Meet Makala the Dancer
“Those memories of learning a new art form alongside other students and eventually putting on a presentation where the audience looks visibly happy are the main reason I started,” according to Makala.During this time of year, when temperatures feel like the air is pinching your skin and sunlight is scarce, Alaska’s population collectively is in search of human connection, as it’s easy to fall into a depression when you don’t have an outlet for expression. In an interview with Makala Cruz, we learn more about how an Alaskan-born dancer created a business to teach salsa dance classes which eventually gave her the opportunity to connect with the Anchorage community.
According to Makala, her love for dancing began at age 16 when she started her first job as a receptionist for Alaska Dance Promotions. Ironically, her boss gave her the job because Makala made it clear that she had no interest in dancing, as she needed someone focused solely on taking care of clients and calls, but it didn’t take long for Makala to become fascinated with the feeling of salsa dancing. After learning Latin dance with Alaska Dance Promotions, Makala recalled her experience saying, “I was going to social dances, I joined a dance team, I started traveling out of state to dance. Yes, I bet everything.” Although Makala had made so many commitments to Latin dance, her spark wouldn’t be as bright if it weren’t for the community that made her feel accepted. During the interview, Makala talked about how listening to the electric sounds of salsa, watching foreigners dancing together and being nervous as a beginner was an overwhelming and energizing experience because of the support of other dancers. “Those memories of learning a new art form alongside other students and eventually putting on a presentation where the audience looks visibly happy are the main reason I started,” according to Makala. Because the dance made Makala feel part of the community, she returned the favor, opening her salsa dance business two years ago. Her dance company, Luminary Dance Co., started by the specific style of salsa, salsa on 2, which is the same dance, but starting on the second beat. Part of what makes Luminary Dance Co. inclusive is that in addition to offering private classes, Makala has three class groups ranging from ages 7 to 12 for kids, 13 to 17 for teens, and 18 and up. Just as Makala has been able to appeal to all ages and people in the Alaskan community, Makala shared a little of her experience when she instructed a group of students from East Anchorage High School and tells us: “teaching the teenagers of East Anchorage High School was one of the most valuable projects because they were completely new to salsa dancing and I only spent a week with them teaching the choreography.” It is certainly apparent that Makala’s love of salsa dancing is strengthened by the pride her students have in her when they have fun and also learn. As Makala said, “during the winter, people want to get out of their house or seek connection and there’s no better way than to attend a salsa dance class and feel alive.” As of now, the success of her company gave her the opportunity to leave her 9-5 job in January 2025 to focus on her 11-year-old son and devote herself fully to her dance company. |