Today we’d like to introduce you to Eddy Deynes.
Eddy aka “SalsaEddy”, was born in Brooklyn, New York. Son of Puerto Rican parents, he grew up in the cultural melting pot of the New York City, he was introduced to all kinds of music at an early age.
Being a young, active man, he was especially attracted to danceable styles such as Rap, Hip-Hop, Disco, Dance, House, Techno, Reggae, Dance Hall, R&B, and Soul which he still enjoys today.
He recalls being introduced by his parents to the varieties of music they especially liked. His dad liked the romantic music of Los Panchos, El Trio Vegabajeno.
His mother was especially fond of salsa and merengue music. She would play salsa and merengue music while she took care of the daily household chores.
When he was 5 years of age he remembers his first lesson in dancing from his mother. First, she taught him the basics to Salsa and Merengue. He fell in love with the style of music. It immediately led him to learn more about other Puerto Rican styles such as Bomba, Plena, Guajira, and Bolero.
At the tender age of 14, his initial exposure to Salsa and Merengue was both tested and further enhanced when his parents moved back to Puerto Rico. There, he discovered the real Puerto Rican roots of the music he loved so much.
Even though he still loved the other styles of music; such as, Hip-Hop, House and Techno, it would be during this stage of his existence that he first would have an opportunity to advance his appreciation, understanding and technical skills Salsa and Merengue.
This comprehensive knowledge and dedication began to pay off when he started competing in local and regional events in Hip-Hop, House and Techno and won 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards from 1987 to 1992. As he grew older his interest gravitated more towards Salsa, Merengue and Bachata and from 1996 to 1998. He won 2nd and 3rd place in the “Triple Corona del Oeste.”
Eventually, as a young man and after 12 years in Puerto Rico, he decided to move back to the U.S. and start a new life in Houston, Texas. He never suspected that this enthusiastic desire for Latin dance and culture would be his massive input to the society that would become his new home. In Houston, he initially had a regular job just like anybody.
His primary career occupation at that present moment was in computer graphics, web design and analyst in the financial services industry. His enviable experiences in those surrounding areas are evident in his personal web site, which is recognized as one of the top salsa websites in the salsa community.
But you can’t hide amazing talent. His talent and respected accomplishments has become more widely recognized. He has been blessed to be formally invited to travel as a salsa ambassador and teacher to places as far away as Japan.
He has also participated in a movie done by VH-1 as well as several music videos. He has been given many awards for his dedication and for his hard work spreading Salsa.
2007, the biggest promoter in the world Mr. Albert Torres, recognize his work in the Salsa Community here in Houston he presented him an award at the 2007 West Coast Salsa Congress.
He is constantly active in all vibrant facets of salsa culture. He retired from competition in 2010 but, continues to actively persist to perform individually or with his dance companies, in local, regional, national and international salsa congresses and other types of events.
He also DJs, promotes, teaches and judges in different salsa events around Texas.
Most recently you’ll find him teaching at his own studio on the Southwest side of Houston call the Houston Dance Factory. You can also find him around Texas where he teaches and mentors new salseros and salseras in all new, critical, distinct and related characteristics of salsa, mambo, cha cha cha , merengue, Afro-Cuban, bachata, dance techniques, style, etc.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes, with some bumps or growing pains along the way.
Cross roads were…
1. If I leave corporate America to dedicate myself to this. July of 2002, I decided to do this full time.
2. Moving from renting space to have my own studio. February 2008, I decided to open my studio.
3. Should I rent space to other instructors or build my own program. February 2008, decided to rent space to independent instructors. January 2009, started building my own staff where we offer different types of programs for different ages.
4. Should I expand or keep it as is. June of 2009, expanded but, December of 2011, decided to reduce back to its normal size. June 2017 considering to expand or change the layout that we have.
Please tell us about Houston Dance Factory.
Our business is about teaching people how to social dance. We are in the business to make you forget the world at least for an hour a week.
Some to build confidence & interact with different people from all walks of life.
Others to network & build long lasting relationships.
A few to take their dancing to the next level by performing, competing, etc.
We are famous for our Latin Dances (Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, etc.). We have a strong Hip Hop & Ballet program.
We are also known for the quality of classes & instructors you can’t beat our prices as we love what we do & believe everyone should learn how to dance.
It’s never too early or late to start. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or not. If you have two left or not. If you have a partner or not. No partner, no problem.
Let us take you into that journey.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
So many, but, I guess when I was one of the top B-boy dancers in Brooklyn that I would battle almost every day in school, around the block, clubs, etc.
Pricing:
- Toddlers & Kids – 1st Month $80 / After $50 – check out our unlimited monthly classes.
- Teens & Kids – 1st month $65 / After $50 – check out our unlimited monthly classes.
Contact Info:
- Address: Houston Dance Factory
5711 Hillcroft St., Ste. D3
Harwin Side 2nd Floor
Houston, Texas 77036 - Website: http://www.houstondancefactory.com
- Phone: 713.780.8080
- Email: houstondancefactory@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/15108561/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonDanceFactory/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/houston-dance-factory-houston
- Other: http://www.salsaeddy.com/
Image Credit:
Albert Ojeda
Anthony Dima-ala
Evon Martinez
Kassandra Reyes
Khadijah McNeil
Maria Morales
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
