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Edwin Rivera's 'Soul of a Dancer': "Beautiful"!

Tue, Jan 19, 2010 03:33 AM by Milton Rodas

Most people know Edwin Rivera as a dancer, but Music has always been his first love.

I happened to be dancing at Stevens Steak House, a local nightclub in Los Angeles, when I heard a tune coming out of the speakers that really made me want to dance! Quickly, I grabbed (asked kindly) a girl who I knew could feel the music the way I did and we headed to the dance floor. As the song progressed my enthusiasm about it grew and I just had to stop dancing to ask the DJ what was the name of the song! The DJ of the night, Martin 'El Travieso', replied: "Beautiful"... My reply to him was: "Yes, I know it's beautiful, but what's the name of the song?" He laughed and replied again: "the name is 'Beautiful'!"

Well, that night I continued dancing and never really got to ask Martin who the artist was, but one night, as I listened to Edwin Rivera's new album, "Soul of a Dancer," my ears began to hear the tunes that I had been dancing to that night at Stevens Steak House! Could it be possible that Edwin Rivera was responsible for so much of my enjoyment that night at Stevens? Totally! It was all his music and creativity. I had been exposed to the "Soul of a Dancer" rhythms and I was not even aware of it! But I was aware of one thing, that it was simply Beautiful and I loved it!

Well, Edwin's new album, with songs like "Beautiful," "Cuando Te Vi," "The Warm-Up," "Nueva Vida," "Con' Take It Easy," and the rest of the tunes in the album, really touches the soul of any dancer!

This is of no surprise when you realize that Edwin Rivera has become a name to remember in the world of dance and music. His story involves overcoming adversity, remembering your roots, and escaping the chains of where you were born. He is truly a clear example of how strength, hard work, and determination can lead you to your dreams.

Edwin was born in the Bronx, New York, in a home that was in love with salsa music. He is of Puerto Rican descent and was well-schooled by his parents on his culture, from food, to dance, and music. However, as he aged he tried to separate himself from these roots and fell into the wrong crowd. As his Mother realized the path on which he was headed, she got him involved in formal Salsa dancing lessons, and this completely changed his life around. Through dance, Edwin was able to rise above the drugs, gangs, and violence to which he was exposed and he learned to love salsa. Today, he has appeared in numerous television shows, stages and live performances worldwide, music videos, and even movies such as "El Cantante" and "Along Came Polly."

"Soul of a Dancer," with all its creative content and explosive, yet, relaxing jazzy tunes, is truly a beautiful creation coming from an individual who truly understands the Latin culture that he represents in so many aspects. Edwin, with all his talents and drive for life, will continue to make history in our community and we, at SalsaHook, will continue to talk about him as his presence is made felt by what he accomplishes!

Purchase "Soul of a Dancer" on iTunes:

For anyone who would like to purchase the physical copy of Edwin Rivera's "Soul of a Dancer," you can visit www.edwinriveramusic.com, where you can download the MP3s as well.

Have you purchased "Soul of a Dancer" yet? What were your thoughts on the album. Post your comments below.

Tags: Edwin Rivera, Music, Soul of a Dancer

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