We are so honored to feature the amazing Nicole Goldin from Dile Que Nola this week. Her work as a performer, organizer, teacher, and dancer throughout the years has been beyond inspirational for both us. Without a doubt, she is a creative powerhouse, and she brings loads of fun to the festivals we have met up at. We hope you enjoy getting to know everyone’s favorite prima.
A Short Bio
I was born in Lima, Peru, where I grew up listening to the best Cuban music of the 90s. One of my first CDs was La Charanga Habanera’s “Tremendo Delirio,” which my sister and I would listen to incessantly on road trips. That, and hits by Manolito Simonet, La Caroband, and Los Van Van were the soundtracks to my childhood.
How did you find dance/casino?
I did not start dancing to Cuban music until age 17, when my unrequited High School crush asked me to go to a dance class because it was cheaper to go in a couple than alone. What I thought was an opportunity to make him fall in love with me, actually became an eternal affair with casino. At 19, I moved to New Orleans, where I continued dancing casually at local Latin clubs. In 2015, myself and 5 other powerhouse women founded Dile Que NOLA, which was originally a female-only rueda de casino group. We quickly expanded to include all genders and incorporated into a non-profit organization.
Favorite dance event you’ve attended?
I have 2 favorite events: Louisville Mega Rueda, which inspired my other favorite event – Toda La Familia. I know that I am biased because I organize Toda La Familia with Lori; however, it mixes the best of both worlds: Casino and New Orleans. Louisville Mega Rueda felt so warm and fuzzy after COVID had isolated us, and it started this desire for wanting to have casino family reunions. I am sure that when I start traveling more, especially to Europe, I will have other favorite events, but these 2 are where it’s at for me. OH – special note for Cubason Congress in Playa del Carmen, which was fun! I am a weekender type of gal, but this “congress” was quite enjoyable.
Current favorite song to dance to?
Vanvanidina by Los Van Van (Ponte que ya estoy puesto, baby!)
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I promise that I do not make a living from dancing casino! LOL! I know that my social media feeds are only dance-related things, but I do have somewhat of a non-casino life in the real world. I own a mental health group practice and love helping all of our counselors better support their/our clients. I can say that at age 33, I have fulfilled most of my personal and career dreams. I am so incredibly thankful and humbled. The reason why you see so much dance stuff on my social media is because casino is the key to my mental health. For those who surround me and have to deal with Timba 24/7, I am sorry – not sorry.
Do you know Nicole? Please share your love and memories for her in the comments below. Check out our other interviews here. Also, if you’re interested in going to Toda la Familia or any future Dile Que Nola events, read our review here
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Ya Tu Sabes 