Letter: On Salsa nights

Tue, 03/25/2008 12:43 PM  |  Reader's Forum

I would like to comment on a letter from the president of the Spanish-Speaking Women's Association (SSWA) (The Jakarta Post, March 15, p. 7) saying I was "only hired" to perform at the annual SSWA Gala Latina event.

The letter was to clarify statements in an article titled "Salsa nights" published on Feb. 26, p. 19, saying I organized the event.

The Post's article was focusing on my salsa dancing/performing, lessons and event organizing. I have performed at many events and have been in charge and organized Latin nights at various locations such as Mistere (Ritz Carlton), Stix (Park Lane), Eastern Promise restaurant and the most recent, Grape restaurant.

Since many members of SSWA and the current president are newcomers to Indonesia, they may not be aware I was an active member of SSWA in the past and I volunteered and helped to organize the shows and danced at the annual Gala Latina in 1996, 1998 and 2001.

It was in 2005 and 2007 that I was "only hired" when in fact this meant I organized the music, costumes, dancers, choreography and also performed. My contribution to the annual Gala Latina was the dance portion and in my view this is a key role in organizing the dance show of the event.

I am very surprised by the comment expressed by the new president of the SSWA that "Luisa was only hired... to perform at the event".

It was not the article's intent to express I organized the entire annual Gala Latina but only to highlight my involvement and responsibility for organizing the show. The original article was focusing on my dancing experience.

I am very grateful to the SSWA and the Gala Latina committee members who trusted my skills and ability to coordinate and deliver a variety of Latin dance routines that contributed to make the event such a great and beautiful evening. I always take pride in performing all Latin dances and especially for the SSWA Gala Latina.

To conclude, I feel it is very important to carry on a lasting tradition of joy and fun as the Gala Latina presents a memorable evening shared by multi-cultural families and friends past and present we have all come to know during the years the event has been hosted by the SSWA in Indonesia.

I hope that each year the event will grow bigger and more prestigious with the effort and support of all SSWA members and all lovers of the Latin culture and tradition.

LUISA M.
Jakarta

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