From the early days, Rohan was surrounded by the irresistible pull of music and dance. Born to a church-loving mother and a reggae-promoting atheist father, he was immersed in melodies and rhythms. His life was a mix of church choir hymns and the thumping reggae beats that echoed through their home – a heavenly and hellish duet that shaped his love for expression.
With this unique upbringing, Rohan’s path into the world of movement was set. He jumped into sports and activities, from county-level athletics to professional basketball, but it was on the dance floor where his true groove emerged. Jazz dancing, table tennis, and even county-level sports couldn’t contain his energy.
Then, a twist of fate led him to salsa. Picture this: Puerto Rico, an evening, and a mistaken taxi ride. He asked for a jazz club, got a salsa club instead. The music was familiar, but this time people were dancing together. Rohan, in his solo jazz steps, caught the eye of a dark-haired Latina beauty who asked for a dance. He stumbled his way through, only to realize he couldn’t meld his feet and hands as salsa required. A mortifying moment, but one that sparked a determination to conquer this dance form.
San Juan became his classroom, brass sections and harmonious voices guiding him into salsa’s depths. He then brought his passion to Washington DC, where salsa had its own vibrant scene. His feet tapped into various styles – LA, New York, Pachanga, and Boogaloo – embracing the dance in its multifaceted glory.
At the heart of this journey was Havana Village, a club in DuPont Circle. Leon Harris, his first teacher, introduced him to the dance’s essence and culture, nurturing a profound connection. An unexpected trip to England uncovered yet another thriving salsa scene. He embraced the challenge as an improver, attending classes far and wide. The influences of Maverick Logan, Robert Charlemagne, Leon Rose, and Nelson Batista coloured his evolving style.
Within this dance tapestry, Kerry Ribchester appeared as a pivotal figure. During a warm-up at a Pontin’s event, she chose him as a partner, igniting a partnership that spanned Cuba holidays, international salsa congresses, documentaries, and more. Salsa intertwined their lives, creating an unbreakable bond.
Rohan’s journey evolved further when he stepped into the role of a teacher. With Maverick’s guidance, he navigated beginner classes and realized that teaching was not only rewarding but also a means of deepening his own understanding.
Pontins, a holiday park, became another stage where Rohan’s influence flourished. He directed their salsa events for a decade, infusing them with his passion and expertise.
Today, Rohan still feels the rhythm coursing through his veins. The memory of that first salsa encounter, the beats of African drums, and the sway of Spanish guitar continue to pulse within him. Salsa isn’t just a dance; it’s a lifelong romance, a love story between a man and music that knows no boundaries. The African drums and Spanish guitar continue to resonate in his heart, a testament to a connection that’s alive and well – a love affair that never ends, even as the party goes on.