Robert Story...

I have been dancing for 6 months. I started with dance class with
Eric Freeman, then took privates with Eric. Then when Eric went
to Cuba, I started dance class/workshops with Joseph Snowhawk
every week, as well as going to the Broker and other clubs.
I have become friends with Eric and Joseph, and you also, and I
have benefited from everyones generous nature in teaching me to
dance. I think I have been blessed with great teachers. Early on I
got the bug, and I practice daily with Josie Neglia's video
instructional tapes as well as weekly classes.
I have an extensive CD collection of all types of music, but my non-Salsa CD library is starting to gather dust. I have a home office, and I find myself dancing around the house listening to Salsa sometimes while I am trying to work. My business is suffering somewhat but I don't care, because dancing Salsa makes me so happy.

I also don't know exactly what it is about the music that makes it so intoxicating. I have always loved and listened to Afro-Cuban
jazz. I think it is the earthy, primal, and passionate rhythms that
do it for me. All music has a frequency. Different types of music
effects you in different ways. Salsa has a frequency or vibration to
it that really connects with certain people. You can loose yourself
in the dance. It amazes me that others cannot feel it also. I can't
even speak much Spanish, but I can actually go into a
transcendent state while dancing to certain songs.

I've seen you dance in person and I know you do it also. A note about my dancing. I think I just took a quantum leap in my
progress and a real breakthrough in dancing abilities. I was one of
those persons who didn't really get out there on the floor to
much, even though I am a good dancer. Lack of confidence kept
me from asking any of the really good dancers to dance. When
you were in Denver, you reminded me to ask you to dance at your
next workshop and I didn't. An error I will correct when I see you
again my dear.
After 6 months of persistence I have started to retain my training
better and I am dancing better. Its all starting to fall into place,
just like you said. I went to a workshop recently with some really
good dancers in it and we all went out to dance afterwards at a
club. They in turn introduced me to other great dancers and
before you know it, I'm out there dancing with them. I received
compliments on my style and form from all of them. Their
generosity and friendship that night helped my confidence
tremendously. I dance with every lady that asks me to dance, or
looks like she wants to dance, especially when I am in dance class
and I know she is a beginner and I can help her learn. Its really
important for people to know that we Salseros are a family and
we need to be there for each other when learning this beautiful
dance. Reach out and help someone else learn.

I also enjoy the fact that Salsa is very traditional. I have learned
that most ladies will sit there until the guys ask them to dance. A
fact that we are not taught in dance class. Guys need to know
that the ladies also deserve and expect to be treated with respect
and good manners while dancing, and are very appreciative when
they are shown it.
I love how Salsa provides an environment and a structure for men and women to get together again, dress up and enjoy life through dancing.

Love to all,
Viva La Salsa
Robert