MAY PARTY MEMORIES!

The first party I ever attended was the May Party of last year. I got the introductory special for the studio which included a group class, a private lesson, and an invitation to the party. The Tuesday before I had my first private lesson with Antonio where I learned all the basic steps for every dance so I could be prepared for the party. I was so nervous during the lesson I was shaking but after a few minutes I began to feel comfortable. I started getting so excited with the music I was forgetting the steps. (Actually to some extent I still do that now. Ha-ha) I remember leaving the lesson knowing that I truly loved ballroom dance and wanted to learn more.

That Friday at the party I remember the dance we learned was Foxtrot and since I had already gone over the dance in my lesson earlier that week I felt comfortable. Antonio talked about the head position during Foxtrot being tilted to the side so I thought you were supposed to do that for every dance - for the entire night and every dance I was tilting my head to the side. That night left me feeling as I do at the end of every party since, lighthearted, happy, and as if I could have danced the entire night!!

Tonight even though I had a prior commitment I was compelled to stop by the party at the end of the evening, and was greeted with so much love from everyone it was almost overwhelming. My eyes were welling up with tears, it is such a special thing to be able to do what you love with people who love you for who you are. I was able to dance the last dance of the night, a Salsa with Maxi. Maxi was watching me closely and making sure I stayed in form which made me smile. He is helping me to fine tune every detail.

The Group class did an impromptu version of Papa Loves Mambo from the showcase and were still pretty excited and joyful. They are going to do a formal performance of the number at the next party and I can’t wait to see it again!

Tonight Maxi Taught for the Samba Line Dance- He is truly a Samba King on the dance floor so it was an honor to receive instructions from him. He is quite humorous as he giving the lesson making everyone laugh as they perfect their moves. Tonight I was getting creative with the arms and having a good time. It was easy to see that everyone else was having a good time as well.

Alas it is that time of night again, time to bid farewell, and I am counting the days until the next party!!

By: Kamaria George (05/16/2016)