Special Olympics of Puerto Rico works with athletes that focus on sports like: basketball, tennis, bowling, and others. They are athletes with down syndrome, autism, and problems with speaking and language. I approached their sports’ director Angel Arroyo to bring this opportunity to teach dance to these athletes.
Don’t worry though, I had work done. I build up connections, looked for ways to teach, fundraise some money, worked some JUNTOS workshops, and worked from home. I had to make my own adjustments, find new ways of communication and learning, do different teaching experiences, and face the real challenges of the world, which were so many. But as they say: when there is will there is a way.Hola chicos!
Welcome back to my blog. I am very excited to share with you what I have been up to. Check it out!
This past week, I had the wonderful opportunity of teaching salsa during a Live with JUNTOS. It was so fun to go back to my roots and teach others something about me and my culture! This not only brought me an opportunity to teach, but also helped me raise funds for my JUNTOS Ambassador project, which is looking good. I am very excited to keep moving forward with it and come up with creative ideas that you can be part of like: giving private lessons, have a virtual movie night, and bring a virtual performance.
Today, I want to focus on my experience through this process of teaching virtually for you to know a little bit of my perspective, knowledge, and main focus to make my JUNTOS Ambassador project a total success.
What was it like teaching salsa?
It was a new, but incredible experience! JUNTOS has always brought people together from different scenarios, and on Saturday May 2nd I had the chance to show that once again. I taught salsa, a latin fusion technique that works with footwork, rhythm, sensuality, and salsa music. I taught it step-by-step in English and Spanish. I want to emphasize that I did this because it brings people together by not only learning a new step, but a new language. Of course, the purpose was not to teach a language, but I wanted to acknowledge each individual in the room. I wanted to include everybody in the flavor that is salsa. In the class, I would count “uno, dos, tres” and then “five, six, seven,” the salsa counts. I would also explain or mix the words short and sweet in both languages. It was active and precise. In addition, they learned the basic salsa step, the different salsa positions (1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th), as well as right and left turn. We even had a chance to add in a little combo at the end. I couldn’t really see most of the people, but I felt their energy coming through the screen and we had so much fun!
Why is teaching important to me?
As I mentioned before, in my class I wanted to express inclusivity and connectivity. I try to do that when I travel abroad with JUNTOS so that all of us volunteers and communities can share our cultures and learn from each other. I love where I come from and I want others to feel the same way about themselves. Sometimes it is difficult to be noticed, but there is always a space that will bring awareness. That space is me working with you. That’s why I teach. There is a connection between the student and the teacher that creates a bond of movement that has flavor and style. My purpose for this class was to help others have fun. I wanted them to learn to apply the basic salsa steps as they went out dancing with their friends to a party. I think I achieved my purpose because people wrote good reviews about it. They also gave thanks to me at the end of the class and the JUNTOS administration, which filled my heart with gratitude. It demonstrated the momentum, dedication, and bravery each person had when they took my class.
As we move forward in this pandemic, let’s think of and with each other. We can learn by listening, watching, and treating each other well. We have to stay connected, positive, and moving together. We are not alone, but together as I have mentioned before. I have had my difficult times too, but by writing and staying occupied with something that fills my heart has helped me understand more about the world. I have come to understand that I can move my body to transform others like you, mis amigos y amigas.
Please stay tuned and write any questions you might have. I hope you have the opportunity to dance with me one day!
¡Gracias por leer mi blog!
See you soon for more updates on my JUNTOS Ambassador project.
-Coriselle Martinez