Line Dance Connection:

What's your name? Do you have any dance nicknames that you're known by?

Chris Blues:

My name is Christopher M. Torres-Evans….folks know me as Chris Blues, DJ Blues or just plain Blues (I’ve had this name since I was 13).

 

 

Line Dance Connection:

Where are you from and what city do you call home?

Chris Blues:

I am from Philadelphia (North Philly to be exact)…I now live in Plymouth Meeting (Philly Suburb).

 

 

Line Dance Connection:

What do you do in your professional life? Any hobbies outside of dance?

Chris Blues:

I am in Accounting/Bookkeeping (Imma Nerd - LOL).

 

Outside of dance, I like making music, mixes, b-ball and CHILLIN (I’m a very laid back cat).

 

 

Line Dance Connection:

So what do they call this dance craze in your home town? Line Dancing, Hustling, Sliding, Other?

Chris Blues:

We call it Line Dancing.

 

 

Line Dance Connection:

Are you affiliated with any group or groups?

Chris Blues:

The PARKSIDE EXPERIENCE and MO GROUND PARK (MGP!!!)

 

But I also consider myself an honorary/unofficial member of PE Solid Gold, EastWick, SILK, TTI, 2LeftFeet, Motown Hustlers, DAMP, D2BD, Common Ground, TCH, Dem Pesky’s, D&G, GCH, South Side Steppers, Class ACT, SITNOL, Union Crew, Line Dance Family and the Dancing Divas of Philly….LOL  I’m sure there’s more but charge it to my head and not my heart.

 

 

Line Dance Connection:

How long have you been dancing?

Chris Blues:

I’ve been dancing since I thought I was Michael Jackson, or part of the Rock Steady Crew from Beat Street or Turbo from Breakin. LOL 

 

But I’ve been line dancing for 3 years.

 

 

Line Dance Connection:

How did you get involved in dancing?

Chris Blues:

I was bartending for a local weekly dance party where they did line dancing, bop and cha cha….it looked fun.

 

 

Line Dance Connection:

After you attended your very first class, how did you feel?

Chris Blues:

I felt confident……I felt like I could get the hang of this line dance thing.

 

 

Line Dance Connection:

How did you get into choreography?                                               

Chris Blues:

I just kinda stumbled on it…I saw how each dance had a pattern and repetitive steps and I figured I could do it.

 

 

Line Dance Connection:

How many dances have you created and what was the very first dance you created?

Chris Blues:

I’ve created 15 dances…the first dance was I’m Feeling It (a collaboration w/Brooklyn Ed).  My first solo dance was “Itz Eazy Tho”.

 

 

Line Dance Connection:

Of all your dances which one would you say is your favorite?

Chris Blues:

That’s tough…but if I had to choose I’d say “Itz Eazy Tho”.  It kinda started it all for me….if that makes sense.  Running a close 2nd is Sun-Shan Blues, that track is incredible!!! (S/O to Shante Lee for gettin in on that one).

 

 

Line Dance Connection:

In your own words, what makes dancing special?

Chris Blues:

It’s an outlet to anyone that gets involved.  I know we talk about “DANCE” but from where I sit, I see the “MUSIC” take people to a different place.  I love the music I’ve been introduced to…music is a UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE and dancing is one of the dialects used to express it (as well as singing, instrument playing, writing).  It’s definitely a gift anyone can unwrap if they want to.

 

 

Line Dance Connection:

If you could change one thing about dancing, what would it be?

Chris Blues:

I haven’t been around long enough to speak on what “USED TO BE” but from what I see, I hope people can eventually EMBRACE CHANGE a little better.  It’s inevitable….there’s plenty of room on the floor for everyone.

 

“The sun don’t shine forever, but as long as it’s here……we MIGHT AS WELL SHINE TOGETHER”.

 

 

Line Dance Connection:

Tell me one thing about yourself that the dance community would find surprising.

Chris Blues:

If it wasn’t for the DJ not showing up at the weekly dance party where I was bartending, line dance family probably wouldn’t even know me (or Parkside for that matter).  One night the resident DJ for the event decided to not show up….I told the promoter “I have my equipment in the truck and I basically have all the music yall dance to”.  He took a chance….I took the stage…and the rest is (well yall know).