Marilyn Spain and the influence of Latin America never required a surname to be known. Beside Martha Botia, the belief in dancing solo became a phenomenon that, in 1996, assembled the crucial pieces for an unforgettable hit: two exceptionally influential women, a collection of the catchiest pop tunes, five million LPs sold, and a dramatic breakup that turned into legend as the new century began. After releasing three albums, the duo disbanded amid rumors about a troubled personal relationship. They never fully denied it, which cemented their status in early 2000s pop culture.
Marta stepped forward with a solo debut during the shoot. Yet Marilia chose to pause, returning to her roots and finding a path that would later reappear in her third project post-split: Dance with Me. The years passed without rushing the stage, guiding her toward a certainty—love speaks every language, and experience has the final word.
How did returning to authenticity feel for her?
Dance with Me reflects a journey she has lived so far. When she began composing, she aimed to share her truth. Her music is deeply connected to her roots—when the core feels right, the rest follows. Cherishing life, she believes, means embracing its ups and downs and choosing joy whenever possible.
Did time shape this vision?
Yes, time helped her know herself more. Music has always been her purest form of expression, revealing subtleties words sometimes miss. Today she feels more alive because she has learned to connect with her childhood while meeting her adult self, forgiving and accepting the person she has become.
What about starting a project as an independent artist?
It costs a lot. Yet sharing her work brought immense happiness and helped overcome obstacles. Gratitude kept her moving forward. Inside she speaks of inner strength that sometimes stays hidden but remains essential, especially during storms. She feels the audience’s love more acutely and channels that energy into melodies that accompany people through moments of doubt.
Which letter best captures the current mood?
It depends on the day. The message can be about unconditional love. She began writing with younger family members in mind, and later realized the lines spoke to any relationship. She wishes her loved ones well and hopes their journeys bring them warmth and safety.
Is this how she imagines herself at twenty?
Even after all these years, the core remains. From the start she wanted honesty in all she did, without losing herself in industry noise. This belief remains a guiding force, fueling confidence and pride in her craft.
The third project included a refreshed take on classic Ella Baila Sola material. Why layer so much?
She gave herself permission to follow her current instincts. Songs can be revisited endlessly, each listening offering something new. The core identity remains, while the moment shifts with time. This natural evolution had to be reflected in the work.
What kept the work alive while sounds evolved?
Her essence proved lasting. She learned to revisit works with fresh tempo, letting live performances reveal new meanings. The live stage becomes a place to discover sentences that take on new life depending on the moment and the setup.
In the early solo days, how did a couple of landmark releases fit into a rapid era?
The pace was blistering. Millions of copies sold, around the world, and constant travel. They paused when the creative well seemed to run dry, choosing to protect their art rather than force momentum. The industry often values numbers over people, but the artists trusted the public reaction and believed in new beginnings when the time felt right. They knew a comeback would come only with a clear path and a true readiness to create again.
What did absence contribute to the craft?
It allowed space for experimentation they might not have had otherwise. They recorded and produced material in fragments, never rushing the process. The need to share what was forming grew stronger, even as some projects remained in the shadow.
Why were some projects left unreleased?
Connection issues and timing often blocked completion. If something didn’t feel right, they paused rather than risk compromising what they valued. They always gave their best and trusted that things would fall into place when they truly belonged.
When they returned to the scene, did fans respond differently?
If you wait too long, disappointment can arise. Yet most people stayed supportive as the wave eased. The experience proved that courage matters more than fear. Embracing change revealed a stronger inner compass and a clearer path forward.
The LP had a concise cut and at times almost felt like giving up. What happened there?
It was a moment of truth set against the urge to conform. Writing then was a direct conversation with the journey they had walked. The message is for anyone facing similar crossroads, reminding them that sustenance comes from staying true to what you need to drink and what you need to breathe. Inside us lies a restless energy that must be honored.
Do you remember the first time a song played on the radio?
Yes, we were in the car. We paused to listen and the road opened up. It felt magical. Even during the last promotional run, the same sensation returned, and she saw herself as a girl again with goosebumps and shining eyes.
Ella Baila Sola’s debut album went platinum in weeks. How did that reshape life?
People adapt well to change, and joy followed. The experience brought a deep sense of fulfillment. Loved ones were never far away, and the growth was watched with a mix of pride and wonder. It was a remarkable era, one that taught her to handle emotions that come with extraordinary success.
Did fame change their view of youth and possibility?
Fame reshapes how possibilities feel, not who someone is. It amplified a belief in the value of every moment and showed that staying connected to one another matters most. The journey continues with that understanding at its core.
The work carried strong feminist resonance for its era. How is that legacy viewed today?
The duo remains a living draft of change. They still see room for growth and a broader equality behind the scenes. The music connected countless listeners, and that shared experience keeps evolving as society grows. There is a commitment to equity that remains a work in progress, always moving toward better representation and opportunity for every artist.
Were there lingering moments with industry legends after awards?
They met many groups, sharing closeness and mutual respect. The bonds formed were real, and the pressures of the scene did not erase the camaraderie people felt in those moments.
During the third recording session, the relationship with Marta was described as strained. Was the split a necessary decision?
The creative cycle is human and relationships shift under pressure. They chose to stop at a moment that made sense, using the tools they had to do their best. The photos in question captured a moment of transition, some posed together and some apart. When a group image is created, someone inevitably stands out differently. The method served its purpose and reflected the truth of that time.
Was there ever a final attempt to halt the separation?
Recollections fade, and some details blur. The decision to continue together never fully faded, but the industry often capitalizes on what works, sometimes sidelining the human side. The focus gradually shifted to where they would be, and that choice proved life-affirming for them both.
How did they celebrate the 25th anniversary of their debut?
They paused to thank everyone for a ride that spared nothing and brought joy to so many. Living in the moment felt right, a reminder of the exhilaration they felt at twenty and the experience they bring to today. That gratitude fed their desire to keep sharing what they love.
Could a stage reunion happen in the future?
Life remains open to surprises. Planning too far ahead seems limiting. If the moment arrives, it will be celebrated. Until then, they stay ready for whatever comes next, honoring the journey they have traveled together.