We had the pleasure of watching Raymond (12) and Jenalyn (9) Saraza Pacheco perform and receive a great standing ovation at the Los Angeles Salsa Congress this past May, and wanted to interview them to share their story. Raymond and Jenalyn currently dance with Latin Energy dance company and have been taught by instructor Vanessa Stay. Watch them dance and read their amazing story!
How did you learn to dance?
What was your favorite performance ever?
Raymond: There are so many to choose from. We have performed all over the place including Miami, Calgary, Montreal, Los Angeles and Bermuda. My favorite performance so far was the Los Angeles Salsa Congress hosted by Albert Torres. We’ve never been to Los Angeles and it was such an exciting place to be and there were so many talented dancers to watch. We really learned so much. I got a special haircut just for L.A. – I had my hair tattooed with my initials R.J. (Raymond Jonathan). My sister thinks it my name and her name together. We also love performing in Bermuda because the people there are so nice its like another family. And the audience really has a good time when we perform there. We have had many competitions including the Dancing with the Stars kids ballroom challenge in Toronto in front of 15,000 people – that was pretty awesome too.
Jenalyn: I agree with Raymond but my favorite competition was Montreal because we won 1st place against all the adults! I got to wear this really nice blue costume that my mom and dad designed – it is my favorite costume! I was so excited because the crowd was really loud when we performed and was even louder when we won!
What do you think is the hardest thing about salsa dancing?
Raymond: We love performing but the practicing can be very difficult and tiring. Our teacher Vanesa is always pushing us to try new tricks and harder routines. In the end we get better but getting there is always hard work. But I’ve learned you have to work hard to get things to look good.
Tell us about your other talents. How do they help your dancing?
Jenalyn: I love to sing and play the piano also. I think I’m good at listening to the beat and the music so it’s not hard for me to find the salsa beat. I also dance other dance styles like ballet which helps me point my toes and acro which keeps me very flexible. I also take drama classes so this really helps me with my confidence and being in front of a lot of people.
Raymond: I play the violin and drums and I also take gymnastics. Playing instruments has helped me with listening to the music and the beat so it’s easy to count the steps and learn choreography. Gymnastics has helped me with my core strength for all the lifts and tricks with my sister. I also love acting and drama and this has helped me with being a character when I dance with my sister and also makes me less nervous when I am performing in front of a large crowd.
If you could learn any other dance style, what would it be?
Jenalyn: I really want to learn Lyrical, Contemporary dancing – I love watching it on TV.
Raymond: I really want to learn some of the Cali Columbia style of salsa dancing.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you want to go?
Raymond: I want to visit Las Vegas for sure!
Jenalyn: I want to go back to Hollywood again – it was so much fun. I would like to visit the Philippines and Portugal because that is where my mom and dad are from.
What is your favorite thing about salsa dancing and performing?
Jenalyn: We love the tricks – it is so much fun to do and we love how the crowd reacts when we do it in our routines. Salsa dancing is so different from other dancing we’ve done because it is so much fun.
Raymond: I think it’s great to be able to use our talents to help others also. We’ve helped with fundraisers for Brampton Civic Hospital, Hospital for Sick Children and Haiti with our dancing. We’re lucky that we can do something like that with something we love to do.
What would you say to someone else (your age or adult!) who was thinking about learning to dance salsa?
Raymond: We would say no matter how old you are, you should go for it and try it. Like Nike – just do it!
Jenalyn: I would say follow your dream! Why would you not try it! It’s so much fun and great exercise. You’ll be glad you tried it!
[Second Source: Addicted2Salsa Interview with Raymond and Jenalyn]
Big ups for the Toronto salsa scene! Oscar and Vanessa have had a great kids program for years, and are both great performers in their own right. Latin Energy had one of the busiest dance venues at North America’s largest outdoor salsa festival a few weekends ago. Of course, Raymond and Jenalyn performed and were a hit (as always!).
Julie and Anthony, if you ever decide to make a trip to the Great White North, you really should come check out the salsa scene here in Toronto (especially in the summer – there’s a weekly, free, outdoor salsa party).
heeey ray hey jen been almost 5 years since ive seen u guys ok if u dont member me from camp at performance playhouse camp in brampton lester b pearson miss u guys give me a shout in4red@hotmail.com asap talk to u soon ray yours truly justice
Hi Raymond & Jenalyn,
So proud of you and hope to see you in LA next year May 26-30, 2011. Proud of your parents also for all the support they give you both and your little brother. You are truly a remarkable hardworking family. You both have great talents and I will continue to do what I can so the world can also appreciate your hard work. Hugs to all and I will see you in Toronto this October at the Canada Salsa Congress where it all started. Here is to all your dreams coming true. Your Friend Always, Albert