DWG Newsletter

September 2008 Newsletter

National Hispanic Heritage Month
Sep 15 - Oct 15, 2008

"Getting Involved: Our Families, Our Community, Our Nation"

Message to Our Students:

Happy Fall

Dear All,

We hope everyone enjoyed their last day of summer and the breezy days to come.

Recently, we have completed our long awaited SPANISH Beginner & Intermediate Instructional DVDs . These are set to release prior to Christmas this year! Hugo has also been busy rendering the individual DVD chapters for customers to be able to download them for as little as $4.00! The videos will work on computers and also video iPods so you can take them with you anywhere! Can't afford the DVD? Just get the chapters you need and get some free chapters when you purchase one chapter! Our DVD chapters are expected to be available for download from our DWG Store by November 1, 2008.

This month we are running the National Aquarium's Hispanic Heritage Night on October 3rd. We welcome you to join us. Click on image below for PDF flyer (528 KB).

Performances will be by:

  • Erick Sanchez/Lucian Bracero
  • Karen Aguilar & Partner
  • Michelle Reyes & Partner
  • Grace Badillo & the DWG Intermediate Student Group.

Artwork by:

  • Christopher Hoppe
  • Justin Smith (tentative)
  • Raphael Almonte

DJ Sonero will also be there playing the best selection of music.

It should be a great time for all and you can also enjoy the Baltimore Aquarium. Performances begin at 5:00 pm.

We are still working on finding the right location for Baltimore's first Salsa Congress for July or August 2009! Without a good location we will not have this event so cross your fingers! If we do it, it will be done right! If you would like to volunteer to help please let us know! Volunteers get a large discount on the weekend ticket or free entry to the congress for the weekend depending on the level of involvement. Email Grace if you are interested!

Keep on Dancing & Enjoy The Change of the Seasons!

Grace, Hugo & the DWG Team

Make Your Wedding Dance a Romantic Salsa

Being part of our student's happiness is one of the reasons we love our job! If you are planning to get married or know someone that will be getting married soon, why not make your wedding dance a romantic salsa?

DWG offers private lesson packages that can be used for the most romantic dance of your life!

Private Lessons

Should I Do Private Lessons?

Grace's private lessons focus 50% of what you want/your goals and 50% of what you need. Private dance lessons are available on a very limited basis due to high demand in the summer and fall.

Grace typically works with dancers who truly want to move forward from one level to the next, or with a dancer who needs work on something specific, whether it be remembering patterns or styling of some sort. Choreography private lessons are available as well to help you work out the kinks of your choreography. Since Grace has judged for several competitions including the World Salsa Championship Preliminary Rounds she is well versed on what judges are looking for in competitions.

She is opening her private lesson schedule for dancers that seek technical drilling, spinning technique, styling, arm work footwork, and choreography. Typically Grace's private classes happen in the early evening from 3-8 pm 2-3 days a week. To get on her schedule please email her soon. Sometimes she can be booked up to 3 months in advance due to all of the corporate and evening events already scheduled. She wants you to get on her schedule as soon as possible! Email her at grace@dancingwithgrace.com. If she doesn't respond within 24-48 hours then she didn't receive the email! Please Send it again :0) Good luck on your dancing!

Grace's Private Slot Availability:

  • October 1: 7-8, 8-9, 9-10
  • October 8: 4, 5, 6 & 9-10 pm
  • October 15: 6-7 pm, 8-9 pm
  • October 16: 7-8 pm
  • October 22: 6-7,7-8 pm & 9-10 pm
  • October 29: 7-8 pm 8-9 pm, 9-10 pm
  • October 30: 7, 8, 9-10 pm

For private Lessons With Hugo, Niss or Rowan, contact them at:

hugo@dancingwithgrace.com
niss@dancingwithgrace.com
rowan@dancingwithgrace.com

Helping Others Through Dance

DWG's hopes for students to not just learn to dance but to learn to love dance so much that they want to help others with it! DWG works very hard and tries to do at least 1-2 charity events per month to help raise $ for a good cause or to entertain others that wouldn't normally get to dance. Helping any of the charities we support by attending is truly doing Salsa For A Reason other than just for "our own gratification". Lets help others whenever we see the opportunity and God, yes God, will certainly reward you for it!

This month Grace is working on Dance For the Cure's 2009 event to raise funds for Esophageal Cancer, the disease her father & uncle died from.

YWCA Homeless Shelter
YWCA Homeless Shelter

Head Start Event
Head Start Event

Orphanage in Puerto Rico
Orphanage in Puerto Rico

We want to inspire you to focus on others suffering and not your own because when we do this, suddenly we see how blessed and rich we truly are. Sometimes helping someone else helps us put things into perspective. This is why we believe it is better to give than to receive.

Bravo Award

The Bravo Award Goes to.....

DWG Bravo Award

  • Bethesda Multicultural Committee,
  • US Navy, and
  • National Naval Medical Center

This year Dancing With Grace was part of a great Hispanic Heritage Celebration at the National Naval Medical Center put on by the Bethesda Multicultural Committee. We all had a fun time discovering the diversity of this nation in history and dancing salsa! We applaud you all for helping us and others embrace the Hispanic culture and the diversity of this great nation!

Sincerely,

Grace, Hugo & the DWG Team
Dancing With Grace Productions

Grace’s Salsa Tips

Grace's Salsa Tips

Tip #1: Let her breathe. Have you ever been in a room where there were more men than women? These ladies need a break from time to time. Let her breathe and ask if she can save the next salsa for you. She will really appreciate it and if she doesn't, she wasn't worth dancing with anyway!

Tip#2: Use Valet if they have it. Ladies, if you are alone or even with a girlfriend and you can split the cost of a valet then just use it. Its safer for you. I have found that the streets of Baltimore are okay most of the time but even outside Gardels one of our students was robbed and stabbed. Luckily the crime rate next to Kasbah is very much less than where we were before, but ladies, take it from me-you never see it coming! Once I was attacked in broad daylight at 2 o'clock in the afternoon! If any locations has valet, use it! Guys, you too! Especially if you have a date. Never make a woman walk in high heels if you can help it!

YOU SMELL SO WELL!
OR DO YOU?

You Smell

We all smell.. some good.. some bad.. some really funkylicious. Its okay, you aren't alone. Sometimes the problem is that people who are already sweating put on deodorant again, on top of the last batch they used. This can amplify the deodorant smell and make you smell worse! Be careful! Some of us don't use deodorant and its a cultural thing. Well, we love all cultures in America but cant stand to smell the funk that may come along with activities that cause you to perspire more than usual. Pretty please with sugar on top, can you use deodorant? Your future spouse and dance partner will really appreciate it and your teacher will too! ha ha.. Feel the funk-dont smell it!

CD of the Month

Echao Pa'lante

Echao Pa'lante
Joe Arroyo

Last week, I heard from a prominent NYC Salsa promoter friend of mine that Salsa great, Joe Arroyo, has not been in good health as of late.

I truly hope that is not the case, as Joe Arroyo & his music has been a blessing to the Salsa community world wide for decades!

Joe was actually discovered by Fruko y Sus Tesos, from Columbia, and sung with Fruko for about 10 years, until he went solo in the early 1980's.

Many of you have danced to many of his hits, like En Barranquilla me Quedo, Ban Ban, Pal Bailador, & of course, Rebelion (No Le Pegue A La Negra) considered by some in the music biz, to be one of greatest Salsa hits ever written.

For those of you have heard me DJ, we typically finish the night off with Rebelion! What an awesome jam, with an incredible piano solo to finish a great night of Salsa dancing!

If you're building your Salsa collection, go out and get Echao Pa Lante (2004) by Joe Arroyo this week! You won't be disappointed.

Love the clave & the congas!

Contributing writer, Greg Fitzpatrick with Latin Leprechaun Productions

Greg Fitzpatrick with Latin Leprechaun Productions

For more great salsa music CDs check the recommended selections in our Salsa Music CDs web page.

Is Dancing A Sin?

Have you ever wondered if dance is a sin? Many of us have been taught about God ( the creator of Heaven & Earth). What does He say about Dance? To read Grace's article,

"Is Dancing A Sin" click here:

Grace would love to know your opinion. Email her at grace@dancingwithgrace.com

 

Upcoming Salsa Congresses

China Salsa Congress
China Salsa Congress - Beijing
October 2 - 5, 2008

Korea Salsa Congress
Korean Salsa Congress - Seoul
October 2 - 5, 2008

Canada Salsa Congress
Canada Salsa Congress - Toronto
October 9 - 12, 2008

Marrakech Salsa Congress
Marrakech, Morocco Salsa Congress
October 8 - 12, 2008

Argentina
Argentina Salsa Congress
October 19 - 26, 2008

Peru Salsa Congress
Peru Salsa Congress- Lima - October 23- 26, 2008

Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Hustle & Salsa Festival
October 16 - 19, 2008

The World Salsa Championships

4th Annual World Salsa Championship - Orlando
December 3-6 2008

The Best Salsa Dancers of the Universe Competing in the TV Dance Show of the Year
www.worldsalsachampionships.com

The Best Salsa Dancers From All Over The World Competing For Over $20,000 In Cash & Prizes Per Division!

 

Getting Married?

Hugo and Grace Cut Wedding Cake

Grace's favorite resource for future brides in Baltimore is MyBaltimoreWedding.com. This web site is a directory geared to help you find a listing of Baltimore wedding services. In working with MyBaltimoreWedding.com, I have experienced great service. They are fast and accurate! We know that by using this web site you will find the perfect wedding dress, tuxedo, wedding photographer, florist, caterer, reception facility and wedding venue. You can also find links for wedding invitations, honeymoon locations, wedding cakes and much, much more. The possibilities for a memorable day are endless! Don't stress about the big day. Take a deep breath, and hop online to find everything Baltimore has to offer you. Congratulations on your special day & may you have a lifetime of love and happiness.

Want a Free Living Will?

Want a Free Living Will? Contact one of our salsa students, Urfa Memon, to get your Free Living Will. She will even notarize it for you and leave you information on the other services she provides! Protect your loved ones today! Email Urfa at infinity_5k@hotmail.com

Purchase Our New Beginner & Intermediate Salsa Videos

Salsa Videos

What makes our video different from others?

  • Learn from certified salsa instructors Hugo Badillo from Puerto Rico and Grace Badillo 1st generation New-Yorican.
  • Step by step instruction of the most important foundational movements that are usually ignored in other salsa instructional videos.
  • Our video contains  the 1,2,3,5,6,7 count bar during explanations and each step correlates to a number of the beat we are stepping to.  Learn how a step looks to each beat!
  • Our video contains valuable salsa tips in each chapter in writing to remind you of key dance guidelines that can make your dancing much easier.
  • Learn similarities in certain combinations so you can better remember and retain many more patterns.
  • Learn styling that is elegant and beautiful.  Learn to make a move your own and not look like a cookie cutter image of someone else on the floor.
  • Learn how to lead your partner and not let your partner lead you.
  • Learn from instructors teach salsa and train others how to teach dance and communicate it effectively.
  • Our video contains valuable shoe information about buying dance shoes, why you need dance shoes, and how to take care of them so they will last for years.

Buy Now

For more details or to purchase our salsa videos please click on the button above.

Write a Review about our Instructional Salsa DVD

Salsa DVD Review
Have you purchased our instructional salsa DVD? Write a review about what you think about it and receive a free class on us no matter what it says! :)

Our Mission:

Dancing With Grace Productions, Inc. is dedicated to providing a positive, caring, professional dance and learning environment which encourages the growth and confidence to social and professional dancers. We exist to:

  • fill people's lives with joy and
  • providing supplies and money for orphans
  • help homeless families
  • help and support organizations that help the victims of human trafficking and child prostitution.

Dancing With Grace Productions is staffed with the highest qualified instructors who are committed to helping students develop life skills, dedication, technique and performance ability while maintaining excellent customer service.

Dancing With Grace Productions welcomes you to stop by one of their venues to view the dance lessons and meet the staff. Please let us know how we can help you or contact us if you have any questions.

Sincerely,
Grace and Hugo Badillo
Grace & Hugo Badillo

Place an Ad

To place an ad on our newsletter please email Grace at grace@dancingwithgrace.com.

Contact Us

Please feel free to forward this issue to friends and associates. Anyone can subscribe for free.

To subscribe to receive the DWG Newsletters click here.

To contact us at:

Dancing With Grace
Productions, Inc.
6400 Baltimore National Pike
Box # 513
Catonsville, MD 21228-3915

Phone:
(410) 903-0648

E-mail:
ContactUs@dancingwithgrace.com

Topics:

  1. NEWS FLASH: Niss & Kasbah Featured in a New Book!, Student of the Month, Be Not Afraid! Private Class Availability, Salsa Radio, Physical Therapy for Dancers, and Hispanic Heritage Event Programs by DWG. No Classes on Saturday, November 1st.
  2. NEW Workshop Listings/Sessions:  Belly Dance Bootcamp with Nourhan Sharif - Add incredible movement to your salsa!, Future Cha-Cha & Bachata Workshop by Niss & Grace. Put us on your calendar!
  3. Tuesdays at the Promenade: New Classes Listed.
  4. Johns Hopkins Salsa Sessions - It's that time of the year again! Monday Nights! Free to all JHU Students/Staff/Employees! Check out our syllabus.
  5. Saturdays at Kasbah: Shoe Sales This Month! Instructor Schedule, DJ Schedule, Baltimore Salsa Meet Up on October 18th, and The South Central PA Meet Up on October 25th.
  6. Student Emails: Great emails from you!
  7. Dance Fitness Cruise with Dancing With Grace Productions: Want to dance on your vacation and take workshops for free? Live Latin Music every night! Come with us to the Caribbean! This cruise leaves from New Jersey and there are only few cabins remaining.
  8. Field Trips
  9. Things to do!
  10. DJ Corner: Featured DJ of the Month: DJ Gustavo
  11. Good Deeds: Would you like to help someone become a dancer?

1. NEWS FLASH

Scoop of the Month: Niss & Kasbah Featured in a New Book called "Maggie's Back" by Patricia Rushing

Checkout the book titled Maggie's Back by Patricia Rushing where our very own instructor Niss is featured. The book is available online for purchase in paperback or for download. For more details click here.
Maggies Back

Patricia Rushings
Author: Patricia Rushings

Description: Enriched with the local flavor of Baltimore and its surrounding area, Maggie becomes immersed in the Charm City businesses and people. Since the Valentine case is over, detective Maggie Vee is back in Baltimore, Maryland. Her Mother is having surgery and Maggie is planning on taking care of her. Suddenly while watching the news in the city one evening, the world she knows turns upside down. Now she decides to stay and find out why.

Keywords: mature, love, psychic, Valentine, crime, mystery

Student Of The Month

Dan "The Aviator" Hayward

Congratulations to Dan Hayward who is a great example of a student who is working hard to learn his first choreography. Dan has a great lead and spirit. Watch out for him at the Promenade and dancing at Kasbah! We are very proud of you! Dan will win a Salsero t-shirt to encourage his growth in dance!

Sincerely,
Grace and Hugo & the DWG Team

Be Not Afraid!

The next time you take a lesson we want you to take a deep breath, and allow yourself the opportunity to enjoy your lesson without fear. People have fears all the time and they vocalize them. Have you ever said this?

  • I have two left feet.
  • I have no rhythm.
  • Maybe I will be good in a few years.
  • I just can't get it.
  • I am frustrated.
  • I can dance but not like her/him.

All of these comments are a little negative. When we let this negativity creep in, it makes room for fear to grow. Fear of not being good, Fear of being off beat, Fear of hurting my partner, Fear of falling. Each of you are incredible people; made unique. There is no one like you and thus you look different from anyone else dancing. This is a good thing. Lets not be cookie cutter images of anyone... and give yourself permission to dance without negativity or fear!

Sincerely,
Grace and Hugo

Private Lesson Openings: Evening Hours

Want a Private With Grace? Here is her availability for September: Email her to get one of these slots, first come first served: grace@dancingwithgrace.com Grace's Private Slot Availability:

  • October 1: 7-8, 8-9, 9-10
  • October 8: 4, 5, 6 & 9-10 pm
  • October 15: 6-7 pm, 8-9 pm
  • October 16: 7-8 pm
  • October 22: 6-7,7-8 pm & 9-10 pm
  • October 29: 7-8 pm 8-9 pm, 9-10 pm
  • October 30: 7, 8, 9-10 pm

Salsa Radio

  • FM Radio: WPFW Latin Flavor 89.3 FM every Sunday from 6pm till 10pm!
  • “Fiesta Musical” Morgan State University WEAA 88.9FM "La Voz De La Comunidad" Tuesdays from 8pm-midnight in the Internet Listen to the show live stream at http://www.weaa.org This is produced by Guillermo Brown
  • www.hardsalsaradio.com

Physical Therapy For Dancers Is Here!

 All Therapy with Dr. Aisha L. Lord MSPT, DPT

Check out Grace's Friend in DC and
Tell her Grace Sent You!

Dr. Aisha L. Lord MSPT, DPT

ALL Therapy
1201 Franklin Street NE, #105
Washington, DC 20017
(202)83-ALL PT/(202)832-5578
(202)832-5580 (fax)
www.ALLTherapy.net

Hispanic Heritage Event Programs by DWG

Would you like to see DWG do an event at your work place? We can provide:

  • Dance Exhibitions
  • Dance Lessons
  • Bands
  • Disc Jockeys
  • Hispanic Heritage Footage
  • Catered Latino Foods & More!

Call us today at 410-903-0648 or email Grace at grace@dancingwithgrace.com

2. Workshop Listings/Sessions: Highlight: Belly Dance/Salsa Workshop

Oct

11

Saturday

Belly Dance Crash Course Workshop - Oct 11th

Belly Dance Workshop Oct2008

Sign up now and get the discounted rate!

Sign Up Today!

 

Nov

15

Saturday

Intensive Salsa Bootcamp/Workshop - Nov 15th

 

*** Coming Soon! ***

Dancing with Grace Productions Inc., & Latin Leprechaun Production present the up coming Intensive Salsa Bootcamp/Workshop on Nov 15th in Lancaster, PA. Details coming soon ...

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2008
Location: Lancaster, PA

 

Brought to you by:

Latin Leprechaun Productions  and Dancing With Grace Productions

 

Nov

21

Friday

Expose Fitness Class & Salsa Beginner Workshop - Nov 21st

 

*** Coming Soon! ***

Dancing with Grace Productions Inc., presents the up coming Expose Fitness Class & Salsa Beginner Workshop on Friday, November 21st. Details coming soon ...

Brought to you by:

Dancing With Grace Productions

 3. Tuesdays at the Promenade

Promendade on Tuesdays

All Classes at the Promenade are $10 Each Unless Otherwise Stated

*** October 2008 Schedule ***

All Lessons $10

7:00pm to 8:00pm

  • Salsa Beginner I: Learn important foundational salsa basics! Practice makes perfect. Don't be afraid to take this class over and over again until you are comfortable and you can then move into the 8-9 pm beginner lesson.
  • Performance Class: Dedicated dancers only! Learn a new version of DWG's "Me Libere" and perform with us!

8:00pm to 9:00pm

  • Salsa Beginner II-III Combinations: Combinations for the Beginner II-III students! Cross Body Leads w/turns and more.
  • Intermediate/Advanced Combination Class: Feel like moving? Take our combination class that will help you understand the secrets to keeping your partner close during your dance together. FYI: You must know a cross body lead with a turn and how to lead it to take this class. Intermediate/Advanced Students Only

*** November 2008 Schedule ***

All Lessons $10

7:00pm to 8:00pm

  • Beginner Salsa I: Learn important foundational salsa basics! Practice makes perfect. Don't be afraid to take this class over and over again until you are comfortable and you can then move into the 8-9 pm beginner lesson.
  • Intermediate I Technique: This class will work on Intermediate I technique and not "combinations". Much of the material in this class will be drills on specific techniques to help you improve.

8:00pm to 9:00pm

  • Salsa Beginner II-III Combinations: Combinations for the Beginner II-III students! Cross Body Leads w/turns and more.
  • Intermediate II to Advanced Progressive Combination Class: This class will focus on taking a combination and teaching it. The next week we will teach the same move but with different entry or exit points, changing the combination a bit. After taking this month of lessons you will have many different moves that come from 1 core combination. FYI: You must know a cross body lead with a turn and how to lead it to take this class. Intermediate/Advanced Students Only

Dress Code:
Casual, comfortable sweats or yoga pants, (preferably) salsa practice shoes (for turns and spins on a wooden dance floor). If you don't have salsa shoes, you can wear your evening dance shoes. Tennis shoes will inhibit your spins and may ruin your knees over time. You can go to the DWG Store to see if you find something you like or go online and check out shoes like Supadance or International. They can get pricey but make a world of difference when you dance.

Check out Grace's Shoe Clues Chapter in her Salsa With Grace Instructional Video so she can explain why you need good dance shoes, which pair you should buy first and how to take care of them! Purchase our Salsa Videos.

Directions:
Promenade Dance Sport Facility is located at 2605 Lord Baltimore Drive.  For directions and more information click here.

4. Johns Hopkins University Salsa Sessions: Monday Nights

Johns Hopkins University Salsa Sessions It’s time for the Johns Hopkins University Dance Sessions at Homewood Campus at the Smokler Center for Jewish Life in the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Building (This building is off the main campus on N. Charles St.) We will have an 8-week session! Each class is 80 minutes long. The longer class time will allow us to practice more and cover more. Class sizes vary but are usually a nice size with plenty of people to dance with. If any classes are postponed for any reason we will extend our classes as necessary. Each drop-in class costs $15.00 or pay for the full 8-week session and save $40. If you are a parent that wants to bring a child between the ages of 10-18 the cost for a child's session is $40.00 or $5.00 per class. If you are a non-Hopkins student or faculty please come 15 minutes early to sign up.

Time: 8:30 to 9:50 p.m. Longer Classes For Less!

Cost: Free to Hopkins Students/Faculty; Please bring your school Identification or you will be charged for class: $15 for each drop-in class (of 1.5 hours) Child/Teen $5 each.

Cost for NonFaculty/Non-JHU Students:  $15 for each drop-in class (of 1.5 hours) Child/Teen $5 each.

Session Cost:  Adult $80, Child/Teen $40 (If you prefer to pay for a session you can pay by cash or by check payable to Dancing With Grace Productions.)

Schedule:

Class #1 –  9/15/2008
Salsa Basics: (30 minutes)
  - Basic step review, Domino Effect- body movement review.

Salsa  101 (50 minutes)
 - Traveling:  Learn to lead a travel & follow the rotating basic with your partner.  Quarter rotation, 180's and 360's!  You will also have walking exercises today to learn how to walk forward and backwards with your partner and Hugo will explain when you may need to use this technique on the dance floor.


Class #2 - 9/22/2008
Salsa Basics Review & Practice: (30 Minutes)
Salsa 101 (50 minutes)
 - Left Turns/Right Turns & How to Lead/Follow.
 - Beginner I-III Combinations:  Hugo will show you a combination and how to do it the easy way and how to make it more challenging for those of you men who are comfortable turning too!

NO CLASS ON 09/29: JEWISH HOLIDAY

Class #3 - 10/06/2008
Salsa Right/Left Turn Review & Practice:  (30 Minutes)
Salsa 102 (50 minutes)
- Learn how to look good doing & leading a Cross Body Lead.
 - Learn Cross Body Lead Combinations including left turns, right turns


NO CLASSES ON 10/13/2008: JHU Student Break


NO CLASSES ON 10/20/2008: Jewish Holiday

Class #4 –  10/27/2008
Salsa Right Turn/Left Turn Review: 15 minutes
Salsa 103 (50 Minutes)
 - Cross Body Lead w/turn Ladies Steps.
 - Men, learn to lead a Cross Body Lead w/a turn in 4 different ways!  Ladies, learn how to be lead into different cross body lead w/turns and the signs of when this type of lead is coming.


Class #5 – _11/03/2008
Salsa Cross Body Lead Review:  15 Minutes
 Intermediate Salsa 101 (50 minutes)
 - Women, learn how to do “The Hair Comb” so your arms don't get stuck in your cross body lead with a turn! 
 - Men will learn to lead harder combinations to faster music!


Class #6 – 11/10/2008
Salsa Cross Body Lead W/Turn Review & Practice:  (30 Minutes)
 Intermediate  Salsa 102 (50 minutes)
- Ladies Styling Class. Men you can still come to this class to practice your lead but this class is strictly for the ladies to have a chance to focus on styling techniques and applying them.


Class #7 - 11/17/08
Salsa Intermediate 200 (80 minutes)
- Spinning Technique To Include Walking Turns:  In this 1.5 hour session you will learn techniques that will help you spin better.  You will learn and practice pivoting and how to spin without falling over.  Please bring jazz shoes to this lesson or be ready to take your shoes off and practice in your socks.  You must have a suede sole on your shoe to do this lesson, otherwise, for the protection of your knees you will be asked to dance in your socks. 


Class #8 – 11/24/08: Last Class.
Salsa Intermediate-Advanced 201 (80 minutes)
- Salsa Intermediate-Advanced
Difficult combination patterns for the brave dancers!  FYI: Last classes are usually small, especially because people are prepping for all of their tests!  Come and get more attention today!  Thank you all!

5. Saturdays at Kasbah

Kasbah on Saturdays Valet Parking at Kasbah on Saturdays

Drop-in salsa lessons and open floor dancing every Saturday at Kasbah at Huckas Lounge located 2324 Boston Street Baltimore, MD 21230. For more on the location information call 410-522-7770 or visit their website at www.huckassportsbar.com.

Now with Valet Parking !!!        

***** October 2008 Schedule *****

8:00pm to 9:00pm

  

Class 1: Salsa Beginner I - Learn important foundational salsa basics! Practice makes perfect. Don't be afraid to take this class over and over again until you are comfortable and you can then move into the 9-10 pm beginner lesson.

9:00pm to 10:00pm

  

Class 2: Salsa Beginner II-III - Learn the core techniques and transition that include Cross Body Leads and basic turns and hand movements.

Class 3: Intermediate/Advanced Combination Class - Feel like moving? Take our combination class that will help you understand the secrets to keeping your partner close during your dance together. FYI: You must know a cross body lead with a turn and how to lead it to take this class. Intermediate/Advance Students Only.

 

October DJ//Instructor//Shoe Sale//Meetup Schedule:

October 4 - DJ Sonero // Instructors: Niss & Rowan
(Grace & Hugo at Private Party)

October 11 - DJ Killer Joe // Instructors: Hugo & Rowan
(Grace-Belly Dance Workshop & Congress Planning

October 18 - DJ Gustavo // Instructors: Grace & Niss //Baltimore Salsa Meet-up // Shoe Sale & Dance Merchandise Sale

October 25 - DJ (TBA)// Instructors: Grace & Kat // PA Salsa Meet-up // Shoe Sale & Dance Merchandise Sale

Note: All Schedules are subject to change if there is an illness or
situation beyond our control. Thank you for understanding!

 

November DJ//Instructor Schedule:

Nov 1 - NO SALSA NIGHT (PRIVATE EVENT)

Nov 8 - DJ (TBA) // Instructors: Rowan (1 class per hour)
( Grace & Hugo on DWG Salsa Cruise)

Nov 15 - DJ Angel // Instructors: Hugo & Niss

Nov 22 - DJ (TBA) // Instructors: Grace & Hugo

Nov 29 - The Latin Leprachaun // Instructors: Grace & Niss

Note: All Schedules are subject to change if there is an illness or
situation beyond our control. Thank you for understanding!


6. Student Emails: Great emails from you!

Dear Grace,

Thank you so much for giving me the confidence to dance. I once went to a lesson that the instructor told me "salsa isn't for you". I was devastated and felt so bad about myself. A few months later, not having danced at all, I ran into a flyer with your information on it. I thought, maybe I can try again. You made me feel different about dance. You made me realize that its okay to try all the dances and choose for myself whether or not salsa is for me. I tried swing and waltz and a few others and felt that for me, salsa was the most fun. I went back to your lessons with confidence that I could learn because you took the time to reach me personally & answered all my questions patiently and without a frustrated look on your face (thank you so much). I stopped being depressed and am now well on my way to becoming an intermediate dancer. Thank you for caring and please know I will never forget you and your instructors. You changed my life.

Sincerely,
M.

Grace Response:

Dear M,

I remember that day you came to me. I saw the anxiety written all over your face and remember apologizing to you for what that horrible instructor said to you. Sometimes people who teach dance are great dancers or performers but don't teach full-time and have never been trained to handle the the stress that a student endures when they are learning something new. Being an instructor takes patience, kindness, and the ability to teach the same thing several different ways. When instructors become frustrated it only shows that they themselves do not communicate their ideas well. This is what you experienced and unfortunately the instructor took it out on you but you were stronger than most; You tried again. You didn't let what the instructor said stop you and for that I am very proud of you. You will certainly go very far in dance, but just remember, when you become your version of "Great", don't forget to dance with beginners. It will keep you just as sweet as the first day we met.

Happy Dancing,

Grace

7. Dance Fitness Cruise with Dancing With Grace Productions

Salsa Cruise For Cruise Prices call 1-800-955-9942. Only a few cabins remain open but they are not at our regular price of $999. If you really want to go with us please contact Cynthia ASAP!

Mention that you love DancingWithGrace! For more details on the Fun & Fitness Travel Club visit their web site at www.fun-fitness.com or print out the DWG Caribbean Cruise Flyer (726 KB) in PDF.

8. Field Trips

DWG Field Trips

Check it out! The DWG team is going on some field trips this year and we want you to go with us. Yes, we really do love to hang out with you at The Promenade, JHU, & Kasbah but some of you have asked for more!!! We're looking for the ambitious and adventurous dancers to travel with us to Philadelphia, DC, Virginia, Atlantic City, and New York. Depending on the destination, we may end up at, a Movie, Broadway musical, a concert, the hottest night clubs or even the beach. Who knows! Spread the word and let's get this thing rocking'! Click here to see the current events, proposed events, and past events.

Upcoming Field Trips:

So You Think You Can Dance Tour Has Been moved to the Things To Do Section. It isn't a Field Trip since Grace and Hugo's parents will be in town that Monday :0)

9. Things to do

Anytime
The Salsa Grill
Salsa GrillIf you want to try one of our favorite places to eat, go to Salsa Grill, Maryland's best Spanish Latin American Restaurant near Catonsville, Security Boulevard, Woodlawn, Baltimore. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and also do catering. Checkout their dinner menu. Located at: 6644 Security Boulevard Woodlawn, MD 21207; Phone: 410-265-5552

Ranazul Restaurant
Ranazul RestaurantThis is, without a doubt, one of the loveliest restaurants I have been to in years. In a word this location is impeccable: Impeccable Service, Impeccable Drinks, Impeccable Wine selections and Impeccable Food that is out of this world. The food is five stars for the price of a three star restaurant! The serving sizes are just right and eating here will take you on a delightful journey to taste buds you never knew existed. The ambiance is ultra sheik with sumptuously soft leather chairs, sensitive lighting, and a great sound system for all to enjoy. This location also boasts an incredible mini-gallery of art for the truly creative collector. After leaving this location guests are enchanted. It’s a rarity to find a restaurant that feels like home but with a royal appeal that leaves you wanting for one more dessert and one more bottle of wine "por favor"! I highly recommend that you take the time to reserve a table at this wonderful restaurant and become one of Ranazul ’ s guests at last; you will certainly go home completely satisfied and feeling like royalty! Tell them that Grace sent you. Located at: 8171 Maple Lawn Blvd. Suite 170 Maple Lawn, MD 20759; Phone: 301-498-9666

Zapatas True Mexican Food, Restaurant & Cantina
Zapatas is nestled in Columbia, Maryland & boasts the tastes of Mexico.  In the center of Columbia's revitalized Harpers Choice Village Center, you will find a 100% Mexican owned & operated dining experience.  Complete with patio dining and a separate bar called the Z-bar with games, TV's, Trivia, a small dance floor & music, Zapatas is a charming place to eat and has great Mexican food in a suburban setting.  There is plenty of parking in this very safe neighborhood.  Check them out at www.zapatasonline.com or visit them at:

Zapatas at the Harpers Choice Village Center
5485 Harpers Farm Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
410.715.6929 (Tel)

Monday Nights @ Clarendon Grill in Arlington, VA w/ Keith Givens
Salsa Classes 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Open Dancing 9:00 p.m. - close. Details: www.oohsalsa.com

Tuesday Nights - Salsa at the Promenade (see Item 3 above)

Tuesday Nights in DC
Salsa Fusion Tuesdays/8:00 pm - 12:00 am in Washington, DC. DC Salsa Productions is proud to bring to you Salsa Fusion Tuesdays. Salsa Fusion is only the best mix of Salsa, Mambo, Cha Cha, Bachata & Merengue. DC ’ s Hottest Salsa DJ "DJ Neo" 9:00 pm - 12:00 am. Dress to Impress (Jeans Are Allowed) - 21 and over (18 and over for ladies). Drink Specials All Night - $5 Cover All Night. Geisha Bar & Lounge, 727 15th Street NW (between H St. and New York Ave.,) Washington, DC 20005
Info: (703) 625-0834

Wednesdays at Davidsonville Dance Club w/David Malek
www.davidsonvilledanceclub.org

Wednesdays in DC w/Lee
www.dancelikemagic.com

Wednesday Nights at Club ONE (in Baltimore)
300 E. Saratoga St. Baltimore, MD (entrance on Guilford St) www.alivewithdance.com

Thursday Nights at Red Maple
 

Thursday Nights at Costa Verde Restaurant

Thursday Night in the Salsa Palace at Costa Verde Restaurant, 946 N. Jackson St., Arlington, VA 22201 with Sin Miedo Quartet--live with Didier, Steven, Gary and the rest of the gang - Beginner and Intermediate Classes from 7:30 to 9:30pm. The Best Peruvian Food, Beautiful Hardwood Floors and Ceiling Fans. Dress to Impress - Please join Brandon Hill of Old School Salsa Productions and Jeri Dembrak of TheSalsaNews.com along with wonderful guest instructors and occasionally, guest DJs playing great music so that you can dance mostly salsa, some merengue, bachata and cha cha cha and have a great time on our beautiful hardwood floors and fun and friendly environment---parking is available in front of the club, in front of both SOWA printing and Jiffy Lube and all along N. Fairfax Drive in front of GMU and just off of Wilson Blvd, there are 50 metered spaces but no cost after 6:30pm---kitchen is open with authentic Peruvian cuisine till 9pm. For Info, call 301-675-2725 or 703-522-4523.

Thursday Nights at East Cost Night Club
 

Friday Nights in MD
Salsa Classes 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Live band and Dancing 9:00 p.m. to midnight. Details: www.oohsalsa.com

Friday Nights In MD: Georgia Boy Dance (25 year background in ballroom dance instruction) will be hosting a new night in Towson. For directions go to www.zen-west.com

Saturday Nights at the Kasbah
Salsa lessons w/ Dancing With Grace Productions. See details on Item 5 above.

Saturday Salsa in the Salsa Palace at Costa Verde
Located at 946 N. Jackson St., Arlington, VA  Zeniza and Joe Falero & Latin Jazz All Stars, DJ Earl International - El Panameno and DJ Joe Falero!!!!  Both floors will have dancing.  Great Peruvian food.  www.thesalsanews.com

Star Lounge and Ballroom 7203 Little River Turnpike Annandale, VA For more info visit www.FlirtingOnTheFloor.com or call 703-599-3018

Salsa Dance Studio: VA, Instructor Karen Aguilar
Y2salsa Dance Studio
951 South George Mason Dr.
Arlington Va 22204
703-586-8032

Saturday Salsa Nights at JUSTE Lounge Each Week
The new home of Saturday Night Salsa is at Juste Lounge 4869 Cordell Avenue  Bethesda, MD 20814 off Wisconsin Avenue. Doors open for dinner at 5 pm with 50% off crab dip and scallop dishes until 8 pm. Come for the beginning level salsa class at 8:30 pm.   The cover is $10 before 10 pm & $15 after 10 pm.
Oct 4-Live Music Joe Falero’s Big Band & DJ “Killer Joe” Falero
Oct 11-Sabroso Killer Joe
Oct 18- DJ “Killer Joe” Falero

La Plaza Hispana-42nd Annual Fells Point Fun Festival Saturday Oct 4 at Fells Point Baltimore
Sam Rodriguez is pleased to announce La Plaza Hispana-42nd Annual Fells Point Fun Festival Sponsored by EBLO (Education Based Latino Outreach) from 11 am-7 pm. Enjoy continuous Latin entertainment throughout the weekend, Latin 7 Caribbean cuisine, dance performances, artists and special guests ORQ. BROADWAY. Orquesta Broadway, under the direction of Eddy Zervigon is celebrating 46 years in the business. BROADWAY are masters of Charanga- an authentic Cuban style of salsa featuring flutes and violins. Admission is FREE For more info 410 783-5404.

Sundays: Jeri's Potluck Salsa Parties are Back! Mark your calendars for Oct. 19th, Nov. 23rd and Holiday Party Dec. 14th! - For the past 10 years, we have been partying on Sundays from 6 to 9pm  -- They have been held at the Cherrydale Firehouse at 3900 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA for the past 8 years. All ages are welcome!!! No charge for children ever!  Non-smoking environment!  Beautiful hardwood floors and free parking catecorner at the Safeway.  Bring a dish to share -- don't cook? Bottled water is always popular!  $5 cover charge and come on by to dance nonstop salsa, merengue, bachata, cha cha cha and just have some fun, meet new people, always fun and friendly!  Jeri provides all the utensils and napkins and music!  Please come by and join us for a nice evening of dance!  Very spacious and comfortable!  Directions to Cherrydale Volunteer Fire Dept. -- Take 495 to 66 East, get off at Spout Run/Lee Hwy, make a left onto Lee Hwy, 3 lights and at 3rd light, turn left onto Pollard, look right and go through the double glass doors and up the stairs. Beautiful hardwood floors, non-smoking, bring your own water! All ages are welcome!

Sunday October 26, 2008 - Free Concert from DC #1 Latin Band DC Latin Sound Band
Free Concert from DC #1 Latin Band DC Latin Sound on Oct 26th from 1-6PM
"Latin Concepts Tour" @ Guitar Center 7 Corners 6272 Arlington Blvd Falls Church VA 22044 703-731-0475
We are going to have a "Free PercussionClinic" By Hector Coco Barez LP Endorsee Coco Barez is the Percussionist of the" Award Grammy Winner Group Calle 13" Directly From Puerto Rico
Also Directly from el Zol99.1 DJ Many El Demente also providing a DJ Clinic and great Salsa mixes
For more info you can contact Kris Diaz 703-731-0475 or 703-533-8500


Rueda Fever:
What is Rueda? A rueda is a dance where all couples are in a circle and do a step similar to Salsa but not necessarily the same. They do, however, dance to salsa music and it is the most entertaining dance to watch. Although we do not teach it, there are very capable teachers in Baltimore, DC and VA! Read below!

Saturday (during the day), Rueda Classes by Barbara Bernstein in (VA)
NEW METRO-ACCESSIBLE VENUES FOR DanceInTime CASINO-STYLE SALSA: Want to take your Salsa to the next level quickly and easily? You can do this with surprising ease by learning beautiful "Casino style" moves that can be done in one on one Salsa dancing or in Rueda circles! (Check out the video instruction and cool step demonstrations at: http://www.danceintime.com/.)

Classes are held:

  • Saturdays 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM at Crown Dance Studio in Merrifield, VA.
  • Sundays 5 to 7 PM at the Avalon Studio in Catonsville, MD.
  • First/Third Thursdays from 8:30 to 10:00 PM at Saffron Dance Studio in Arlington, VA. The May and June dates are: 5/25, 6/5, and 6/19. $10/person. For more info visit DanceInTime.com or call Barb at 301-9806043.

Rueda In DC!
For more information visit www.SAOCODC.com

Rueda in VA!
For more information visit www.ruedausa.com

Belly Dance: Grace Recommends Lotus To All Her Students!

belly dance

Dance Classes

 Please visit www.lotusniraja.com for updated information and registration.

November 10th, So You Think You Can Dance Tour in Baltimore:
To Purchase Tickets go to: www.ticketsnow.com The show starts at 7:30 pm and is in the Baltimore First Mariner Arena.

10. DJ Corner: DJ Gustavo

DJ Gustavo

Grace and Hugo have a great admiration for Gustavo. Besides being a great DJ, he works hard with Grace and others in the Hispanic Community helping our youth realize their potential. Working with him on these non-profit events puts him high on our VIP list! He is also Baltimore's Favorite Salsa DJ and will be playing next at Kasbah on on Oct 18th.

I highly recommend hiring Gustavo for any house party or event that you have planned in the near future. He is responsible, arrives early and a joy to be around!

Don't forget to let us know who your favorite DJ's are so we know who to have on the fall schedule! Believe it or not it matters! Email grace@dancingwithgrace.com

11. Good Deed of the Month - Another Cause Dear To Our Hearts!

HYM

Would you like to help someone be a great dancer? This is your chance! There is a great dance company raising money to buy dance shoes for young dancers in Cali, Columbia. For those of you who do not know, the 3 TOP World Championship Teams come from Cali, Columbia. They dance on concrete with no shoes. They dance in the sand or anywhere they can find their reflection because there aren't many dance studios around. These dancers are so inspiring!

Dancing With Grace recently heard of this from Barbara Bernstein of www.danceintime.com. We immediately gave a donation to help purchase 6 pairs of shoes. If you would like to help please go to www.hymstyle.com and give anything you can! Even if you miss the deadline you can give and shoes will be sent to the dancers! Bravo to HYM Style Dancers and Instructors that are making a difference in the lives of these children and young adults!

For donations, please contact:

H.Y.M. LLC
info@hymstyle.com
617-733-6592


© 2005 - 2008 Dancing With Grace Productions, Inc.