How did you and Barbara Craddock become dance partners?

Cuban Pete: We have known each other since we were fifteen. When I left Warner Brothers after eighteen years, I went back east to be with my youngest daughter. I quit to spend time with my family and just kept dancing as a social activity. At the time I worked selling clothing, I found it very creative and enjoyed it. One day Barbara came in the store and asked me why I wasn't dancing and selling clothes instead. She told me that I had an obligation to my heritage, to pass on my knowledge to the children. So, I got back in the business, and after an hour of dancing with her, I said to Barbara, "You are a wonderful dancer, would you do me a favor, would you dance with me? You've got a good idea of
what you want to do, but I don't want a Jewish Mambo, I want it Latin!"

Barbara: Pete said to me, " I am going to bring things out of you and put some things back in the shadows, and you may not like me because I am a tough teacher." He changed my approach and now my wish is that Latin dancers would allow themselves to hear the music the way that Pete taught me to hear it. Pete has a gift for hearing music, and combined with some ear training, he has become a genius! I know that I will never hear the music the way he does.

Cuban Pete: So, we began lecturing and preaching at different universities to teach the clave, and certain beats of other Caribbean and African based instruments.We have been lecturing since then and teaching workshops, and I like the idea. Once people learn the clave and understand the music, a freedom of expression is created. And when people get it, I tell them, "You're now able to dance inside the music!"

Barbara: We don't count; we hear the music and then step.

How do you teach your students how to dance in your instructional classes? What do you start off with? And what was it like teaching students at the University Arts School of Dance for their Latin Magic Project?

Cuban Pete: When I teach, I always start by teaching the music first. It's the clave that is the most important thing for our students to grasp. Then I teach them where to step and how to step. I remember when we first showed up to teach the kids for the project the kids had no idea of Latin music, but when we left them, they were amazing! These kids practiced, rehearsed, asked questions and were just amazing.

Barbara: I think that chemistry and communication play a very important part. It's about blending your style and finding a balance. For example, Pete's timing and rhythm balances my set of skills, allowing each of us to do what we do best. Communication and respect, in a non-competitive manner, is the secret.

Cuban Pete: You have to know who the boss is. A lieutenant and a general, that's what makes the team. I am the General and she is the Lieutenant. I have been very lucky all my life with teams as far as I am concerned.

Barbara: Even though Pete has the final words, it's not a one-sided relationship. It's "You are the King, but I am the Queen"

Cuban Pete: You are not the Queen.

Barbara: (Laughs) Then, what am I?

Cuban Pete: You are the Princess.

Barbara: (Laughs) We have a good synergy together - a synergistic relationship. Pete also is always placing me in the right spot when we are on stage, and he tells me work front, work back, play it front, play it square. And a new expression always comes out of him when he dances. One day in the studio, he took off dancing. He hears more than the notes in the music, he hears the layers of music. He has such a gifted sense of rhythm, is extremely creative and is very musical.

Cuban Pete: I played the clave first, then the maraca and played very little conga. A new expression always comes out. I remember when I was four years old, a maid taught me how to tap dance to the peanut vendor.

To the Future Dancers

Are there any new trends in Latin dancing?

Cuban Pete: No new trends in Salsa. We call Salsa the sauce on spaghetti. We used to say give me the sauce, which means spice it up. Each rhythm brings its own company with it.

What final thoughts or words of advice would you like to share with other dancers?

If dancers ever visit the Miami area, I invite them to call us and take part in any of our classes. But, keep in mind, I am not an easy teacher. I want dancers to learn. They must learn the Clave correctly, then work with me on their rhythm and dance. When the class ends, they will do every single one of the dances that I taught them. I don't mind giving my dances away, as long as they practice. Rehearse everyday, at least twice a day!