Originally, I chose the name Desueño because it was an amalgamation of my name and the Spanish word for dream. It had always been my dream to have my own dance company. This was the beginning of a journey for me and the dancers who lent their energy and talent to the company.
As Desueño continued, I realized it was so much more than the name of a company. It represented a movement.
Our slogan is “We dance On 1, On 2, with people.”
The thing I wanted most was to be able to connect with people. At the time On2, New York Style Salsa, was gaining popularity within the Chicago community. There were debates on the merits of dancing each style. Was On2 more musical? Was it easier to find On1 dancers represented at the clubs? Would dancing On2 make people better at Cha-Cha?
I wanted my dancers to be able to jam with anyone regardless of the timing they used or preferred. But the issue for me went a little deeper. When I dance, it’s as though I’ve entered an alternate reality filled with spice cake and horchata ice cream. It’s a surprise visit from a loved one. It’s reconnecting with a childhood friend. It’s lunch with friends or playing catch with your kids. Whatever brings you joy or happiness, that is the feeling that comes from dancing. Dance is freedom and an expression of joy to me. My fondest wish is for more people to experience the exhilaration dance can bring and for them to take that energy, positivity, and spread it throughout their lives. We should be better people, because we dance.
Desueño is not only a dance company. It is a philosophy of bringing people joy.
Desueño’s goal is to deliver joy, whether that’s through performance, community outreach, or social dancing.
I hope it becomes a social movement that will bring joy to the world.
