Rodchata's 60th Birthday & 35th Anniversary

The Official Workshop & Social Dance Guide

Celebrating 35 Years of Dance, Friendship & Community

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Welcome from Rodchata

Welcome to my 60th Birthday and 35th Anniversary Celebration.

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This weekend means more to me than simply celebrating another birthday. It represents 35 years of teaching, DJing, promoting events, and building a dance community that has become family. Along the way, I've met incredible dancers, teachers, DJs, performers, and friends who have inspired me and helped shape this journey.

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Many of the instructors you'll meet this weekend have traveled from across California, across the United States, and even from overseas. Some are pioneers in their dance styles. Some are world champions. Some have come out of retirement, and others are teaching together again after many years—all because they wanted to be part of this special celebration.

I hope you'll take advantage of this unique opportunity. Learn during the day, dance all night, meet new people, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Welcome to the celebration.

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I'll see you on the dance floor.

— Rodchata

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Why I Designed This Workshop Program

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For more than 35 years, I've believed that great social dancers aren't created by memorizing hundreds of patterns. They're created by building strong fundamentals.
 

That's exactly how I designed this workshop program.

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You'll notice that the day begins with body movement, timing, partner connection, musicality, and fundamentals before progressing into more specialized workshops. Every class builds on the previous one so that by Saturday night you'll have new skills you can immediately use on the dance floor.

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Every instructor was personally invited because they bring something unique to our dance community. Some are pioneers. Some are champions. Some are legends. Others are longtime friends who have dedicated their lives to sharing their knowledge with others.

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Take advantage of this opportunity.

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Learn during the day.

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Dance all night.

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Friday – July 17

Every great dance weekend has to begin somewhere. Friday is all about building confidence, strengthening your foundation, meeting new friends, and getting ready for an unforgettable weekend of dancing.

 

Bachata Body Isolation & Movement

Jorge Elizondo & Camille Yannantuono

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If you've ever wondered why experienced bachata dancers look smooth and effortless while others appear stiff, the answer is usually body movement.

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Jorge Elizondo has always believed that body isolation is one of the foundations of great partner dancing. Every part of your body—your shoulders, torso, rib cage, hips, posture, and balance—works together to create natural, fluid movement.

Joining Jorge is Camille Yannantuono, whose background in ballroom, Argentine tango, salsa, and bachata brings another level of elegance and precision to every lesson.

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Together, they'll help you develop better body awareness, smoother movement, and stronger partner connection—skills that improve not only your bachata but every partner dance you enjoy.

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Why You'll Love This Workshop

• Learn smoother, more natural body movement.

• Improve posture, balance, and musicality.

• Develop stronger partner connection.

• Build confidence before the Friday night social.

Perfect For

• Beginning bachata dancers.

• Intermediate and advanced dancers wanting better technique.

• Anyone who wants to move more naturally on the dance floor.

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Bachata Rueda

Jorge Elizondo & Camille Yannantuono

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Don't let the word rueda fool you.

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Many dancers think of rueda as simply dancing in a circle, but it's actually one of the best training methods for becoming a stronger social dancer.

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Bachata Rueda develops timing, focus, spatial awareness, partner connection, lead-and-follow technique, and the ability to maintain your flow while changing partners and dancing different combinations.

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Jorge Elizondo has long been one of the pioneers of Bachata Rueda, and together with Camille Yannantuono, they'll show you how this training system strengthens every aspect of your dancing. While you may not dance rueda every weekend, the skills you develop here will carry over into every social dance.

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Why You'll Love This Workshop

• Improve timing and rhythm.

• Strengthen lead-and-follow skills.

• Increase confidence when dancing with different partners.

• Learn to stay relaxed while adapting to changing situations.

Perfect For

• Social dancers who want stronger fundamentals.

• Leaders and followers looking to improve communication.

• Anyone interested in becoming a more complete bachata dancer.

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Salsa Fundamentals

J Basico & Emily

Many people know him today as DJ Basico, but before becoming one of California's favorite salsa DJs, Jay built his reputation as an accomplished salsa dancer and instructor.

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This workshop is designed for everyone.

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Whether you've never danced salsa before or simply want to strengthen your foundation, Jay and Emily will teach the essential timing, footwork, partner connection, and lead-and-follow techniques every social dancer should know.

After building those fundamentals, they'll introduce practical movements and styling that you can use later that same evening during the Friday social.

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That's exactly why this workshop opens the Salsa Room.

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Why You'll Love This Workshop

• Build a solid salsa foundation.

• Learn timing and partner connection.

• Gain confidence before social dancing.

• Start dancing with simple, practical combinations.

Perfect For

• First-time salsa dancers.

• Anyone returning to salsa after time away.

• Social dancers who want stronger fundamentals.

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Friday Night Social

Now it's time to put everything you've learned into practice.

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The Grand Ballroom comes alive with Salsa, Mambo, Cha-Cha-Cha, and Cumbia, featuring two outstanding DJs.

DJ El de la Clave (Felipe Martinez) is the founder and CEO of World Salsa Radio, one of the world's best-known online salsa stations. His musical knowledge and ability to read a dance floor have made him one of the Bay Area's most respected salsa DJs.

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Joining him is DJ Super Chino, an accomplished dancer, former SalsaMania performer, and brother of World Champion Luis Aguilar. His experience as both a performer and DJ creates an exciting atmosphere from the very first song.

The Junior Ballroom features Bachata, Merengue, and Bolero with DJ Rodiculous, followed by DJ Basico and DJ Orlando.

I've always believed that great dancers often become great DJs because they understand exactly what dancers want to hear.

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Friday night is your chance to warm up, meet new friends, and begin an unforgettable weekend.

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Saturday – July 18

Saturday is where everything comes together.

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From morning until evening, you'll have the opportunity to learn from some of the most respected instructors in the dance community. Whether you're taking your very first class or you've been dancing for years, each workshop has been carefully selected to help you become a stronger, more confident social dancer.

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Take as many classes as you can, meet new friends, ask questions, and most importantly—have fun.

 

Bachata Ultimate Fundamentals

Rodchata & Camille Yannantuono

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Every great dancer starts with strong fundamentals.

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This workshop focuses on the building blocks that make social dancing enjoyable—timing, posture, partner connection, musicality, and proper technique. While advanced combinations may look impressive, it's your foundation that determines how comfortable and confident you feel on the dance floor.

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Camille Yannantuono brings years of international teaching experience in ballroom, Argentine tango, salsa, and bachata, while I'll share the practical techniques and teaching methods I've developed over more than three decades of teaching social dancers.

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Together, our goal is simple: help you become a better social dancer.

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Why You'll Love This Workshop

• Improve timing and rhythm.

• Build better partner connection.

• Learn practical techniques you can use immediately.

• Gain confidence before learning more advanced material.

Perfect For

• New dancers.

• Intermediate dancers wanting a stronger foundation.

• Anyone who believes great dancing begins with great fundamentals.​

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Bachata Fusion Partnerwork

Jorge Elizondo & Camille Yannantuono

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Bachata continues to evolve, and Jorge Elizondo has been one of the innovators helping shape that evolution.

Drawing from his strong salsa background, Jorge developed a style that blends traditional bachata with influences from salsa, contemporary partner work, and musical interpretation. Combined with Camille Yannantuono's elegant ballroom and tango techniques, this workshop demonstrates how different dance styles can work together while maintaining the heart of bachata.

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You'll learn creative yet practical partner work that feels comfortable, musical, and enjoyable on the social dance floor.

 

Why You'll Love This Workshop

• Discover creative partner work.

• Improve musical interpretation.

• Learn smoother transitions.

• Expand your social dancing vocabulary.

Perfect For

• Bachata dancers with basic experience.

• Intermediate dancers.

• Anyone looking to add creativity to their social dancing.​

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Salsa On2 for Beginners

J Basico & Emily

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Curious about dancing On2 but not sure where to begin?

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This workshop introduces one of the most popular timing styles in salsa in a friendly and approachable way. Jay Basico and Emily break down the rhythm, timing, and partner connection so students can understand why so many dancers fall in love with New York-style salsa.

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You'll leave with a better understanding of On2 timing and the confidence to continue exploring this exciting style.

 

Why You'll Love This Workshop

• Understand On2 timing.

• Improve rhythm and musicality.

• Build confidence dancing salsa.

• Learn in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Perfect For

• Salsa dancers curious about On2.

• Beginners.

• Social dancers wanting to expand their skills.

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Mambo Fundamentals & Timing

Hector Reyes

 

Few dance styles reward good timing like mambo.

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Hector Reyes has dedicated years to teaching dancers how to understand rhythm, precision, and musical interpretation. As the founder of Mambo Nova Dance Company and producer of Mambo Nova Dance Festival, he's earned a reputation as one of Northern California's respected mambo instructors.

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This class focuses on helping dancers hear the music, understand the timing, and move with confidence.

 

Why You'll Love This Workshop

• Develop stronger musical timing.

• Improve rhythm and precision.

• Build confidence dancing mambo.

• Learn from one of the Bay Area's experienced instructors.

Perfect For

• Salsa dancers.

• Mambo enthusiasts.

• Anyone wanting stronger timing.​

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Traditional Bachata – Unleashing Your Hips

Rodchata

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One of the defining characteristics of authentic Dominican bachata is natural hip movement.

Over the years, bachata has evolved into many styles, but understanding traditional body movement remains one of the keys to becoming a more authentic and comfortable social dancer.

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In this workshop, I'll share techniques that help dancers move naturally—not by forcing motion, but by understanding balance, weight transfer, and rhythm. These are the same concepts I've been teaching for decades.

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Why You'll Love This Workshop

• Learn authentic Dominican body movement.

• Improve balance and weight transfer.

• Dance with greater comfort and confidence.

• Better understand the roots of bachata.

Perfect For

• Traditional bachata lovers.

• Modern bachata dancers wanting better technique.

• Anyone interested in authentic social dancing.​

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Cumbia Fundamentals

Mireille Ruiz

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Cumbia has long been one of California's favorite social dances, and Mireille Ruiz has helped introduce and inspire countless dancers throughout the Bay Area.

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This workshop teaches the essential timing, movement, and partner connection that make cumbia so enjoyable. Whether you're dancing at weddings, festivals, or social events, cumbia is one of the most versatile dances you can learn.

You'll leave ready to enjoy one of Latin dance's most welcoming styles.

 

Why You'll Love This Workshop

• Learn practical social cumbia.

• Improve rhythm and partner connection.

• Gain confidence on the dance floor.

• Add another fun dance to your repertoire.

Perfect For

• Beginners.

• Salsa and bachata dancers.

• Anyone wanting another versatile social dance.​

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Tango Milonga Fundamental & Progressive

Camille Yannantuono

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Camille's international reputation extends far beyond bachata. Her background in Argentine Tango allows her to teach lead-and-follow, connection, posture, and musical interpretation at an exceptional level.

Whether you're new to tango or looking to deepen your understanding, this workshop offers an unforgettable experience.

 

Pachanga Intermediate/Advanced

Seaon Stylist

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For dancers looking to challenge themselves, this is a rare opportunity.

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Seaon Stylist has been respected in the mambo community for decades and is known for his smooth styling, musicality, and deep understanding of pachanga. His return to teach at this celebration makes this class especially meaningful.

Expect detailed technique, authentic movement, and valuable insights into one of salsa's most exciting styles.

 

Why You'll Love This Workshop

• Learn authentic pachanga.

• Improve styling and musicality.

• Challenge yourself with advanced concepts.

• Study with a respected mambo veteran.

Perfect For

• Intermediate and advanced dancers.

• Mambo enthusiasts.

• Dancers seeking a new challenge.

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Dominican Bachata Social Dancing

Corey & Mireille

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Corey and Mireille were among the early instructors who helped introduce and grow Dominican-style bachata throughout Northern California. Their passion for the dance, commitment to authentic movement, and years of teaching have inspired countless dancers.

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This class focuses on the practical skills that make Dominican bachata so enjoyable in a social setting—playful footwork, partner interaction, musicality, and the relaxed feeling that defines the style.

 

Why You'll Love This Workshop

• Improve footwork and musicality.

• Learn authentic Dominican concepts.

• Become more comfortable dancing socially.

• Enjoy a fun, interactive class.

Perfect For

• Bachata dancers of all levels.

• Dominican style enthusiasts.

• Social dancers wanting greater confidence.

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The Ultimate Salsa Fundamentals: From Footwork to Partnering

Luis Aguilar

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Luis Aguilar is known not only for his exceptional dancing but also for his ability to simplify complex concepts into techniques that anyone can understand.

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This workshop connects individual footwork with partner dancing, helping students understand how both work together to create smooth, confident social dancing.

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As Luis often demonstrates, consistent practice and repetition are the keys to long-term improvement.

 

Why You'll Love This Workshop

• Strengthen your salsa foundation.

• Improve partner connection.

• Develop cleaner technique.

• Learn practical concepts for social dancing.

Perfect For

• Beginners.

• Intermediate dancers.

• Anyone wanting stronger fundamentals.

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Salsa Moves for Social Dancing

Ismael Otero

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Known as the founder of Caribbean Soul and admired for his incredible creativity on the dance floor, Ismael Otero has inspired dancers for many years with his unique approach to salsa.

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Rather than overwhelming students with dozens of complicated combinations, Ismael focuses on practical movements that feel comfortable, musical, and fun.

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Even adding one or two new ideas to your dancing can make a noticeable difference the next time you step onto the social dance floor.

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Why You'll Love This Workshop

• Learn practical social combinations.

• Improve creativity.

• Increase confidence.

• Add immediately usable movements.

Perfect For

• Social salsa dancers.

• Intermediate students.

• Anyone wanting fresh ideas.

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Club Cha-Cha-Cha Moves

Pete & Carmen

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Pete and Carmen have spent years helping dancers understand movement through precision, balance, and connection. Their backgrounds in both dance and martial arts give them a unique perspective on body mechanics and partner communication.

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Cha-Cha-Cha is playful, musical, and elegant, making it one of the most enjoyable dances for social dancers of every level.

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Why You'll Love This Workshop

• Improve timing and rhythm.

• Develop smoother movement.

• Learn better partner communication.

• Enjoy one of the classics of Latin dance.

Perfect For

• Beginners.

• Salsa dancers.

• Anyone who loves social dancing.

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Dinner Break

Take some time to relax, enjoy dinner, reconnect with friends, and get ready for another incredible evening of workshops, performances, and social dancing.

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Club Salsa Fun Social Moves Class

Ismael Otero

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Before the evening social begins, Ismael will help you warm up with practical salsa concepts designed to get you comfortable and ready for a full night on the dance floor.

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Cumbia Social Dancing Class

James Regis

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Many people know James Regis as one of the respected veterans of the salsa community. Over the years, he's worked alongside some of the biggest names in the industry and has earned the admiration of dancers throughout California.

What many people don't know is that James is also an outstanding cumbia dancer.

This special class marks one of the rare opportunities to learn directly from him in a workshop setting, making it a unique addition to this celebration.

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Why You'll Love This Workshop

• Learn smooth social cumbia.

• Improve partner connection.

• Study with one of the community's respected veterans.

• Enjoy a relaxed, entertaining class.

Perfect For

• Everyone.

• Social dancers.

• Cumbia lovers.

 

Kizomba Basics • Kizomba Progressive • Konpa

Joe Gabel

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Traveling from the Philippines, Joe Gabel brings years of experience teaching Kizomba and Kompa around the world.

His classes focus on smooth partner connection, relaxed movement, musicality, and the lead-and-follow techniques that make these dances feel effortless and enjoyable.

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Whether you're discovering these dances for the first time or refining your technique, Joe's patient teaching style makes everyone feel welcome.

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ZoukChata Dance Class

Orlan Matt

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One of the pioneers of ZoukChata, Orlan Matt blends the flowing body movement of Brazilian Zouk with the musicality and partner connection of bachata.

This workshop introduces dancers to creative movement while maintaining comfort, connection, and respect for both dance styles.

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Saturday Night Social

The workshops may end, but the celebration is just getting started.

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Tonight is your opportunity to put everything you've learned into practice while dancing alongside instructors, performers, DJs, and dancers from across California and beyond.

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With multiple dance rooms featuring Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Cumbia, Merengue, and more, there's something for everyone throughout the evening.

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Whether you're dancing your first song or your hundredth, this night is about celebrating friendship, music, and the incredible community we've built together.

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Dance often.

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Dance with someone new.

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Most importantly, enjoy every moment.

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A Personal Invitation from Rodchata

As I celebrate my 60th birthday and 35 years of teaching, I find myself reflecting on what dance has truly meant to me.

It has never been just about the steps.

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It's about friendships.

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It's about community.

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It's about watching complete strangers become lifelong friends through a single dance.

I hope this weekend gives you new knowledge, new confidence, and unforgettable memories. I hope you leave inspired—not only to become a better dancer, but also to continue building the welcoming and supportive dance community that has given so much to all of us.

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Thank you for being part of this journey.

Thank you for celebrating with me.

I'll see you on the dance floor.

— Rodchata