An E-Interview with Rose Knows...

2001 Berlin Dance Competiton
1st Place - Semi-Pro Division

Mona Ki and Mark-Anthony Sheppard
April, 2001

Video Photo Credits -- Rene Delgado and Michelle Tanchoco

Rose Knows - What was the Song you used in the competition?

Rose Knows - What inspired you to pick that Song?

Rose Knows - How often did you practice?

Mona and Mark-Anthony - 2-3 hours about 4 times a week
Rose Knows - How did you decide what moves you wanted to use?

Mona - My partner and I collaborated on the choreography. We tried to balance technical with a bit of a story line.

Mark Anthony - We used moves that was technical enough to have a great chance to win our division. We wanted to keep our routine clean, smooth and enjoyable.



Rose Knows - Why did you decide to compete?

Mona - I believed it would be a great learning experience especially dancing with a partner who is such a great dancer.
Mark Anthony - I believed the opportunity was right for us. I was the one that approached Mona the last week before the final preliminary round and she happily accepted.

Rose Knows - Will you be competing again next year?

Mona and Mark Anthony - Don't know.

Rose Knows - What advice would you offer to next year's competitors?

Mona - Practice. Focus on timing and connection. Make the crowd smile. Project good energy....

Mark Anthony - Practice alot and focus on the fundimentals of the dance, i.e timing, connection, partner work and have a good time on stage.

Rose Knows - What did you think of having the 3 levels -- amateur, semi-pro and pro?

Mona - I think adding semi-pro is a good idea because it creates an greater opportunity for dancers in all levels. I think the professional level is the toughest one to judge given the high quality of instructors and the different styles of salsa we have in TO today.

Mark Anthony - It was a good idea.

Rose Knows - What did you think of the level of dancing this year compared to last year?

Mona - It was a lot more competitive this year especially in the Pros. Josephine & Paul were outstanding at the amatuer level.

Mark Anthony - There were alot of good talent this year in all levels. Toronto is becoming a much better dancing city.

Rose Knows - What would you do differently, if anything?

Mona - Probably have a stronger story line and more flash.

Mark Anthony - More tricks.

Rose Knows - Did you train with any other instructors? OR Which dancers/instructors inspire you?

Mona - We did not train with any instructors though we got some wonderful guidance from Bong & Trionne.

My own dancing was greatly influenced by the instructors I have worked with in the last couple of years - Soles(Nicole & Mark), United Salseros (Stephanie, Teddy & Rene) and Dancing Thru Life (Peter) just to mention a few. I am very inspired by Oscar who I believe epitomizes great energy and showmanship.

In addition, while attending a number of international Salsa congresses, I have been exposed to some great instructors and groups who have definitely shaped my definition of salsa.

Mark Anthony - We shared studio space with Trionne, Josephine, Paul & Bong -- that really gave us all an edge; we got really good feedback from all of them.