DANCE is being re-discovered for exercise as well as art because it has many pluses. Some of the advantages can be found in other physical disciplines, such as yoga, sports or aerobics, and a few are unique because of the musical component.

BONES - Vigorous excercise that puts some stress on bones causes our bodies to add density to those bones. DANCER"S legs, hips, and even arms become less prone to osteoporosis.

JOINTS - If your DANCING is moderate and not to jarring, your joints will maintain suppleness and agility. Possible sprains will be prevented.

MUSCLES - Strength is important but DANCE also improves muscle control. The dancer must make sure a pose or move is done well so it improves muscle tone, range of motion, co-ordination, and balance.

WEIGHT - Physical movement gets calories burning, 100-400 calories per hour are used for most DANCING, and competitive or other high endurance dances can burn 600 calories per hour. After you have finished exercising, your body is still using up energy at a higher level than it was before exercising.

INTERNAL ORGANS - Heart, blood vessels, lungs, and other organs need a workout to maintain health. This reduces overall stress on the system, allows you to sleep better, and clears your thinking.

SOCIAL - Most people love being with other people and having fun. Look at the faces of people coming away from a dance class or dancing for pleasure. You don't need a health professional to say those people have done something positive, healthy, and enjoyable.

DANCE requires practice. The repetition of learning or improving a dance gives you a regular workout. If you take away the fear of an audience, most people enjoy dancing. It doesn't have to be beautiful because for most people it's simply about having fun!

TESTIMONIALS about LATIN FUNK DANCE as THERAPY

'Hi Gustavo, I am what you might call middle-aged and have worked out all my life, either taking dance classes or aerobic classes. In the last few years I was finding that high impact aerobics was causing back spasms, so I began to work out at the gym with a combo of cardio equipment and weights. After a while, this became boring. About a year ago a friend encouraged me to try your class, This was exactly what I needed: I was working out and having fun, just the way I used to with high impact aerobics, but without the back pain. I look forward to your 2 classes every week and feel that I am more fit than I have been in the last few years. Your exercise program is suitable for anyone at any age. There is an elderly woman in one of your classes, and she may not move as fast or gracefully as she used to, but at least she is still moving and having fun. Staying in shape is a life-long commitment and you just need to find the exercise that's right for you. Thank you so much!"

Linda - Student Dec 2007

Hello Gustavo, This morning I had a pinched nerve and turned on the television, expecting to do some tai chi to help loosen it up. I saw your program instead and I am so thankful! I have been going to Cuba for years and love to do as many dance classes as possible...I've not seen anything like it here, until I saw your show. I did the class and I've ordered your DVD already...didn't even read the description! Are you ever in Toronto? If so, I'd love to come to one of your classes. Thanks again, I'm feeling great!

Gina Lamarino - Toronto June 2008

ARTICLES on DANCING FOR THERAPY

I remember being only 12 years old, and having dreams about becoming a dancer. When I began dancing professionally in 1989, I was told that dancing could not be considered a full-time career; rather, it was something "you do for fun, as a part time pursuit that ends in your thirties". It was comments like these that pushed me to prove otherwise.

Originally from El Salvador, Central America, my family immigrated to the USA, and eventually Canada. During then, I started to act on what had inspired me as a child. I listened to R& B, Disco, Funk, Jazz and Latin music, and began training in Jazz, HipHop, and Funk. Wanting to stay true to my Latin roots, I also studied all forms of Latin dance and their origins professionally. My love for different dance styles and bringing cultures together inspires me as a performer, choreographer, and dance instructor.

When I started, my goal was to create a different form - colorful and fun - that could be learned by people of all ages, and in a non intimidating environment. In 1993, I created a dance form called Latin Funk Dance, which is a mix of 6 different Latin dance styles: Salsa, Mambo, Merengue, Cumbia, Cha Cha Cha and Rumba, coupled with the exotic beats of Afro/Funk and the coolness of Hip Hop and Jazz. In order to make this dance form known, I had to promote it everywhere and think like an entrepreneur, not just an artist. Realizing that dancing is a great way to stay in shape, I took this form and my dance program into the fitness industry. I wanted to teach everybody, not just dancers. I also wanted to make fitness fun again, and educate people about all types of Latin Dance and their roots.

I started with no money, riding my bike around Vancouver and posting flyers about my classes. It took about a year for people to embrace my new dance form and students helped spread the word about my classes. Owners of fitness clubs and other instructors tried to benefit from the success of my program by calling their classes "Latin Funk". I decided to trademark the name Latin Funk Dance to protect my program.

Today, my dream has become a fulltime enterprise, and I teach over 500 students and/or clients a week, from children to adults in a wide variety of venues. I formed the Corazon Dancers, a unique performance group that performs high energy, interactive Latin Funk Dance shows. I recently produced my first Latin Funk Dance DVD that I sell on my website, in local stores and to my students at classes.

It has been a long, emotional journey, mentally and physically, with many bumps along the way. However, the rewards of living out my dream make up for all the hard work. Now I know for sure that it is possible to have a long career as a dancer. It just takes drive, determination, marketing skills, and a really proactive attitude.

Dance from the Heart CORAZON!