 Bernard Martinez...
New York’s Best Kept
Secret
By Edie, The
Salsa FREAK
During our two-month 2002
Latin Madness Bootcamp
in New York, we had the opportunity to learn from and work with many
instructors from in and around New York City. Every time we went to
a nightclub or social, we would watch for anyone who looked awesome, and
ask for a private lesson. We didn’t care whether they were an
instructor or not. When we found Bernard, we found a
goldmine.
What I generally look for
from a man (instructor or not) is a lead that is comfortable, yet exciting
- someone that plays with the music, rather than just making sure
he is on the beat or perfecting his timing. What I look for in a
woman (instructor or not), is a follower who oozes style and
elegance in the slivers of time between his moves, without interrupting
his lead.
Like most guys, Al generally
looks for guys with complicated-looking Cool Moves. We both
take private lessons all the time, because the more we know, the more we
realize how much we don’t know!
What I’ve found over the
years, is that when dancers watch couples dance, the men will often look
at the male lead and all his patterns. Women, on the other hand,
will look at both the man and the woman. What is more
important to me now, is how the woman is displayed and taken care
of. It actually hurts me to see a man throw around and push a woman
into submission on the dance floor. I get cringes up my spine when I
see him put her into an arm-knot move from hell that I can see in her FACE
is hurting her. When I see a guy twist her arm behind and high up
her back, I can feel her tiny delicate tendons tearing away from her
shoulders. It pains me to see the look on her face when he throws
her arms around her back and forces her into moves only rehearsed by
seasoned, professional partners.
 Because Salsa is a social dance with few rules of how it is
supposed to look, it is clearly an undefined art form, much like a Picasso
or Norman Rockwell painting. How can one judge, or even compare one
style against another?
Salsa is an art form, self-expressed with
overwhelming diversity as far as the East is from the West. It is unique, unto itself.
So
to the newer male dancers, who are forever learning and growing from
various instructors who teach the “move of the week,” it’s all about moves
and how the guy looks out there. To me however, what is
important is how the couple looks, and makes me, as an observer, feel when
I watch them dance.
Am I moved? Did they
change my life? Did they rock my world? Did I cry?
As
an observer, I like to watch as a couple brings me into their
world. I love to be taken on a journey into what they’re
experiencing and living out there on the dance floor. Entertain me
with feelings of joy and comfort. Let me live life through
your performance.
Don’t make it difficult for
me to watch you.
You
can imagine the arguments Al and I used to have about leading and
following. It wasn’t very pretty - until we met Bernard Martinez
from New York.
 Bernard is the type of
dancer/instructor that not only makes the woman feel like a million
dollars, but does it with “Cool Moves” that appeals to the machismo ego as
well. Simply put, Bernard Martinez caters to both the man and the
woman on the dance floor and as an instructor.
Because of the way he
displays the woman, he, himself looks and feels amazing. Because of
his technically perfect lead, his moves are fluid and precise.
Because of his extensive training and techniques, he gets asked to teach
and coach all over the world.
Bernard’s style allows him
to look amazing, whether he’s dancing with a pro, or a beginner. He
dances to each woman’s level. This gentlemen-like method relieves
stress and anxiety on her part, making her feel as though she had just
danced the dance of her life.
Bernard Martinez has a way
of making a difficult move look effortless. His teaching is simple,
yet precise. He can describe and demonstrate in laymen’s terms a
seemingly impossible move, and make it actually look and feel good, the
first try! He can take any woman, novice or pro, and place
her into intricate turn patterns that feel smooth as butter - making it
look like they’ve been dancing together for
years.
His
connection is subtle, yet solid – powerful, yet sensual. He
calculates and creates a turn pattern at a perfectly precise time
for a hit, break, or gentle pause in the music. His sense of
musicality is impeccable. At home, his collection of hundreds of
Salsa/Mambo CDs has earned him a stellar reputation as an awesome DJ in
some of the most well-known New York Mambo clubs and
socials.
Time and time again, the
moves and turn patterns a leader can do with solid technique are
endless. Every move is executed flawlessly. Every
combination looks and feels beautiful. Bernard’s look and
feel is incredible because of his technically perfect lead. His
fabulous lead comes from years of extensive training from various Ballroom
dances, jazz and theatre arts.
I
am convinced that it is extremely rare to find a fabulous lead without
basic training in some sort of ballroom partner-dance.
An
expert instructor, both on the “One,” the “Two,” New York style, and
Ballroom style (now known as the “Power Two”), Bernard takes the look
and feel of both Mambo and Salsa to an entirely new and exciting
level.
What I am
about to say, I don’t say very often.
I’ve performed and taught
Salsa and Mambo in thirty different countries throughout the world, and
I’ve danced with literally thousands of men.
Bernard
Martinez’s lead is by far, hands down, one of the best and most
comfortable leads in the world.
What’s amazing is that in
addition to his fabulous repertoire of dances ranging from Theatre Arts,
to Ballroom, to Mambo, Bernard not only teaches men’s styling, but LADIES
STYLING as well! He blew my mind with a few tricks up his sleeve
that I now teach to my girls!
Both Bernard and his
beautiful wife, Sonya, manage the Latin programs and events at Ballroom on
5th Dance Studio in Manhattan, and host very successful dance
socials for the Mambo, Tango, and Hustle dancers of New York.
 Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am very proud to introduce to you, New York’s Best Kept Secret, Mr.
Bernard Martinez!
Where
were you born?
I was born in New York
City.
What
nationality are you?
I am a Puerto
Rican
Do you
have any brothers or sisters, and if so are they into dance as
well?
 I
have seven sisters and one brother. I am the only dancer of the
bunch.
When did
you start dancing?
I began my dance education
in the spring of 1990.
Why did
you start dancing?
I was attracted to a young
lady who was taking lessons at a local dance school – so I
enrolled!
What was
the first dance you learned?
Would you believe
– the Foxtrot!!
What are
the other dances you know, and which do you like the
best?
I started my dance
education in international ballroom, then studied jazz, tap, theatre arts,
swing, hustle and mambo. I learned a little bit of everything at the
same time, but mambo was my calling and it was a dance I could enjoy any
day of the week at clubs.
 What
motivated you to step out of “the box” and do more than just
“Mambo”?
Knowing and understanding
different dance styles absolutely helped my salsa/mambo. All dances
have a fundamental premise like balance, pivots, weight change,
coordination, spacing and connection. These attributes are universal
in any dance. If you start from that fundamental core and work your
way up by adding the rhythm, timing and music - you can appreciate the
intricacies of any dance to a greater depth. I have used and
embraced these concepts to enhance my dance, and my instruction.
Out of
all the dances you teach, which is your favorite and
why?
I would say theatre Arts
because it truly allows me to do two things that I really love at the same
time – acting and dancing. Although I can do that in salsa/mambo too
– in theatre arts, there is much more flexibility in music. You can
virtually dance Theatre Arts to any music.
Who has
influenced you the most as a dancer?
  
I am a big fan of Fred Astaire,
Gene Kelly and Gregory Hines. They are very different dancers but they all
have similar execution - very graceful and masculine at the same
time. I also have a great deal of respect and appreciation for the
Palladium era and the mambo dancers who paved the way for salseros like
myself and others.
Have you
ever competed?
Yes, and it was short
lived. I love the competitiveness, but not the politics.
Who or
what motivated you to start teaching, and when?
I was approached by Paul
Pellicoro of NY DanceSport about an opportunity to teach. I joined
their teacher training program and the rest is history.
Do you teach full
time? Where?
Yes, I teach at several
locations in the NYC area.
What is
the most enjoyable aspect of your career?
I love to travel and meet
new people – sharing the gospel of dance.
 What do you prefer most – performing, choreography or
teaching?
I
enjoy all of it. They all present different challenges and
motivations. But I would have to say I find teaching to be most
rewarding. Over the years, I have influenced many of my students to
dance far beyond their initial expectations. Today, I see them
dancing with confidence and enjoying the art!
Do you do anything else in the Latin field?
 I
am a professional DJ and aspiring recording engineer. I also promote
and coordinate Latin events. I have been running one of NYC’s most
popular Latin dance socials – MamboCaliente since 1999. We’ve had
the privilege of debuting and booking over 200 dance showcases since
then. We strive to help new talents break-in to the industry and
giving them our support.
What are
your thoughts about One vs Two dancing? Which is better to you?
I
can spend hours on this topic alone – The more I think about it, the
simpler it actually becomes… here’s why. Dancing like painting or
sculpting is a form of art. Art is subject to individual
interpretation. For example, five people can see one piece of art
and have five completely different interpretations. Dancing is the
same. You hear the music and it makes you feel a certain way – and
YOU interpret that feeling through your body. Your body becomes the
tool to express that feeling through movement – just like a brush is to an
artist. That interpretation is individual and unique. Whether you
express that interpretation on one or two, it does not matter - as long as
you are consistent! I personally prefer to dance on two.
Do you perform now? If so, who is your dance
partner?
Yes, I have several
dancers I work with. It depends on the venue and who is best suited
for the event.
You
specialize in Theatre Arts. Do you find this difficult to
teach? What are your secrets to teach solid Theatre Arts to a
couple?
Theatre Arts is difficult
to teach only when you are working with individuals who have very little
dance training. The secret to teaching theatre arts is to have them
understand self-awareness individually and as a couple. In addition
to strength, flexibility and many hours of practice, there are techniques
on being grounded, holding your weight and very importantly, on using
counterbalance.
What is
your advice to men who want to be solid leaders?
I learned to lead and
follow during my teacher training. I became a better leader when I
learned to follow. I developed a greater understanding and
appreciation for “how it feels” to be on the other side. I’m not
saying to be a good leader you must learn to follow, however leaders
should develop a greater sensitivity for their partners. Some
helpful hints for a solid leader are:
- Allow the follower to finish
her move or weight change – DON’T RUSH!
- Don’t assume that she will
know your turn pattern or moves – follow though on all your movements or
combinations before starting the next.
-
When
spinning your follower, don’t start strong and finish weak!
- Always be considerate to
your partner – ask before trying fancy moves or tricks. Don’t impose
yourself – always be a gentleman.
Remember, the
dance is not all about her – but it’s MOSTLY about her!
What is
your advice to women who want to be good followers?
The best advice I can give
a follower is to never anticipate the leader’s movement. Don’t
assume you know what the movement, pattern or combination is. Every
leader has a different lead, twist or variation on even the simplest
move. If you assume you know it and guess incorrectly, you will
disrupt the leader’s flow. If he is a good leader – allow him to
lead you and enjoy the dance.
Who
influenced you the most when you were learning to partner dance, and what
was your motivation to learn and get better?
I am my greatest motivator
and critic. I constantly challenge myself to improve as a person and
also in my career. I measure how I’ve done from last week, month,
year and even a decade. I like to reflect on my experiences and
strive to do better each day.
Who
continues to influence your dance and teaching style?
 It’s not at much “who” as it is “what”. I usually draw
from other dance forms and integrate their concepts, theories, and
philosophy into salsa/mambo.
Some
people are concerned that Salsa isn’t what it used to be. It’s
faster and the turns are getting more and more complicated, rarely showing
off the woman anymore. What are your thoughts on this?
It is true salsa
has changed. The great thing about salsa/mambo is its
flexibility. As long as you follow some simple rules like timing
& rhythm, you can basically do anything you want – fast, slow, lifts,
tricks, drops, spins, or shines. Unfortunately, some people feel
they have to show everything they’ve learned in two years in a 3˝-minute
song. The dance has certainly changed, but I like to think of it as
evolving, and it’s continually changing at even this moment. Back in
the 50’s and 60’s (or the Palladium era), couples danced and hardly
touched each other to do simple patterns. These days, you see one
complex combination after another. I personally prefer substance
over style. Who knows, maybe in the future, we’ll have virtual mambo
where couples do crazy turn patterns without touching at all!
What do you think of
dancing to the music, vs the
timing:? Which is more important to
you?
You can’t have one without
the other - but if I had to choose what is more important – I would have
to say the music. Perhaps more specifically - the rhythm or the
“feel” of the music.
How did
you meet your beautiful wife Sonya?
I met Sonya at the
Copacabana five years ago. She simply walked up to me and asked me
to dance. Three years later – we got
married.
Was she
an expert dancer as well?
She was just
learning to dance then. We now dance well together!
What
were the qualities she possessed that made your realize that she was “The
One”?
She was the most
beautiful, intelligent, funny and charming woman I’ve ever met. She
laughed at all my jokes then and still laughs today (lucky for me).
She’s a great cook too!
What are
your personal goals and ambitions, together with your wife?
My wife and I strive for a
simple & happy life. We try not to complicate things and choose
to see the good in people and situations even when things are tough.
Our ultimate goal is to settle in a custom built home and enjoy all the
qualities life has to offer.
If you had one chance to
interview someone, out of all the people in the world, alive or dead, who
would that person be?
Bruce
Lee – A martial artist truly ahead of his time. He was a
self-motivated artist who always looked to expand his art. Today, I
use many of his martial arts concepts in my dancing such as the economy of
motion, and utilizing simple movements for maximum impact.
Bernard,
if you had a chance to step outside of yourself, and sit with Bernard
Martinez for a few minutes, what type of advice would you give him?
Continue the path for a
quality life and happiness. Continue to be giving but don’t give
the store away! Set more short-term goals and boundaries.
Thank you Edie and Al for your kind words
and friendship!
*
Bernard Martinez photos courtesy of Pablo Munoz of MambOn2.com
Photographer and fellow salsero Pablo Munoz captured of Bernard's photos
seen on this page. Pablo is available by appointment. Email: paff@MambOn2.com
For reprints of this Interview, please contact at bmartinez@mambocaliente.com
Copyright 2003 by MamboCaliente.com
All rights reserved.
Author, Edie, The Salsa FREAK
Bernard
Martinez can be reached at 917-459-8003, email: bmartinez@mambocaliente.com,
or on the web at http://www.mambocaliente.com/.
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