Editor’s note: Tessa Abrahams profiles the Upper West Side’s doormen for the West Side Rag. This is the sixth in her series.
By Tessa Abrahams
Name: Juan Valerio a.k.a. Valerio El Mas Duro (Valerio “The Hardest”)
Age: 52
Hometown: Dominican Republic
Upon my arrival to 320 Riverside Drive, I was informed that Valerio’s shift was about to end and that he would soon be headed home. Immediately, I began to worry that he may be in a rush to leave and not want to talk much. However, I quickly discovered that my tardiness was the best thing that could have ever happened. Next thing I knew, I was riding in the passenger seat of Valerio’s infamous yellow Pontiac convertible, top down, hair blowing in the wind, as we cruised up Riverside Drive in search of spot to take photos. Once we parked on the side of the street, Valerio wasted no time and immediately whipped out his dancing shoes (he takes them everywhere just in case), turned up the bass, and started to salsa.
Valerio moved to NYC in 1978 seeking the opportunity to gain a better life, “a better everything.” In exchange, we received a living, breathing, human firecracker. After work on Saturday, Valerio’s typical routine is to “first I go home. Next I rest for 30 minutes. Then I go out salsa dancing for at least 3-4 hours. Always dancing, no exceptions.” Valerio’s love of dance began when he was 7 years and includes “everything from Salsa, to Modern, to Latin, to Hip Hop and more as well as singing and rapping” He has done everything from choreography, teaching, music videos, solo performances as well as ones with bands, and has been on tour in the U.S. as well as Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
As if this doorman is not already full of surprises, get this: this incredibly outgoing spirit was once completely masked over by fear. During our rendezvous, Valerio admitted to me that the biggest obstacle he had overcome in life was, in fact, crippling shyness. His fear of interacting with other people was so extreme that he told me when he was younger “in order to talk to someone I did not know, I would have to send my friend over to speak for me.” Hold on. Didn’t this guy just give a complete stranger an impromptu dance performance along with the rest of Riverside Drive during rush hour? I could not fathom how undeniably one of the most charismatic, outgoing people I had ever met in my life could possibly have been that shy.
In response to my utter disbelief, Valerio spoke of how he was able to overcome his fear: “One day I decided to challenge myself. I sat myself down and thought about who I was and why I was so scared to talk to people. Then figured out what I needed to do, and I immediately put it to work.” Moreover, “In order to do so I had to understand who I was before I could make a change. Once I did, I began talking to people despite how I afraid I was to not be shy, I realized that I am actually very much a people person. Through this experience, I understood that every human being deserves to take the time to figure out who they are.” I can honestly say that this was one of the most refreshing, inspiring conversations that I have ever had.
Once Valerio dropped me off back at his building, I ran into John, a security worker for the building whom I met earlier with Valerio before embarking on our little adventure. John knew that Valerio was too humble to mention any of his accomplishments to me and so he took it upon himself to inform me about the incredible difficulties and struggles he has conquered as a solo-performing artist. According to John, as a result of some serious bad luck with managers in the past, Valerio has learned to only rely on himself for literally all aspects and plans and organizes his own tours, around the world.
Even more amazing, John told me how Valerio made an entire music video by himself. Despite the lack of resources or assistance, Valerio took a big risk and saved up his money until he could afford the professional-grade camera he needed for his video. He then did everything from choreographing, song writing, directing, and staging. Once he was finished filming, Valerio taught himself how to do editing and post-production. Clearly, this amazing, vibrant, talented doorman has yet to back down when faced with a challenge. Although faced with some serious obstacles that would cause most people to give up (and reasonably so), Valerio has continued to persist onward, to grow, to learn, and to do whatever it takes to have the best chance he can get at pursuing his dream.
Letter from the author:
Dear Readers,
As someone who has experienced Valerio’s brilliance first-hand, I ask anyone reading this who either is or knows of an awesome manager or individual in a relevant position that could help Valerio continue to pursue his lifelong passion of music and dance to please email me directly at tabrahams90@gmail.com and I will put you in contact with him ASAP. I promise that you will not be disappointed. You can view some of his work here: https://www.youtube.com/user/valerioelmasduro
All the best,
Tessa
P.S. – Valerio never asked me for help or even mentioned to me how he has had little to no outside help in acquiring opportunities that will help better his career as a successful solo artist. In fact, he has no idea I even heard about these obstacles in his career as a performer. However, now that I have been made aware of it, I had to at least try and see what opportunities may come from this.
P.P.S- I know I always do my doorman photos in B&W, but I’m pretty sure it’s obvious why I had to make an exception for his vibrant individual.
Recommendations of doormen are highly encouraged! However, I ask that you keep your recommendations a secret. I want all interviews to be candid, as I believe it keeps the magic alive. Also if possible, please include the times/days in which this individual is typically working. If you know a doorman who you believe should be featured, please feel free to reach out to me directly at tabrahams90 at gmail.com or via the West Side Rag at westsiderag at gmail.com.
Photos by Tessa Abrahams.
Thanks so much for sharing Juan’s amazing personality. I can’t imagine anyone more a “people person” than him. We’re so fortunate to have him in our lives. (And those photos, indeed, called out to be run in color.)
“bravo”! to Valerio and Tessa.
and it’s too bad they don’t make Pontiacs any more!
This profile captures Juan’s spirit exactly. He’s the best!
Very nice piece. Thanks.
You’re articles on the doormen of the West Side are very interesting; however, you give their hometowns as “Puerto Rico,” “Dominican Republic,” etc. This is inaccurate as there are towns and cities on the islands, i.e., San Juan, Puerto Rico; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, etc. and these men do come from cities and towns in addition to their islands. Please add their cities and towns in future stories. Thank you.
I absolutely agree and actually realized this mistake when this article was posted. Will do!
I wanted to do a piece on him almost 2 years ago, but never got around to it. I’m glad you did. However, I thought his videos would be of his dancing, so I was disappointed when it wasn’t. I gave up after the 2nd one since I don’t speak Spanish and had no clue what was going on.
I personally own a sign copy of Valerio’s album Valerio soy and it’s an honor and a privilege to know him on personal level. Me and his son, Alexander grew up together in Washington Heights. Juan is a loving father and a great person in general. Can’t wait to see what the rest of his career has in store. -Christian a.k.a Kiki W.O.T.R INC.