A Winning Couple
by Erin Lamb
posted August 1, 2006

Today I had an interview with Chad Wright and Karina Marcelo, winners of the IntoSalsa First Annual Salsa Dance Competition. As a former boxer, Chad packs lots of punch in his dancing. He has the strength and techniques to pull off those gravity-defying lifts and tricks. Karina has many years of training in music, dance, and gymnastics. These two took the Red Room by a storm last week, taking home trophies plus $250 first prize.

Erin: When did you start dancing Salsa?
Chad: March 2004.
Karina: As a child with my family in Argentina.

Erin: How did you become partners?
Karina: We found each other dancing salsa at The Blue Cactus on July 23rd, 2005. From the moment we started dancing, we knew we had a rare chemistry that had potential on and off the dance floor.

Erin: Is this your first competition? What did you do to prepare for it?
Karina: This is our first formal competition. We had a lot of fun picking and putting the music together, every step in creating the choreography, and practicing methodically daily.

Erin: How hard is it to compete against other dancers?
Chad: The hard part is having a balance between doing our very best while not taking ourselves too seriously – staying committed to having a blast while realizing our full potential. The competition is with ourselves. Being judged to be “the winners” is a bonus, but as long as we do our best, we win.

Erin: Now that you have won, what are your goals for the future? Will you compete again?
Chad: We feel privileged and excited about the opportunity to continue being part of Intosalsa Dance Company, as they continue to raise the bar of salsa in Indianapolis. As partners we have a number of goals that include making our salsa cabaret style an increasing source of income for us by performing and teaching at weddings and other events. We look forward to continue performing, teaching, and competing locally. We also aspire to perform, teach, and compete at salsa congresses in other cities in preparation for our current goal of qualifying to compete in the world championships next year.

Erin: What advice do you have for other people who want to take Salsa to the next level?
Karina: Create a vision of what you want your dancing to become. Commit to that vision, taking advantage of every opportunity to continue learning and challenging your development. Fully believe in your partner and in yourself; support and encourage one another; focus on enjoying the process, and do your personal best.

Erin: Congratulations!