The new film SHINE serves a flavorful slice of Latin culture, with infectious music and dazzling dancing.

I recently had the pleasure to talk to one of its protagonists, the experienced Puerto Rican actor David Zayas (Bloodlines, Dexter, The Expendables, 16 Blocks).

The movie (in theaters this Friday Oct. 5), written and directed by Anthony Nardolillo, also stars Jorge Burgos, Alysia Reiner, Musetta Vander, Natalie Peri, Artem Chigvintsev, and Gilbert Saldivar.

First of all, congratulations for your musical scenes. You look like a tumbadoras expert!

Thank you, it was fun! I had to take many classes for that. It was a process, but the rhythm is in my blood. The thing that I learned was that it’s not easy to be a conguero.

Can you talk about your character, Ramón, and the duty that he feels he has: passing a “cultural torch” to his sons?

I remember my dad, and my uncles… They were always trying to instill in our generation what was passionate and important for their generation. Since I am a widower in this film, the most important thing was to raise these kids the right way. They had to know where they come from, support each other and their neighborhood, values like loyalty, love for this music… it’s a beautiful thing! I know people like that, and I have worked with other Latino actors that have instill things in me, like Jimmy Smith and Edward James Olmos.

There is a scene in the movie where you are trying to teach these kids the difference between knowing the steps and performing with passion. How vital is that distinction for an artist?

For the people I grew up with it, wasn’t something theoretical, it was all about feeling it. Especially when you talk about drum-based Latin rhythms, that are originally African. To bring that flavor and vibe you need to feel as much as know it theoretically. That transfers into painting, acting… it has to come from the soul. When it does that, it becomes great.

It’s refreshing to see Latinos telling a Latino story that doesn’t revolve around crime, and that aims to be seen by everyone. How important is it to have this now?

It’s so important! Particularly, for young people. You don’t need to know about our culture to see this film and say “Hey, they are just like me,” because it’s the same through line: family, loyalty, positivity, and passion.

The movie was shot in Spanish Harlem, and you grew up nearby in The Bronx. What was your experience like with “El Barrio” growing up?

I am very familiar with “El Barrio.” I had many relatives there when I was younger. I remember people singing and dancing. Everything felt right when I shot this movie… I felt at home.

What was your reaction when you saw the film put together and completed?

When I met the director, Anthony Nardolillo, I know that he was very passionate. I knew that the music was going to be great because he is very knowledgeable and a great salsa dancer. I was amazingly surprised with how great the dancing choreography was. The dances were fantastic, and Tony had a great eye for showing them together, especially in the club.

How would you rate yourself as a dancer?

I grew up in the salsa scene, and I would go to places like “Copacabana” in New York to see musicians like Oscar De León, Tito Puente, José Alberto ‘El Canario,’ etc. I can dance salsa, but I am not as good as these kids in the movie. They are just great!

SHINE will be released in theaters on October 5.

Two Puerto Rican brothers from New York’s Spanish Harlem and the street’s best Salsa dancers, are separated after a tragedy only to reunite years later on opposing sides of gentrification.