WHAT TIME IS IT? PARTY TIME!!!

This past Friday was one of my favorite Daza Dance events -The Party!!!  The party is not only a great time to practice the dance styles of Salsa, Rumba, Merengue, Cha-Cha, Waltz, Foxtrot, and Tango, it is also a great time to meet other people and catch up with other students. I arrived a few minutes early and the energy was high as the instructors putting on the finishing touches making everything just right from the lighting, to the appetizers, to the music. 

The first part of party is always a class. Antonio was teaching and we learned the chase step- mind you this step took me eight weeks and three instructors to master. Antonio first showed it to me and I was having a difficult time- I spaced out completely from frustration. Next Maxi worked with me on the step and I could do it in class but as soon as class was over I forgot everything.  I then did a four week group class with Mario focusing on the step. I finally got the basics during that class but got so excited I was not maintaining my lines- I was, however, happy to finally be making progress. Finally on Friday after going through the step one more time with Antonio having taken several classes, hours of practice, and almost literal blood, sweat, and tears I could perform it boldly and confidently. 

After the class we had a short break and then went on rotation through all the dances; with each dance you switch partners. I always make it a point to dance with all of the instructors as everyone has their own flair and different way to lead. I am so grateful to our special guest Sebastian for challenging me and inspiring me to grow as a dancer. This party was just like every party for me in that the entire staff -Masha, Callie, Maxi, Mario, and Antonio continued to help me stay in the moment and take my dance to the next level. 

Some other highlights for the evening are the Bachata and Samba line dances. These are dances everyone can participate in and you don’t need a partner. I can remember when I first learned them and was unsure of the movements, now I am so confident I stay up front. I don’t even look at anyone anymore, and even led one of the sides for Samba at the last party! 

I can think back to my first party and am so proud of how far I have come. The only thing I would change is that I wish they were longer- I could truly dance all night! 

By: Kamaria George (01/09/2016)