I have traveled to many wonderful places and met some amazing people while learning, performing, and teaching what I love.....Dance. These Salsa-Tales will take you inside some of those memories!
When a man by the name of Josue Hernandez called me to ask if i would come to Kansas City to teach a workshop for his students I said, "I'm sorry where'd you say you were calling from?" Kansas......people dance salsa in Kansas City? Well, apparently they do. i flew in to KC after spending 8 hours stuck in Chicago Midway Airport only to have time to change in the bathroom; get picked up by Josue and be driven directly to the club where my good friend/director PsyonMauricio was waiting for me. Let me just say; I was more than eager to put on my dance shoes and before i knew it we were on stage performing.
The support that was shown to josue and his event was overwhelming. Anytime I can travel and teach to a class of 60 plus people it really speaks volumes about the person these people represent. After the workshops I went to what was my 1st Salsa house party at Josue's.
The weekend reminded me that this love that we all share can really bring great people together. Even in KC! I went to KC thinking I was going to do what I love doing and come home but I left with so much more. Thanks to Josue & Leah for making my trip so wonderful.
The city of Atlanta, GA holds a special place in my heart because I have 2 very special ladies that I am proud to call my neices that live there. When I recieved a phone call from "Bachata Greg" to assist in teaching his bachata workshop for the congress I was more than happy to ablige. The opportunity to work with great spirited people away from home is always a treat.
the congress was a blast and the bachata workshop turned out to be the workshop most participated in. The rest of the weekend held all of our normal traditions...dancing until 3am, 3 t-shirt changes, and everyone meeting for breakfast each night. Of course the most important member of our mambo family....Jack Smooth joined us for the trip. Even though he spent the better part of the congress on the huge bed that the Sheraton provided just for him. he did find time to drop by the congress and make an appearance. We can't all be stars but its nice to hang out with one whenever possible. Big thanks to Sheila Sampathe and her assistant for making us feel very welcome.
Tonight we rocked the stage with my fave band Bio Ritmo. It was such a rush and honor to grace the stage with them. They are so amazing on and off the stage. Were so blessed! I have great behind the scene photos for you bout. We did start off the day in the studio practicing and then headed over to get our tech rehearsal. The show was great! We danced two sets with the band and they even gave and encore performance. Ray has an awesome voice. Im such a groupie for the whole group. Thanks to everyone who came out to support our group. We had a blast!
February 26th 2008 "Back from ATL with 1 Good Foot"
Mood: Hurt but Motivated
So I'm back from ATL and as always it was a very interesting trip. This trip was very special tho many members of my dance company went with me this time. You know that includes My sister and Jack! It was sooo exciting having all my family there to chill with. To see brand new dancers growing and overcoming dance related fears reminds me why I do what I do. Along with some great dancing, we met some great people and of course had great food!! I took the gang down to Papi's which has now become a tradition on every ATL trip. We ate there Fri, Sat, and Sun. I'll be honest everyday tasted like our 1st. The best Cuban food I've had by far!!!! I look forward to my trips down there just for the food. Flava Invasion 3 was a big hit, saw many friends I haven't seen in sooooooo long. Its a great time to just let loose and not worry about anything. YEA RIGHT!!!! I'm too much of a workaholic for that to happen. I took every piece of technology with me like the world was ending. Extra batteries for my phone, mp 3 player, cd's, both planners, lap top, etc. In between jack going out, reviewing things with students...I worked! My friend and business associate Adina and I danced so hard on Sat that Sun morning we found ourself foot deep in a bath while on our laptops working. Yes! I have pics to back this up! It was interesting. Did get a lot of work done though. Our last night there the party was at a club and I ended up being stepped on by a guy dancing (who will remain nameless) needless to say I hobbled back to the hotel with a very swollen foot. Woke up the next morning with a still very swollen foot. But, after having the pleasure of dancing with the likes of gentlemen like Juan Matos on Saturday night loosing a half of a night just didn't seem so big! lol
March 21st 2009 "A mambo-Quita-sandwich..wanna super size that?"
Mood: Saucy
Tonight I traveled to Richmond for my good friend's David Prado (Prado Power) and Jay Cuba's salsa party. I had a blast! I met new dancers, mingled with old, and saw a few unexpected people. Beyond all, I enjoyed myself. The music was amazing as usual thanks to resident and guest DJs brought in. Its good to get away ever so often. For the last dance I had a treat! David & Jay took their turns making a "mambo-Quita-sandwich" out of me hehe :). There is nothing better than being tossed up by two mambo-determined men!....Try it ladies! I have video and pictures; they will be posted on my sisiter site salsavidahr. I'll make a note when I post them. (Big Yawn) ok, going to bed have to be on the radio by 9am!!!! Sigh. Night Night!
February 1st 2009 "Back home from DC"
Mood: Pooked!!
I am finally back in VA for more than a day and I can't tell you how good it feels to be home. I have been on the road for the past week and I missed my family a lot. I just got back in from DC and my trip like every dc trip was awesome! My good friend DJ Renzo had his magazine release party and it was great! I went up to support, teach a salsa lesson, and dance the night away with familiar faces. I traveled by train which gave me some time to relax and catch up with work instead of driving. After arriving I of course had to grab some great sushi....it had been too long since my last visit. After a little shopping I went to the party and had a ball!!! Just not enough time in the day. I am soooo happy I got to see my very good friend D'alizza and her fiance Lonny they are truly friends of my heart. Good friends I have learned you may not have communication every day with but when you reunite you fell like you never left. I'm greatful for that. There are NOT many out there like that. I took some pics from my train ride and then of some from the party.
