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Salsa with the Stars - New Moves on 1, on 2 & Cuban |
Duplessey-Monic Walker and Andy Cruz: Biographies |
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Web site address: |
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| Contact: Duplessey-Monic Walker SalsaHappy@Aol.com Andy Cruz Princeofsalsa@aol.com |
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| Eddie Torres, New York's Mambo King recounts a story of being underage and snuck into New York Latin hotspots like the Palladium and Corso by his big sister. That lady was Duplessey's mom! Mambo dancing is Duplessey's family legacy, her father a percussionist and her mother a natural born dancer. Eddie Torres, her uncle, dance partner and mentor for almost two decades is a witness to the legacy that has been passed down from his sister to him to her. Duplessey began studying dance at age two. She received intensive ballet training from the Kirov ballet in Budapest, Hungary. Jazz, modern and tap training from Suny Purchase College, flamenco training from Ballet Hispanico and salsa/mambo, afro-Cuban training from, the Boys Harbor "El Museo Del Barrio." Duplessey's mambo career spans over seventeen years since 1987. |
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| Duplessey has an Associate's degree in Dance from Point Park College, and her academic accomplishments include a Master's degree in Psychology from Pace University. Duplessey's rare combination of formal dance training, academia and passion enables her to be a detailed, organized and commanding Latin dance instructor and performer. Performances include Radio City Music Hall, Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, Manhattan Center, Town Hall, Symphony Space Center and the 1996 Olympics with Wynton Marsallis, to name a few. Touring internationally in the early nineties she and her uncle were pioneers in spreading their love of mambo/salsa dance worldwide. Recent accomplishments include dance captain and assistant choreographer and to an Atlantic City Latin Dance Production. New York's El Diario, "La Prensa" named her "Una Joven Leyenda (A young legend)," en el movido mundo de la salsa and Univision channel 47 deemed her teaching style and class as a great preventative measure to promote good health. Duplessey is incredibly grateful and joyous to continue spreading her love of the music and dance carrying on her family legacy! She teaches her own signature brand of ladies' styling, spinning & shine choreography. Duplessey exudes style, power and presence on the dance floor. She has it in her blood; she's Eddie's niece! |
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Andy "Lyrik" Cruz at the age of 23 has taken the world of Dance by storm. Born and raised in Chicago of Puerto Rican descent his love for dance started as a Childhood dream to be on a stage and demonstrate his Talent. At the age of 11 he formed part of "VIVA LA GENTE DE CHICAGO" and at the same time formed part of a Puerto Rican Folkloric dance group "YUBA". Having a passion for his native music at the age of 13, Andy decided to form part of the first Puerto Rican folkloric youth dance company of Chicago " Las Semillitas". After 7 years with Las Semillitas Cruz felt that it was time to part ways. In 1998, at the age of 17 he followed his vision and founded " Los Jóvenes Del Swing Dance Company" which is now an international touring company and made appearances throughout Florida, Illinois, Indiana, New York, Texas, Puerto Rico and Mexico. |
Cruz has collaborated and has choreographed for Latin artist such as Michael Stuart, Brenda K. Starr, Oscar D'Leon, Fulanito, Los Homeboys, Ashley and hip-hop artist COMMON. He has also been part of dance productions held in some of chicago's most prestigious theatres such as Dance Africa, Dance Chicago and the LIFE showcase, with dance companies such as Urban Credo, L.I.F.E. and the internationally known hip-hop troupe Culture Shock. Andy is also the official choreographer of the Ms. Belleza Latina National Pageant system that has already been held in cities such as Orlando, Fl., Chicago, IL. San Antonio,TX. And this year in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Some of Cruz's television credits include appearing on UPN's television pilot "Kevin's Room" as a principal hip-hop dancer, Telemundos "Despierta America", WGN's "Jenny Jones", "Its Showtime at the Apollo" and the early morning news for FOX, ABC and NBC. In 2003 Cruz decided to turn his youth company into a more mature and professional Latin dance company with higher standards. Since the inception of Los Soneros Del Swing in February 2003, Cruz has been able to lead this team into World Dance Festivals throughout Detroit , Los Angeles , Philadelphia, Boston, Texas, New York, Miami, Puerto Rico, Mexico, France and Italy. By end of 2003 Andy Cruz and Los Soneros Del Swing Dance Company became the most sought-out Latin dance company of Chicago and were the first Latin dance company of Chicago to complete a European tour throughout Italy and France. Besides becoming a world wide instructor he still continues to extend a hand to youth of his community by forming the new edition of Los Jovenes Del Swing which is a non-for- profit youth dance organization that serves the kids in the puerto rican community of Humboldt Park where he trains them in different areas of dance like jazz, hip-hop and every style of Latin dance. Known for his energy, innovation and charismatic presence Andy Cruz is a name that you will always link to Latin dance internationally. Still working on the growth of his career he currently manages the Dance Academy of Salsa and Modern Latin Dance which is home to both of his dance companies and is the most sought-out entertainment director and choreographer for the top nightclub venues in the city. Now on the road of being one the newest acts on the World Salsa Congress Tour there will be a lot more to see from him. Through his passion and dedication Cruz has become one of the most complete and decorated Latin dancers in the city. Continuing to go on to new horizons he continues to put Chicago on the map in the world of dance |
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