Some of Our Top Students Share Their Insights with You...

How do you become a top student at Latin Rhythms? A "top" student doesn't push to become a great Latin Rhythms student per se... but rather, each individual works hard towards their PERSONAL goals of becoming the best dancer they can possibly be. The title of "top" student is just a side perk! :)

We believe any individual, (Yes, that means YOU too!) with passion and ambition can become an amazing dancer regardless of background, education, culture, age or any other outside factor.

Some of our top students have had NO dance experience prior to Latin Rhythms! Others have been dancing since they were children. Some have even become performers or instructors at Latin Rhythms!

Whatever your goals may be, we can help you get there! Meet some of our top students... one day, you may share your stories here too!

Alberto Macaltao

Enrolled in June 2002, Alberto was referred to Latin Rhythms by LRDS performer, Luis Rodriguez. Alberto came to Latin Rhythms to learn how to dance with confidence and have fun. We are proud to say, through his hard work and dedication, he dances with confidence AND flair!

Alberto shared some of his insights with us recently...

Alberto, what advice would you give to a beginning salsero/salsera?

"Practice! Practice! Practice! Then take it out to the clubs and use it. I use to be a 'studio dancer' where I would just practice at the studio then go to the clubs and watch. I never gained any confidence in the combos I was learning until I took it out on the dance floor. I would also recommend finding a partner to practice and go to the clubs with."

Tell our visitors a little bit about your experience at Latin Rhythms

"It all started when I showed up at the studio and I was observing an Intermediate 1 Salsa class and I got a tap on my shoulder and a very welcoming smile from Maricza Valentin, the Artistic Director of LRDS. She tested and placed me in the appropriate class. Since then I have met tons of people, made a lot of new friends and learned so much about dancing Salsa and Mambo.

Not only have I learned awesome combinations, footwork, styling and other dance concepts but I also learned what is most important to me and that's how to listen to and feel the music. Wepa!"

Carlos Castillo

Enrolled in October 2001, Carlos was recommended to Latin Rhythms from a friend at the Chicago Dance Studio. Upon coming to Latin Rhythms, Carlos described himself as a complete beginner with no Latin Dance experience.

His goal was to be able to dance to most Latin music and prove to himself that it is never too late to start and you should never be ashamed for not knowing how to dance. We are happy to announce Carlos ' positive attitude has helped him become one of our top students!

Here is a bit of advice Carlos would like to share with you...

Carlos, what advice would you give to a beginning salsero/salsera?

"I would tell him/her that there is no intimidation until he/she tries and realizes that there is no real victory if there is no fear."

Tell our visitors a little bit about your experience at Latin Rhythms

"I was born and raised in Guatemala and I just liked to listen to music in English. But I started to meet more people from my own (Spanish) and I felt the need to learn. Even my family use to make fun and talk about me, but now, I feel at ease with my little knowledge thanks to LATIN RHYTHMS."

Juan Pablo Ramirez

Enrolled in October 2000, Juan Pablo "J.P." was recommended by a Latin Rhythms student. J.P. came to us as a complete beginner with no prior Latin dance experience.

His goals were to learn how to social dance because he liked the way it looked and it seemed fun. (He's right!) Well, not only did J.P. learn how to "social dance", he has blossomed into a fantastic dancer who was our student of the year in 2001 and now performs and occasionally teaches dance classes at Latin Rhythms!

J.P. has a few positive words to share...

J.P., what advice would you give to a beginning salsero/salsera?

" Learning is nothing! Applying it on the dancefloor for the first time is the most challenging! If you just have fun and relax, everything else falls into place."

Your experience at Latin Rhythms can best be summarized as:

"INSPIRATION!!!!!"

Jorge Alvarez

Enrolled in September 2001, Jorge was a student with no Latin Dance experience, but quickly became known as "the natural", for his uncanny knack for picking up moves as if it was in his blood!

Today, Jorge is a performer and instructor at Latin Rhythms!

Jorge, what advice would you give to a beginning salsero/salsera?

"Give yourself a chance... it's not easy at first, so be patient. With practice, you will become more comfortable and soon find yourself dancing with more confidence!"

Click here to meet more success students...