1. How did you feel about being part of the Show?

Frankie: I felt the Show was a wonderful and unifying experience for the Latin Dance community and with all respect to Nelson Flores and all those who worked so hard to make this production a success!

2. Would you do it again?

Frankie: Yes I would jump at the chance to work with the cast of Latin Madness and to be a part of it again. To me it is where all minds meet and all Latin dance companies come together -- not only for unification of this art, but to glorify in the overwhelming need of all of us to be recognized, respected and admired for our efforts in this business.

3. What would you change, if anything?

Frankie: I would not change anything. It was a success as it was. When I do it again, I would love to do nothing else but that -- to clear my calendar so I can be available when called upon. Is that possible?

4. How long have you been dancing? Is it your full-time job?

Frankie: I have only been dancing for 5 years. I was introduced to Latin Dance during a naval leave visit to Florida -- before then I don't remember what I was doing! YES, it is my full time job. I am what you call a "starving artist". I give it my all and will probably die poor but happy!

5. Who did you train with in the past?

Frankie: I trained with Eddie Torres. I started in a ballroom dance school and headed the Mambo Department before I started classes with Eddie.

6. Do you have any other types of training (i.e. jazz) that you utilize in your
choreography?

Frankie: I do not have training in jazz or much of any other dance training -- my ability to Mambo comes from the African, Spanish and Taino blood we Caribbeans all have.

7. What was the background or inspiration for your piece?

Frankie: Libertad: I heard the song 3 years ago and felt I had to visually tell the story the music portrayed in my mind. I saw a field where bleeding African slaves were chained and suffering. They were slowly moving to the rhythm of the drums in a row with bowed heads as their voices picked up and they suddenly picked up their heads with dignity and became enraged and headed towards the waiting armed Spanish and they yelled LIBERTAD! I felt it in my soul as if I had been there. This number defines who I really am, proud to have African blood running through my veins and proud to be a Puerto Rican!

8. Where do you see Mambo/Salsa in the next 10 years.

Frankie: I see Mambo taken to heights of glorious proportions -- straight to Broadway, where it belongs. We are just the beginning of it all. I also want it to remain clean and original and that we never forget where it came from.

9. To help Toronto and other dancers who learned to dance Salsa "on 1", can you give me your thoughts on why you prefer dancing "on 2".

Frankie: I prefer dancing on "2" because it makes me express my inner-feelings through my dance. It has become the reason which drives me forward. I don't recall anything else in life which has had such a impact on me. I respect all other forms of dance.

10. Anything you'd like to add that I didn't think of.

Frankie: I would like to add that without my dancers, my dance partner and without the support and respect I get from other dancers and other company directors, my life would not be the same and again, thank you all!