Michael Mandrel, founder and principal dance director of Rueda UK lives in London where he has been teaching since year 2000. A professional dancer and flamboyant teacher, is well experienced in teaching children or adults and has seen many graduate from humble beginnings to startling performers.
Son of Jamaican parents Reginald and Cupie, he was born and educated in England where he first studied at the ‘Center Charles Peguy’ and the ‘Pineapple Dance Studios’. There he learnt amongst many disciplines the elements of contemporary, jazz and modern dance.
In 1991 he met Rossemary Orejuela, the daughter of famed Columbian dancer Alfonzo Orejuela. It was here that he first found his real passion for dancing and the rhythms of Latin American music. In the years to follow he grounded his roots in Colombian culture, learning to dance in social enviroments and at clubs like ‘El Barco Latino’ and the ‘Loughborough Hotel’.
Far from content with simply learning to dance in the Colombian community. Michael soon ventured into the world of salsa and its differing styles. From 1999 he began learning his art, nurturing his dance form from established teachers such as Robert Charlemayne, kerry Richester, Elder Sanches, Susana Montero and Gary Young. As a quick and passionate student who had once pursued a teaching degree in mathematics and physical education, Michael was soon encouraged to teach beginners and improvers in New York and cross-body salsa styles. Although he thrived as an inexperienced teacher, he still did not find his calling until 2001 when he had a chance meeting with Baron John Von Hoff, better known as ‘Doctor’. Doctor introduced him to Spanish diva Zaira Lopez and the irrepressible Cuban maestro, Homero Gonzales. Michael was to taste Cuban salsa and never hunger again.
Michael went on a mission and absorbed Cuban salsa like a sponge. Homero Gonzales became his mentor and very soon they were teaching and dancing together. In 2003 Michael established himself on the dance scene and salsa stage when forming part of Homero’s dance troupe that won the ’Tropicana World Rueda Championships’.
Despite winning the competition, he did little to heighten his profile but rather preferred to quietly and diligently go about learning his trade. In the years that followed he found a beauty and magic in Rueda. He describes it as “An instrument that bonds together people of different culture, race, colour, wealth, shape and size. It breeds no competition but simply a sincere desire to be as one and have fun”.
Michael continues to work with numerous promoters, dance groups and theatrical companies. These include Simply Salsa, Ola Latina, Salsa Nights, Salsa Cubana and the Orchard Academy. His work can often include promotions for businesses such as World Duty Free and charitable appearances for schools and churches.
He also runs a year long course of Rueda at the Millennium Arena in BATTERSEA, London. This year, 2007, also sees him commence a Rueda showcase class at the reputed contemporary dance trust ‘The Place’ in London WC1.
Last year saw a defining resurgence in Michael’s work. On the 16th December he surprised the faithful hard core clubbers at London’s most popular Saturday night venue, Salsa Republic with his first performance for two years. Choreographing a wonderful, complex and entertaining Rueda showcase he was able to persuade his students and friends of class 2006 to participate. As a testimony of his work the showcase received rapturous applause and will be performed for audiences throughout the UK in 2007.
In years to come Michael hopes that those like him will strive to maintain and develop all aspects of Rueda. He trusts that teachers and students alike will all embrace the true nature and spirit of Rueda with the same joy and passion he possesses.