I grew up in East London in a lively, multicultural community surrounded by my family and our Colombian traditions. Our home was always full of music, food, and loud conversations that made life feel warm and full of love. I spent my childhood between London life and stories of Colombia that shaped my identity.

Dancing became my safe space from as early as six years old. One of my earliest memories is dancing around the living room as a little girl, feeling completely free, watched and encouraged by my family who always filled the house with Latin music. Even in difficult moments, my family’s resilience and humour created a foundation that still carries me today.

From my mum I inherited resilience and the ability to push forward regardless of the storm. From my dad, I inherited humour and strength.

The most influential figure in my life is my dad.  He came from abject poverty and had to work from the age of seven. Seeing how he still approaches life with hard work, positivity, and joy, taught me that struggle doesn’t have to dim your light. His example shaped how I see the world and how I carry myself.

At 17 years old, I saved money to travel alone to Cali, Colombia, where I trained with Swing Latino for four months. That experience completely changed my understanding of salsa and made me see the London dance scene with new eyes.

I became determined to make salsa be recognised by London's formal dance sector and I worked relentlessly toward that goal. My teaching and creative projects grew into community work, performances, events, and cultural leadership. In 2026, becoming a salsa lecturer and bringing Salsa Caleña into the curriculum marked the fulfilment of a long-term dream.

The biggest challenge I’ve had to face is becoming a mum at 20 and knowing I had to allow my career to grow slowly because my son needed me first. Balancing motherhood, university, and my artistic journey demanded resilience, sacrifice, and patience.

The biggest breakthrough in my career was when I posted a video on 27 January 2026 of my young daughter dancing salsa with me. That moment went viral, opened countless doors, and introduced my name and Salsa Vibez to the world.

I didn’t truly become aware of colourism until my 30s, when I realised how much it shaped people’s attitudes toward me. In London, my skin tone made people question whether I was “black enough” or “not black,” yet clearly not white — a constant back-and-forth rooted in ignorance. But through all of that, I stayed loud and proud of being Colombian. Everything I do carries my culture first, even though I was born here.

Latinos have a certain passion, fire, and warmth that can’t be taught. It lives in us. That energy shapes everything I do—how I teach, how I lead, how I connect, and how I bring people together.

I would tell my younger self “Never doubt your talent. You were made for more than you can currently see—keep going, even when it feels like you’re moving slowly.”

Over time I’ve learned to value consistency, empathy, and integrity — qualities I underestimated when I was younger but now see as essential to growth.

The best advice I’ve been given is…“Never stop being you—your light radiates in the darkest places, and you uplift others just by being yourself.” This advice came during a difficult period in my life, and it carried me through.

As a recently diagnosed ADHD woman, I’m finally understanding myself better. I’m juggling motherhood, dance and personal goals with more compassion toward myself. I take each day as it comes while staying present for my children, because they don’t stay small forever.

What I love about London is Its diversity, its energy, and the way you can find a piece of every culture in one city.

My most memorable encounter with a stranger was when  woman who once stopped me after a class and told me my energy alone had changed her entire week. It reminded me how important a positive presence can be.

My perfect Sunday in London is a morning walk or run in the Olympic Park, a good cup of tea, time with my kids and ending the day dancing or watching the sunset by the water.

Erika Vibez will be presenting the Tardeo Tropical Stage at LatinoLife in the Park on Sunday 19th July  www.latinolifeinthepark.com

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