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Stage Name |
Birth Name |
Eddie Vega |
Eddie Vega |
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Eddie Vega was born in New York and was the
best street dancer who ever hit the dance scene. At age twelve
he would pair up with Lourdes Jones who was then only 11 herself
and win the New York Hustle Championships, beating all the adults
and would continue to win it every year thereafter. Eddie's highly
energetic and powerful dancing made him a legend. Eddie was good
at all the dances, however he really excelled in the Hustle and
Adagio dancing. His "Tricks" were Unbeatable.
Eddie danced with the Ralph Lew Dance Company with
Nellie as well as in Broadway plays, danced and choreographed
MTV Music Videos, Commercials, and Various TV Shows, including
the American Music Awards. Also after winning the "Dance
Fever - Grand Prix," Eddie taught Salsa classes at June Laberta
Dance Studio in New York. Eddie danced with a few different partners
over the years, and even won the Harvest
Moon Ball.
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Eddie would travel the
world over competing and showcasing his talents including such
places as Europe and Japan. Eddie's trademark was his high speed,
high energy aerials that would leave you gasping for more. Prior
to Eddie's major Star Search win with Lisa, Eddie danced on Star
Search a few years prior with Lourdes, winning the first week
but lost to Cookie and her partner from Los Angeles, but that
didn't stop him at all.
Eddie's partner Lisa Nunziella had all the right
attitudes and grace as well as expert dancing, would take them
to the finals of Ed McMahan's "Star Search," which they
would compete against the Rhythm Kings and would win the $100.000.00
Grand prize. They would also hold an unbroken record of the most
Star Search wins, by any performer on the show, thirteen
wins in all (unbeaten) with two being uncontested bringing it
to a total of 15 wins. After winning Star Search, Eddie stayed
in California for a couple of years with Sergio (his life partner,)
and opened his own Limousine service. Lisa stayed in California
as well, got married to Rob, had a son
Returning to his home in New York due to his illness,
Eddy died of Karposi Sarcoma cancer (Aids) in 1992 at his home
in New York. |
