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It’s New York in the late 90’s . The Copacabana still bumping with the smooth sounds of the legendary Tito Puente on stage, performing LIVE. A young Peruvian girl with stark black hair and almond shaped eyes slides through the door with her cousin’s I.D.; blown away by the excitement and glam, women elegantly dressed and men sporting suits and ties. A scene as if it was right out of a movie. “I was just a kid and had never been to New York,” says Talia Castro-Pozo, once the prima ballerina of Peru turned world-class salsa dancer. “It was great that night, to see everyone dressed up and my first experience meeting Tito Puente.”
Destined to be a dancer from a young girl, and devoted to the strenuous physical and emotional training of classical ballet, Talia turned professional at the age of 14 and became the world representative of the Peruvian Ballet. She quickly began touring around the world to perform while continuing to study with some of the best known dancers. “I remember my parents sat me down and told me that I wasn’t going to finish school and that I would have a private coach to study with while I wasn’t touring,” says Talia. “My mom made me sign a contract so that I felt like I was making the decision that this is what I wanted to do. I knew she didn’t want me to feel pressured but the pressure is always there when you’re so young and I didn’t want to let my parents down.”
During her first trip to New York she was introduced to Salsa dancing and became instantly drawn to the sensual movements and soulful style of the dance. It wasn’t until she broke her leg during training that she decided her career in ballet had come to an end and set out to create a new life for herself, away from the pressures of being the prima ballerina of Peru. At the time, the music industry had shifted and Latin music and artists were at a high with the popularity of Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez and others. “Latin culture started to boom in New York and there were more opportunities,” says Talia. “Suddenly you can make a career out of Latin dancing.” In every way possible it became a turning point in Talia’s life. “I found my femininity, my sexuality, my sensuality. I didn’t have to be a ballerina on stage. I could be Talia on stage.”
At the same time, she competed in Ball Room where she had met her current dance partner Lee Bradley. “It’s been magical working with Talia. We’ve known each other since 1997, and I would have never thought we would be dancing together,” says Lee. She also started training as an instructor to make extra money and fell in love with the fulfillment of teaching others how to dance. “I love people and seeing the transformation of how dance makes people happier and more confident.” She even had the opportunity to offer workshops and teach kids in Peru during her last visit this past winter, a trip that posed as an enlightening experience in her life. “It was nice to see how the country has evolved and that there are more funds for the arts,” she says. “It was wonderful to have the prima ballerina taking my class and interacting with people who are really interested in what I’m doing while having that connection to my home country.” It was the first time traveling back to Peru where many people began to notice her success in New York City and were drawn to not only understanding what she was doing but wanting to learn from her.
Each time she travels, Talia brings back the excitement of having lived the benefits of combining two dynamic cultures into one. “I always wanted to be a citizen of the world. It’s great to have two passports and I love being American. I am so grateful of this country and to be able to share my experiences,” she says with a smile. “So many people come with nothing and make something out of themselves, especially in New York City. It’s easy to get distracted but if you work hard and stay focused on what you want, you can have it.”
From commercial acting, modeling, singing to teaching, preparing a new dance show, performing for the prime minister of Thailand, and promoting parties like Salsa Monday’s at Taj Lounge and her new world party “The Garden of Earthly Delights,” Talia takes on the world with the constant grace and elegance of a true dancer. And as she reflects on the steps that have brought her to where she is now, it’s quite clear that there certainly is more in store for this beauty.
For more information on Talia Castro-Pozo, please visit www.taliacastro-pozo.com
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