If you don’t know Luis Salgado, watch out for him. This Puerto Rican artist, dancer, choreographer, and director does not stop. His artistic journey is inspiring and his accolades are truly all hard earned. Something I respect and love. Last week he and his artistic team of the Spanish production of “In The Heights” presented in 2017 at the Gala Theater in Washington D.C. won a bunch of Helen Hayes Awards including:

Outstanding choreography in a musical — Helen - Luis Salgado, “In the Heights,” GALA Hispanic Theatre

Outstanding lighting design — Helen - Christopher Annas-Lee, “In the Heights,” GALA Hispanic Theatre

Outstanding direction in a musical — Helen - Luis Salgado, “In the Heights,” GALA Hispanic Theatre

Outstanding ensemble in a musical — Helen - “In the Heights,” GALA Hispanic Theatre

Outstanding lead actress in a musical — Hayes - Rayanne Gonzales, “In the Heights,” Olney Theatre Center & Round House Theatre

Outstanding lead actress in a musical — Helen - Laura Lebrón, “In the Heights,” GALA Hispanic Theatre

Outstanding production in a musical — Hayes - “In the Heights,” Olney Theatre Center & Round House Theatre

Outstanding production in a musical — Helen - “In the Heights,” GALA Hispanic Theatre

As Founder and Director of R.Evolución Latina he has cemented his reputation and work in creating artworks with purpose. He wants people to use the arts as a vehicle to understanding themselves. One of the noblest acts of work I’ve seen around, he encourages and pushes anyone who works with him to, dare to go beyond.

Luis was part of the original “In The Heights,” Broadway production, the Gloria Estefan Musical, “On Your Feet!,” the Broadway production of “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown,” “ROCKY,” “The Mambo Kings,” “Fame,” “42nd Street,” and “Aida,” among many other musical productions.

He most recently directed “RAGTIME” for and at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center, and “To Be or Not To Be,” A Shakespearean Experience that explored what it means to be an immigrant in the United States. But he is international and his full credits can be found here.

We talk about all that and more in the sincere and candid talk about creativity, maturing as an artist, and aiming to go beyond no matter what. It’s all about heart and soul and knowing that art saves lives.

Listen, and be inspired.

With love,

Soldanela