Faviola Torres

Enrolled in July 2001, Faviola was recommended by a Latin Rhythms student. When she first enrolled at our dance studio, she told us she would pick up moves at clubs and family parties and knew enough to "fake" it.

She came to Latin Rhythms to improve her dancing and learn the fundamentals to dance properly without having to "fake" it. We are proud to announce Faviola has not only progressed to become a top student, she is now a performer in our dance company!

Faviola shared her thoughts...

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

"If you really want to learn how to dance salsa, all you need is dedication and patience. The more you take classes and practice, you will achieve that goal of becoming a great Salsero/Salsera. All you have to do is practice, practice, practice."

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

"Latin Rhythms is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Not only have I improved my Salsa by 100%, but I have met some wonderful people that I now call my friends. Through good times and bad times I can always count on them to be there. So I thank Latin Rhythms for giving me the opportunity to share all those memorable experiences on and off stage. "

Maria Hernandez

Enrolled in October 2002, Maria came to Latin Rhythms because it was close to her home. She wanted to learn to dance well to Salsa, Bachata, Cha-Cha-Cha, Cumbia and Merengue.

We are so proud of Maria, she has accomplished the personal goals she set forth from the beginning. Congratulations Maria! You are one of our top students!

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

"No one is born knowing everything. The same applies to dance. The instructors at LRDS will take you step by step to achieve your dancing goals. At no time will you feel that you have failed. On the contrary, the encouragement that you will receive from them will inspire you to try harder. "

"As beginners, it is natural to feel intimidated by the many great dancers that we might come across on the dance floor when we go out. What we do to change that is completely up to us. LRDS will give you the opportunity to become that great dancer through the instruction of what I believe are the best dancers in the country."

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

"Latin Rhythms has changed my social life in many ways. Not only do I feel comfortable dancing Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cha-Cha-Cha, and Cumbia with anyone, I also feel inspired to become a better dancer."

"I have made a lot of friends who share the same dancing interests. We try to get together as often as we can to practice."

"I have to mention that the LRDS instructors are unique in many ways but the one that stands out the most is the way that they acknowledge their students. Whether they are at a nightclub or a different function, they will greet you with a smile and they will dance with you when they can."

"Finally, the whole experience has been a lot of fun and I thank LRDS for the opportunity."

Elba Diaz

Enrolled in March 2002, Elba came to Latin Rhythms looking to become a good "follow" and to look more graceful on the dancefloor.

Elba certainly looks graceful on the dancefloor and is a stronger overall dancer! Great work, Elba!

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

"I once was too scared to learn to dance salsa. It seemed so complex and unattainable. To a beginner salsero/a I would say that dancing salsa is an attainable goal. My suggested first step would be to take that first class. Only then would a beginner be convinced that learning how to dance salsa is not to be feared at all. It is an incredibly enjoyable experience."

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

"I started taking lessons on and off early last year and didn't really start actively taken lessons at Latin Rhythms until March of 2003. While suffering through a personal hardship, I decided to take on Salsa as a full-time hobby instead of allowing my emotions to consume me. It is an understatement for me to say that the Latin Rhythms Dance Studio has been my Sanctuary."

"At a time in my life where I couldn't find an escape from my feelings of insecurity and loneliness, taking dance lessons at Latin Rhythms lifted my spirits and allowed me to regain faith in myself. At a time in my life where I had very little to look forward to, going to the studio, being greeted by instructors (who always remembered my name), and receiving positive comments and encouragement from Maricza, Sol, Jorge, and Victor during classes, Latin Rhythms was the medicine I needed. I am living in happy times now because the Latin Rhythms Dance Studio showed me how to dance with heart."

Luis Rodriguez

Enrolled in September 2000, Luis was referred to us by Jacqueline Rios and Sol Solis of Latin Rhythms. Luis came to LRDS eager to become an outstanding social dancer and perform with Latin Rhythms on stage.

Did he succeed? You guessed it! Luis is now a perfromer and instructor with Latin Rhythms!

Recently, Luis shared some very encouraging words with us...

"To begin, the Salsa instruction available at Latin Rhythms Dance Studio (LRDS) is unparalleled in Chicago. I've taken classes at quite a few "other" studios in Chicago, but nothing comes close to LRDS. What's more, the friends I've made with my fellow dance partners and associates are relationships that will last a lifetime. Let me explain…"

"I was introduced to Latin Rhythms when the company was in its fledgling stages. I had some dance experience, a ton of performing experience, but almost no Salsa experience. I auditioned and was asked to become part of the group, but it was definitely NOT because of my Salsa skills."

"I didn't expect to last long in the company because the primary focus of the company was Salsa, which I knew nothing about. However, miraculously, the careful and detailed instruction of Pablo Rivera, Sol Solis, Victor Monroy, Maricza Valentin, and Diana Salinas quickly transformed me into a Salsero who could more than hold his own in the social dancing scene."

"After getting dance instruction from LRDS, I decided to test the waters and take Salsa classes elsewhere (to try and become an even better Salsero). I quickly realized how thorough and effective LRDS dance instruction was in comparison to those "other" places. I quickly found myself returning to my Salsa roots."

"If Latin Rhythms can make a performance quality Salsero out of these two left feet and keep me coming back for more, I ASSURE EVERYONE that they can make an outstanding Salsero/a out of anyone!!! And while learning to become and better dancer, I have developed some of the closest relationships with those that taught me, and those I learned with."

"What more could you want from a Dance Studio? In my opinion, the great atmosphere at Latin Rhythms comes from its great leadership - and that leadership is unmatched in Chicago. Thank you LRDS!!!!!"

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