Cyber-Interview 
of the Month: 
Lillian Santiago-Negley
-by Manny Siverio 
Originally published on SalsaNewYork on 7/02

This Month we interview NY Mambo Instructor Lillian Santiago-Negley. Lillian the wife of fellow NY Mambo Instructor David Negley has been involved in the NY mambo scene for some time. She has traveled to LA to perform, participated in the New York Congresso Mundial de La Salsa, was a part of Jimmy Anton's Dance Group, Nelson Flores Student Dance team and a member of the Curvas Peligrosas. She has been teaching privates for the last couple of years and co-teaches a mambo class with her husband David. Lillian can be seen dancing the night away at such popular social gatherings at Jimmy Anton's Bi-Monthly Dance Social. This will be her second exposure in SalsaNewYork (her instructor listing was the first).

(Laugh) I've been dancing as long as I can remember.  I've always loved our music and my Dad used to play some great big band music in the house all the time.  You know the type of music you would hear at the Palladium or at the Cabo Rorreno in the Bronx.  Funny how not to many people may know about this popular place back in the day.

 But, I always remember a story that my father told me about the days when he used to go to the Cabo in the Bronx on Prospect Avenue.  One day he went into the club and it was  crowded and the night was full of excitement.  But most importantly, what he saw before him had him mesmerized!  There was the woman who became my mother dancing on one of the tables with her sisters and friends having a great time!  They met dancing and the rest is history.  Funny....but the same thing happen to me except I still haven't danced on the table.  I really loved that story.

SNY: What was it that got you into teaching?
LS: Well, I remember when I was learning from Jimmy Anton how much fun it used to be.  It was a place where I was able to release my inhibitions and make people laugh and smile.  I always saw Jimmy having such a good time and noticed the satisfaction in his expressions when he realized he's made a difference in someone's life.  The joy in someone's smile is immeasurable and it's very gratifying.  

So for me, it's basically the same feeling.  I love to see my students get excited whether it's in a private or in a class environment after having learned a few shines or turn patterns.  Making them feel special, happy and challenged is very rewarding.

SNY: Who would you say are people you consider your mentors?
LS: Jimmy Anton.  Jimmy has a refreshing, smooth and unique style.  Most, importantly he knows how to be playful and never hesitates to let you enjoy and express yourself in your own way.  As a choreographer, I've had several opportunities to perform with him and one of his dancing groups several years ago.  The original Jimmy Anton "Familia".  (Nice memories to last a lifetime!!)

Jimmy's creativity and willingness to let you give your input was always very positive and encouraging.  It really was and will always be memorable experience.  Some of our best times together with the "fun" crew.  You know who you are!

On a more personal note, I've been blessed with many special people who have come into my life with whom we've mutually shared some of the most saddest times in our lives such as a loss of a parent.  By comforting each other through our dance we've been able to realize how precious and beautiful life can be and how much dancing can give you the inner strength and positive energy to help you move on with your life.  As strange as it may seem, it can be a very healing experience.

On a professional level thinking about where and when the next venue is helps me get through the day in the Corporate world!

SNY: What do you think is the best thing that you've gotten out of dancing? 
LS: Besides meeting and marrying my soul mate I can't think of anything else. (SMILE) Well alright maybe one more thing.....I have to say that it helps me stay in shape and it's a great feeling to see so many people from around the world appreciating and learning about our Latin heritage.

SNY: Do you still go out to dance socially and if so what are some of your favorite spots?
LS: Yes, on occasion.  Some of my favorite spots are Jimmy Anton's socials, Bistro Latino, El Flamingo and one our newest venues the "Supper Club".

SNY: Do you still actively teach? If so where?
LS: Yes.  I do privates and help my husband teach.

SNY: Are is your favorite thing about teaching?
LS: What is my favorite thing about teaching?   It's a lot of fun.  I help my students let go of their inhibitions, make them laugh and help them feel confident by giving them compliments all the time.  I tell them to look at themselves in the mirror and do whatever makes them feel good as they get more and more comfortable.  It helps keep them encouraged and they don't even want to take a break!  Which is very gratifying. 

SNY: Do you still like taking classes?  
LS: Yes I do.  But, I like to take other classes such as Hustle so that I can incorporate the movements into other dances such as Mambo.

SNY: What do you think of the development of mambo as a performing art over the last few years (Mambo Showdowns, Congresses/Conventions, Latin Madness, Salsa Dance Awards)?
LS: Latin Madness was one of the best shows I've seen.  Not only with all the talent that evolved on stage but it was one of the first venues that I can say, everyone left their negative thoughts outside of the theatre and developed a "Latin" fusion.  Even though the performers were all unique in the way they expressed themselves there was one common goal to achieve    Their efforts, ideas, talents and camaraderie were all achieved and it was displayed within a group effort in a classy way.

SNY: How was it that you met your husband David?
LS: I met David when I was taking a Jimmy Anton class.

SNY: Would you say that your wedding a mambo wedding?
LS: No not necessarily, but dancing was the way we met.  So of course, we had our "Mambo" family with us who brought along some Mambo tunes!  Ron McGugins was one of our DJ's so you can just imagine.  We wouldn't have had it any other way!

SNY: Do you have any mambo plans in the near or distant future?
LS: At this time, we will continue to teach at Stepping out and aside from that keep on dancing!

SNY: What do you think a person should be looking for in an instructor when learning how to dance mambo?
LS: I feel an instructor should be: 1) Someone who is very detailed oriented and can explain things clearly and in an easy way to understand for a female as well as a male student; 2)  Someone who is patient and always encouraging; 3) Someone who can help you let go of your inhibitions and help you feel sexy; 4) Someone who points out the simplest things that some people don't think about such as how to hold your partner's hand and keep a "hook" so you don't loose contact; 5) Creative and 6) Professional and always fun.

SNY: What do you think someone looking to teach should do before opening up a class?
LS: 1) Learn about the music's history and some of the most famous artists; 2) Learn the beats/measures of the music and 3) Talk to dancers and just ask their opinions on their likes and dislikes.  It can help you develop a good clientele if you know what people want or need and help you understand how people think and what's important to them as individuals.

SNY: What is your advise to all those beginner mambo dancers wanting to get into performing.
LS: 1) Be patient; 2) You have to crawl before you walk and the more you practice the better you will be; 3)  It is not about you. It's a team effort; everyone has to pitch in; 4) You need to be dedicated, responsible and honest; 5)  Be creative.  Let yourself go and share your ideas and interests.  Sharing your love and knowledge for the dance is very gratifying and makes you a better person; 6)  Be able to make the distinction.  Certain moves/patterns are only for the stage and don't need to take place at a social unless you're performing.  Always, be considerate of your fellow dancers and 7) Help keep the peace and keep that passion flowing!

SNY: What is the best way for someone interested in learning mambo can get in contact with you?
LS: Check our website at www.justmambo.com.

Lillian with her husband David (in his James Bond mode)