Yudi Aguilar, one of the most iconic figures of Colombian Cali-style salsa in Spain, discusses her life and art with ColombiaOne. Credit: Yudy Aguilar Courtesy
Yudi Aguilar is one of the most iconic figures of Colombian Cali-style salsa, a discipline she has managed to take to Spain and elsewhere in Europe. Born in Cali, the World Capital of Salsa, Yudi has dedicated her life to dance, merging her passion with her love for sports and the culture of her homeland. After living in Spain for 15 years, Yudi has built both an artistic and personal legacy in their country, founding her own dance academy, Yuba Danza, alongside her partner and friend, Banes Gomez, from Barranquilla.
Yudi’s beginnings in dance
In an exclusive interview with Colombia One, Aguilar recalled her first steps in the world of dance. She explained that her love for the art form began when she was young, thanks to the influence of her mother and life in her community. “My mother always liked it […] and although she doesn’t practice anymore, those stories stayed with me,” Yudi says. SHe added that her surroundings, filled with music and family celebrations, also fueled her desire to dance.
During her school years, Yudi participated in both sport and dance activities, but it was when she saw a video of her teacher, Mulato, dancing Cali-style salsa that she decided to dedicate her life to this discipline. “I saw the video and said, ‘I want to do this.’ I fell in love with the dance and the style, and I decided to dedicate myself to Cali salsa,” she says
She went on to study at Mulato Cabaret, one of the best dance schools in Cali, which helped her start her journey in the industry. Since then, she has been able to travel the world, showcasing her skills and her Cali roots. Her champion appearances, some of which have been broadcast on the ESPN sports channel in the United States, helped her to go on and establish a presence in Spain.
Cali-style salsa as a form of identity
Salsa not only represents a passion for Aguilar but also a way to express her Colombian identity. “The advantage that Colombia has is the great variety of dances. I did folklore, but what I was most passionate about was Cali salsa. Having a solid base of all those styles helped me form my identity,” she explains.
@yudiaguilar4 Despues #de 10 intentos por fin salio ¿ valio la pena ? #Cali #CaliColombia #SalsaCaleña #ForYou #Trend #Challenge #Latino #Colombia ♬ Compay Gato – Los Guaracheros De Oriente
Salsa, Spain and adapting as a Colombian
Fusing her love for her homeland with the art of dance, Yudi has become a major reference for Colombian salsa in Spain. Winning the title of champion, along with her dance partner, in a particular competition was a key turning point in this journey. She caught the eye of an event promoter from Madrid who took her to Europe to perform there. “A man from Spain saw me dance and said, ‘I want to bring this couple from Colombia.’ That’s how we came to Spain with an artist visa,” she explains. In April 2025, Yudi will celebrate 15 years of living in Spain, where she has developed her career and personal life.
The change in climate and culture was one of the main challenges Yudi faced when she arrived in Spain. “The cold, the cultural differences, and the artistic system here were challenging, but thanks to the openness of the people, I was able to teach them my culture,” she said. Despite the differences, Yudi stayed true to her Colombian roots, which allowed her to not only adapt but also enrich her art. “I am very loyal to my roots, but living here has allowed me to grow artistically,” she confirms.
Although she enjoys her new life in Spain, Yudi cannot help but miss what she left behind in Colombia. “The warmth of the people, the food, the joy, I miss all of that,” she says nostalgically. Despite the distance, Yudi maintains a strong bond with her family in Colombia, and although her eldest daughter lives in Cali, her younger son and husband are with her in Spain.
Founding ‘Yuba Danza’ and growing a legacy in Spain and Colombia
One of Yudi’s most significant achievements in Spain has been the establishment of her dance school, Yuba Danza. Together with her friend and colleague, Alex, Yudi has been able to share her love for salsa and other genres of Colombian dance. “Opening my own school hasn’t been easy, but it is something I am very proud of,” says Yudi, who also teaches Colombian folklore, pole dance, and aerial dance.
The success of Yuba Danza is not only due to her talent but also the connection she has managed to create with students from Colombia and all over the world. “We have people from all over the world in the academy because Cali salsa is now trendy,” she explains.
Aguilar also has advice for Colombians who, like her, want to follow their dreams abroad. “You have to keep fighting for what you want. No matter the obstacles, there is always something to learn. From those difficulties, you grow as a person and as an artist,” she says. For her, success is in perseverance and maintaining passion for what you do.
Looking towards the future, Yudi has big dreams and goals. “I would like to take my art to another level, maybe to theaters, but I am one of those people who prefers not to talk too much about projects, because no one knows what will happen,” she confesses.