Maria's Story

I am originally from Guatemala city. I was raised here in the United States, but it did not keep me from learning how to dance Salsa, merengue, bachata... etc. At first though I was more interested in classical ballet and I took two years of it as well as modern, tap, jazz and hip-hop. Soon though I realized that Salsa was my favorite form of dancing because it created an outlet for my physical expression. Plus the cute partner did not hurt !!

Soon I wanted to learn more and more but I did not have the money to pay for classes and my friends did not know any more than I. So, here I am a couple of years later hitting the clubs every week desperately seeking even a grain of knowledge from any stranger who is willing to take the time to share it with me.

Something about the dance takes my spirit and body and does with it wonderful things. When I am dancing I don't feel better than anybody else nor do I do it for the need to show off. For me Salsa is like a sensual-spiritual journey that clears my mind.
I love movement and I am a very physical person (and not necessarily in a sexual sense). Maybe it's my Hispanic upbringing, but kissing and hugging and touching have
always been a part of my life as well as music. Dancing for me is an extension of my physical expression. It most certainly makes me very happy, extatic might be a better word.

The greatest difficulty for me has been finding someone who shares that passion with me and is willing to teach (for free). Not to say there aren't any wonderfull dancers in Washington, DC., because there are many; but most are stuck on themselves and will only dance with the other snobs. Like I said I am not a bad dancer I just have not gotten the training. Another problem is that sometimes they want to do more than
dancing. I am not looking for a relationship.
I just love to dance Salsa !!

Maria can be reached at HOliva9948@aol.com