europe in 2004.

Angel had always wanted to arrange a major event, and with the assistance of his wife, Addie and Allessia Gobbi, the Torino Salsa Congress was born. It took six months of planning and the event finally took place, October 30 - November 3, 2003, at the beautiful Meridien Lingotto Hotel. The hotel is unique in itself because it was built in the center of an old Fiat plant which was converted into a mall over a kilometer long! The rooms were large and spacious with 15 foot high ceilings. The hotel also featured a running track on the roof with spectacular views of The Alps to the North which seemed to encircle the city of Torino. Meanwhile, to the South, the view was that of rolling green hills. And, even though it was early November, the trees were still green.

I asked Angel to compare the dance scene in Italy to the NY scene. He feels that the New York scene is at a higher level but this is also the reason that Italians have more people dancing, as they dance for fun. Angel added, "Dancing the Cuban style especially is big, although the New York style has recently begun to take shape in Europe. Italians like simple styles, as in more turns, that's why they love the Cuban style. It's easier and fun to do with a drink in your hand! Its also dancing on 1 and no one criticizes which one is better - they just dance!"

We discussed his thoughts regarding the Italians enthusiasm for the dance. In his own words, "Italians are Latinos ... the first ones if I remember my history, and they love salsa because it is the greatest music produced by Latinos all around the world, and also because they dance with their hearts and souls!"

I then asked him if it was exciting for him that Italians have embraced the salsa phenomenon? "Yes, they've made it a life style and a business. As a Puerto Rican I'm proud of how all Latinos have helped other cultures embrace our music and our dance! At this point, I'm happy the whole world has embraced salsa! It's exciting to see it evolve from so many styles and so many different cultures!"

If you could, what would you change about the Italian dance scene? "Nothing, just join in the fun".

Do you think salsa is even bigger in Europe than in the US? "Yes, it's a way of entertainment, a way of competition and also a part of the Latin social life in Europe. For some in Italy, it's also a job! The levels are higher in America but there are more salsa clubs and music circulating throughout Europe. In America you have maybe 6 congresses, but in Europe I've counted about 25 this year, 2003!"

As the Torino Salsa Congress was winding down, Angel was on his way to Marseille, France for yet another Congress! Chicago's very own Los Soneros Del Swing also performed at the Marseille event!

So, who is Angel Rodriguez? He's a dancer, choreographer, event organizer, dance video producer, highly successful businessman, and also, more than anything else, a really nice guy!

Pictured above - Angel & Addie Rodriguez

Click here for a review, pictures and digital video clips of the 2003 Torino, Italy World Salsa Congress.

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