GRIGWARE INTERVIEWS: 2016 Interview with Gloria Angeles

Gloria Angeles became a Zumba instructor for LA Fitness approximately two and a half years ago. Through the years she has also been involved in salsa dancing and competitions. “ I had been taking tap at the Marge Patka dance studio and performed in many of her shows and had wanted to be involved in more than just tap numbers. I got my opportunity in the summer show The Marge Patka Summer Spectacular 2015.”

Last year Gloria wanted to start her own female Latin dance team, so she requested from Marge the opportunity to do two numbers in the show. One was a Latin salsa number and the other was "The Charleston". “Since we do two styles of dance, Latin and a more nostalgic 1920s style, our group has two names. The first is Angeles Salsera Zumbera Dance Company with a nickname of ASZ Crew and the other is Vintage Dancer. We performed at the Marge Patka Summer Spectacular 2015. We then did a special performance at the Joyce-Eisenberg Center. We have done performances at private parties. I myself have provided three parties where our dance team performed fully costumed with a professional stage.We have our own Youtube channel.There we have several Zumba dance routines and our performance at the Marge Patka 2015 show.”

This brings us to the Marge Patka Summer Spectacular 2016 which will be held on June 25th, at 2:00 PM at the Reseda High School Auditorium, 18230 Kittridge St., Reseda, CA.

Gloria informs us that the Latin number this year will be a Samba routine, and the 1920s style dance will be "The Black Bottom". “The Samba routine has been difficult because we started with 5 dancers and now have 7. We are trying to expand our group without compromising the integrity of the actual dance movement. The most difficult step to learn has been the basic Samba step. Many of the dancers are not formally trained in dance studios. They are not accustomed to so much hip movement. Due to the time compromise, we have already started practicing with our Samba backpacks and heels. Next will be the Samba headdresses. The week after we will add the wristlets and ankles. Our Samba costumes are authentic Rio costumes and they are gorgeous, very colorful and we have had to spend time and effort of just the wearing of the headdress part. It is very heavy and hard to wear. I have designed the costumes this year for the Roaring 20s Black Bottom dance.

"The 1920s dance has been more fun to practice. It still has several challenges.The number is very fast paced with a lot of quirky dance moves. The girls have had less difficulty learning this routine. They do the "Raggedy drop hop!"

Tickets can be purchased at the door for 25.00 or you can come by her studio and purchase them. The phone number to call for info is 818-943-8677.

Glodesi1@gmail.com

In the meantime check out the gorgeous ladies and their costumes in the photos below.