I recently found out about a new event in the Chicago Latin Dance scene. It is the only event I know of that has a specific portion delegated to be a fundraiser for charity. Battleground Dance Show is an event created to re-energize the community about the importance of giving back. In high school we […]
Pageant Time
Miss Illinois Plus America Pageant This past weekend I attended my first pageant. The Miss Illinois Plus America Pageant was an exciting experience. I was there with my dance partner to perform. It was my first time getting a chance to hear the delegates talk about their platforms. Ranging from suicide prevention to domestic violence, […]
A Full Life
I have been fortunate to be able to participate in Cubby Bear Chicago’s $5,000 salsa open every year but this year it had been my intention to let it pass. I didn’t have a partner, didn’t have time, didn’t want to put myself out there again. Two weeks before the contest I found out one […]
Changing My Playlist
I changed my playlist for my Move This* program. On the first song Anna, one of my regulars, exclaimed “Hey that’s Doris Day”! I had included Que Sera, Sera by Doris Day. As we danced, Anna’s eyes misty, she smiled and talked about how the song had come out when she was a teenager. Her […]
Dancing on Michigan Ave
What to do after a lunch time dancing…. Mambo on the Concourse was a raving success. So Alvin, Nick and I decided to grab lunch to continue the party. We took it to go and ate outside in Grant Park. Under the branches the light fell filtered like a stain glass window. It was so […]
Mambo on the Concourse
Social Dancing can save the world… or on a more micro level at least your lunch hour. Leave it to DJ El Caobo to bring some sizzle to the lunch hour with Latin music and open dancing at the Thompson Center in downtown Chicago. “Mambo on the Concourse” is an open event from 12:00-1:00pm every […]
What Timing Do You Prefer?
So many people ask me what timing I prefer. For me it usually depends on the song. Some songs are easier to dance On 1 and some are easier to dance On 2. Some songs were created with the intention of emphasizing one beat structure or the other. As much as I enjoy On 2 […]
Why Live Bands are Great
Bands Rock! Ever go out to a restaurant with an open view to the kitchen or table side service? It is a sneak peak into how your food is artfully made. Creating food is like magic and being able to witness the process and the artistry involved is a privilege. Bands make music in front […]
Top 5 Reasons to say “No” to a Dance
We have all been there at one time or another. Wondering if it’s alright to say no, wondering if it’s the polite response. Here are 5 reasons where it is ok to say “no”. Social Dancing should be fun. Don’t let other people make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. 1. Safety If you are dancing […]
Latin Street Congreso 2012
I love Latin dancing! Whether it is salsa, bachata, cha cha, cumbia, or rumba, I want to dance all of the time. One of the unique things that happens in the Latin dance community is Congress or Congresos. It’s similar to a convention where people gather together to do workshops, team building exercises, and network. […]