Broadway's Luis Salgado to Co-Choreograph ABC's DIRTY DANCING Remake

Broadway dancer, choreographer and international director Luis Salgado has signed in as co-choreographer of Dirty Dancing next to Andy Blankenbuehler, it was announced today.

Luis who worked with Andy as Latin Assitant Choreographer of the Broadway Musical "In the Heights" is "thrilled to be back in THE ROOM where it happens" with the Tony Award Winner Choreographer.

"It's a gift of ART to be in THE ROOM with Andy. I am co-choreographing a few numbers with the master and it's a pleasure to not only share my style but to truly learn from his brilliance." said Luis, who has also been working one on one with actress Abigail Breslin in her preparation for Baby.

"This is always a very special process. I feel like there is a special connection with this project. In 2003 I got cast as Diego Luna dance double for Dirty Dancing 2; Now I get to play the role of Kenny Ortega (original Dirty Dancing Choreographer) eight shows a week at ON YOUR FEET! The Musical and to now get opportunity to work as co-choreographer for the ABC remake. I just feel blessed"

Salgado who lives committed to being an artist who impacts lives through the arts. As a creative director and producer, the range of projects and roles Luis takes on each year unite his most prized principles: art, giving and community and is now set to direct "Bountiful: A Teacher's Journey" for his non-profit R.Evolucion Latina. This is the second time Luis creates the platform for an international ensemble of seasoned dancers and choreographers to come to New York City to create, exchange, and perform.

"For this festival I wanted to inspire choreographers to work through the challenge of telling one story, while using and celebrating their individual voices. 'Bountiful: A Teacher's Journey' is the name or this year's story. We aim to achieve an exchange with the participants of the various initiatives R.Evolución Latina champions forward. For the choreographer's festival that cross begins with our adult educational program participants who will get a chance to be part of the show. By nurturing the performance cycle and artistic development and of the artist we engage them in more action. The performance component and sharing with an audience is key for the growth of all involved," says Luis of the festival's significance.

Bringing people together and making something out of it, is something Luis deeply enjoys doing. Prior to the festival, R.Evolución Latina will hold the "Beyond Workshop Series 2016," a two-week dance intensive in March for serious adult students. Participants of the "Beyond Workshop Series" will have a chance to audition and perform at the choreographer's festival weekend.

Every step of the way he is building bridges and audiences reflective of the confluence that exists between society, art and culture. From his performance pedigree to his creative and philanthropic undertakings, Luis Salgado emerges as a leader that acts on a dream almost instantly. At this juncture, Luis dances on Broadway, runs R. Evolución Latina, his nonprofit arts organization, with his wife Denisse Ambert and Heather Hogan with which they produce and offer six flagship programs on scholarship for such things as, summer camps for kids, dance workshops for adults, and the choreographer's festival. His class offerings are taught by Broadway, film and television veteran performers.

They say it takes a village, and right now, after almost a decade on the Broadway and Off-Broadway circuit his vision and intention begin to surface through the crowded landscape. Luis's creativity and passion reveal that he has managed to inspire a village of people that are changing lives through art and counting.

R.Evolución Latina's Choreographers Festival 2016 runs from April 27 through May 1 at the Manhattan Movement + Arts Center 248 West 60th Street, NYC.

Photo credit: Carlos Gonzalez