Topics:

1. NEWS FLASH:See pictures of DWG’s Mission Trip, Plan to Get Fit with Pilates in 2008, Winners of dance Contest and Photos, Student of the Month, Christmas Present Ideas, A Movie You Shouldn’t See!
2. Ladies and Men’s Styling Workshop Information (Mark your calendars!): Saturday February 23, 2008
3. Tuesdays at the Promenade: Mark Your Calendars: December/January 2008 Salsa Lessons
4. Saturdays at Kasbah!!! Salsa Classes w/the DWG Team! See Photos!
5. Things to do!
6. Good Deeds: Feel like doing a good deed? Grace’s Pick of the Month. Help A Local Women’s Shelter in Arbutus this Christmas!
7. Inspirational Email from Friends/Students of DWG

1. NEWS FLASH

Pictures of DWG’S Missions Trip to Orphanage in Puerto Rico

Check out the the pictures of DWG’s missions trip to an orphanage in Puerto Rico. See what you helped accomplish by coming to our classes! Thank you! Click here to see the photos in our photo gallery.

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.

Winners of dance Contest

Congratulations to Anthony Ware and Stephanie Gardener for wining the Open Salsa Contest held in Club One on October 17th.

Student of The Month

Bill Madinger dancing with a friend

Congratulations Bill! This month our student of the month is Bill Madinger-a true salsa lover with a big heart for his country, family, friends and the poor. Recently, Bill helped Grace as her assistant in a private group party. He did very well helping the students who were unsure and the men that needed just a little extra coaching. He has a great love of dance including country two-step, swing, and salsa. Taking lessons regularly he has improved by leaps and bounds. He is a kind, funny fellow, who is still on the market ladies; What a catch! We are proud to call Bill student of the month and officially name him Mr. Giggles.

Thank you for being part of our lives and dancing with DWG! You mean more to us than you could possibly realize.

Sincerely,
Grace, Hugo, & the DWG Team and Students!

Warning: A Movie You Shouldn’t See/Support

I just learned about a kids movie coming out in December starring Nicole Kidman. It's called The Golden Compass, is a dark movie and the kids in this movie eventually KILL God. It was written by a well known atheist and he makes no apologies about what the movie is about, and while it will be a watered down version, it is based on a series of children's books about killing God (It is the anti-Narnia). Please follow this link, and then pass it on. From what I understand, the hope is to get a lot of kids to see the movie - which won't seem too bad - and then get the parents to buy the books for their kids for Christmas. The quotes from the author sum it all up. Get the word out...don't see this movie. I'm going to tell everyone about this movie. Link: http://snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp

Another Movie: Don’t Go See the Propaganda Film “Lions for Lambs” w/Tom Cruise, Merryll Streep, & Robert Redford. It’s a I hate “defending the weak” with American Lives story activists are using to lower America’s IQ.

2. Ladies and Men’s Styling Workshop Information (Mark your calendars!): Saturday February 23, 2008

Come join Hugo and Grace in Men's and Lady's Salsa Styling Workshop. Dancing With Grace workshops are filled with a wealth of excellent technique and styling information. Not only he demonstrates each dance movement, but Grace and Hugo have the ability to break movements down in an easy to follow step-by-step manner (a skill which only a few salsa instructors in the world seem to be capable of doing). Every dance movement is broken down according to the "On 1" timing. The workshops that exclusive either to ladies or men will be held at the same time and then will join at 3 pm!

Date: Saturday, February 23, 2008

Location: The Promenade Dance Sport Facility
        2605 Lord Baltimore Drive, Baltimore, MD 21244

Time: 12:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Cost:
Pay Online before February 1, 2008:
   Entire Workshop Pass for $45.00

Pay Online after February 1, 2008:
   1 Workshop Pass: $20 in advanced
   2 Workshop Pass: $35 in advanced
   3 Workshop Pass: $50 in advanced
   4 Workshop Pass (Men Only): $60 in advanced

Pay at the Door:
   1 Workshop Pass: $25 at the door
   2 Workshop Pass: $45 at the door
   3 Workshop Pass: $60 at the door
   4 Workshop Pass (Men Only): $70 at the door

IMPORTANT NOTE: Since your place will be reserved no refunds will be given.

Men’s Only Workshops

Workshop #1 - How to Dance to the Music (12:30 -1:30 pm): New and improved workshop! Extensive workshop that includes finding the beat and dancing to the changes in the music with notes and including footwork! Ladies are welcome to come to this workshop as well!

Workshop #2 - Men’s Cool Styling Moves (Men Only) (1:45-2:45 pm ): Learn a lot of cool styling moves that you can add to your current dancing. These new styling moves and footwork will allow you to shine while you are leading the ladies.

Women’s Only Workshop

Workshop #1 - Cross Body Lead Arm Styling Drills (1:00 -2:45 pm): Arm styling can be one of the most difficult things to get used to when you first begin and even more difficult when you decide you want to do the “crane”, the “palmtree”, “the flamenco palm tree” and other technical arm movements. Have you ever had your arm stuck in a strange position while dancing and then had to lift it up to get back into closed position? NOT ANY MORE! Grace decided it was time for some Drills so here it is! A two hour drill class that will prepare you to not be stuck in weird positions ever again while dancing.

Men & Women’s Workshops

Workshop #3 - Balance & Spinning Technique w/Grace & Hugo, Leading Double Turns (3:00-4:00 pm): Our balance and spinning workshop is the most popular workshop we have ever given. Time and time again we have been requested to do this workshop for our students. Learn sound and safe techniques on how to balance and do doubles yourself and on others. Men, its about time you begin your double turns! Do I hear a triple?

Workshop #4 - Salsa Dips (4:00-5:00 pm): Develop the skill of dipping your partner with one hand. Ladies will learn the proper back and pelvic placement, developing the skill to carry your own weight which is essential while dipping! Learn the “player dip” and if we have time, the “Embrace Dip!” used in Grace & Hugo’s latest team choreography!

Sign up now and get the discounted rate!

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.

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.

3. Tuesdays at the Promenade: Mark Your Calendars: November/December Salsa Lessons.

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

December 2007 Schedule

** There will be no class on December 25, 2007 **

• 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. Performance Class: Learn A DWG Intermediate-Advanced Salsa choreography. (DWG Dance Team Only) Next Month Beginer Level III - Intermediate I Technique IS BACK!
• 8-9 p.m. Salsa Improvers - Beginner II - III Patterns.: Even if you are an intermediate-advanced dancer this class can help you with beginner-intermediate patterns that you may not know. Not all patterns have to be intense, long or complicated. Sometimes the uncomplicated patterns are the most fun.
• 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.

January 2007 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. Beginer Level III - Intermediate I Technique: Are you in between being a beginner and intermediate? Then this is the class for you! We will be going over beginner III and intermediate I technique patterns and teaching cross body leads with turns for those of you who are ready for the cross over! Here we go!
• 8-9 p.m. Salsa Improvers - Beginner III Patterns.: 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!
• 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.

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!

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. Come one come all!

Thank you so much to everyone who supported our opening. There were over 300 people who joined in on the fun at the Kasbah. It was a wonderful time. The wonderful management fixed the lights and is working on sanding the floors very soon. They are also working on adding new stalls to the ladies bathroom. Thank you Jay! To each and every one of you who came have a special place in my heart! God Bless You All!

IMPORTANT NOTICE: From Now on the only people allowed on the main Salsa Floor at Kasbah from 7:30-9:55 will be those that paid for the lesson. Anyone else can enjoy the bar downstairs or the International/World music room next door. Lately there have been people stealing the lesson. As a company that does a lot to support the poor we cannot help others in the community if people are stealing the class instead of paying for it. Thank you to those who support us financially. Forr those of you on the side lines stealing the class while others pay for direction, please think before you act; your actions don’t support community, but stop it from growing. Be the change you want to see in this world! Thank you for understanding! Grace and DWG Team.

• 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. Salsa Improvers: Beginner Patterns. Not all patterns have to be intense, long or complicated. Sometimes the uncomplicated patterns are the most fun.
• 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.

To see photos of our grand opening please click here.

5.  Things to do

Field Trips

Check it out! DWG is launching 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

New Year's Eve Salsa Party Field Trip with Salsa Metro: Hugo and Grace will be taking a field trip to the SalsaMetro.Com's 10th Annual New Year's Eve Salsa Party and Dance at the Hilton Hotel in Silver Spring, Md. For more details, go to www.salsametro.com. Kasbah will not be having a salsa New Years Party.

Things to do

Anytime
The Salsa Grill
If 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
This 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

December 8
Nutcracker Ball At the Promenade
Nutcracker Ball At the Promenade December 8th. Featuring Performances by Raymond Clifton & Mary Botta. For more information go to www.mddancesport.com

December 10
Clarendon Grill w/ Live Band – La Sensual and DJ Bruno
Holiday Party at the Clarendon Grill - Monday, December 10, 2007. Come celebrate the holidays with us Salsa Style. Live Band – La Sensual and DJ Bruno, Toys for Tots campaign, Gift Exchange, and more. Beginner class from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., Intermediate/Advance Class 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. 3rd Annual Toys for Tots Campaign-a U.S. Marine Corp representative will be at the party to collect toys and cash donations. Bring an unwrapped toy for a child who may not otherwise have holiday gifts – or give a cash donation. We’ll also have our annual gift exchange. Bring a wrapped gift (no more than $10 value please), and receive a ticket to exchange for another gift. www.oohsalsa.com for info.$7 Admission. 1101 N. Highland Street, Arlington, VA 22210. Telephone: 703-524-7455

December 13
Oye DC Salsa Meetup
When: Thursday, December 13 at 9:30PM
Who: At least 6 Latin Dancers. There's still room for 194 more.
Where: Lotus Louge 1420 K St NW, Washington DC 20005, Phone: 616-450-8242

December 15
Happy Birthday Rolando
Happy Birthday to Rolando, our devoted friend! He will be celebrating his 50th (not!) birthday party at Kasbah! Please come one and all to celebrate this special night with him.

New Years Eve at The Promenade
Ring the new year dancing with your friends to DJ Mix of Ballroom, Latin and Swing including Snacks, Novelties & a champagne toast. Pre paid Reservations required for a seat. For more information go to www.mddancesport.com

January 31, 2008
Salsa For A Reason This Season at Red Maple
January 31, 2008: Salsa For A Reason This Season! Come to this Dessert Fest, Eat Some Sweets, Dance some sweet salsa and dance for a reason this season! 15% of the Bar will go to support a DWG student in need! If you are going to dance and spend even $10, this is a great night to go out. Aftewards you can feel good knowing you did your part to help a neighbor. “Love Thy Neighbor As Yourself”.

Desserts:
Rasberry Swirl Cheesecake, Grace’s famous Blondies!, Freshly baked Ms. Desserts Cookies!

$10 cover-Free Beginner and Intermediate Lesson Tonight!

Our Team will be there so come join all of us on January 31st at Red Maple and salsa for a reason this season!

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

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

Wednesday, December 5 - DJ Truco
7:30pm - Beginner Salsa (taught by Susan Leiter)
8:30pm - Intermediate Bachata (taught by Dwight Smith)

Wednesday, December 12 - DJ to be announced
7:30pm - Beginner Cha Cha (taught by Susan Leiter)
8:30pm - to be announced

Wednesday, December 19 - DJ Truco CELEBRATE OUR 7TH ANNIVERSARY 7:30pm - Beginner Salsa (taught by Susan Leiter)
8:30pm - Footwork and Body Styling (taught by Susan Leiter and Dwight Smith)

Wednesday, December 26 - DJ Earle
7:30pm - to be announced
8:30pm - Intermediate Salsa (taught by Susan Leiter)

Wednesday, January 2 - DJ Vince
7:30pm - ALL NEW Beginner 2 Merengue (taught by Susan Leiter)
8:30pm - Intermediate Bachata (taught by Dwight Smith)

DRESS CODE: NO ATHLETIC WEAR; NO OVERSIZE T-SHIRTS; NO (WORN OUT OR MUD CAKED) CASUAL OR ATHLETIC SNEAKERS; NO FLIP FLOPS; NO BASEBALL STYLE CAPS; NO WORK STYLE BOOTS; NO SHORTS; NO TANK TOPS (for men); AND *ONLY* THE CURRENT FASHION OF *DRESS* JEANS ARE ALLOWED!!!

Salsa Uno @ ONE
Doors open @ 7:00pm
Class: Wednesdays - 7:30 - 9:30pm - levels vary each week
Open Dancing: 9:30pm - closing
Cover: $5 Before 7:45pm/$7 after
Only parking on street or in parking lot.

For more information visit: Alive With Dance - www.alivewithdance.com (Susan Leiter SPLeiter@aol.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 In Virginia
Jeri Dembrak is teaching at Cecilia's Night Club
2619 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA.
This is the only venue with a live band after classes, beginners at 7:30pm, intermediate at 8:45pm,
Sin Miedo at 10:15pm for $10! Ladies are in demand--lots of great guys! EMail Jeri at thesalsanews@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 Dancing (No Lessons At This Location)
Divino Lounge
7345-B Wisconsin Ave Bethesda, MD
from 11pm til 2am
with friends DJ Andy & Tony V:
Small location but great food and drinks, small but good hardwood floor.

Sunday at Cancun Cantina w/David Malek
9-10 pm Salsa Dance Lesson
10-1:30 am Dance To Latin Music
www.cancuncantina.com

6. Good Deeds: Feel like doing a good deed? Grace’s Pick of the Month. Help A Local Women’s Shelter in Arbutus this Christmas!

Our pick for the month of December is the Arbutus Homeless Shelter run by the YWCA who works to empower women and children. Can you help? If so please email Grace at grace@dancingwithgrace.com. Whether its money, toys, games, or food anything you decide to give is a seed planted to help another person who is suffering in this world. Our team will be at the shelter on December 9, 20007 to put up a Christmas Tree and put gifts underneath for them to look forward to on Christmas morning. Would you like to come? Email sue@dancingwithgrace.com or grace@dancingwithgrace.com if you would like to attend and help! Thank you for reading this newsletter. Read the thank you email from the CEO of the YWCA below!

7. Inspirational Email from Friends/Students of DWG

Grace, I just rec'd an email from a friend. Her name is J.P. J.P. was so blown away when I told her what your team and you are doing for the YW that she is getting her team at Arbonne to rally around giving gifts to our shelter women. You are a role model for women that you haven't even met yet!

Know that the gifts that your team and you are giving to the women and children of the YWCA are releasing thankfulness in us all. That thankfulness...it releases joy and hope...and with that great dreams for a future filled with possibilities. THANK YOU.

Love,
Vicki

Vicki Goldfield Sharif,
Chief Executive Officer
YWCA of Greater Baltimore
128 W. Franklin St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
O: 410-685-1460 ext 402
F: 410-752-4422
vsharif@baltimoreywca.org
www.baltimoreywca.org
eliminating racism
empowering women
ywca