Portland Dance Salsa, Ballroom & Swing

I was first introduced to partner dancing through Fred Astaire Dance studios, which trained me in their unique style of dance and their professional way of teaching. Upon dancing I was required to learn and teach the style of all thirteen dances that ballroom, Latin, and swing had to offer. During my time at Fred Astaire I learned how each dance broke down to certain basic elements. Every dance had its own appearance, partnership, and expression. I was trained in poise and posture, control and balance, and timing and rhythm. I learned not only how to dance the male part but the lady’s as well. Understanding how these dances worked came easy to me but teaching them to another person took time and practice. I found that it was really two different skills to dance and to teach. I think because of my love of dance and my desire to enrich my students' lives with knowledge and confidence, it makes my job of teaching fun and challenging.

Each year that I taught I entered into competitions which took me all over the United States. Taking my dancing to the competition arena taught me how to make my skills even more articulate and sharp. Soon after traveling and competing I joined Portland’s first salsa performing group called Sabor Latino. Our group danced for social events, clubs and performed Portland’s first salsa concert. All these experiences led me to finally owning my own business in dance instruction. Portland Dance is more than an activity - it's a way of life.