- Pedro Aguilar
Pedro "Cuban Pete" Aguilar is a Puerto Rican
dancer , referred to as "the greatest Mambo dancer ever", by "Life" magazine andTito Puente . His nickname, "Cuban Pete" was conferred upon him in 1949 in the famous dance hall "Palladium ",New York in reference to the mambo classic song "Cuban Pete" byDesi Arnaz , and it was endorsed by Arnaz himself.Pete won numerous prizes in Latin dancing during the Mambo era. He is a recipient of many prestigious awards for his work. Pete is the only Latin dancer recognized in the
Latin Jazz exhibit at theSmithsonian Institution .He continues to dance professionally, coach teams for competition, and was a judge for various Latin dance events.
Barbara Craddock is his current dance partner and manager.He, together with Barbara Craddock are inducted in the
International Latin Music Hall of Fame .On
November 14 ,2007 it was announced they are the recipients of theLatin Jazz USA Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 2007/08 Ms. Latina International Pageant, with the presentation scheduled to happen on December 22, 2007 at theManuel Artime Theater ,Miami, Florida . They are the first Latin dancers to receive this award. [ [http://www.ejazznews.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=8852&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0 "Latin Jazz USA names recipients of the 2007 Latin Jazz USA Chico O’Farrill Lifetime Achievement Awards"] ]ee also
*
Millie Donay , a former dance partner of Cuban PeteReferences
External links
* [http://www.salsapower.com/cubanpete Cuban Pete website]
* [http://www.salsapower.com/interviews/cubanpete.htm An interview with Cuban Pete]
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