Colombian salsa ambassadors visit Seoul

For professional salsa dancers Andres Sabogal, Nasly Valencia, Cesar Villan and Madelehyne Aristizabal, a visit to Seoul from Cali, Colombia, marks a profound exchange of identity, history and artistic philosophy.

The Embassy of Colombia in Seoul invited the four dancers to the Korean capital for a two-day Cali-style salsa show this weekend as part of a cultural diplomacy initiative.

The dancers said they were thrilled to discover an active Latin dance scene that defies stereotypes.

"Contrary to the prejudice that Asian cultures might be relatively quiet and shy, it is incredibly interesting and wonderful to see such a passionate and massive Latin dance scene in Korea, where new artistic attempts are constantly being made," said Aristizabal at the Embassy of Colombia in Jongno District, Seoul, Thursday.

Cali-style salsa — also known as Colombian Salsa and Salsa Caleña — is officially recognized as part of Colombia’s national cultural heritage, an inherently spectacular dance style that arose by taking the basic salsa steps that originated in the Caribbean and took shape in New Yor ...