Springing into May

It looks like spring is finally here in Seattle (hurrah!).

Last weekend we had the pleasure of welcoming Iris DeBrito to Seattle for a weekend of kizomba. It was fantastic (I wish I could say that in a british accent). I am grateful for the circumstances and people that have enabled me to bring these wonderful instructors from all over the world to Seattle. Each instructor has come to share their passion and knowledge and has helped us all to grow as dancers.    Iris is no exception. Her grace, humor and passion for the dance is infectious and that alone affects how we view the dance and how we dance it.  Thank you Iris for sharing your love and  knowledge of kizomba with our family here in Seattle.

Electron Microscope: Synapses Firing

Each time I learn from someone, my eyes open up just a little more. Its as if the synapses in my brain get fired up and new pathways of understanding appear like magic. [Photo credit: Jeremy's Ridge] Its like progressing through a video game as more and more doors are opened on your search for that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. 

For myself, Iris showed me the opportunities in the dance that allow me to express myself within a close embrace with my dance partner so that I'm not just following but also lending my voice to the dance without interrupting my lead.  Its exhilarating: there is so much to explore now with this new angle to consider. 

She talked about sharpness to the movements and light and darkness to give texture to the dance. I know if I had been told this last year, I would not have been able to really appreciate what she said. I am excited to try out some new things and see where it takes me. 

Thanks again to everyone that came to learn and dance and participate this weekend. We had a great mix of new and old faces and its wonderful to see our family growing and developing as kizomba continues to grab hold of people's hearts. 

NEXT UP: Mafalda will be visiting Seattle again in less than 2 weeks! Check out the details here.

Saturday's Crew

Sunday's Crew

Dreaming Does Get You Places

When I first fell in love with kizomba, I thought up this hair brained scheme that was much like a Lindy Hop Camp experience that changed my life.

This past weekend, my dream just came true and the reality far exceeded whatever I could dream up. It was perfect: the people, the teachers, the energy, my learning and growth and so much I can't even express it well. I can only share my thanks and let things simmer and unfold over time.

This picture barely touches the surface of what I experienced this weekend and its missing some people that had to leave, but it does convey some of what happened as well as show you the faces of some of the people that were a part of Seattle Kizomba Semba Camp 2013.

Many thanks have already gone around and the warmth from the weekend still emanates from the various post and pictures that are being shared as the week unfolds.

I know the weekend wasn't perfect for everyone but I think everyone was able to get something out of it, at the very least some new friendships and lasting memories.

So, here, very briefly are my thanks: 

To the teachers that came and took a chance on my crazy idea, embraced it and joined forces to make an incredible team: Oscar, Eddy and Riquita, much thanks and love - you have impacted so many people this weekend, I am so happy to be a part of that.

To my volunteer team and hosts who opened their homes and gave their time and energy to making the weekend a success, thank you for making my dream run so smoothly.

To my Seattle (and neighboring cities) Kizomba family and friends, you are as always an incredible group! Everyone that comes here loves their stay because of who you are and how welcoming everyone is. Thank you for keeping our spirit like a family with so much welcoming warmth.

To my new kizomba family from all over the US, I am so lucky that you decided to come and be a part of this weekend. Now I have faces to names and more connections and fun to be had because I know we will see each other again sometime soon!

Here's the link to the photos from the weekend. Check it periodically throughout the week, I'll be updating a little at a time.

One More Day til Camp and Updates to Weekly Events

Here we go, one more day till Seattle Kizomba Semba Camp kicks off! Instructors will be in Seattle by tomorrow (Thursday) and the opening dance will be in the Main Ballroom of the Century Ballroom on Friday, March 22, 2013 at 9:30pm. See you there!

Read the latest news on the Seattle Kizomba Semba Camp blog.

UPDATES on Weekly Events:Monday night Salsa/Kizomba/Bachata with DJ Nick will now be at Cellar's on 2132 1st Ave. in Belltown from 9:30 pm to 2:00 am (No Cover).

UPDATES on Workshops: 
Mafalda will be back in Seattle with DJ Raul Adon on May 8th (details here). Registration will be available soon through the Century Ballroom.