Los Reyes del Ritmo – “the Kings of Rhythm”
Born from King’s College London Dance Society, we pride our style on our understanding of musicality, feeling the music, feeling the rhythm. We aim for our movements to compliment and mirror the music we are dancing to. Music, and movement, are one. History
Los Reyes del Ritmo was first conceived by the two founding members, Daniel Chong and Angus Perk
s, otherwise known as DANGUS, back in early 2013. Both Daniel and Angus have both been a major part of the Kings College London Dance Society over the last few years, where both discovered their love for dance in their university career. Following the many successes of the KCL Dance Society’s dance Troupe “FUSION” at numerous National University Dance Competitions across the country in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary and Hip Hop, Daniel and Angus thought it was about time that Salsa and Bachata were represented also. It is from the KCL Dance Society, where Los Reyes del Ritmo (the King’s of Rhythm), was born. Daniel’s main inspirer and Angus’ man-crush Julian “MrM” Marmolejo offered a performance slot to them as part of his birthday celebration at Bar Salsa’s Bachata Tuesdays, and this was to be the debut performance of the first Los Reyes del Ritmo Choreography, “Cinquenta Cinquenta”. The initial group was made up of Daniel, Angus, Natasha Rawling (Dance Soc president 2012/13), Julia Alcamo (Dance Soc Member), and Emmanuelle (Emma) Francoeur (Dance Soc Salsa Officer 2013/14), who performed Cinquenta Cinquenta at KCL Dance shows, and events. As the academic year came to a close, everyone was far too busy with Exams, and all members departed for the summer. September 2013 arrived, with a new light and promise. Daniel’s eyes had been opened to the world of Bachata after attending classes from Julian MrM and Angela Mariano over the summer, and watching his dance brother from another mother, Angus Perks, become the European Semi-Pro Bachata Champion 2013 at Scala in London. The Bachata revolution had begun. Daniel and Angus were keen to start a new bachata choreography involving 3 couples, however required new team members. Natasha had graduated, and now concentrating on her career. Julia also now concentrating on her studies. At the KCL Dance Soc Taster day, September 2013, a young lady, Ovgu Adatas studying her Masters degree, approached Daniel following his Salsa Taster class. They subsequently went social dancing at bar salsa, where by Daniel was completely amazed.... “Angus, dance with this girl!! She has to join us!!”. Angus danced with Ovgu, and the rest is already history! During the KCL Dance Show 2013, a new talent emerged in the shape of Aaron Cronin. Daniel and Angus soon befriended him and it made perfect sense for Aaron to be welcomed into the family. Over the summer, Daniel and Angus both met Shola Jones whilst social dancing, and during bachata classes with Julian MrM. She also knew Aaron from social dancing in the past. She subsequently attended bachata classes at the KCL Dance Society, and it was obvious that her passion and drive with regards to bachata matched those of Los Reyes del Ritmo. And so it began! The Los Reyes del Ritmo Family:
Daniel Chong
Angus Perks
Aaron Cronin
Emmanuelle Francoeur
Ovgu Adatas
Shola Jones
