1. NEWS FLASH
Spot Light: Salsa4aReason X: DWG Entertains The Troops at James A. Haley VA Hospital Home
Grace went to the VA Hospital to entertain the troops who are wheelchair bound and had a great time. We put up televisions with videos of dance performances, performed a demonstration solo dance, did classes for them to watch their nurses fumble around on the floor & danced with them in their wheelchairs. She even brought Ms. Bella to the event and the guys just loved her to pieces! Grace made sure to tell all of the men that they will have a new body in heaven with Christ and to save a dance for her! To use salsa for a reason join us today! Check out the Salsa4aReason X Photos.
Scoop of the Month: Grace Announced Director of Arts & Culture for the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Florida
Grace is very active in her community and will now be directing Arts and Cultural events for the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Florida. This chamber works hard to create jobs in Tampa and Puerto Rico to include trade and commerce to and from both locations! Grace is also the Chair of Entertainment and Fundraising for the Pasco/ Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and a Member of the Christian Business Connections Group.
New Tampa Dance Clubs Review Page on Our Website!
Check out the new Tampa Latin Clubs Reviews web page that includes reviews for some of the regular dance locations in Tampa/New Tampa areas.
Happy Birthday Roberto Lira!
For those of you who do not know it, Roberto Lira, Assistant instructor to Grace and Hugo Badillo is one of the nicest people on this planet. He is kind, loving, helpful, sweet, caring, a believer and overall the best friend we have ever had in our lives; on June 7th he will be celebrating his brithday and we just wanted to publically say that we love him, appreciate him and will stand by him as he continues to succeed in the realm of dance and life! If you want to get Roberto a gift and don't know what to get him, he loves to go to movies so a gift certificate would be great or even a dinner gift certificate to a local restaurant so he and his sweetheart can go out and have a great time! Happy Birthday Brotherman! We love you! Sincerely, Grace and Hugo.
New Jersey Salsa Congress Photos Are In!
The New Jersey International Salsa Congress was amazing. It was the first congress in the east coast that featured Christian Salsa Classes. What is that you ask? We use music that is positive and about the Lord instead of music talking about sex or other negative things. We avoid SANTERIA influenced Salsa and teach dance but also things like Gratitude, Respect and Humiilty. I will be teaching these classes at the St. Louis Salsa Congress as well and teach them locally at Freestyles Dance Studio in Wesley Chapel, Florida. To check them out below (Thursday Lessons). Check out the New Jersey Salsa Congress Photos.
Salsa4aReason VI: Healing Hands Foundation Salsa Social in Washington, DC
I never tire of using dance for good. To make a difference in the lives of others through dance is a small miracle I get to enjoy on a regular basis. At this fundraiser I helped raise funds to send dentists and staff to Africa. Player of the year Madieu Williams was there supporting the event. We raised 1790.00 and will be doing another fundraiser to send a team of doctors to Guatemala. I will be going on that missions trip as well to help, and entertain those waiting for care. Check out the photos by clicking here! Check out the Salsa4aReason VI Photos.
The Crown Ball of the PHHCC
Grace was the Chair of the Crown Ball for the Pasco/Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Awards were given for Small, Medium, Large and Nonprofit of the year! The Nonprofit of the year was given to Oasis: A Pregnancy Center which helps women who are alone and pregnant in the New Tampa Area. Their support, love and FREE MEDICAL SERVICES are completely supported by the community of New Tampa. We are proud of each business in this new flourishing area and are excited to be part of its landscape. Check out the Crown Ball of the PHHCC Photos.
Support Life - June 4th Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser for Pregnancy Center
Family Fun Day fundraiser at Organic Life Coffee House: Dancing With Grace is a proud supporter, fundraiser and prayer warrior for Oasis: A Pregnancy Center in North Tampa. This center gives free pre-natal care to girls who find themselves pregnant and alone, uncertain if they want to terminate their pregnancy. We will be helping them raise funds to buy a new ultrasound machine so that these mothers can see the LIFE they have inside them: with two eyes, a nose and hands and feet! If you can come to their pancake breakfast and spare $7 or donate anything for their raffle/auction, please do so. Check them out at http://www.oasispregnancycenter.org/home/.
What: Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser for Pregnancy Center
When: Saturday, June 4th
Where: Organic Life Coffee House
1900 Oak Grove Blvd Lutz, FL 33559
Cost: $7 || $5 for 12 and under || Free for 3 and under!
Goal: Raise money for sonogram machine
Note: Bounce houses will be featured to keep the kids happy! Music and prize drawings too! call 813-263-4598 for additional information.
Grace Receives Leadership in Salsa Award
Grace received a Leadership in Salsa Award on March 19th in Washington DC
Help Orphanages in Africa!
Dancing With Grace is working hard to be a channel for good. If you know of any churches or people that want to help us, we have an orphanage in Africa that needs help with food and supplies.. Please email Grace directly at grace@dancingwithgrace.com to get connected to this orphanage or the orphanages of Mexico and Puerto Rico.
Photos of Recent Events
AJA Wiregrass Rocks in Wesley Chapel
For those of you who don't know the new AJA Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel at the Shops at Wiregrass Mall has become thee spot to be for social dancers that don't like cliques or the dance scene wroght with show offs. This isn't a blah blah blah claim made by the house dance instructor but a gleeful admission of honest truth! People of all ages and cultures go to AJA. It is a scene where you will find 60 year olds dancing with 30 year olds, families coming together to celebrate a special occasion and a place for beginners and intermediate social dancers to get their "dance legs" working for the first time. Fantastic live music by Sol Caribe is played and the DJ plays a latin mix in between the sets for you non-salseros to enjoy. For you lover's of food, they have a truly NY style Pizza that really does taste like the dough and cheese of NY Pizza and I lived in Brooklyn, NY so I certainly love it! We are proud of the location's food, gorgeous hardwood floor and kind patrons. No matter where you are from its actually worth the drive. This location is clean and has plenty of free parking. We thank Aja for their incrediblly kind staff and hard work! We teach every Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm; 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel Florida. Check out our schedule below.
New Private Lesson Packages for 2011
Checkout the new private packages for 2011! A variety of coices that may even include a gourmet meal! Click on any of the images below for details about each package. Check them all out in our online DWGstore under Private Lesson Packages!
Grace Releases Dance Article Booklet
At the New Jersey Congress Grace released her booklet of articles that was the talk of the congress. Everyone wanted a copy. Even Magna protected her copy fiercely! People from all over the world are now linking to DWG's website to have access to these articles. They were written to help people navigate the salsa scene. To check out the booklet, click here.
2. Tuedays - Weekly Group Salsa Lessons in Tampa
** Tuesday Classes Begin in September **
at
We like too take summer hiatus at this location; Classes Will Resume September 6, 2011
**All Levels Welcome**
Come to a non-threatening, non-ego maniac, no drama location to learn your salsa from a certified salsa instructor.
• No Partner Required
• No Appointment Required
• Plenty of Parking
Where: Rizing Starz Dance Academy
4244 Waters Avenue, Tampa FL
(white building w/ blue awnings
across the street from Subway)
When: Every Tuesday - Starting Septemper
Cost: $10 per lesson or $25 for 3 lessons (pay cash/check at door).
If you decide you would like to take classes every Tuesday and know which ones you want to attend in advance you can pay in advance at the door by check and Grace will give you a special deal. |
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*** September-November Schedule ***
Times:
- 7:00-7:55 pm - Beg-Int Salsa & Body Flow Fundamentals
- 8:00-8:55 pm - Balance and Spinning Technique All Levels
- 9:00-9:55 pm - Cha-Cha & Salsa All Levels:
Grace is an expert at teaching up to three levels in each class.
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Wednesdays - Weekly Group Salsa Lessons in Wesley Chapel
*** June-August Schedule ***
Drop-in salsa lessons at Aja Wiregrass in The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel every Wednesday.
When: Every Wednesday
Where: Aja Wiregrass
28211 Paseo Dr Suite #190
Wesley Chapel, FL 33543
Times:
- Lesson 1: 7:30 pm - Beginner Salsa
- Lesson 2: 7:30 pm - Int/Adv Technique Footwork &/or Partnering
Cost: $10 per person
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Note: There is no charge for entry into the restaurant. Please feel free to enjoy dinner and watch our lessons at no charge. To participate in the lesson and support the arts of Wesley Chapel please join us for $10 per lesson. |
*** Thursdays - Weekly Drop-in Group Salsa Lessons in Wesley Chapel
***June-August Schedule***
Drop-in salsa lessons at Freestyles Dance Studio in Wesley Chapel every Thursday.
When: Every Thursday
Where: Freestyles Dance Studio 27607 State Road 56, Suite 105 Wesley Chapel, FL, 33543 in the Seven Oaks Plaza in front of the SAMS Club
Cost: $10 per person (for Lesson 1 & 2) and $5 (for Lesson 3)
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Times:
- Lesson 1: 7:00 - 7:55 pm: Christian Salsa Classes Beginner - Intermediate I, $10 each: This class is designed for those who believe that dance is a precious gift from God that we can either use in a sinful way or enjoy for his glory! Grace will begin w/basics & move forward in difficulty based on each person's ability. Grace is an expert at teaching 3-4 levels in class w/up to 100 people in class.
- Lesson 2: 8:00 - 8:55 pm: Salsa - Ladies & Men's Styling W/Modesty All Levels, $10 each: This class teaches dancers how to look graceful & elegant instead of "worldly". It is focused on how to avoid inciting lust in people when you dance. Included: Drills of arm styling, footwork, body movement & cross body lead w/turn technique.
- Lesson 3: 9:00 - 9:30 pm: Balance and Spinning Technique in Latin Dance, All Levels: $5 each Have vertigo? This class is for people who need more focused work on turning & balancing.
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3. Girl Scouts Schedule
Coming Soon!
Girl Scouts Teen Summit Social
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4. Socials/Events of the Month:
Jun
25
Saturday
Faith with Friends Salsa Social
Enjoy Christian Latin Dance Music In A Safe Atmosphere! All Faiths & Families Welcome
When: Saturday, June 25th
Where: Freestyles Dance Studio 27607 State Road 56, Suite 105 Wesley Chapel, FL, 33543
Shopping Center at Corner of Seven Oaks Plaza. Nearest Intersection: Bruce B.Downs by Sams Club & The Wolf's Den
Cost: $10 pp or Families of up to 4 $20.00 Comes w/1 Bottled Water & Free Parking
Provided: Children's Room For Play
Time: 8:00pm-midnight
For more information, please call or e-mail: Grace at 813-943-1117 or Grace@DancingWithGrace.Com
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JUL
31
Sunday
Celebration of National Dance Day
When: Sunday, July 31, 2011 from noon until 7pm
Where: The Edison Building on the UT campus at 214 North Boulevard, Tampa, FL
FREE Dance and fitness classes offered to all ages and skill levels
The event is to promote health and fitness in the community while celebrating National Dance Day
Schedule:
Time | Station A Main Room | Station B Classroom on Left |
12:00pm-12:55pm | Ballet-Beginners (ages 10-adult) Amy Kerr | Mommy and Me (ages 18 mos to 2 yrs) Jennifer Rosoff |
1:00pm-1:55pm | Yoga (all ages) Melissa Carroll | Ballet-Beginners (ages 5-9) Erin Tracy |
2:00pm-2:55pm | Ballet-Advanced (ages 10-adult) Melissa Mitchell | Hip-hop (ages 5-9) Michelle Beck |
3:00pm-3:55pm | Contemporary-Advanced (ages 10-adult) Christina Tidwell | Caporeira (all ages) Carrie Harmon |
4:00pm-4:55pm | Salsa-Beginners Grace Badillo | Gyrokinesis-Yoga for Dancers (all ages) Donna G. Obernberger |
5:00pm-5:55pm | Zumba (all ages) Yasmin Green | Salsa-Intermediate/Advanced Grace Badillo |
6:00pm-6:55pm | Hip-hop-Advanced (ages 10-adult) Phyllis Gaines | Jazz-Advanced (ages 10-adult) Debbie Blas |
Brought to you by Creative Movement Company and Dancing With Grace
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5. DWG Current Past and Present Accomplishments
2011 DWG Accomplishments
- St. Louis Salsa Congress Instructor, September 2011
- Healing Hands Foundation Fundraiser
- James A. Haley Veterans Hospital Social For WheelChair Bound Veterans
- Chair, Crown Ball of Pasco/Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Ms. Bella Pageant 2011, MC, Choreographer & Creative Director: Raised $1500 for PHHCC
- Winner of the Leadership In Dance Award, Salsa Centro, Washington DC, March 2011
- DWG Fun & Fitness Cruise to Mexico with 119 guests in February of 2011
- Fundraiser for www.ChristiansFight.com, raising monies for a van for a disabled child
- Scholarship Selection Committee Member for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund
- Girl Scouts Dance Program Specialist
- Crown Ball Chair, Pasco/Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- NJ Internationall Salsa Congress Creative Director, Master of Ceremonies & Instructor
- NJ Dancing Dreams Chair for Autistic Children's Dance Program
- Berks Salsa Fest Co-Organizer, Instructor & Master of Ceremonies August 2011
2010 DWG Clients/Accomplishments
- Fundraiser for www.ChristiansFight.com, provided meals for family for a month.
- Winner of the Noche Latina Dance Contest, October 2010
- Master of Ceremonies of the Tampa Bay Children's Chorus Zumbathon
- Winner of Women of Salsa Award in Washington, DC
- Scholarship Selection Committee Member for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund
- Promoter for the Step It Up in 3D Movie by Disney
- Master of Ceremonies of the New Jersey International Salsa Congress & Instructor As Well and officlally announced as the 2011 Master of Ceremonies of the same event.
- Latin Dance World Congress Instructor & Co-Organizer 2010
- Announced As The Lead Instructor for the New Jersey Dancin' Dreams (Program Writer & Instruction of Autistic Children)
- Help Raise 11,000.00 for Dance For The Cure
- Designing Program for the Instruction of Orphans & Foster Care Children in Hillsborough County
- Release of the DWG Articles Booklet
- Writing Dance Education Book, hopefully published by 2011!
- House Instructor for the Maggiano's Fine Dining Restaurant
- House Latin Dance Instructor at Rizing Starz Dance Academy
- Director & Choreographer of the DWG Angels Non-profit Dance Team
2009 DWG Clients/Accomplishments
- Winner of the National Presidential Volunteer Service Award
- Philadelphia Salsa Congress Instructor and Vendor
- Salsafest Vendor and Facilitator of "Dance Etiquette" Forum
- Bachata Salsa Congress Instructor and Vendor
- Belly Dance Nationals Judge, Instructor, & Vendor
- DC Salsa Congress Vendor
- Ms. Florida Nationals Competition Judge
- Made the Cover of Fiesta Magazine
- Columnist Writer for The Scene Magazine
- The opening of The Ark, 18,000 sq foot Salsa Night Club
- The release of our Spanish Instructional DVDs.
- Vending & Teaching at Congresses all over the east coast.
- Dance for the Cure Chair, Towson Cultural Arts Center
- Salsa For A Reason V to benefit Hands Across the Americas
- The Park School
- The Girl Scouts
- The Salsa Room
- The Promenade Dance Sport Facility
- Instructor For The Baltimore Salsa Meet Up
- Instructor For The DC Meet Up
- Instructor For The South Central PA Meet Up
- Instructor For the VA Salsa Meet Up
- Instructor For the Bachata Meet Up
- Prince Georges County Public School
- Writer for The Latin Opinion Newspaper
- Writer for www.dancingwithgrace.com
- Writer for The Scene Magazine www.thescenemagdc.com
We have many more accomplishments from 2000-2008 but not enough room! Browse our photogallery to see more of what we have done!
6. 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
Check out the last email I received about this article:
Hello,
My name is LeAngela. I have dancing for many years, although I
have never had any formal training. I grew up in the church my entire life
and I am now a Christian. I had been taught and told by many that dancing
was a sin. I always argued that because if you watch babies when they hear
music the move their little bodies to the rhythm of songs. I always knew
that there was just something natural about movement of the body but could
never quiet explain it. Your article explained exactly my thoughts but you
also gave me so much insight and scripture to back it up! Thank You! In 5
weeks I am having a 25th birthday party and I was hesitant to dance...your
article has helped release that burden and I feel free just by reading it.
My good friend always tells me that I have a dancers heart...because of your
article I can now embrace it. Thank you!
God Bless
LeAngela, USAFR
Hi Grace-
I loved your article on dancing. I grew up being told it was a sin…so I was prohibited from dancing. So guess what I wanted to do most of my life? Yep!
BTW…Is there a sinful form of dancing?…of course. And there is a sinful form of eating, driving cars, watching TV, recreating etc.
I loved your take on the issue. Thanks for sharing what you’ve learned and experienced.
As a Baptist Minister, and Christian radio Talk show host I now enjoy dancing with my wife…and I DON’T CARE anymore what the legalists say.
Neil
PS I’m not much of a dancer…but it’s fun, and I hate the fact that the enemy tried to steal it from God’s people. Well, I am committed to taking it back!
7. Tampa Area Salsa Schools/Businesses: Try Us All Out!
Dancing With Grace will be listing all the salsa schools and companies in the Tampa/Clearwater area. DWG hasn't had the chance to met everyone yet! If you have a salsa school or company, please let us know and we will add your school or group to the list to inspire unity and promote everyone! All Salsa Is Beautiful
B.A.I.L.E.
Bay Area International Latin Events
Salsa For Families In St. Petersburg
WWW.BAILEONLINE.COM
727-515-1086 |
DWG
DANCING WITH GRACE PRODUCTIONS
WWW.DANCINGWITHGRACE.COM
WWW.SALSAWITHGRACE.COM
CERTIFIED IN LA STYLE, NY STYLE, MAMBO, PUERTO RICAN STYLE & AFRICAN ELEMENTS CERTIFIED BY THE UNIVERSITY DE LA SALSA IN PUERTO RICO
(CERTIFIED BY EDDIE TORRES, JOBY FROM SALSA BRAVA, TITO ORTOS, JORGE SANTANA AND ANGEL QUINTERO) TEACHING SALSA, CHA-CHA-CHA, BACHATA, AND MERENGUE ALL LEVELS AND CHOREOGRAPHY, LATIN AEROBICS AND SPECIALIZING IN INSTRUCTOR TRAINING. CHRISTIAN ATMOSPHERE
410-943-1117 |
SALSA SIMONE
WWW.SIMONESALSA.COM
TEACHING SALSA, ARGENTINE TANGO, MERENGUE, BACHATA, GUAJIRA, BREAK DANCING/POP&LOCK, KIDS CLASSES, ZUMBA, FITNESS CAMP, BELLYDANCE, SALSA ON 2, BRAZILIAN ZUMBA
(813) 391-1056 |
ISLAND TOUCH DANCE ACADEMY
WWW.ISLANDTOUCHDANCE.COM
TEACHING NY SALSA/LA ON 1, SALSA ON 2, BACHATA AND CRUNKCHATA & RUEDA CASINO
813-528-6244 |
SALSA XTREME
www.salsaxtremetampa.com
MIAMI STYLE CASINO, SALSA AND LA STYLE SALSA (also Bachata)
727 542-6282 (or 813-765-6083)
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SALSA CALIENTE DANCE STUDIO
www.tampasalsa.com
TEACHING SALSA, BACHATA, MERENGUE AND CHA-CHA.
(813) 792-8244 |
SALSA POWER
www.salsapower.com
A list of salsa clubs, salsa schools and salsa events in the Tampa and St. Petersburg area of Florida! |
Dance Infused Fitness
www.salsa4u.net
Salsa Lessons in St. Petersburg and Dance Fitness to include belly dancing!
727-804-2882 |
BACHATA SENSATION
www.bachatasensation.com
Bachata Events, Instruction, Information & Product Sales!
Contact: aja@bachatasensation.com
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The Way 2 Dance
www.theway2dance.com
Ballroom, Latin, exercise classes and more in Brandon, FL
Contact: TATI at theway2dance@gmail.com |
Dancin Motion
www.dancinmotionsa.com
Latin, Bollywood, Mambo Music & More in Brandon, Florida
Contact: info@dancinmotionsa.com |
Rapture Dance
www.RaptureDance.com.com
Salsa, Latin, Swing & Ballroom in Tampa, FL
Contact: Rich DiStasio 302-293-2962
Note: The Name Rapture Dance is not affiliated with Christian Dance.
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8. Testimonials about Dancing With Grace
Hi Grace,
I experienced a class with you a few years back and I want you to know that some of the things you taught me I consider to be the most valuable information I have ever learned. Thank you DWG SS
I absolutely loved your Christian Salsa Classes in Wesley Chapel. Thank you for being fearless enough to pray on the dance floor. PS
Grace, you are amazing!! I love the way you allow God to minister through you. Be encouraged because you are doing an awesome work! You have inspired me so much to work for the Lord. Praise the Lord God Almighty!! Cs Salsa Instructor.
From An Instructor: You and I do the same thing for a living, but you never stop giving me good advice about my business, even though, it may lose you money. I admire your character and am glad you moved to Tampa.
I have gone to so many classes that I thought i couldnt learn anything anymore. You taught me something I shouda learned years ago and I never knew it! Thanx for being a great instructor, not to mention humble about it. RZ
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