Queer Salsa: How One Nonbinary Couple Leads and Follows | If Cities Could Dance

Summary

Angie Egea and Audrey Guerrero are dancers in Austin, Texas, aiming to make the salsa community more inclusive. They challenge traditional gender roles in dance by embracing non-binary 'lead and follow' dynamics. The video showcases their passion for salsa, its rich history, and the influence of various cultures. They inspire others to express themselves authentically on the dance floor, promoting a sense of belonging and respect through movement.

Takeaways

• 💃 Angie Egea and Audrey Guerrero are working to create an inclusive salsa community in Austin, Texas.
• 🕺 Angie was inspired to start leading in salsa after seeing women leading for the first time, challenging traditional gender roles.
• 🌈 Their mission is to promote a queer dance community and break the binary system of 'male lead and female follow' in salsa.
• 🎨 Audrey and Angie emphasize expression and connection in dance, encouraging people to embrace their own identity and energy.
• 🇨🇴 Angie is from Colombia, and Audrey is from the Dominican Republic. Both bring their cultural backgrounds into their dancing.
• 🇵🇷 Austin has a vibrant Latin American and Puerto Rican community, making it a diverse and welcoming place for salsa.
• 👩‍❤️‍👩 Audrey credits salsa and her relationship with Angie as pivotal in helping her come out and be open about her identity.
• 🎶 Salsa has roots in Cuban and African rhythms, with key figures like Celia Cruz contributing to its evolution.
• 👯‍♀️ Audrey and Angie are making dance spaces in Austin more inclusive, allowing participants to choose their roles in dance based on preference, not gender.
• 💪 Their art and classes have helped them gain respect in the salsa community, reinforcing the importance of being yourself on the dance floor.

Q & A

What is Angie Egea's initial experience with salsa dancing?

Angie Egea initially experienced salsa dancing as a traditionally male-led activity, where she never saw a woman leading.

What was Angie Egea's reaction to seeing a woman lead in salsa?

Angie Egea was obsessed with the idea of leading salsa after seeing a woman do it and wanted the choice to either lead or follow.

How did Angie Egea and Audrey Guerrero meet?

The script does not explicitly detail how Angie Egea and Audrey Guerrero met, but it mentions that Angie fell in love with Audrey and became more open about leading in dance.

What is the mission of Angie Egea and Audrey Guerrero in the salsa community?

Their mission is to create a queer dance community that promotes a non-binary idea of 'lead and follow' rather than 'female and male', focusing on expression and connection.

Why is Austin, Texas significant in the context of salsa dancing according to the script?

Austin is significant because it is a diverse scene with vibrant Puerto Rican and Latin American communities, and it is described as a very accepting and colorful city.

What is Audrey Guerrero's background and how did she come to the United States?

Audrey Guerrero is originally from the Dominican Republic and came to the United States with her mom when she was about ten years old.

How did salsa help Audrey Guerrero in her personal journey?

Salsa helped Audrey Guerrero to come out and meet her wife, Angie Egea, which was a significant part of her personal journey.

What is the historical origin of salsa mentioned in the script?

Salsa originated from the Caribbean due to political issues between the U.S. and Cuba, and it has African roots with influences from Cuban immigrants in the '50s and '60s.

Who is Celia Cruz and why is she significant in the context of salsa?

Celia Cruz is known as the queen of salsa because she was a pioneer who brought Afro-Cuban rhythms and was a Black woman from Cuba, always bringing that heritage back into her music.

How did different dance styles influence the development of salsa?

Salsa was influenced by various dance styles like hustle, jive, and swing, which were incorporated into it, changing its structure. It also has influences from dances from Colombia and Mexico.

What is Rey Arteaga's view on the integration of the dance community in Austin?

Rey Arteaga views the integration of the dance community in Austin as critical, valuable, and welcomed. He is excited about the community's inclusivity.

What is the traditional portrayal of salsa according to the script?

Traditionally, salsa has been portrayed as binary, with a clear distinction between male and female roles in the dance.

How does Angie Egea feel about the power of creating art with Audrey Guerrero?

Angie Egea feels that creating art with Audrey Guerrero has given them respect and strength in the dance scene, allowing them to step into their true identities.

What message do Angie Egea and Audrey Guerrero want to spread through their dancing?

Angie Egea and Audrey Guerrero want to spread the idea that individuals should be free to express themselves on the dance floor, regardless of gender, and that they can be respected through their movement.