Tag Archive for 'so you think you can dance'

Alex Da Silva, well known Los Angeles Latin dancer and salsa choreographer for the Fox Television show “So You Think You Can Dance”, was arrested Saturday on accusations of sexually assaulting students in his two homes in the San Fernando Valley. Because he was  accused of sexual assault in 2003, 2004 and again in 2005, the previous cases were re-opened once a fourth accuser pressed charges on March 28th, 2009. All four accounts were found to be similar, despite the fact that the women did not know one another. He is currently being held on $3.8 million bail for allegedly raping four female students over the past six years. Detectives believe there may have been more victims and hope they come forward with information. He was arrested 20 minutes before the end of a class he was teaching Saturday at the EDGE Performing Arts Center in Hollywood, said Det. John Eum of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Alex Da Silva, now 41 years, started salsa dancing when he was 20. Many dances in the salsa scene credit him for introducing the “LA Style” of salsa dancing. He has won numerous World Salsa Dancing Championships and is well known in the Los Angeles salsa dance scene.

[Update 4-7-09] The court date was today and no charges were filed against Alex Da Silva given that new victims have come forward and the prosecution still has to interview them.

“Los Angeles County prosecutors declined today to file criminal charges against salsa dancer and choreographer Alex Da Silva of the Fox television show “So You Think You Can Dance,” saying further investigation was needed into allegations that he sexually assaulted four of his students… [...] Jane Robison, spokeswoman for the District Attorney’s Office, said prosecutors wanted police to conduct more investigation before charges are considered. She also said more alleged victims have come forward, and they still needed to be interviewed. “

Sources:

[Read from Associated Content]
[Read from L.A. Times]
[Read from New York Times]
[Read from NBC LA]

[Updated 8-18-2009]

After a further investigation by police, Alex Da Silva, has been arrested again at his North Hollywood home by Los Angeles police. They have pressed charges which include: four counts of forcible rape, two counts of assault with intent to commit rape and two counts of sexual penetration by foreign object. Bail set to $6.2 million dollars.

[Source: LA Times via BecomingSalsero]

Continue reading ‘Alex Da Silva, from “So You Think You Can Dance”, charged with sexual assault [update]‘