Amy Robbins

Latin dancing was an unforeseen gift given to me in the year 2001. Usually a gift is given while celebrating life. However, this time, the gift of latin dancing was given as a result of several deaths - both in my life and in my instructors. It was a story of taking horrible circumstances and allowing God to use them for his glory.

Back then, I had survived recent deaths of both of my parents, and the ending of an emotional death of an 11 year marriage. I felt all alone, and considered maintaining under the black cloud through isolation, or even turning to alcohol or even drugs. It was a fleeting thought, but it did run through my mind. Then I told myself, 'No - you will not remain in this spot. You will get out and meet new people. ' As I considered where to meet new people, I was drawn to the idea of doing something I enjoyed. I had always enjoyed club dancing, and thought to myself, 'Maybe I can learn to dance.' At the same time, my instructor was working on his mission to complete a promise given to his sister who had previously passed away - she had been a dedicated dancer and she asked him to share the gift of dancing after she moved on.

Well, as circumstances unfolded, I tried many dancing clubs here in town. However, it was the sight of the Salsa demo with T and a young woman at Madame Walker that engaged me. I had never seen anything so beautiful. I wanted to learn - little did I know how my life would be transformed by this hobby. People at Madame Walker were welcoming, and offered friendships so readily. I quickly became involved and began taking lessons at Red Brick Studio.

I have never received a gift as special as the gift of Salsa dancing. It still chokes me up to see what it has done for my life - the beautiful friendships it has blessed me with, and never a lonely moment since I discovered it. (Do you realize how many lonely people there are out there right now?) It has allowed me to express myself in a way that I wouldn't be able to with words. I have witnessed this gift from others - among them - T who spent countless hours working with me privately - because he had promised to pass the gift of dancing onto others, he never gave up on me and encouraged me when I thought I would never get it.

This gift hasn't stopped with what T did for me, it has continued on. People like Erin and Yang and other leaders here in Indy continue to put their personal time into spreading the joy of Salsa. People like you - my Salsa friends - who share in this incredible experience of fun and camaraderie - you also give the gift of dance when you encourage me and others by your kind comments and the time you give to work on routines in your homes!. As for myself, I recently have taken a closer look at my dancing, and once again am working to achieve better dance technique. I am taking West Coast Swing, private Ballroom, and private Salsa lessons. It is hard to push to get better, when it takes time and the need to be humble to fix things. I keep asking myself why do I want to continue to grow and learn more? Now I know - because I was given the challenge - to continue the tradition that has always been! To be able to share what I was given to others - !