Message to Our Students & Happy Birthday Grace!

Our first Salsa Styling Workshop this year was a great success.  Thank you all for coming and working so hard to perfect what you know & take the time to learn about the music as well!  Afterwards we all went to our favorite restaurant The Salsa Grill which was fantastic!  Check out their websit at www.eatsalsagrill.com

There is good news!  DWG and you helped SARCC raise over $1000.00 for the victims of rape last month.  Our event was a big hit and I am set to do 3 workshops in PA in the coming months.  Our PA Salseros are some of the kindest and most gentle people I have ever met.  Thank you guys!  The PA Salsa Meet up group really came out to support the event and we are grateful.

In January we were also able to raise $ for our student who lost her job and needed help.  Juanita wanted to express her deepest gratitude to all of you! Be proud that you did your part!  I I am proud of each of you who attended and sent your love.

This month is Grace's 35th birthday!  She will be celebrating by going to Costa Verde in VA (very close to DC) on Thursday March 13th.  We will get there early to leave early for those of you who are waking up the next morning for work.  We will be meeting at The Promenade at 6:30 pm & leaving promptly at 6:45 pm.  Please email sue@dancingwithgrace.com to let us know you are meeting us to celebrate Grace's birthday.  Come take a field trip with us!

We are proud of you, appreciate you & pray for your safety.

Sincerely,
Grace & Hugo
President & Director, DWG

Great Latina Women In History

Maria Crespo

Maria Crespo
(Puerto Rico)

Maria Crespo isn’t known to all of the people around Baltimore or even the world but she is a very accomplished woman & mother.  After being raised in Puerto Rico she went to NYC to start her life. After marrying she had 3 children and worked hard to raise them in a very confusing world.  After the loss of her husband & having to go to work again after many years of being a stay at home mother she battled against the odds and raised 3 children, most of whom were headstrong, rebelious and fiesty.  In a world where divorce rules, single moms run through men like water from a spout, but she stayed pure & made her only priority raising her children.  One became a major photographer, the other an aerospace engineer, and her youngest became the CEO of a major dance company that is working to help people one by one and eventually millions with the money they raise through dance.  This Great Latina Woman in History is Maria Crespo, the mother of Grace Badillo, President of DWG.  Alive and dancing in Puerto Rico, she is a great Latina.  I love you mami!  Happy Birth-Day to you too.

Love, Grace

The Bravo Award Goes to.....

DWG Bravo Award

DWG Bravo Award

Diane Michael

This month's Bravo Award goes to a new student named Diane who attended our workshop last week and met us for the first time.  She came in after experiencing a devistating side effect from receiving the FLU shot and wasnt sure if she could do the entire workshop.  She did great and even finished the entire workshop, like a pro!  Not only did she do well, she even gave us a very sweet testimonial and ate dinner with us!  We thank our student Dan who referred her to us and say Bravo to Diane for not giving up and continuing to dance through your trials in life.  May God Richly bless you and your family!

Sincerely,

Grace & Hugo
President & Director,
Dancing With Grace Productions

Niss' Salsa Tips

Hugo Salsa Concept

Tip#1: Exercise proper social dance etiquette! Dancers should always be aware of their surroundings on the dance floor, and be considerate towards other dancers. Some moves, as beautiful and impressive as they may be, are best left for showcase routines and performances. The truly good dancers are able to pull off moves without invading another couple's space, without any elbow throwing, executing deadly death drops and dips, heeling while stepping back, or smacking people while "styling". If by chance you have stepped on or bumped another dancer please acknowledge it by stopping your dance and apologizing.

Tip #2: Improve your stability by properly shifting weight. Do you find your self off balance at times during dancing? One of the reasons may be due to the improper line up of your body. This will naturally happen if a dancer's body/weight is not balanced. Try this simple test while practicing Salsa, preferably to slow tempo music. At any point during the execution of a dance step, are you able to raise one foot off the ground and maintain your balance while standing on the other? You should be able to without wobbling and falling over if you have shifted your weight correctly. Ladies; mastering the weight shift will do wonders for your turns, especially during the execution of more complex steps. Guys; this will make a considerable difference in your lead and in the way that you move on the dance floor.

By Nissim Albaig,
Lead Instructor DWG.

YOU SMELL!

Hugo Salsa Concept

We all smell.. some good.. some bad.. some really funkylicious.  Its okay, you arent alone.  Some of us dont use deoderant and its a cultural thing.  Well, we love all cultures in America but cant stand to smell the funk that may come along with that culture.  Pretty please with sugar on top, can you use deodorant?  Your future spouse and dance partner will really appreciate it and your teacher will too! ha ha.. Feel the funk-dont smell it!

Salsa Music CD

For more great salsa music CDs check the recommended selections in our Salsa Music CDs web page.

Getting Married?

Hugo and Grace Cut Wedding Cake

Grace's favorite resource for future brides in Baltimore is MyBaltimoreWedding.com. This website is a directory geared to help you find a listing of Baltimore wedding services. In working with MyBaltimoreWedding.com, I have experienced great service. They are fast and accurate! We know that by using this web site you will find the perfect wedding dress, tuxedo, wedding photographer, florist, caterer, reception facility and wedding venue. You can also find links for wedding invitations, honeymoon locations, wedding cakes and much, much more. The possibilities for a memorable day are endless! Don't stress about the big day. Take a deep breath, and hop online to find everything Baltimore has to offer you. Congratulations on your special day & may you have a lifetime of love and happiness.

Student Testimonial Email

Grace/Hugo,

My friend is really enjoying the classes at Johns Hopkins University.  He told me last night that he plans to take the next session that is offered at Hopkins. Dancing is new to him, but he is really having lots of fun and loving these classes. I really thought that in dancing, I would only feel joy from either my deeply rooted love for it, or just having fun with my dance partner.  It almost brought me to tears when I realize just how much my friend is loving salsa and the camaraderie that comes from being around great people like you and Hugo.  This was a really big thing for him to take a dance class in spite of his inhibitions.  I am so glad that I was able to introduce him to something positive that is making him feel even better about himself. Just in these three classes, I have seen a change in him for the better, and I hope this is not the end of him branching out into positive outlets that yield positive results.

So thank you guys so much.

Student

Purchase Our New Beginner & Intermediate Salsa Videos

Salsa Videos

What makes our video different from others?

  • Learn from certified salsa instructors Hugo Badillo from Puerto Rico and Grace Badillo 1st generation New-Yorican.
  • Step by step instruction of the most important foundational movements that are usually ignored in other salsa instructional videos.
  • Our video contains  the 1,2,3,5,6,7 count bar during explanations and each step correlates to a number of the beat we are stepping to.  Learn how a step looks to each beat!
  • Our video contains valuable salsa tips in each chapter in writing to remind you of key dance guidelines that can make your dancing much easier.
  • Learn similarities in certain combinations so you can better remember and retain many more patterns.
  • Learn styling that is elegant and beautiful.  Learn to make a move your own and not look like a cookie cutter image of someone else on the floor.
  • Learn how to lead your partner and not let your partner lead you.
  • Learn from instructors teach salsa and train others how to teach dance and communicate it effectively.
  • Our video contains valuable shoe information about buying dance shoes, why you need dance shoes, and how to take care of them so they will last for years.

Buy Now

For more details or to purchase our salsa videos please click on the button above.

Write a Review about our Instructional Salsa DVD

Salsa DVD Review

Have you purchased our instructional salsa DVD? Write a review about what you think about it and receive a free class on us no matter what it says! :)

Our Mission:

Dancing With Grace Productions, Inc. is dedicated to providing a positive, caring, professional dance and learning environment which encourages the growth and confidence to social and professional dancers. We exist to:

  • fill people's lives with joy and
  • providing supplies and money for orphans
  • help homeless families
  • help and support organizations that help the victims of human trafficking and child prostitution.

Dancing With Grace Productions is staffed with the highest qualified instructors who are committed to helping students develop life skills, dedication, technique and performance ability while maintaining excellent customer service.

Dancing With Grace Productions welcomes you to stop by one of their venues to view the dance lessons and meet the staff. Please let us know how we can help you or contact us if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Grace and Hugo Badillo

Grace & Hugo Badillo

Place an Ad

To place an ad on our newsletter please email Grace at grace@dancingwithgrace.com.

Contact Us

Please feel free to forward this issue to friends and associates. Anyone can subscribe for free.

To subscribe to receive the DWG Newsletters click here.

To unsubscribe from our email list click here.

To contact us at:

Dancing With Grace
Productions, Inc.
6400 Baltimore National Pike
Box # 513
Catonsville, MD 21228-3915

Phone:
(410) 903-0648

E-mail:
ContactUs@dancingwithgrace.com

Topics:

  1. NEWS FLASH:   SARCC Fundraiser Pictures, Grace's B-day Party at Costa Verde,  What is a Meet-Up?, World Salsa Congress Photos, New Article and Video Interview about the On-1 World Champions of Salsa, Get Fit with Pilates w/trainer to the Stars Ann Hyland, Article, Is Dancing A Sin?
  2. Workshop Listings/Sessions: Missed a workshop?  Grace will be giving several workshops for private studios in Maryland, and PA in the upcoming months.  If you have been to one before and still need practice sign up again! Grace will challenge you & help you even more! PA locations are only 1-2 hours away! Arm Styling, Spinning, Spinning for Belly Dancers & More.  Sign up for one today! Modern Dance Lessons! Sign up Today!
  3. Tuesdays at the Promenade: New Intermediate I Class! Mark your calendars for the Saturday, April 26, 2008 Promenade DANCE EXPO!
  4. Saturdays at Kasbah!!! Instructor Schedule Posted, Rueda Saturday March 8, 2008 w/Barbara Bernstein, Cha-Cha Workshop w/guest Instructor Eileen Torres on March 22, 2008, New DJ Request Hour! April 5, 2008 Baltimore Bachata Meet-up at Kasbah!
  5. Dance Fitness Cruise with Dancing With Grace Productions: Want to dance on your vacation and take workshops for free? Live Latin Music every night! Come with us to the Caribbean! This cruise leaves from New Jersey and is less than $999! Put your deposit down soon!  Rooms are filling up and prices will go higher after March.
  6. Things to do!
  7. Good Deeds: Arundel Lodge; Help those with Mental Illnesses.

1. NEWS FLASH

SARCC Fundraiser Photos

To see photos go to our DWG Photo Gallery

Happy Birthday Grace and Matt!  Come Celebrate Their Birthday on Thursday March 13th

Jeri Dembrak's Thursday Night in the Salsa Palace at Costa Verde Restaurant 946 N. Jackson St., Arlington, VA 22201  Beginner and Intermediate Classes from 7:30 to 9:30pm  The Best Peruvian Food, Beautiful Hardwood Floors and Ceiling Fans. Dress to Impress No Jeans/Tennis Shoes; Old School Salsa Productions & www.TheSalsaNews.com For Info, call 301-675-2725 or 703-371-8256. 

Field Trip Advisor: We will meet at  The Promenade at 6:30 pm & leaving promptly at 6:45 pm.  Please email sue@dancingwithgrace.com to let us know you are meeting us to celebrate Grace's birthday.  Come take a field trip with us.

What is a Meet-Up?

Meetups help people:

  • Find others in their area who share their interests
  • Learn, teach, and share things
  • Make friends and have fun
  • Rise up, stand up, unite, and make a difference
  • Be a part of something biggerboth locally and globally
To find out more about meetups in our area, go to www.meetup.com and type "baltimore salsa" in the search box.

Grace's Pictures of World Salsa Championships

Grace with World Salsa Championships On-1

See Pictures


Read Article

See Video

Grace & Sue had an incredible time at the World Salsa Championships.  To check out their photos click here. To read Grace's article on the World Salsa Champions in the On 1 Division click here. To see Grace's live interview with the Champions only 30 minutes after they won click here.

Get Fit With Pilates in 2008

Grace Will be Assisting in teaching this Class with famous Ann Hyland, YOGA BUTTERFLY and trainer to the stars. To see the Yoga/Pilates flyer click on the image below.

Yoga Pilates with Ann Hyland

Featured Article: "Is Dancing A Sin" - A Biblical Perspective

Read this article by clicking here.

2. Dance Workshops

Styling and Spinning Salsa Workshop: Mar 15th in Lancaster, PA

When: Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 12:30 PM (Pre-Registration & Walk-in Registration begins promptly at 12:30 P.M.)

Where: Want to know where this meeting is?  Go to www.pasalsa.com

Who should come: If you are serious about perfecting your dance & spinning technique, you will not want to miss this workshop.

Session 1: 1:00-2:30: Arm Styling For Women
Develop the skill of knowing what to do with your arms when being led into Cross Body Leads & other moves in Salsa. Learn the ?The Palm?, ?The Palm Tree?, ?The Crane? and more. Men, come and perfect your cross body lead while the ladies practice!

Session 2: 2:30-4:00:Balance & Spinning Technique
For Men & Women
Discover the keys to balance and spinning technique. Have you ever been off balance? Do you experience vertigo? So did I! Come learn from a dizzy dancer who changed her focus and learned how to do multiples against all odds! This class is for every dancer and anyone wanting to become better at turns and multiples spins.

Session 3: 4:00-5:00: Freestylin? Footwork For Men & Women
Learn how to do footwork & shines and create your own!

Workshop Fees:
Entire Workshop $40.00 for pre-registered, S. Central PA Salsa Meetup Group members!
Walk-in & day of registration will be $45.00 per person.
Non-Salsa Meetup Members: $60.00
Individual Workshop Cost: $25.00
This entire workshop is valued at $80.00
No Partner Necessary

(Note: To pay in advance using PayPal. You do not have to have a PayPal account to use PayPal. It is safe & secure e-commerce!

Organized by: Greg Fitzpatrick (Organizer & Founder) and Loida (Assistant Organizer & Founders Circle)

Dress Code:
Casual, comfortable sweats or yoga pants, (preferably) salsa practice shoes (for turns and spins on a wooden dance floor). If you don't have salsa shoes, you can wear your evening dance shoes. Tennis shoes will inhibit your spins and may ruin your knees over time. You can go to the Promenade DanceSport Facility where Cindy has many shoes in stock or the DWG Store to see if you find something you like. They can get pricy but make a world of difference when you dance.

Checkout Grace's Shoe Clues Chapter in her Salsa With Grace Instructional Video so she can explain why you need good dance shoes, which pair you should buy first and how to take care of them! Purchase our Salsa Videos.

Spinning For Belly Dancers Workshop: Mar 29 at Private Home Studio Setting

Back by popular demand! Experience 2 hours of incredible balance & spinning technique from one of Maryland's Leading Dance Instructors of Dancing With Grace Productions. Many people can’t balance for all types of reasons. Bad hearing, horrible allergies, neurological/back problems, & vertigo are just some of the reasons we can have trouble spinning. Grace understands all these problems because she has them all! You aren’t alone. You can spin! Grace will help you master the skill of spinning! For those of you who have taken her class she will challenge you to do more! For first timers she will explain step by step. Never be afraid of spotting again! She will have two sessions on Saturday March 29, 2008. Space is limited so sign up today!

When: Saturday, March 29th

Time: First session: 12-2 p.m.
          Second session: 3-5 p.m.

Where: Antonia's Dance Studio

Cost: $25 in advance & $30 at the door.

For more information, please visit http://www.antoniadances.com/

Saturday Workshops at the MgM DanceStudio in PA

When: Saturdays beginning on April 12, 2008

Where: MgM DanceStudio 39 E. Forest Avenue Shrewsbury, PA  17361
             Phone: (717) 227-948

Time: 1 - 3 PM (Walk-in Registration begins promptly at 12:30 P.M.)

Cost: $80 for all 3 workshops

Registration: To reserve your space & sign up call (717) 227-9488

** 6 Hours Of Workshops! **


To Do This Workshop We Need At Least 30 People Signed Up so CALL YOUR FRIENDS


Workshop #1: Salsa

Learn LA Style Salsa, Turns, Footwork & More!

When: Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 1 PM (Walk-in Registration begins promptly at 12:30 P.M.)

----------------------------------------------

Workshop #2: Bachata

Learn one of the fastest growing dances in the
world today out of the Dominican Republic!


Electrifying hip action and tons of fun!

When: Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 1 PM (Walk-in Registration begins promptly at 12:30 P.M.)

----------------------------------------------

Workshop #3: Night Club Cha-Cha-Cha (w/ Dave Malek)

Learn how to dance Cha-Cha in a night club setting
& how to apply salsa moves to Cha-Cha!

When: Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 1 PM (Walk-in Registration begins promptly at 12:30 P.M.)

Bachata Workshop At Kasbah w/Lee from Dance likemagic.com

When: Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 3 PM (Pre-Registration & Walk-in Registration begins promptly at 2:30 PM)

Where: Kasbah 2324 Boston Street Baltimore, MD 21230

Time: 3-7 pm (Walk-in Registration begins promptly at 2:30 PM)

More information coming soon.

 

Modern Dance Session w/Ann Hyland & Grace Badillo

When: Every Wednesday in May (7th, 14th, 21st, 28th)

Where:The Promenade Dancesport Facility 2605 Lord Baltimore Drive Baltimore, MD 21244

Time: 7 - 8pm

Cost: $40.00 for Full 4-Week Session
          Walk-In: $15.00 each cash (Please read importatnt note below)

Move your body to your own individual rhythm and with the group in bare feet, jazz slippers or tennis shoes. Learn theatrical dance that extends the limitations of classical ballet. Practice traditional warm-up dance postures, center floor exercises, traveling across diagonals leaping with joy. Express your movement from the inside out through letting go, improvisation, props and choreography.

To begin this session we need at least 15 men and/or women to sign up & pay in advance. Once we have enough people signed up we will open the class to walk-ins.

Click here to reserve your spot & pay today!

3. Tuesdays at the Promenade

Promendade on Tuesdays

All Classes at the Promenade are $10 Each Unless Otherwise Stated

March 2008 Schedule

  • 7-8 p.m. Beginner Salsa: Learn important foundational salsa basics! Practice makes perfect. Don't be afraid to take this class over and over again until you are comfortable and you can then move into the 8-9 pm Salsa Improvers Class!
  • 7-8 p.m. Intermediate I: Work on Cross Body Leads w/Turns and many other technical musts.  Grace will design course based on student participation and cater to Beginner-Intermediate Dancers needs. 
  • 8-9 p.m. Beginner III Patterns & Footwork: Learn beginner patterns that will include the cross boday lead, right and left turns. Do you know how to lead a right turn in more than 6 ways? How about the left turn? Before moving to Intermediate lessons make certain you know at least 30-40 beginner patterns. This will make learning more difficult patterns later easier for you! Learn Footwork if we dont have enough partners too!
  • 8-9 p.m. Combination Class: Feel like moving? Take our combination class that will help you understand the secrets to keeping your partner close during your dance together. FYI: You must know a cross body lead with a turn and how to lead it to take this class. Intermediate/Advance Students Only.

Saturday April 26, 2008 Dance Expo At The Promenade

Need Shoes? Need Clothing/CD's, Jewelery, Makeup or want to take Grace's spinning workshop? Come to the Promenade Dance Expo where you will be able to take technique lessons all day in Spinning, Ballroom Dances & more! Vendors will be set up selling all kinds of dance gear, dresses, shoes and more!  For more information on this please go to www.mddancesport.com where more information will be posted in the coming weeks.  Grace was asked to give her Spinning Workshop Again as it was the most popular workshop there last year!

Dress Code:
Casual, comfortable sweats or yoga pants, (preferably) salsa practice shoes (for turns and spins on a wooden dance floor). If you don't have salsa shoes, you can wear your evening dance shoes. Tennis shoes will inhibit your spins and may ruin your knees over time. You can go to the DWG Store to see if you find something you like or go online and check out shoes like Supadance or International. They can get pricy but make a world of difference when you dance.

Check out Grace's Shoe Clues Chapter in her Salsa With Grace Instructional Video so she can explain why you need good dance shoes, which pair you should buy first and how to take care of them! Purchase our Salsa Videos.

Directions:
Promenade Dance Sport Facility is located at 2605 Lord Baltimore Drive.  For directions and more information click here.

4. Saturdays at Kasbah!!! - Salsa Classes w/the DWG Team! See Photos!

Kasbah on Saturdays

Sexxy Salsa Saturdays has been moved to the Kasbah located at 2324 Boston St. in Baltimore City. Come support the new Sexxy salsa night at the Kasbah on Saturdays. Tell the DJ what you want to hear at our DJ Request Hour! midnight to 1 am! Come one come all!

DJ El Sonero's Request Hour will be from 12-1 am every night El Sonero plays! Longing to hear a particular song?  Bring your own CD and he will play it for you!  We want to make you happy at Kasbah!  We are also working on planning to renovate the bathrooms in the coming months!  Thank you for your patience and support.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:Only people that paid for the lesson will be allowed on the main Salsa Floor at Kasbah from 7:30-9:55. Anyone else can enjoy the bar downstairs or the International/World music room next door. Thank you so much! 

** UPDATED **
March 2008 Schedule

Schedule Summary

  • March 1, 15, 29 - Normal salsa lessons
  • March 8 - Rueda Class
  • March 22 - Beginner Salsa w/ Grace and Cha-Cha Workshop w/Eileen Torres

Salsa Lessons for March 1, 15, and 29

  • 8-9 p.m. Beginner Salsa: Learn important foundational salsa basics! Practice makes perfect. Don't be afraid to take this class over and over again until you are comfortable and you can then move into the Salsa Improvers Class!
  • 9-10 p.m. Beginner Level II: Beginner moves to include the right or left turns. 
  • 9-10 p.m. Combination Class: Feel like moving? Take our combination class that will help you understand the secrets to keeping your partner close during your dance together. FYI: You must know a cross body lead with a turn and how to lead it to take this class. Intermediate/Advance Students Only.

Rueda Class for March 8th

  • Ever wanted to do Rueda as it looks like so much fun? Now Rueda instruction is coming to Kasbah. Grace has scheduled Barbara Bernstein (www.danceintime.com) to teach March 8, 2008 at 8-8:50 beginner rueda: 9-9:50 beginner & 9-9:50 Intermediate Rueda Circles/Moves. $10 per lesson. All Dancers welcome!!!

Salsa and Cha-cha Lesson for March 22nd

  • 8-8:45 Beginner Salsa Lesson w/Grace
  • 8:45-10 pm Cha-Cha Workshop w/Eileen Torres: Eileen is the most respected Salsa Historian in the United States. She teaches Salsa & Cha-CHa at Zanzibar in DC and is one of Grace's Favorite people. Come experience the sweetness that is Eileen! $10 each

Kasbah Instructor Schedule For March 2008

  • March 1, 2008: DWG: Grace Badillo/Niss Albaig
  • March 8: Rueda Lessons: Barbara Bernstein & Assistants
  • March 15, 2008: DWG: Niss Albaig/Rowan Job
  • March 22, 2008: Grace Badillo / Cha-Cha Workshop w/Eileen Torres
  • March 29, 2008: Nissim Albaig/Rowan Job (Grace/Hugo Teaching at a Charity Event for Hospice of the Chesapeake)

April 2008 Schedule

DWG will be hosting the Baltimore Bachata Meet-up Group. Grace/Niss will be teaching: Lessons will be as follows:

  • Bachata for Beginners 8-8:50; Beginner II Bachata 9-9:50 pm
  • Intermediate Bachata 9-9:50 pm $10 each lesson
Bachata Meetup Members $5 each lesson. DJ Will play 40% Bachata, 40% Salsa, 20% other Latin Hits! We will also announce the date of our first Bachata Workshop at Kasbah on this evening!

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Only people that paid for the lesson will be allowed on the main Salsa Floor at Kasbah from 7:30-9:55. Anyone else can enjoy the bar downstairs or the International/World music room next door. Thank you so much! 

5. Dance Fitness Cruise with Dancing With Grace Productions

Prices from $999*

Salsa Cruise

Come enjoy a Fitness Dance Cruise filled with Dancing & Socializing, Grace & Hugo Teaching Salsa, Bachata, Latin Aerobics! Enjoy yoga and more! Purchasing Cruises with a charter group gives you your own private dance instructors & guide to the ship & its activities! Classes are given on sea voyage days only. No Cliques Welcome! We come to dance, have fun and be merry! Come one, Come all.

Ship Name: Royal Caribbean's Explorer Of The Seas
Departure Port: Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, New Jersey
Ports of Call: Bayonne, NJ -> St. Thomas -> San Juan, PR -> Labadee, Haiti
Departure Date: Saturday, November 1, 2008

Sailing Itinerary:

Sat. Nov. 1 - Bayonne, NJ

Sun Nov. 2 - At Sea

Mon Nov. 3 - At Sea

Tue Nov. 4 - St. Thomas

Wed Nov. 5 - San Juan, PR

Thu Nov. 6 - Labadee, Haiti

Fri Nov. 7 - At Sea

Sat Nov. 8 - At Sea

Sun Nov. 9 - Bayonne, NJ


St. Thomas is known as an idyllic vacation spot today, but its history is not so peaceful. In the 18th century, the island was at the center of a bustling pirate culture, as swashbuckling pirates such as Blackbeard and Drake traded stolen wares in the port of Charlotte Amalie. This world-renowned Caribbean island is home to amazing beaches, gorgeous sea and landscapes and unbelievable duty-free shopping.

One of the largest islands in the Eastern Caribbean, Puerto Rico's landscape encompasses mountains, underground caves, coral reefs, white-sand beaches and an incredibly massive rain forest that supplies fresh water to most of the island. At the same time San Juan, the capital of the commonwealth, is a big city with a bustling business district, glitzy resorts and casinos, as well as one of the most stunning examples of colonial life in the Western world.

On the north coast of Hispaniola, surrounded by beautiful mountain slopes and exotic foliage, sits Labadee®, Royal Caribbean's private paradise. This exclusive destination offers pristine beaches, breathtaking scenery and spectacular water activities. We even have an amazing new Aqua Park for kids. Regardless of where you go, you'll find yourself embraced by the beautiful landscape. Labadee's native charm, along with its natural beauty, make this a destination not to be missed, and only Royal Caribbean can take you there.

Call now to lock in the ultra-low rate of $999* for this cruise. To purchase, please call Cynthia at 800-955-9942 today! Mention that you love DancingWithGrace! to get this special rate! For more details on the Fun & Fitness Travel Club visit their website at www.fun-fitness.com or print out the DWG Caribbean Cruise Flyer (726 KB) in PDF .

* All prices are per person, double occupancy for an Inside Stateroom (cat. N) not including gov't departure taxes, custom fees, security surcharges and service charges totaling J89. Prices are valid thru Jan. 16, '08, or until our allotted inventory is sold, whichever happens first. Extra charge applies for non-US, residents. Deposits are fully refundable if a written cancellation is received before Aug. 1, "08. Guests must book through FUN & FlTNESS to participate.

5. Things to do

Field Trips

DWG Field Trips

Check it out! DWG has launched the first ever "DWG Field Trip Advisor" to update you with the latest and greatest excursions around town and out of town. While the Current Newsletter and Club Reviews give you the big picture, you'll want to visit this page regularly to check out the upcoming DWG excursions. Right here is where we will tell you how to find out where Grace and the DWG team are going and what we are doing. Since we do not wish to fill up your inboxes with unwanted messages, the only way to receive Field Trip updates is to sign up here. Depending on the destination, we may end up at a casino, a Broadway musical, dance competitions, a concert, the hottest night clubs or even the beach. Depending on the destination, we may end up in Atlantic City, NY to a broadway musical, competitions, a concert, the hottest night clubs or even the beach. Who knows!? Spread the word and let's get this thing rockin'! Click here to see the current events, proposed events, and past events.

Upcoming Field Trips

Grace's Birthday Party at Costa Verde - March 13th

Come join us to celebrate Grace's birthday at Jeri Dembrak's Thursday Night in the Salsa Palace at Costa Verde Restaurant 946 N. Jackson St., Arlington, VA 22201  Beginner and Intermediate Classes from 7:30 to 9:30pm  The Best Peruvian Food, Beautiful Hardwood Floors and Ceiling Fans. Dress to Impress No Jeans/Tennis Shoes; Old School Salsa Productions & www.TheSalsaNews.com For Info, call 301-675-2725 or 703-371-8256

Field Trip Advisor: We will meet at  The Promenade at 6:30 pm & leaving promptly at 6:45 pm.  Please email sue@dancingwithgrace.com to let us know you are meeting us to celebrate Grace's birthday.  Come take a field trip with us

April 2, 2008:  - Annual Tribute to Women in Salsa
Meet Grace & Hang out with her at the 2nd Annual Tribute to Women In Salsa on April 2th at Zanzibar. This event features 7 dance numbers. Clavekazi Students, Dance in Time, Joi de Vivre Salsera, Salsa Fuego, Salsa Fuego Students, and Salsa Vive perform and then collaborate on a finale featuring all groups. DJs Nancy Alonso and DJ Cookie from Philadelphia will entertain.

Things to do

Anytime
The Salsa Grill
Salsa GrillIf you want to try one of our favorite places to eat, go to Salsa Grill, Maryland's best Spanish Latin American Restaurant near Catonsville, Security Boulevard, Woodlawn, Baltimore. They server breakfast, lunch, and dinner and also do catering. Checkout their dinner menu. Located at: 6644 Security Boulevard Woodlawn, MD 21207; Phone: 410-265-5552

Ranazul Restaurant
Ranazul RestaurantThis is, without a doubt, one of the loveliest restaurants I have been to in years. In a word this location is impeccable: Impeccable service, Impeccable Drinks, Impeccable Wine selections and Impeccable food that is out of this world. The food is five stars for the price of a three star restaurant! The serving sizes are just right and eating here will take you on a delightful journey to taste buds you never knew existed. The ambiance is ultra sheik with sumptuously soft leather chairs, sensitive lighting, and a great sound system for all to enjoy. This location also boasts an incredible mini-gallery of art for the truly creative collector. After leaving this location guests are enchanted. It’s a rarity to find a restaurant that feels like home but with a royal appeal that leaves you wanting for one more dessert and one more bottle of vino porfavor! I highly recommend that you take the time to reserve a table at this wonderful restaurant and become one of Ranazul’s guests at last; you will certainly go home completely satisfied and feeling like royalty! Located at: 8171 Maple Lawn Blvd. Suite 170 Maple Lawn, MD 20759; Phone: 301-498-9666

Monday Nights
Beginner Salsa 7:30pm/ Intermediate Salsa 8:30pm with Hector "Toti" Chavez
Ocean Drive 11230 Grandview Ave. Wheaton, MD
$10 cover with lessons, $5 after 9pm

MONDAY NIGHT BACHATA NIGHT MANGO MIKES
NO COVER ALL NIGHT!  Come catch DC/MD and VA's ONLY official Bachata Night.  We only have the hottest Bachata lessons followed by a crucial mix of Bachata, Salsa, Merengue and International Music)  You will hear more Bachata Monday Nights at Mango Mikes then any club in the area!

Mango Mikes: 4580 Duke St. Alexandria VA
Lessons: 8:30pm-9:00pm Beginner Bachata 9:00pm-9:45pm Intermediate Combinations/Tricks Lesson Price $10

Wednesday Nights at Club ONE (in Baltimore)
300 E. Saratoga St. Baltimore, MD (entrance on Guilford St)
www.alivewithdance.com

Wednesdays at Zanzibar
Zanzibar on the Waterfront
700 Water St., WDC Dance Lessons w/ Eileen Torres

Wednesdays at Davidsonville Dance Club w/David Malek
www.davidsonvilledanceclub.org

Thursday Nights at Costa Verde Restaurant
Jeri Dembrak's Thursday Night in the Salsa Palace at Costa Verde Restaurant 946 N. Jackson St., Arlington, VA 22201 - Beginner and Intermediate Classes from 7:30 to 9:30pm The Best Peruvian Food, Beautiful Hardwood Floors and Ceiling Fans. Dress to Impress -- No Jeans or Tennis Shoes Promotions by Old School Salsa Productions & www.TheSalsaNews.com For Info, call 301-675-2725 or 703-371-8256.

1st and 3rd Fridays with Susan Leiter
Susan Leiter's AliveWithDance/New Home for Ritmo Noche Susan Leiter's AliveWithDance Ritmo Noche has a New Home. Stadio has been sold but Susan has a great new place. Nothing will change. It will still be open First and Third Fridays (with two lessons beginning at 7:30pm) with the same great music, same great people, same great hardwood dance floors. Well, one thing will change. The cover will be a little lower. $10 before 11:00pm/$12 after. Come help Susan celebrate her birthday and others on Friday, March 7. For complete info: www.alivewithdance.com or spleiter@aol.com

Fridays Nights In Virginia
Where: 4100 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203 Cover: $5.00 before 10PM/ $10.00 after 10PM (50% off with Guayabera Shirt) Beg. Salsa Lessons w/ Karen Aguilar: 9:30PM to 10PM (Free w/Cover) Drink Specials- All night Coronas $3.00 Mojitos $4.00. For more info havargas1970@gmail.com

Saturday Nights at the Kasbah
Salsa lessons w/ Dancing With Grace Productions. See details on Item 4 above.

Saturday Salsa in the Salsa Palace at Costa Verde
Located at 946 N. Jackson St., Arlington, VA  Zeniza and Joe Falero & Latin Jazz All Stars, DJ Earl International - El Panameno and DJ Joe Falero!!!!  Both floors will have dancing.  Great Peruvian food.  www.thesalsanews.com

Saturday, March 1st -- 3rd Annual High School Latin Dance Competition at Dominion High School at 21326 Augusta Drive, Sterling, VA.  Doors open at 1:30pm, competition begins at 2pm.  Cost is only $5 for admission, children are admitted free.  High schools from all over Maryland and Virginia compete.  Jeri is MCing and judging along with Carl Scott, Ricardo Loiaza Garcia and Hector Chavez and several other instructors in the local DC Salsa Community.  This is Jeri's 3rd year of being involved with this event.  This is a great learning experience for students and salseros and future salseros of all ages.  Come out and check it out!!! 

Grand Opening Of Super Salsa Sunday at Terra Y Mare
Sunday March 2nd Lee "El Gringuito" & Go Go Earl Presents SUPER SALSA SUNDAY'S @ Terra Y Mare 1st Sunday of Every Month. Join Fellow DC Salsa Meetup Members and let us all dance and learn! www.dancelikemagic.com
Location: Terra Y Mare 6108 Arlington Blvd Falls Church, VA 22044

Bachata Workshops With Jorge
WWW.BACHATAFUSION.COM
Amazing Bachata Workshops with one of the world's Best Bachateros from Texas Jorge Elizondo. Jorge has taught people to dance Bachata throughout the United States and the world. He will be teaching his unique blend of Bachata moves this Saturday! He has an amazing 4hr workshop that will take your Bachata to the next level.

Rueda Fever Postings
On Saturday March 1st, there will be a Mini Party and class at the VA Danceintime Salsa Rueda Class from 11:30-2:30pm. Madeira School Gymnasium; 8328 Georgetown Pike; Mc Lean, Virginia. This will be a DC Salsa Meetup event! We'll run overlapping classes to cover all levels & leave time for "open-dancing." The party & class is $10/person. Sandwhiches $5 each.

Sunday April 13 - Glen Echo Rueda Workshops: from 11 am-1 pm, Monday 4/28 from 8:30-10 pm. Workshops: $17 each. Teens to adults are welcome.

March 9 - Salsa Party at the Avalon Studio from 5-8 pm. The party begins with a short class, followed by open dancing. Don't miss it--there will be snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and plenty of friendly conversation. Newcomers are made to feel welcome! Come check it out!! The cost of the party is $10/person. For more information, and for instructional videos, etc., visit: www.DanceInTime.com.

Sunday May 4 - the Spanish Harlem Orchestra is performing at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center in College Park at 7:30 PM. Preceeding that concert, DanceInTime will teach Rueda from 6 to 7 PM. The class and the concert are open to non-students. The workshop is free but due to space limitations, there is a maximum allowed number who can participate. The cost for the concert is $7 for students (anywhere) and $35 for non-students. More info is at this link: http://claricesmithcenter.umd.edu/2007/c/performances/performance?rowid=6826 To register, contact Jermaine Lewis at jalewis@umd.edu. You can also call Barb Bernstein at 301-9806043.

Saturday (during the day), Rueda Classes by Barbara Bernstein in (VA)
For more information visit www.danceintime.com

Sunday Dance Salsa/Rueda at Avalon Studio w/Barbara Bernstein (Catonsville)
For more information visit www.danceintime.com

6. Good Deeds: Grace's Good Deed of the Month is for adults with Mental Illnesses:

The Mission of Arundel Lodge, Inc. is to empower adults with Mental Illnesses to live in the community, use resources effectively, socialize, work, maintain wellness, and further their education. The ultimate goal is to assist consumers to live as independently as possible, on equal terms with their neighbors. Feel free to visit www.arundellodge.org to donate your funds or time!

Their members range from the ages of 18-80 yrs old; They have diagnoses such as schizophrenia, bipolar, depression, and mild retardation. They also have incorporated a deaf program as well. Mainly they aid and assist members to be as functional as possible with in our society with in their own unique limits and capabilities. They are all truly amazing and special souls. They tend to have mundane schedules and we are trying to recreate more exciting and educational experiences for them on a daily basis through teachings, guest speakers and eclectic activities.

DWG's Student Performance group will be going to Arundel Lodge to perform and teach this spring. To donate your time or to come with Grace and the team email her at grace@dancingwithgrace.com.


© 2005 - 2008 Dancing With Grace Productions, Inc.