Since opening their dance studio, Latin Fire Dance Company, in January of last year, partners Jorge Pablos and América Soto have been sharing their love of dance with Sarnia.
The pair came to Sarnia from Mexico in August of 2022.
“We just missed dancing,” said Pablos. He had danced with a group in Guadalajara for more than seven years and competed around the country. “There are no Latin dance studios here, so we just decided to start our own.”
At first, they started renting space by the hour, but got to the point where it made more sense to have their own dedicated space.
At their studio downtown, 190 Christina St N., they teach dance lessons in Salsa and Bachata, from beginner to advanced, on Mondays and Tuesdays. On Wednesdays, they host a social Latin dance night.
“We also have private lessons,” said Soto, “couples or solos.”
A popular request is for them to teach choreography to couples for their first newlywed dance.
Salsa dance originated in Cuba in the early 1900s, and was popularized in 1960s New York. As the music and dance evolved and spread to other countries, different styles emerged.
Bachata originated in the Dominican Republic around the same time, and it can incorporate many of the same movements as Salsa.
“Bachata is more intimate,” Pablos said.
“Romantic,” Soto added.
Though they are both from Mexico, Pablos and Soto met in Toronto in 2017 when they came to Canada for a month to study English. They stayed in touch when they returned to Mexico where they lived an eight-hour drive away from each other.
Later they married, and afterward came to Sarnia where Soto, a teacher, was attending Lambton College for a program in e-learning.
In October 2024, Pablos and Soto competed at the 20th annual Canada Salsa & Bachata Congress, held at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto. This event brings together performers and competitive dancers from across Canada, North America, and the world.
Out of 26 teams Pablos and Soto placed 3rd in the Bachata Showcase final.
Seeing the other dancers there, Pablos said they were “amazed by their choreographies, their tricks, and dips, and lifts.”
“Their level was amazing,” said Soto.
“We did not think we were going to make it,” Pablos added.
Though Pablos had competed in similar events before, this was Soto’s first time. They were overjoyed to get the recognition and proud to say that they placed in an international competition.
“Dance is a language without words,” said Pablos, talking about the importance of the art in bringing people together. “You can go wherever, and even if you don’t speak the language, you can dance and that’s going to make you friends.”
Pablos and Soto also organize special events throughout the year. Arts in the Street, parties that closed off Lochiel Street for nights of dancing, food, fun, and celebration of Latin culture, were a tremendous success last summer.
Latin Fire Dance Company hosts a monthly Latin Fiesta Dance Party at Imperial City Brew House. The next one is scheduled for March 8, 2025.