Eddie Vega, like a lover pursuing his beloved, pursued the breathtaking magic of dance with every other thought, breath and heartbeat.  Eddie is a professional dancer--one of New York's finest.  He has been a featured artist and has made special guest appearances throughout Europe, Japan and the United States.  He has appeared in several movies such as "Crossover Dreams" starring Ruben Blades, "Cada Dia un Dia" starring Julio Iglesias and has choreographed dance segments in others such as "El Barrio" and "East Side Story". He also appeared in the movie "Salsa" and "Dirty Dancing". His choreography extends to pop videos for top vocalist such as Brenda K. Starr, Earth Wind & Fire, Fascination, Cover Girls, Denise Lopez, Iris Chacon, Sophy Hernandez and Cher. He has worked with actress Jennifer Beals in Japan promoting the movie "Flashdance".  He was a season dancer on NBC's Don Kirschners Rock Concert and made special guest appearances at the EMI World Dance Championship in London, England.  He worked along with Patrick Cassidy filming the television series "Dirty Dancing".  He starred in Kenny Ortega's Las Vegas Revue the "Latin Quarter" (Riviera Hotel).  He has made numerous television appearances, radio and magazine interviews.  He has performed with Marlon Jackson in the "Tribute to Lionel Ritchie" NAACP Awards.  He has worked with great choreographers such as Michael Peters, Paula Abdul, Hymie Rogers, Kenny Ortega and Miranda Gibson.  He contributes his talents annually to Parsarela Modeling Studios graduation ceremonies creating a spectacular event.  He has had the honor of winning television's 1981 "Dance Fever" $25,000 Grand Prize and in 1987 fifteen consecutive, undefeated Star Search championships (a first in its category for the television series), including the $100,000 Final Grand Prize.  He has won both national and international titles and awards in dance competitions such as the United States Ballroom Championship (Exhibition division) and the California State Dance Championship.  He has performed for Leukemia Fund Raisers, Jerry's Kids and a host of other charitable events.  Eddie performed with four partners throughout his career--Lourdes Juers (Jones), Nellie Cotto, Lisa Nunziella and Maria Torres.  Together they achieved breath-gasping, one-handed high-speed aerial feats that became his trademark.  He has taught private and group dance classes for beginners and professionals.

On March 12, 1992, Eddie Vega 29 years old died of Karposi Sarcoma cancer. AIDS related.  At the age of 29 Eddie had seen more doctors, needles and hospital beds than most people will probably see in their lifetime.  In the midst of a young, aspiring, talented life befell what some might refer to as a mere misfortune, others might deem it a frightening nightmare--for Eddie it was a way of life and the heaviest partner he had to carry--a burden lifted by death.

A Black military uniform embroidered with gold sequins embraced his body, white gloves survied the fingers of hands that used to guide his partners in such a special way that it can happen only once in a lifetime.  He layed there without worry, without pain. . . .without life. . .so peaceful surrounded by pictures and vidoes of times past (maybe so we could remember moments with him/or so he would, if he could, remember moments with us).

He lived each day with the hope that success will knock on his door once more--bringing a cure.  He set out for his biggest competition ever and the trophy was his life. Strong when he felt weak, and laughing when his heart ache to cry.  He never gave up and never gave less than everything (from Eddie you couldn't expect anything less).  With each pneumonia, fever, and other life-threatening complication that arose he managed to dig deep down in the heart of his soul where he keeps his showbiz magic and release one more magical breath.  Another moment of life, another mark of success.  The battle continued seemingly endless.  He learned that everything has its season. . .a time to live, a time to die, and a time to let go so he said goodbye and gently breathed his last breath.  Everything also has a purpose.

I have never stopped learning from him.  I believe in him and he will always be loved.  Rest peacefully sweetheart. . .dancing on the clouds.
By Lourdes Jones