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Recently, the Salsa Brava Dance Company was invited to go to Japan to teach and give workshops. Here, Janette tells us what it was like to go there, and "live the scene" with the locals for a couple days! When did you go to Japan? September 1998. How did you get the opportunity to go to Japan? We met Mr. Watabe, Japaneese Salsa promoter, in Puerto Rico. Little did I know that it would actually lead to performing in Japan. Did you have to prepare anything specific before your trip? Definitely, Mr. Watabe arranged for us to perform with Nora who was the lead female singer for "Orquesta de la Luz." She has now gone solo. We performed a dance number with her live! That was really exciting. Luis, Joby and I choreographed the dance number. How long was the plane trip? If I can recall it was about ten hours long. But, Japan Airlines is definitely the best airline that provides the best service and comfort. Describe what the city and traffic was like when you were driving in and around town. We performed and taught workshops in Tokyo, Hiroshima and Osaka. I can honestly say there were never any major traffic problems. Everything is very convenient as far as moving around. Mr. Watabe arranged it so everything was close to the hotel. Fortunately, we didn't have to worry about driving anywhere because everywhere we went we always had a chaperone. What was the most unusual place you saw there? My favorite place was the castle overlooking the entire city of Osaka. These people are very proud of their city, and rightfully so, and they are trying to bid their city for the Olympics. Where did you teach? Tokyo, Hiroshima and Osaka What struck you most about the people? I was shocked that they saw us as celeberties and treated us as if we were famous people. I remember the first night I walked into the ladies restroom in Tokyo right before the show and a young japaneese girl turned around, saw me and nearly freaked out! She told me she couldn't believe it was actually me! And I was tripping out because she was tripping. Then when I came out of the restroom another girl saw me and said the same thing. What is so amazing about them is their humility. Apparently, Mr. Watabe sold many video copies of the first World Salsa Congress and many Japaneese Salsa-holics had taken a strong liking to Salsa Brava. What were the students like? Shy? Outgoing? At first they were very embarrassed and serious. Then they let loose because Luis kept cracking dumb jokes about sushi and miso soup and he had them laughing hysterically. Then every time we left a city the students formed a special bond with us. Many of them wanted pictures with us and some even cried because we were leaving. Were there many non-Japanese students in your classes? There were a few latinos in Osaka. Were there more women than men? There were definitely more women. How did the students like the classes? They loved them. How many classes did you teach? Too many to count. We did three live shows and one television show in Hiroshima. Did you do a performance? Did Luis perform with Janette as well? Did you do that threesome routine of yours the "two girls and one guy" performance? Yes, we did the trio performance. That is what we are known for in Japan as of now. Wait until they see the new Congresso video. Describe some of the Salsa Clubs and the overall Salsa scene there. There was one band in Tokyo that absolutely blew me away. Many of the musicians are from the former Orquesta de la Luz group. The two male singers are from Peru. Their voices are incredible. They had the whole place rocking! My favorite Salsa Club was in Osaka. I can't remember the name but it was so cute! How are the DJ's? Were there any bands? What is the percentage mix of Merengue, House, and Salsa played at most of the clubs?All Salsa!! The way it should be. Are you planning on going back some day? I would go back any time. What advice would you give Salseros visiting Japan? Be prepared to eat! The food there is delicious. How is the best way for someone interested in learning Salsa to get in contact with you? e-mail me at janette@salsaweb.com or look me up on Salsaweb Magazine at http://www.salsaweb.com/janette ‘ |
