George Salinas, Professional modern dancer for Dance Kaleidoscope. (Frank Espich / The Star)

George Salinas is noted for his jumping strength despite his modest stature. (Frank Espich / The Star)

George Salinas has never danced for his father -- not since he decided to become a professional dancer.

In fact, dancing is a bit of a sore subject between the two.

Salinas, who is in his fifth season with Dance Kaleidoscope, will perform this week in David Hochoy's latest creation, "I Never Danced for My Father," which examines the relationships between the modern troupe's male dancers and their dads.

The multimedia piece will connect the generations by juxtaposing videotaped interviews with the fathers with live solo dances by their sons.

One of those video clips is an excerpt from a 10-year-old public television documentary about the Salinas family, including quotes from Salinas' father, Gilberto, a welder.

But the subject of dancing definitely won't come up. According to Salinas, the Latin community he grew up in considered dancing a hobby that made you a more well-rounded person -- but not a profession, especially not for men.

What is your earliest memory of being interested in dance?

I started my ethnic dancing very, very early -- at 3 or 4. But (professional) dance -- you know, it wasn't my dream because it wasn't part of my upbringing. It wasn't until I was in college that I realized dance was a part of my life.

Weren't you encouraged to dance by your family?

Everybody in my family danced, but it was folklorico. That was acceptable. I was named after a dancer, George Scabine, but my parents wanted me to be a doctor, a lawyer -- something respectable. I had originally thought of going into the military as preparation to being a lawyer or engineer. Dance was supposed to be a hobby, not a career choice.

How did your choice of profession affect your relationship with your family?

My siblings supported me. Of course, my sister (White Rose Salinas) and my brother (Albert Salinas) were both professional dancers, and they had to quit. I haven't spoken to my dad about my dance career in a long time. He's my dad and I love him, and I'm his son and he loves me, but it's a very sensitive subject for both of us.

Tell me about your family.

I was the youngest of eight children. I was the baby. My mother is Consuelo. My father, Gilberto, was born in Texas, but was raised in Mexico.

To what extent are there stereotypes about male dancers in the Latino community?

I was raised that if you dance ballet or modern, it wasn't very manly. You didn't want to be ridiculed.

Since you grew up in the Dallas area, is there anything of Texas that has become part of you?

I do wear boots. I love to wear boots. I can dance the Texas two-step.

Did you play sports? If not, what did you do to get in shape for dance?

I was an athlete my whole life. I played baseball and football and ran track. But I like to say I did not choose dance. It chose me.

With your folklorico performances, are there particular regional dances that you are most familiar with?

Folklorico is just an overall style, but we have various states in Mexico, and the only thing that changes in the regions are the steps and the costumes. If you're in the Yucatan, everything is white; it's very hot. In Jalisco, you would find a darker traditional charro costume.

During the time you've been in Central Indiana, have you observed change in the Latin culture?

I like to go Latin dancing, so I have seen the community grow. I am glad people of my ethnicity are here. A lot of them don't associate with the arts -- not because they wouldn't, but because they don't know about things. The Latin friends I do have, I try to expose them to the arts.

How did you get to Dance Kaleidoscope?

Denise Vale, who was my teacher at the University of Oklahoma (as well as DK dancer Kenoth Shane Paton's teacher) had studied with David Hochoy when he was with the Martha Graham Dance Company in New York.

What is your relationship like with David?

He's my mentor and my friend. He has taken me under his wing ever since I have been here. I have given every part of my work to him and the company. There's a trust there.

How did you develop a reputation at DK as a jumper?

It's just natural for me to jump. It's fun. I like being up in the air. Obviously, I'm short (5-foot-8). I have always been the shortest guy in the dance company. So maybe it's just that whatever I'm really good at, you're going to know it.

What is your favorite role with Dance Kaleidoscope?

"China Boy" (from the spring of 2006) was my first big role. "The Afternoon of a Faun" (from last March) was the first time David created a role for me. They're all important, but if something has to stand out above the others, it would be those two.

I understand you freelance as a fitness instructor.

I do. I work as a personal trainer or fitness instructor with some clients. I like to help people stay in shape, and stay healthy. I want to pass on some of my knowledge, and if I can help them, great.

Is it true that you've purchased a house in the Downtown area?

Yes. I've bought a house in the Woodruff Place neighborhood. It was built in 1912. They call the style Arts and Crafts, and it suits me. Obviously, I want to stay here. I lived in New York for a while, and the New York life wasn't for me.

'Fathers & Sons'

What: A Dance Kaleidoscope presentation, featuring the premiere of "I Never Danced for My Father," by David Hochoy.

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. May 18.

Where: Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St.

Tickets: $20-$36, with discounts for students and seniors. For more information, call (317) 635-5252 or go to www.irtlive.com.