Message to Our Students
Dear All,
Happy New Year! It's 2012, the year the Mayans say life ends, or at least their calendar ends! Mayan-Shmayan, No worries! Jesus will take care of everything!
We accomplished a lot this year including fundraisers, community service, marches, hispanic heritage events, social dancing and dance lessons! We raised money for African orphans, Guatemalan orphans, shared dance with our wheel chair bound veterans, taught the elderly, taught modeling and pageantry trainees that being beautiful is not skin deep, but within the heart (and all 3 won titles this season!), taught people how to dance and use it for good and so much more! Wow, writing that makes me tired!
In the last few months, we have also been part of some big events; we taught at the St. Louis Salsa Congress, Blue Cross Blue Shield Hispanic Heritage Event, Girl Scouts Hispanic Heritage Event, Newcomers dance social, did a flash mob for Voices for Children, performed at the Forgotten Children March, and organized fundraising for two local families who needed help this season.
I want to thank everyone involved in all of these projects. They cannot be done alone and are part of a larger picture of kind, loving people that I am honored to work with. Thank you for being in my life and the lives of our team.
Happy Birthday to Mercedes Janer. We love you very much. Have a great birthday in January darling!
God Bless You All & make sure to keep dancing with modesty out there no matter where you may go; be it the club, a party, a wedding or any other social situation. Try to be an example of goodness and kindness everywhere you go, even if you are the only one trying! Dancing doesn't have to be self worship; let dance be a self expression and a way for you to give joy to those around you! Let's make 2012 count for more than dollars and cents! We praise God for the dance and for you!
Sincerely, Grace, Hugo, & Roberto
|
|
Grace Receives The National Presidential Volunteer Service Award from President Bush!
Not many Americans are nominated to receive the National Volunteer Service Award from The President Himself.
Grace was awarded this on April 22, 2009 but technically listed for the award in 2008, in Washington DC for her tireless efforts to help those in need and inspire others to do the same.
Thank you President Bush for this award. Thank you God! 
(click to enlarge)
Grace thanks all the special people who contributed to her receiving this award! You know who you are! |
|
Walk In My Shoes: Global Project
Grace is partnering with an incredible team of givers to send shoes to people all over the world including the USA! Can you help us?
If so, please contact Grace at grace@dancingwithgrace.com today.
DWG will be helping send shoes to an orphanage in Africa very soon!
|
|
Join Us On Facebook!
If you would like to join DWG on facebook just click on the image below. I also have a Dancing With Grace in Baltimore as well.
Dancing With Grace In Tampa, Florida
|
|
Thank You For Helping Others
Through Dance
DWG's history over the last 12 years has been one of giving & helping those in the United States & beyond through the generous donations, voluntary event entertainment, donations of our DVDs, Dance Lessons, and Products, and the help of our students. With God's gift of "dance" we have helped raise over one million dollars & support families in the process; Here are some of the organizations we have supported over the years: :
- National Swing For Tampa Bay Heart Association $150
- Toys for Children Drive at AJA Wiregrass Christmas 2011
- DWG Sponsors In Need Single Father With food for Christmas.
- Diamond Dancers Fundraiser for Arturo Gonzalez $500
- Headstart Case Workers Motivation Lecture
- Headstart Healthy Relationships Couples Program
- Voices for Children Flashmob Fundraiser, Aug 2011
- Healing Hands, $350 Aug 2011
- HeadStart Program, $1,000 donation Aug 2011-2012
- Donations of DVD's For Oasis: A Pregnancy Center Fundraiser.
- Salsa4aReason 7: Private Fundraiser for A Widow's Roof-$2500 Raised!
- Salsa For A Reason X, James A Haley Veterans Hospital.
- Salsa4aReason 8: The Healing Hands Foundation, Washington DC-$1790 Raised!
- Miss Bella 2011 Pageant, Raised $1500 for PHHCC Scholarship Fund
- Habitat For Humanity: $170
- Mission of Love Feb 2010, Helped raise $2500 for www.ChristiansFight.com
- Turkey Jam Raised $330 to help provide food for a family to eat for the entire month of November 2010, www.ChristiansFight.com
- Tampa Bay Children's Chorus Zumbathon, 2010 $2,500
- Dance For The Cure, Esophageal Cancer Research 2010 We raised $10,000!
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Grace Badillo Co-Chair (Children with major disabilities like Spin bifida) over $750,000 raised!
- Dance For The Cure 2009, Grace Badillo, Chair (Esophageal Cancer) $21,000 raised.
- Hands Across The Americas (Sending Doctors on Missions Trips to South America) over $3,000 raised.
- Preschool for the Arts @ St. Anne (Raising money for much needed supplies)
- Christian Children’s Fund (Supporting a family with all their needs yearly) over $3,000 raised.
- Sexual Assault Resource Counseling Center (SARCC), PA (Raising money for resources to reach Latina Women who have been raped)
- Centro de la Communidad (Helps Latinos w/immigration, learning a second language, employment, housing & more)
- Hispanic College Fund (Dancing with Grace gave $30,000 worth of dance scholarships to 3 students)
- Hispanic Youth Symposium, Chair of Talent Show, MC of DC Symposium (Where we mentored children to perform and compete for college money)
- YWCA, Baltimore & Colorado (Helping 72 homeless families have a fantastic Christmas)
- The Head Start Program (Program that provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families.)
- The Fuel Fund of Maryland (Providing much needed monies for low income families to heat their home during the winter months)
- Caring Communities, (Serving Children with disabilities)
- The Arc of Baltimore Community Resource Center (The Arc of Baltimore works in full partnership with foster parents caring people who have opened their hearts, minds and homes to children in crisis.)
- Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (Breast Cancer Research)
- Special Olympics (Sponsoring those who want to go!)
- Casey Cares Foundation (For children with terminal illnesses)
- The Girl Scouts (Community outreaches)
- Private Orphanages in Puerto Rico, Africa, Mexico & the Dominican Republic (Food, supplies, monies)
- Harvest Ball For Babies (To raise money for the homeless)
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (Educational Programs and tools for patients)
- Caring Communities.org Caring Network Respite Care Registry (Respite care is temporary relief or "intermittent Breaks" for caregivers and families who are caring for those with disabilities, chronic or terminal illnesses, or the elderly.)
- National MS Society (Raising money for research)
- Arundel Lodge, (Empowering Adults with Mental Illness)
- Hospice of The Chesapeake (Supporting those who are dealing with advanced illnesses or bereavement through hospice)
- Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Maryland (Raising money for awareness and research)
- Annapolis Preschool (To raise money for necessities)
- Baltimore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (Events and Entertainment)
- Dance Shoe Donations through HYM Style for Children in Colombia. (Purchasing shoes for teams of dancers that want to compete in the Columbia).
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) (Raising funds)
- 11th Annual EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women in New York City (Walk in memory of those who died of cancer)
- Make A Wish Foundation
- Children of The Nations (Helping the orphans of many countries; We Will support this year!)
Thank you for doing SALSA FOR A REASON and letting us inspire you to your greatest potential. We love you.... Grace and Hugo
YWCA Homeless Shelter
Head Start Event
Orphanage in Puerto Rico
|
|
Rizing Starz Academy
We teach here every Monday Evening! This studio teaches all types of dance including contemporary, tap, jazz, hip/hop, lyrical and especially ZUMBA! Check them out at http://www.rizingstarz.com/. |
|
Bravo Award
The Bravo Award Goes to.....
Ricardeau Lucceus
To a very special person whom Hugo and I love very dearly for his constant support, kindness and love. You deserve more than a Bravo Award, but we wanted to let you know that although you are a busy little bee in school, we are very proud of you as a friend, dancer, musician, scholar, writer and family man! Bravo for never settling for less and loving others w/ God's truth.
Sincerely,
Grace, Hugo, & Roberto
|
|
Grace’s Salsa Tips
Tip #1: Drinking: Interestingly enough, drinking is almost NEVER a topic in our salsa world for the last almost 15 years, but recently I have noticed some under age people drinking at a salsa party and I was shocked and scared for the teens drinking, while their parents sat there and watched. The dangers of making drinking a normal thing at such a young age are not seen sometimes for years. Although most dancers never drink alcohol because they prefer to be coordinated and drink water, some people follow the main crowd. Jesus never said, do not drink. He even turned water to wine at a wedding, but he doesn't want us to be drunk. Please be careful and watch your back out there. My father died of alcoholism and it isn't funny. If you see anyone who is under age and drinking , report it. If you see someone about to drive, take their keys away and you will be blessed for it!
Tip #2: The Drama of The Dance World: There are many instructors teaching salsa and latin dance all over the nation. If you are an instructor, you have, no doubt faced drama in the scene. It is our job to teach, not feed the flames of drama where ever they may be. It is our job to create a place of peace, joy and happiness where our students can dance. If another instructor or student hands you a piece of "juicy gossip" that could hurt someone, don't repeat it. Stay away from the drama and you will be blessed. |
|
2012 New Jersey International Salsa Congress
|
|
Purchase Our Beginner & Intermediate Salsa Videos
What makes our video different from others?
We designed them to not have much styling at all so you can actually learn the basic foundation! Click here to find out more at www.salsawithgrace.com or buy now!
For more details or to purchase our salsa videos please click on the button
above. |
|
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.
Contact us at:
(813) 943-1117
E-mail:
Grace@dancingwithgrace.com or contactus@dancingwithgrace.com |
|
|
Topics:
- NEWS FLASH: Spotlight: Forgotten Children March, New Website, Two Scoops of the Month, St. Louis Salsa Congress Pics are In, Girl Scouts Dance!, Head Start Training, Congratulations To My Modeling & Pageantry Trainnees who all won crowns this season!, Articles & DWG Dance Articles Booklet, Tampa Night Club Reviews Page on Our Website, and Private Lesson Packages.
- Weekly Drop-in Group Salsa Lessons in Tampa, North Tampa, Wesley Chapel: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
- Socials/Events of the Month: Every Saturday at Dance World; Brio Love Remembers Event Feb 14, 19, & 26th.
- DWG Accomplishments: Here is a list of some of the great things we have accomplished as a dance company over the years.
- Help us Help Others Through Dance: Where do you want us to go next?
- Is Dancing A Sin and Testimonials: If you believe in God, you should read this article. More email responses!
- Tampa Area Salsa Schools/Businesses: Try us all out!
|
| |
|
1. NEWS FLASH
Spot Light: Forgotten Children March & Flashmob!
 
It was a delight for us to help an incredible organization place a light on the need for more foster parents in Hillsborough County. Grace, Mercedes, and Roberto taught a group of students and committee members a mini dance to do a Flash Mob Dance right in the middle of their kick off party at the Tampa Bay Museum of Art. It was, not only, a lot of fun, but a super honor for us to make it happen. Afterwards on Sept. 24th, we also did a special march at their festival where Mercedes and Roberto performed. I want to thank Mercedes and Roberto for being so selfless; I am very proud of you for not only using dance as a vehicle to teach people how to live but how to love. BRAVO! Check out the Forgotten Children March photos and the Flashmob photos in our Photo Gallery!
Spotlight: We have a new Website!
As you all know Grace is writing a book called "Is Dancing A Sin?" based on the article below in Topic #6. She created a website specifically for her book. Please check it out and sign Grace's guestbook today at: www.IsDancingASin.com.
Scoop of the Month: Schools Unite to Fund Raise For Diamond Dancers & Dancing With Grace Receives Recognition In Tampa!
 
Recently Diamond Dancers International experienced a devastating accident to one of their prima dancers. His injury necessitated major surgery. Dancing With Grace worked hard to promote their impending need and inspired other schools to do fundraisers to help them raise money to pay for their expenses during this difficult time. Roberto Lira of DWG donated I Love Salsa Mugs to raise funds and we were able to help the family. Thank you to every school and individual across Florida and the USA that helped Sonia's family. Sonia teaches at her new studio on N. Dale Mabry. Check them out on facebook by searching for Diamond Dancers Tampa or email Sonia Rivera at diamonddancers2004@yahoo.com
When we do fundraisers, its our privilege to help, but once in a great while someone gives us a little recognition. Sonia gave us a lovely award that read:
"For your hard work in the salsa community using dance as a means of promoting faith and social work. Your charisma and good faith not only help but inspire many others to follow your dream of salsa with a purpose. God Bless you and your wonderful team!"
Sonia Rivera and Arturo Gonzalez
 Grace dancing with Arturo Gonzalez
See the Photos of the 2011 St. Louis Salsa Congress
Check out the 2011 St. Louis Salsa Congress photos in our Photo Gallery!
St. Louis Salsa Congress: A Spiritual Journey
Not all people like to hear that a lot of mambos have pagan roots, but at the St. Louis Salsa Congress, Grace gave a workshop on just this subject. Mambo has a history of ritualistic pagan worship. Its music is layered with many references to evil spirits that people sing and pray to, to this very day. As a dance educator I work hard to tell people that not all Mambo/Salsa songs come from a good place. A very large percentage of music out in the main stream are not singing about good things, but glorifying Chango, Babalu Aye and other evil spirits and not the true God, Jesus Christ. At this congress, I taught on the subject and had students who were very grateful to understand this important topic. Would you dance to a song about suicide? Not likely! You would change the song to something better right? Salsa/Mambo songs that sing about lusting after your neighbors wife, sex, drugs, or evil spirits are something you shouldn't be dancing to; the excuse "I don't know the language; I just dance to whatever", is an attitude we should avoid. Feel free to ask people, "what is this song saying, what is it about?" Get good music to dance to and request it when you go out.
Try these Salsa Artists:
Bobby Cruz, Richie Ray, Orchestra Libertad, Grupo Gale and many many more! These guys are Christians and sing happy music. We only teach to music that is positive; so the next time you dance and feel weird on the floor: its your spirit saying STOP!!!!!!!! Don't just dance for the sake of dancing. Know what you are dancing to and feel peace while dancing! Check out www.IsDancingASin.com for other interesting articles and information!
Girl Scouts Dance for Hispanic Heritage Month
Mercedes and I had the pleasure of teaching two Girl Scout troops how to dance and the history of the dances of salsa during the Hispanic Heritage Month. It was a delight to teach the little ladies that what Beyonce and Rhianna do IS NOT DANCING but disrespectful representations of dance. They were a little shocked to hear anyone say that, but we teach little ladies to dance respectfully and know that anyone rubbing on them in dance is not a good thing. They were delighted to learn they could be graceful and have fun dancing at the same time!
Check out the 2011 Girl Scouts Hispanic Heritage Celebration photos in our Photo Gallery!
Tropicana Dances!
Roberto and Mercedes had a great time dancing for the Tropicana Employees this year! We hope you all know we love your products and appreciate you for hiring us!
Other News: Head Start Training
Because I (Grace) am also an MC, Speaker and Creative Director, I sometimes get invited to do motivational speaking and training other than dance. Recently I trained over 30 of Hillsborough Counties finest Case Managers/Workers who work tirelessly to keep families together and above water. In this training, I motivated people to remember why they became social workers in the first place and to reach inside and love others through their own past experiences and hurts. It was a wonderful time and it was an honor for me to do so. Thank you to head start for having faith in my abilities and thank you for helping so many families in turmoil. May God Bless You All!
Check out the Head Start Training photos in our Photo Gallery!
Congratulations To My Modeling & Pageant Trainees who all won crowns this season!
 
As you can see I am a busy bee also training girls for pageantry. Long ago, I was a model for Abraham & Strauss, 5-7-9, JC Penny and many other locations. I now train girls for modeling and Pageantry, teaching them that beauty is not skin deep and that it comes from within. Check out my newest winners!
Veterans Dance Too! 
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! Two weeks after this photo was taken, Mr. Kingsford died and met his savior in heaven! To use salsa for a reason join us today! Check out the Salsa4aReason X Photos.
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.
Private Lesson Packages
Checkout the private packages for 2012! A variety of choices that may even include a gourmet meal! Wives, learn a dance for your husband! Check them all out in our online DWGstore under Private Lesson Packages!
New Article Of The Month & Dance Article Booklet
Check Out Grace's New Article: How Can You Be A Devout Believer and Go To A Night Club?
Dance Articles Booklet by Grace Badillo
At the New Jersey Congress, Grace released her booklet titled "Dance Articles by Grace Badillo" 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. Weekly Drop-in Group Salsa Lessons
Dancing With Grace Productions offers weekly beginner and intermediate salsa lessons in the Tampa, Florida. We also offer Merengue, Bachata, and Cha-Cha in some of our locations. All of our weekly group lessons are drop-in. Class participants do not require to bring a partner. We recommend shoes without rubber soles since you will not be able to spin with rubber soles. Come join us in one of our salsa classes and have a great time.
We currently offer weekly group dance lessons on: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. We also offer Private Lessons for your consideration.
|
Mondays
Salsa, Merengue, Cha-Cha, Bachata |
** Rizing Starz Now on Mondays ***
**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 Ave, Tampa FL
(white building w/ blue awnings
across the street from Subway)
When: Every Monday
Cost: $10 per lesson
(pay cash or check at door)
|
|
View Larger Map |
*** March Schedule ***
Times:
- 6:00-7:00 pm - Latin Dance for Kids Ages 7 - 15 yrs (Merengue, Salsa, & Cha-Cha)
- 7:00-8:00 pm - Salsa Lesson 1: Beginner - Intermediate
- 8:00-9:0 pm - Latin Dance (Cha-Cha, Merengue, and/or Bachata )
Note: Grace is an expert at teaching up to three levels in each class.
|
|
Tuesdays
Salsa, Merengue, Cha-Cha |
**All Levels Welcome**
Drop-in group salsa lessons at Dance World at University Mall in Tampa, FL. Dance World in on the first floor next to Dillards. Recommend parking near the Mall entrance on the 1st floor under the multilevel garage.
|
When: Every Tuesday
Where: Dance World in University Mall
2200 East Fowler Avenue
Tampa, FL 33612
Cost: $10 per person per lesson
|
|
View Larger Map
|
*** March Schedule ***
Times:
- 6:00-7:00 pm - Men's Styling w/ Roberto
- 7:00-8:00 pm - Salsa Hat & Fan Dance - Learn to dance with a hat and/or fan! People in wheelchairs welcomed (two-left-feet welcomed).
- 8:00-9:00 pm - Salsa Lesson for Couples
|
|
Wednesdays
Salsa |
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
|
|
View Larger Map
|
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
Salsa & Merengue |
**All Levels Welcome**
Drop-in group salsa lessons at Dance World at University Mall in Tampa, FL. Dance World in on the first floor next to Dillards. Recommend parking near the Mall entrance on the 1st floor under the multilevel garage.
|
When: Every Thursdays
Where: Dance World in University Mall
2200 East Fowler Avenue
Tampa, FL 33612
Cost: $10 per person per lesson
|
|
View Larger Map
|
*** March Schedule ***
Times:
- 6:00-7:00 pm - Spinning & Balance Technique (All Levels)
- 7:00-8:00 pm - Salsa Hat & Fan Dance - Learn to dance with a hat and/or fan! Learn to perform for Charity or just learn with us. People in wheelchairs welcomed (two-left-feet welcomed).
- 8:00-9:00 pm - Salsa Beginner and Intemediate Classes for Adults
|
| Private Lessons |
Dancing With Grace Productions offers various private lesson packages. To view our selection of packages and other dance services, check out our DWG Store. If you have any questions about our private lessons, please check out our answers to the frequently asked questions.
To schedule private lessons and classes for private parties call 410-903-0648. Please read our private lessons cancellation policy.
|
3. Socials/Events of the Month:
|
FEB
14
Tuesday
FEB
19
Sunday
FEB
26
Sunday
|
Love Remembers
|
*** Click here to Register ***
Why wait until your 20th anniversary to renew your vows!? Fall in love all over again at Love Remembers.
Invite your spouse to this special event hosted by Grace and Hugo Badillo, owners of Dancing With Grace, a Christian Dance Ministry in Tampa, Florida. Dancing With Grace is the winner of the National Presidential Volunteer Service Award from President George W. Bush for using dance for good in the United States and raising over $1,000,000 for charities. They are dedicated to using dance to promote oneness in married couples and charity and modesty within the dance community.
This event is less about dance and more about rediscovering each other. Don't worry; you won't need to be a dancer, just a gentleman and lady, dressed in white and black, ready to say "I Do" all over again. Hugo and Grace have been remarried 3 times and can't wait to do it all over again!
Pastor David Towner from Openwater Church
will be doing two of the ceremonies and the third will be done by another pastor so that Pastor David Towner and his lovely wife Tonya can get remarried too!
When : February 14th, 19th, or 26th
Where: Brio Tuscan Grille
International Plaza
2223 N. West Shore Blvd. Tampa, FL 33607
Time: 6:30pm - 10:30pm
Cost: $120 per couple
This event includes:
- Love Language Mini Lesson
- Wedding Dance Crash Course for Couples with Two Left Feet Syndrome
- Vow Renewal
- Salad, Dinner, Dessert, & Soft Drink
- Opportunity to Take Photos Together
- Romantic Music
- celebration of You Continued Oneness
- Dance in Love & agreement that:
"We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!" (Philippians 4:13)
Limited Space: Space is limited to 12 couples per event.
Dress Code: This event will be held in one of the lovely Brio salons above the Brio Restaurant in the International Mall. No one is required to wear a wedding gown or tux, but we would love to have the ladies wearing white dresses and men in black. Please feel free to wear one a wedding dress and if you need or want to have your dress resized or taken in call Grace's favorite seamstress and wedding gown guru: Roya (www.alterationsbyroya.com) at 813-871-1060 or 561-275-3146. She also has some affordable options in her store. Her location is on Kennedy Boulevard. Check her out today! Don't forget, The Good Will and Salvation Army always have gowns you can get at an affordable price and just take in! Go for it! Be unique! Don't forget to bring a camera!
*** Click here to Register ***
|
|
JAN
28
Saturday
Dancing With Grace & Dance World New Year's Do Over Party
Have a bad new years? Then do it over! Come hang with us at Dance World :0)
When: Saturday, January 28, 2011 Where: Dance World in University Mall
2200 East Fowler Avenue
Tampa, FL 33612
Cost: $10 per person
Time: 6:30pm - 10:00pm
Lessons: 7pm Merengue and 8pm Salsa
Door prizes, horderves, & more...
|
4. DWG Current Past and Present Accomplishments
2011 DWG Accomplishments
- Tropicana Dance Performance/Instruction, November 2011
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Hispanic Heritage Event, October 2011
- Girl Scouts Hispanic Heritage Celebration, November 2011
- Head Start Healthy Relationships Lecturer, October 2011
- Head Start Motivation Lecture for Case Workers, October 2011
- Fundraiser for Diamond Dancers International Accident Fund, October 2011
- Performance for Forgotten Children March, September 2011
- St. Louis Salsa Congress Instructor, September 2011
- Voices for Children Flash Mob, Tampa Bay Museum of Art, August 2011
- Healing Hands Foundation Fundraiser, Baltimore Maryland August 2011
- Berks Salsa Fest Creative Director, Instructor & Master of Ceremonies August 2011
- Healing Hands Foundation Fundraiser, Washington DC, April 2011
- 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 International Salsa Congress Creative Director, Master of Ceremonies & Instructor
- NJ Dancing Dreams Chair for Autistic Children's Dance Program
Past DWG Accomplishments
We have many more accomplishments between 2000-2008. Checkout the list of the past DWG accomplishments on our DWG Accomplishments page.
5. Help us Help Others Through Dance
Throughout this year, our dance company will continue to help the suffering, the lonely, the hungry, the sick and poor.
Where do you want us to go next? Click here to check out all the places we have helped before in our DWG Accomplishments page.
We are looking for an association to help Alzheimer's patients have a little fun. Anybody have any suggestions?
This year I would like to target Alheimer's and Parkinson's disease patients, Cancer patients, abandoned children, Veterans of Florida and even the Big Cat Sanctuary. Do you know anyone who needs alittle joy?
Contact Grace Badillo at grace@dancingwithgrace.com
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: Check out www.IsDancingASin.Com to learn more.
Grace would love to know your opinion. Email her at grace@dancingwithgrace.com
Testimonials about our instruction and emails I received about this article:
My name is B and I attended the Beginner and Intermediate/Advanced level workshops that you were gracious enough to give at the University of Tampa this past weekend. I have lived in Tampa all of my life and have been dancing salsa for just shy of 10 years. Salsa is what I call my long lost love. Growing up in a family that has no Latin background and little of the culture, I spent my childhood mesmerized by what I called the "bongo beat", only to learn later in my twenties that it had a name -and that was Salsa. Since then Salsa has become and always will be very dear to my heart as it is something that I have loved all of my life but was introduced to it only a few years ago.
I started learning here in Tampa and have been blessed to grow enough in it to dance socially. In the beginning, dancing was so enjoyable and I felt as though I was finally in place where I belonged. It was what I thought was an excellent way to meet others and really participate in what most lyrics in salsa encourage- the celebration of life, freedom and loved ones. A few years ago, however, the vibe in Tampa changed and it became more of a "show down" than it was just enjoyment of the music and the dance. For me, where I used to be a very liberated dancer, I became very self conscious because it seemed that I was not "eligible" to dance with anyone unless I danced at a certain level. What was once enjoyable became extremely intimidating and it started to show in my dancing. For that reason, it has been almost 5 years since I have danced socially and it has been such a sore spot because salsa is such a part of me that I have had to ignore a huge part of who I am for so long.
Coming to your workshop was the first time in a long time . I must tell you that it was HUGELY REFRESHING not only to be back in the rapture of salsa but to hear you speak of modesty. In your class, I instantly felt at home and that I did not have to be ashamed to let salsa manifest in me the way God designed. Before your class, I had convinced myself that I was not "good enough" to dance salsa because I didn't dance at the level of other dancers. It was such a blessing to learn from you and be reminded that God's goodness is in everything and He placed you and your team in my path to go back to doing one of the many I know is in my heart...Salsa. Thank you for your presence, your blessing of reminded modesty and encouragement. If more instructors placed emphasis on modesty and the true essence of Salsa, multitudes of more people would have the chance to experience and know just how truly wonderful salsa is. Thank you for inspiring me to come back out of my shell and go back to doing what I love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sincerely,
B
____________________________________________________________________
Dear Grace,
Wow! I am convinced that you have a mission from God. He places each one of us in strategic places to reach out to individuals that otherwise would not hear of Him. You are destined for something big and many will join in. What a strategic tool! God goes beyond our imagination. Just trust Him and let's continue to promote, advertise, invite, spread the word. This is big and will be huge. All the glory goes to Him. Yesssssss!
S
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. If you have a salsa school or company and a website, please let us know and we will add your school or group to the list to inspire unity and promote everyone! Send us an email today at grace@dancingwithgrace.com 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 |
DANCING WITH GRACE PRODUCTIONS
Tampa, North Tampa & Lutz
WWW.DANCINGWITHGRACE.COM
WWW.SALSAWITHGRACE.COM
www.IsDancingASin.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 |
|
Dance World
www.DanceWorldTampa.com
Specializing in Salsa, Belly dancing, Hip Hop, Kids Ballet, Zumba, Break Dancing, and Competition dance Teams
813-423-2623 |
SALSAMANIA
TEACHING CLASSIC RUEDA CASINO AND SALSA ON 1
305-345-1972 |
SALSA SIMONE
WWW.SimoneSalsa.COM
Teaching Salsa, Argentine Tango, Merengue, Bachata, Guajira, Break Dancing/Pop&Lock, Kids classes, Zumba, Fitness camp, Bellydance, Mambo, Brazilian Zumba
(813) 391-1056 |
SALSA XTREME
www.salsaxtremetampa.com
MIAMI STYLE CASINO, SALSA AND LA STYLE SALSA (also Bachata)
727 542-6282 (or 813-765-6083)
|
|
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 |
Diamond Dancers International
Find them on Facebook.
Mambo Team Dance Instruction & Choreography
Contact: Sonia Rivera at 813-500-0574 |
|
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. |
Euro Pilates
www.euro-pilates.com
Salsa classes, Pilates Boot Camp, THE WALL,
PILATESSTICK & More in Wesley Chapel, Florida
Contact Info:
eMail: info@Euro-Pilates.com
Phone: (813) 756-4000 |
|
|
|
