Channel 9 News Dancing and Playing with La Exclencia!!!!
La Excelencia Rockin' In Norway!!!!
Ron Prokopez who was born and raised in Washington Heights, New York began his professional musical career at the early age of 14. He started playing his trombone in various clubs in and around the New York City area. It wasn't long before he started to create a buzz for himself with his hard hitting passionate trombone solos. Soon after, he began performing, traveling and recording with many different artists and bands including, but not limited to, Dave Santiago and the Latin Affair, Herman Olivera, La Excelencia, Beanie Segal, Tito Rojas, Micheal Stewart, The Topaz Orchestra, Son de Cali, Kid Creole and the Coconuts, System Band, The Element Band, Brenda K. Starr, Paquito Guzman, Ruff Ryders, Welfare Poets, Frankie Negron, Speedo and the Cadillac's, Tito Puente Jr, The Gene Cooper Band and Rocafeller Records.
Ron has also had the opportunity to perform on various stages around the world including Japan, France, Italy, Norway, Canada and Holland. Back home in the U.S., Ron has performed at major musical events at Radio City Music Hall, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Monterey Jazz Festival and the New Orleans Jazz Fest. to name a few. Ron has also made T.V. appearances on various network news broadcasting channels and the popular soap opera "One Life to Live".
After graduating from La Guardia High School for Professional Performing Arts in New York, Ron began taking Mambo dance classes at Piel Canela New York Latin Dance & Music School under the direction of Joe Burgos at the age of 18. Within three months, he was invited to join the Piel Canela Dance Company. He also studied under the Mambo dance king himself Eddie Torres. As a result, Ron began grooming and creating his own style of Mambo dancing by combining it with the various dance styles of Hip-Hop's popping and locking, Michael Jackson and the late James Brown. Ron's innovative style has allowed him the opportunity to dance on numerous stages around the world including Lincoln Center's Mid-Summer Nights Swing, New York Salsa Congress, Norway Salsa Congress, New York's South Street Seaport, the Puerto Rican 116th Festival, Copacabana Club, New Orleans Jazz Festival and the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City.
In 2005, Ron started teaching Mambo dance classes at Purchase College and is currently teaching at "The Loft Dance Studio" in Yonkers, N.Y. Ron has expanded his performance career as an artist to become a triple threat. He is currently one of the lead singers of "The Element Band", a high energy rollercoaster of a show fusing jazz, latin, funk, afrocuban and Hip-Hop while incorporating complex dance steps with soulful horn parts. Ron is currently touring with The Element Band.
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****************Me Dancing with La Excelencia at the NYC Salsa Congress 07'***
To all my jazz folks, check out this cat playing trumpet!!! (If you don't like aebersolds, oh well get used to it lol: for exposure purposes only...) Enjoy! B)
Hey I know its been a while, just dropping by to say hi & see how you're doing. Sorry I haven't been to take a class my schedule is soo crazy right now but I hope everything is good with you and your music. Take Care
Sounds good, just let me know & I'm glad 2 hear that the music gigs & Cd are doing well. Good 4 you and I wish you all the best & I'll see what I can do abt those classes, I really need to step up up my salsa game-lol. Whats the name of the studio again so I can look up the directions? Cuidate Ron!
