Well, it’s finally happened; I’m finally writing my testimonial. It only took a few years, J. Wow, it seems like only yesterday when I stepped out of the elevator and into your studio. I can’t believe it’s been so long. I can still remember vividly the first experience I had with you and your studio. I remember being persuaded to take dancing lessons. “ME, DANCE, HAH!!!” were the first words out of my mouth. But then I attended a wedding where I was the person who was learning the basic steps on the dance floor while my partner look at the other people dancing, hoping that maybe one of them might ask her to dance. That experience made me want to take dance lessons and that’s how I started taking classes with you. I took my first classes with Ms. Linda; it was a kid’s class that taught meringue and salsa. I looked forward to the meringue classes but really disliked the salsa lessons. A few months later I came back from vacation to find out that you guys were moving to your new LaSalle location. That’s when you convinced my mom into putting me in the adults “Taste of Salsa” class. Since I “loved” salsa so much, you can guess how thrilled I was. I started these classes with Mr. Chris or as my mom calls him Don Cristobal. He opened my eyes to the great and beautiful world of Salsa and I have been there ever since.

In the time that I have been with you, I have seen and experienced so much. I have met many wonderful people that I will always remember and hold dear to my heart. I know many people write and tell you that they thank you for this or that. But I don’t think anyone else can say that you guys have helped raise a short, shy, dorky kid and change him into a young confident man that can say he learned from the best. I learned so much more from you guys than just dance. You taught me LIFE 101. That may sound silly but its true. I learned how you should be humble with your gifts and never brag because there is always someone better than you. I also learned how respect is the first and most important thing in dancing and that whatever happens its always “the LEADS FAULT” (although I don’t think that one is real fair, J).

Over the years that I have spent with you I’ve met people that have changed my life. Lisa y Andres, you two took me in and gave me a second home. You made me feel welcome in a place where adults would look at me and laugh because I was in their class. Griselle, Imelda, and all the LSD staff, you have all talked with me and shown me how you show act with others. You have acted as counselors in times of hardship and pain. Traci, Steve, and all you great instructors, you all have thought me the most important lesson, to love dancing and have confidence in yourself. And I must point out one person who has been a mentor, friend, and even a brother, Mr. Chris.

I first started taking classes in May of 1999 when I was 11 years old. I was ending 5th grade and going into 6th. Now, 6 going on 7 years later, I am 17 starting my senior year of high school and ready to head for college. I still have a letter you and Andres sent me a few Christmas’ ago and another that was signed by your staff and instructors congratulating me on graduating grammar school. I thank you, your staff, and your instructors from the bottom of my heart for making me who I am today. I owe you all a lot and I will never forget what you have done for me. Thank you again.