What Got You Into Dancing?
I was shy in Junior and Senior High School when it came to school dances.  I would always attend the dances, but only slow danced.  After High School, I met some friends who were always the center of attention on the dance floor.  So, I broke out of my shell and started shaking it on the dance floor, improving on my coordination and moves…LOL!

What Is Your Dance Experience?
The passion for dance was so great, my friend and I used to go out dancing as much as possible, and always danced on the highest stage.  After dancing on stage with friends, a lady from the Colorado State University Modern dance team invited my friend and I to join her team due to our unique dancing.

I was introduced into social dancing by my friend who wanted me to learn Country Dancing.  We drove 85 miles to a dance studio, which a wonderful German lady owned.  She was like a Mother, and took me under her wings, teaching me the different social dances.  Due to my dance background, the dances were easy to learn, which made it so much fun.  I was hungry for more.

Throughout my travels across the United States, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, I have danced and taught people with unique cultures and dance experience.  Due to this experience, I am aware of the many types and styles of dance.

What Is Your Favorite Category Of Dance To Teach?
Latin Dancing, because it has passion and energy.  I love the beat, movements, and the way it makes me feel when I am out there on the dance floor shaking it!  LOL!

“Dancing: the vertical expression of a horizontal desire legalized by music.”  ~George Bernard Shaw

The salsa originated in the Caribbean, although it also has a strong African influence. It is typically danced by couples and centers on a four-beat combination of two quick steps and a slow step with a pause or tap. Partners can then add turns and other flourishes to this basic footwork.

The cha cha cha, also called the cha cha, is another Cuban-born dance, similar to the mambo in style. However, after the basic movement of stepping forward or backward and shifting weight between feet, the cha cha cha adds a quick set of three steps to the side. This gives the dance its name, as many dancers will count out these steps as “cha cha cha”.

Read more: Cha-Cha-Cha

Merengue is an essentially Dominican dance, even being named the official dance of the country. It is generally considered easy to learn. The following basic movement is performed to the front, back, and side in couples dancing – step onto the inside edge of the foot, roll the foot to transfer weight, then drag the other foot to meet the first foot.

The bachata is another dance from the Dominican Republic. Dancers move side to side in a four-beat pattern – three steps to the side and a pause. This pause forms the essence of the bachata as dancers incorporate pronounced hip movements. Overall, the dance is much more about moving the body with style than the simple back and forth steps.