Colombian natives showcase Latin roots ‘Onstage’
This is the 10th in a series of profiles highlighting the finalists of Morristown Onstage, to be held Feb. 24 at the Mayo Performing Arts Center.
Two Colombian construction workers will showcase their salsa skills for the Morristown Onstage crowd next month.
Oscar Calderon, 35, and Jorge Riascos, 28 are Colombian-born Morristown residents who share a love of Michael Jackson. The pair will perform a salsa dancing routine under the stage name “OJ.”
Calderon and Riascos were encouraged to audition for Morristown Onstage by Daniel Herrera of Dream Dance Studio, which teaches Latin dancing. Together they chose a song they both liked that was easy to choreograph.
The song is a tribute to musician Tito Puente created for fellow salsa singer Oscar de Leon. Calderon and Riascos have been working on a routine since last October, and nailed their audition in December.
Both consider dancing a passion, with Calderon doing it since his early 20s in his limited free time and Riascos dancing “on and off since he was a teenager.”
The pair plan to continue working on their choreography leading up to the show in February, and they believe they’ve got a good shot at winning because their performance will be so different from the other finalists.
“Through my art I can convey many pleasant feelings in other people,” Calderon said.
Both have enjoyed their experiences in Morristown so far, saying the town has been very welcoming. Riascos has also enjoyed taking English classes at the library in his free time.
“This is my way of showing the community my roots and my passion through dancing,” Riascos said.
Riascos said he plans to perform in dance competitions including the New Jersey Salsa congress and possible the World Latin Dance Cup.
Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636;mizzo@GannettNJ.com
Morristown Onstage
What: A show featuring the best amateur talent from Morristown, Morris Township and Morris Plains, presented by and benefiting the Morris Educational Foundation.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 24
Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St. in Morristown.
Tickets: On sale to the general public on Feb. 1. Prices range from $25 to $75. For information, call MPAC at 973-539-8008 or visit www.mayoarts.org.
