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CARLOS RODRIGUEZarlos Rodri-guez, 24, ofRochesterhas beendancingsince he was15 years old.Now, Rodri-
guez is a dance instructorwith Tango Cafe in Roch-ester, a certified Zumba in-structor for the YMCA andcan be found dancing all theLatin favorites at Flat IronCafe.
What made you pursuea career in dance?
I grew up around music.I'm a musician myself, but itwasn't my cup of tea. I: wiimore of a way to connect withmy family. But I believe indancing, and I realized whatit does for people. I've noticedthat people's lives arechanged through dancing—emotionally, physically andeven spiritually. I've seenmarried couples who need aspark in their life and danc-ing rekindles that flame. Orwhen you have a studentcome up to you and tell you,'ever since I started dancing,it changed my life,' you knowyou are making a difference.
What's your favorite danceand why?
You put on Salsa, and I'mready to dance. I love thedance. It's high energy, andit's very fun. It's very upbeat,and most likely it will makeyou smile.
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For more on Tango Cafe Dance Studio, 389 GregoryStreet, oall (585) 271- 4930 or email [email protected]. Rodriguez also can be found teaching merengueand bachata at 9 p.m. Tuesday at Flat Iron Cafe, 561 StateSt. on the corner of Lake, Lyell, Smith, and State streets.Call for details (585) 454-4830 or email Rodriguez [email protected].
nights, but I also go on Thurs-days for salsa night.
Where can we find you danc-ing in Rochester when you're five years'?not teaching at Tango Cafe?
I'm always at Flat IronCafe. [The owner TommyLaBue] has been very kind tous, and he's helped support usas a studio. I teach merengueand bachata on Tuesday
Where do vou see yourself infive years?
I see myself still partneredwith Tango Cafe, but I seemyself more involved withthe community. I want to beable to teach and raiseteachers, because one day I'dlike to sit back, watch and
relax. Really, I'd love to seeTango Cafe grow and expand.I want to be a part of all ofthat.
Do you think you'll leave Roch-ester for a larger city to pursueother opportunities?
Why go somewhere wheresomething is already estab-lished, if I can establish some-thing here? X
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