Ten Questions for Tate

Sunday, April 17th, 2011 at 4:37 pm

1. What have you been up to lately?

I teach weekly mambo class for Essential Element Dance Company (www.e2dc.com) and we’re working on upgrading our program. I started taking aerial silk class, which is frustrating but challenging in a good way. I’m also in the beginning stages of a new bachata routine with a new, local performer.

2. Who came up with the concept and choreography in this YouTube video?

Jariel Garcia & I came up with almost all aspects of the routine together. We wanted not to just dance, but to entertain our audience and to give them a unique experience. For our male audience, I wanted to dress as an iconic sex symbol. For our female audience, I wanted wear killer shoes they would adore and for Jariel wear a unique, form-fitting outfit that men & women alike would admire. It’s amazing how everything fell into place to produce our final product!

3. You certainly don’t seem shy in this video. Is there a difference between how you dance socially and when you choreograph a performance?

I don’t have a shy bone in my body! My performance style is very similar to my social dance style – flirty, intense, assertive and a bit silly. When I’m given energy on the dance floor I return it right away and give back a little more. I like to challenge my leader to give me his very best so that we can optimize that moment together to it’s fullest potential.

4. You must dance bachata with a lot of different guys. What are some
of things that you prefer from your lead, no matter the dance level of
the guy?

I’ve danced bachata with the best instructors in the world and no matter the style of dance or level of dancer, what makes it memorable remains the same – an assertive lead with solid technique and a little bit of individual personality takes the cake! Followers want to relax and enjoy the moment with our leader. We don’t want craziness, anxiety or stress.

5. What are some of the bad things that you have encountered while dancing bachata?

My biggest dislike is when the room / atmosphere is already too hot / humid / sticky and the guy automatically grabs me in close embrace and holds me to his body while dancing. It’s so uncomfortable to be That hot…Adding his body heat to mine just spoils the fun. My other dislike is execution of a move that just doesn’t gel with your personality. If your personality is calm and shy, don’t do wild movements. If your personality is assertive, don’t lightly lead me through movements. Dance is a symptom of what you feel inside of yourself as you hear music. Be You, not the instructor who taught you the move.

6. How did you get started dancing bachata?

I was taught to dance bachata by my private salsa instructor, Hiram Foriester from Salsa Heat Dance Studio (www.salsaorlando.com). He taught me how the dance it with respect, sophistication & class. To this day those concepts are the cornerstone of my teaching style.

7. What does the name of you dance company mean?

Guatù means fire in Taino, which were the type of native indians present in DR when it was found by Columbus. Fire is synonymous with 3 things I’m attempting to accomplish with bachata: “Bringing light (educating others), passion (the love for) and warmth (kindness) to bachata.”

8. What is your favourite quote? Or something you are known for saying? Or your reason for teaching and performing bachata? (just pick one).

I’m known for telling my dance team & students “Use what you got to get what you want!” It’s the truth and it works. Confidence is THE sexiest thing you can put on your body!

9. How would we answer the question,”Who is Tate”?

A lover of life and happiness. I’m a daughter, sister, aunt, business woman, friend, instructor, dancer and learner. I’m blessed.

10. What are some mistakes that followers (ladies) make when dancing
bachata? When you started learning bachata did you make any of the
same mistakes yourself?

The ugliest mistake ladies make when dancing bachata is not collecting their ankles, knees & thighs on 4 and 8. They leave their legs separated – it’s not feminine and definitely unattractive. The saddest mistake they make is placing styling as a priority over being the best follower on the floor. This is decision that has to be made in the mind before the body will listen. It’s a choice and if you haven’t made it already I urge you to do so now!

Bachatera-ography (Just the facts)

DOB: 4/27/81
Born & live in Orlando, 6th generation Floridian!
Where to dance bachata in Orlando: any weekly bachata class, night club, or weekend social. Bachata is popular here!
Began Latin dancing 2007. Teaching 1.5 years later
FB fan page “Tate Blomquist a.k.a. Mojito Mami” website: www.guatubachata.com

Her YouTube bachata dance videos:
1.

2.

3.

4.