Three things I love: West Australian Ballet principal dancer Oscar Valdés

Each week, WAtoday reaches out to the Perth community to find out three things people love the most about our coastal capital. This week, Cuban-born principal dancer at the West Australian Ballet, Oscar Valdés, who first experienced WA as a guest dancer for the company in 2015.

I love the weather in Perth because it reminds me of my country. I come from the city of Camaguey, Cuba, a great city, but different to Perth.

It’s like living in the past—old cars, old buildings, like really old, and always people playing music on the streets.

To be honest, I miss it a lot because it was simple, even if life was hard, the feeling of being happy without anything. Also, it’s pretty hot weather, like here, but never cold like here in winter.

I love the beach and the salsa nights. I started dancing salsa when I was back at home in Cuba. It’s a big thing there, it’s in our blood.

I’ve always been close to the beach because from a young age, my grandfather was a fisherman, so I was always with him out at sea. When I moved to Perth I started to learn how to surf, even though I’m really bad at it, I love it. My favourite is Trigg Beach.

And, one of the most important things, I love the safety and security you have in Perth to raise your kids.

Becoming a parent was a huge change in my life. It’s also been a challenge but in a good way. I’m more patient now.