News • 10 August 2003

on the spot... with Nicolai vingneswaren

Nicolai Vigneswaren has finally returned to Fuego. The long--awaited DJ and Salsa instructor returns, this time to Fuego Qawra, for three weeks this month. Nicolai Vigneswaren is based in Leeds, UK where he works as a DJ and holds regular Salsa classes. Nicolai also promotes prominent Latin events in the UK. As his predecessors have done, he will also provide animation during Fuego's Qawra nights. DJ Nicolai shall also be giving free salsa classes at Fuego Qawra on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
How long have you been a salsa instructor?
Eight years
Who inspired you to become a DJ/ salsa instructor?
There were three people: a Brazilian called Christina, a Colombian called Tanya and a Serbian called Lubi.
How did you become involved with Djing and teaching salsa?
I used to be obsessed with salsa dancing and people used to ask me to teach them how to do it. Salsa that is!
Where was the first club/bar you played at?
Casa Latina in Leeds, UK
Why salsa?
It’s sexy, addictive, oozing with passion and full of pulsating Latin rhythms. I love being attached to another human being while I’m dancing.
Why Malta?
Malta is a beautiful island. The people have been extremely friendly to me. I’m working at Fuego, Qawra it’s a lively club full of carnival atmosphere every night of the week. Malta is a lovely place indeed more so when you work in the best club with the friendliest staff and punters… and of course the gorgeous women!
If you ruled the world, what would you ban?
Bigotry, unbridled greed, oppression of every kind……MacDonalds (fast food), soap operas and men’s cosmetics.
What’s your biggest phobia?
Fortunately I don’t have any.
If you were invisible for a day, what would you do?
If I told you it would spoil my fun. Some things are better left unsaid!
Your best friend would describe you as…
Perhaps some of the words would be unmentionable especially for a Sunday morning.
The person you text the most is…
Two people, my children.
Someone hands you Lm10,000. What would you spend it on?
My children, my family and friends.
If you wanted to impress a lover, what would you do?
Show them how special they are. Spoil them in ways which have not as yet ever been imagined.
What do you want to be remembered for?
For at least trying to do the right thing and for being a great Salsa teacher.
What’s the worst insult one can throw at you?
I don’t get insulted or offended easily…sticks and stones and all that…
Which movie or song best describes your life?
I don’t think it’s been written yet.
Are you a coffee or a tea drinker?
Both but mostly coffee.
What’s been the highlight of your life so far?
Having two beautiful children.
How old do you feel?
I don’t feel old.
What’s your best pick-up line?
I don’t need pick up lines.
What are you like when you’re drunk?
Cool as a cucumber or perhaps just a little more verbose!
Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?
Well, I’m not exactly a shy retiring wall flower.
Live long or live fast?
Neither. Carpe diem: live each day as if its your last and don’t over stay your visit.
Tell us a recent dream
Can’t remember any specific one, they do tend to be adult only though!
What’s the most bizarre thing you have ever eaten?
Don’t know really, ox tongue, cow’s intestines, sheep’s brain, chicken feet and eels.
Are you good at keeping secrets?
Of course. Why? Have you got any you want me to keep?
If you had a time machine where would you go?
It would have to be back to the Middle ages with no cities, lots of untainted nature, chivalry…
If you could be a fictional/real character, who would you be?
Never really sat down and thought about that, maybe Merlin the Magician or Che Guevara.
Do you believe in the supernatural?
Without a doubt.
You’re stuck in an elevator with strangers: what do you do?
Well, that would depend on who they are but I’d be likely to strike up a conversation…then, well, who knows?
Are you a workaholic?
Not exactly but hard work is something I’m used to.
What are you most afraid of?
Running out of time…
Would you quit a job without having another one lined up?
Of course. I have done that on one or two occasions.
What’s your most embarrassing moment?
Possibly being shown up by Anne Robinson (UK, TV celebrity) on the TV programme the Weakest Link!