Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Giles.
Hi Jonathan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started dancing swing and ballroom in college; I danced with the Ballroom Performance Group at the University of Georgia for one year. Eventually ballroom dancing led me into salsa and bachata. I began going to events and taking various classes in Athens and in the Atlanta area with instructors like Matthew David Krivanek, (then Spicy Salsa now Zouk Atlanta), Alfredo Piceno (Salsambo) and many more.
I fell in love with salsa and left ballroom and swing in the dust. I took introductory classes and danced at socials for years before moving to South Florida (Fort Lauderdale area). I trained at Casa Salsa in Sunrise, Florida as a member for around a year and continued to social dance and progress as a dancer. My interest in bachata began to grow while living in South Florida. Upon moving back to GA in December 2017 I spent a few months training as a member of Pasofino Dance Atlanta (Jose Maldonado, Lucy Lu and [then] Ashwin Raju). The more I learned the more I developed a love for bachata.
I started going to congresses and workshops with this style of dance as my focus. I trained, danced, and performed with Alma Atlanta under the direction of Luis Alberto and Jess Sheppard. I have spent time working with and training under Christian Sola. I teach, DJ and host/promote bachata and salsa events in Atlanta; I have choreographed and directed bachata teams as well (Georgia Tech Latin Dance Club, Dulce Y Sensual Performance Team). My dedicated relationship with dance began in 2004 and my passion continues to grow. My event Dulce Y Sensual successfully brought Sensual Bachata to Atlanta for almost 2 years before covid hit; now Dulce Y Senusal is back! Over the years I have had opportunities to teach, perform and grow as a dancer on this wonderful journey; I am a bachatero and salero and I love it!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
COVID was challenging in regards to hosting social events for obvious reason. Not to mention the challenge of loosing venues and restaurants because they were going out of business left and right.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I host, promote and market Latin events and dance socials. I teach, dance and dj. What sets me apart is my willingness to collaborate, support and attend other local events, studios with a focus on providing more quality dance opportunities to the dance family/community.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Instagram
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dulceysensualatl.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dulceysensualatl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DySATL/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4wCRxmEKkVfoAFH3trCYeA
- Other: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/dulce-y-sensual-atl-50587862463
Image Credits
The Cork Bros
Studio Primetime
