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TROPICAL GEM - 15 YEARS
Today Tropical Gem is known for a unique In 1998, Alberto Valdes asked Fernando
blend of different styles, breathtaking Sosa to become a member of a dance group
choreographies and is said to have called ‘Otra Idea’. At this occasion Fernando
defined the modern interpretation of Sosa and Rafael Gonzalez met for the first
salsa shows. They set the stages on time. Two years later, in May 2000, the two
fire all over the world and have proven young dancers founded Tropical Gem and
to surprise the audience with each new were soon joined by Sandy Ramos and Alyra
choreography. Yet only a few people of Lennox. Within months the group performed
today’s salsa scene can remember their internationally, travelled across Europe and
first rather traditional choreographies. flew to Puerto Rico.
Fernando Sosa, one of the two founders The World Salsa Congress Puerto Rico has
of the group, was born in Uruguay in a unique way to decide about the shows on
1977. In his early childhood he learned stage. All performers who want to present
artistic gymnastics. Soon after his arrival their work have to dance in front of a jury
in Italy at the age of fifteen, he met his consisting of twelve international judges
dance teacher Alberto Valdes who choosing the top ten shows for the gala night.
introduced him to Afro-Cuban dances.
After several trips to Cuba Fernando When Tropical Gem performed for the first
Sosa moved to Bologna and joined his time at the World Salsa Congress Puerto
first performance group with dancers of Rico, their choreography ‘Tumbando Caña’
the famous Tropicana (Cuba). was top-rated and had the highest scores
of all performances. Thus they had the great
