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Originally
published on Edie "The
Salsa Freak's" Homepage 3/00
 Interview
of “The
Addie-Tude” Dancer herself, Ms. Addie Diaz!
By
Edie, The Salsa FREAK
If
there is anything I have to say about Addie Diaz, is that she is a true
performer. Addie has always
been known for the way she catches the eyes and hearts of her audiences.
I met Addie a few years ago just after her recent tour with RMM as
one of the dancers of that group.
A
natural born dancer, Addie has always taken this “hobby” of hers very
seriously. During the day,
she works as a professional at a very prestigious firm at the top of the
one of the tallest high rises in Downtown Manhattan.
In the evenings, if she’s not spending time caring for her two
children, ages five and fourteen, you’ll find her busy rehearsing, or
helping other children like the Side Street Kids, with choreography and
performances of their own.
Now
a sought-after instructor and choreographer, Addie has taken her
professional dance experience around the world.
After performing with RMM in Columbia, Puerto Rico, California and
New York City she’s since gone on to perform in Peru, Puerto Rico,
California, Italy, Switzerland, London and Paris.
She has recently formed a new Dance Company, called The
“Addie-tude” Dance Company, where they’ve already displayed their
hard-earned talents as far off as London and Paris.
Outside
of all the glitz and glamour of “show business”, Addie is a very
humble and down-to-earth person. She
is warm, and full of love. She
truly believes in her students and fellow dancers.
She’ll be the first to applaud, and the last one courageously
standing. She’s both a
professional and kindred spirit. That’s
why we love her so much.
Salsaweb
Magazine is very proud to have Addie Diaz as one of our International
Instructors at this year’s International Salsaweb Convention in Toronto,
Canada.
 Ladies
and Gentlemen, I am proud to introduce to you “The Addie-Tude”
Dancer
herself, Ms. Addie Diaz!
Where
are you originally from?
I was born to Puerto Rican parents and raised in the Bronx, New York
How
long have you lived in New York?
Most of my life except for three years as a teenager in Puerto Rico.
Do
you do anything else besides teach dance for a living?
(Hobbies, website, etc…)
I’m an Executive Assistant at MTV Networks/Viacom.
I’m a mother of a 14 year old daughter (Jazmin) and a 4 year old
son (Devin).
Do
you find it difficult to be a professional, a mother, a performer an
instructor a choreographer and Director of a dance company?
Its a bit hard to juggle sometimes but I only have God to thank for
bestowing me with a family who supports everything I do.
Therefore, I’m fortunate to have a babysitter right at home (my
mom) so that I can do all the running around I need to at any time.
Being
director and choreographer of a dance company is a big challenge, but
I’m enjoying every minute of it regardless of whether my decisions are
difficult or easy. We all
respect, support and like each other very much, which makes our time
together very enjoyable. My
schedule is full and its sometimes exhausting but I couldn’t imagine
living my life any other way - I’m definitely content with it at this
point.
How
do you manage your time?
I take my son to school in the morning and then I’m off to work then
I’m back in time to pick him up and get him settled at home.
After a few hours I’m off again where my evenings consist of
rehearsals, privates or time with my children.
In addition to everything, I’m planning a wedding - can you
imagine!! Well, I guess since
I make it a point to schedule my week before it starts, it grants me the
ability to juggle it all. The
weekends are set aside for my family time.
Are
your children interested in dance as well?
Jazmin has recently become more interested after dedicating several years
to basketball, now she is currently training with my dance company.
We’re having a good time working together and she’s enjoying
being part of a team. Devin
is at my rehearsals sometimes and when he is there he always makes himself
part of the routine. Its
great to see him in a starting pose and then break out dancing into his
own routine once the music begins. Its
really funny to see - You just gotta love him!!
 What
is your advice for single parents who want to do what you do.
I would say to be sure your child is getting the best care (next to being
with you or the other parent) while you’re at work, a rehearsal or a
show. Most of all, although
your life may become busy, always separate a few evenings a week or the
weekends to spend with your kid. Even
if they like what you do and support you, they will always ache to have
you around to spend quality time with them - so make sure to have your
priorities straight. The last
thing you want to do is make your child feel like he/she is 2nd
in your life.
How
old were you when you became interested in dance?
Since I was a small child, I would dance salsa until I dropped with my
older relatives at family parties. When
I was 25 years old I discovered Mambo at a Club in the Bronx (NY) called
Side Street, and was instantly fascinated.
After that I made it my business to learn it.
Who
were your mentors / instructor(s) when you first started dancing?
My mentor is the late Evelyn Leon who was the director of the 1st
dance company I was part of (Dancer’s
Fantasy Stars). Mario Diaz
was my first dance partner who I also consider a mentor.
Nelly Cotto, someone I’ve had the pleasure to work with in
several shows was a big influence in my dance training as well.
What
got you interested in teaching? Who
encouraged you?
While I was part of the “Dancers Fantasy Stars” dance troupe, I used
to assist Angel (Negro) Rodriguez at Evelyn Leon’s classes towards the
end of Evelyn’s time with us. After
her death, her students asked me to start a class so that they can
continue having a place to go to. So
I hooked up with Nelson Flores and we began teaching the class on the same
day (Monday’s) and at the same studio where Evelyn’s classes were
previously held.
What
other forms of dance or types of dances do you teach?
Cha-Cha-Cha
Although
I’m not currently teaching a Cha-Cha group class, I do teach Cha-Cha
lessons during private sessions.
 Tell
us a little bit about your new Dance Company, the “Addie-Tude Dance
Company”. When was it
formed, how many people are in the group, and to where have you traveled?
The “Addie-Tude” Dance Company was recently formed in September of
1999. We started out with six
dancers and now we have ten members.
Beforehand, we’ve separately had the chance to travel to
different countries, but as a team we have performed and taught at London
and Paris.
Who
are some of your favorite dance partners, and peers?
Living in New York City, which I consider the capital of “Mambo
Dancers”, gives you the chance to dance with talented people.
I’ve had the pleasure of dancing with the best in NYC but I
can’t say I have a “favorite”.
I just enjoy and appreciate the style and expression of the person
I’m dancing with at the time socially and professionally.
 How
did you become an RMM dancer? Was
there an audition?
There was an opening for a female dancer in the team.
The principals of the group had a meeting and during that time, my
name was one of a few to come up. Ultimately
they decided to invite me to work with them.
It was a great and unexpected opportunity I’ll never forget.
What
was it like to travel with RMM? (if you did travel).
It was a learning experience to be on the road with such a big group of
people. The best thing was
traveling and getting to know the popular artists such as: Tito Puente,
Marc Anthony, Jose Alberto, India, Oscar De Leon, Tito Nieves, Giovanni
Hidalgo and Celia Cruz to mention a few.
Traveling and working with the dancers was great, everyone got
along and respected each other for their talents.
I was given a chance to work with another level of dancers which
gradually strengthened my skill. That
time made an impact on my dance training and my life as I hold very
special memories of it close to my heart.
Tell
us about your new Ladies Styling video coming out.
When will it be released?
Although the video is at a beginner level, I believe its challenging
because the arms, head, shoulders & hip movements are added.
Its easy to do a beginner step when you’ve already learned it but
when you combine it with the rest, its a different ball game.
I
give a lot of detail to breakdown the movements and steps, which makes the
video very informative. I know ladies will enjoy it because the style is
sexy, nice looking, natural and of course, it has “Addie-Tude”.
We’re
looking to release the video in the summer of “2000”.
Are
you planning a “Volume II”?
Definitely, but first we want to get this one out in the market to then
work on the next one.
Do
you currently perform or compete now?
I never really liked to compete so I currently perform.
Do
you teach on the One or the Two?
I teach Mambo on “2”
What
do you like most: Teaching,
choreography, or performing?
Teaching has been and always will be a learning experience for me which
helps me to be a better instructor. Its
important for me to help people acquire their fundamentals properly,
without a good base you simply will have no solid technique.
I like to see my students grow in dance and watch them enjoy their
development.
Choreography
allows me to be creative and to express what I’m feeling in that
particular song. Its also a
great chance for people to see what I’m capable of, my style of dancing
and how I think when putting a number together.
How
do I explain performing? I
would say that its my biggest high. I
can’t stop thanking my Heavenly Father for the continuous blessings in
my life, one of which is performing.
Its wonderful to see the faces of the audience looking at you
expecting to see something magical happen.
I’m more satisfied when I feel my energy on stage and know that I
gave my best and felt every beat of the music in the core of my being
while doing it. I would say
that I enjoy performing the most because I can openly translate with
expression and with my body the passion that I feel for my music.
What
is your future plan for your dance company?
Travel, focus on working well together and manage to have a great time
during this whole experience.
 If
you had to live your life all over again, what would you have done
differently?
I guess could sit down for hours and create a list of several things I
would like to have done differently in my life.
But I can’t help to remember what a very wise man, in my eyes (my
fiancée - Manny Siverio) once told me:
“every past experience that I have lived through is what makes me
who I am today”. How many
mothers of 2 children that has gone through her fair share of hard times,
comes to the age of 33 and gets to actively do all the things I get to do?
So need I say more?
If
you got the opportunity to sit yourself down, and have a conversation with
your “self”, what type of advice would you give “Addie
Diaz”?
Know how fortunate you are to be surrounded by so much love and positive
energy - that’s what should keep you going.
Never forget that what you have at home is ultimately who you are
and what drives you to be the best you can be.
And finally, work hard to make all your dreams come true - its
never too late.
Click
here if you want to read more about
New York Mambo Instructor, Choreographer and Performer Addie Diaz
Addie Diaz
New!
Addie-tude Ladies Styling
Video out now!
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