Salsa DJ? Does that mean you can only play in certain clubs?
In Hong Kong, there is no salsa club per se. Salsa is held at different clubs every night of the week.
Is it true that you are the only professional female salsa DJ in Asia?
To my knowledge, yes. There are female salsa DJs around, but none of them do it professionally like I do, i.e. working at congresses around the world, getting endorsements from bands, etc…
How is the HK scene for your style?
In Hong Kong, I play a style that is not quite the same as I would play in New York or in the international salsa congresses. I adapt my style and music to the crowd or salsa dancers present and in Hong Kong, people mostly dance a Los Angeles style.
Your gig at the 2003 HK Sevens won Best Party Box of the Event – how did that feel?
Very flattering and great because it was my first DJ experience! I must admit that I was not alone in the box, I was co-DJ with another guy.
And you still come back to the Sevens every year? Why?
I have been DJ at the same corporate box for 5 years in a row. Why? Because they keep asking for me back (LOL). But next year, I’m not sure I wish to continue. I wish to concentrate and specialize only in salsa music.
Which local club would you most love to play in?
For salsa, a good dance floor is important and to date, the best club/location I’ve played in was Armani Bar, but due to some logistical issues, salsa night was cancelled there. So if I had to choose, I still would like to play at Armani Bar but perhaps under difference circumstances and maybe a different night.
What was it about Salsa that appealed to you to choose it as your specialty?
Being a salsa social dancer myself, it is the music and culture of salsa that appeals to me the most. Salsa is a social dance and event and people interact on the dance floor in a more personal way than in, for example, Hip Hop and R&B music.
You have a reputation for being one of the best DJs in town. Did you ever think this would happen while you were growing up?
Definitely not. I didn’t even think that I would end up a DJ and an international one at that!
If you could play in one country in the world – which would it be and why?
At this time, I would say Switzerland, Zurich because I haven’t yet played in Europe and the Zurich Salsa Congress is supposedly the best there is at this time.
What’s your favourite Latin club/bar/restaurant in HK when you’re off duty?
Sunday night salsa at Xperience on Lockhart Road. There I get to hang out with friends and get a dance or two.
Michelle is currently doing her thing in Seattle and will then be spending her Christmas in LA and New York. But she’ll be back with us in early January to retain her usual Monday night spot at Ci Xi. Angel xx.
www.djmiche.com |
