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Salsa Dancers Hope Smooth Moves Inspire Others

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 16, 2007

Updated: 12/15/2007 11:12 pm

LAKE BUENA VISTA - To those who practice, salsa is more than just a dance.

Luis Eduardo Hernandez sees it as a way to keep youths away from drugs and gangs in his native Colombia. Kiki Kakoullis, 25, and Eli Kostova, 17, have watched it unify and socialize people in their native Bulgaria.

"We want the entire world to dance salsa," said Hernandez, a 39-year-old who operates a Colombian dance school and foundation.

They are getting closer. Hernandez, Kakoullis, Kostova and hundreds of others from more than 30 countries were in Orlando last week for the third installment of the World Salsa Championships. The event, which ends today, is reaching an ever-greater audience, earning a spot for the first time on ESPN2 in addition to ESPN International and ESPN Deportes.

Albert Torres, a famous salsa promoter and producer of the championships, said the draw is simple. Everyone can learn the basic steps, and the competitors' acrobatics and colorful costumes are exciting to watch.

The Associated Press

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