Testimonials: A Social Affair Dance Studios, Jacksonville, Florida

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Mary Baer
Amadeus
Ana Seville
Dan and Laurie Flynn
Matt Rose
Mary Crane
Cathleen Thill
Tiffany Korte

Written Testimonials

When I first started ballroom dancing and going to A Social Affair, I anticipated that I would take dance lessons for about 3 to 6 months. I had never taken any dance lessons before and I was curious. I was new to the area and thought it would be a great place to make new friends, get a little exercise, and just test the waters to see if I really wanted to learn how to dance or not. I just passed my 2 year anniversary date with A Social Affair and with my instructor, Robert Galarza.

Many people have asked me why I dance and why I continue to take lessons. My answer is this…my instructor is really the best! Robert is why I keep coming back. He really is very knowledgeable about dancing and wow, can he dance! When he is out on the dance floor, people can’t help but watch him. They want to be able to dance like he does. I want to be able to dance like he does!!!

Robert leads and teaches with confidence but with gentle guidance. He will stick with a new step with you until you get it and feel confident in performing it. Just when you think you know all the steps, he teaches you new ones which makes you eager to come back for more. He is such a positive person and very passionate about dancing. This is a person who loves his job and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but teaching his students. He doesn’t just give 100%; he strives to give 110% and more. When you are around such a person as he is who has such a positive attitude about dancing and life, it makes you want to strive be more positive too. It just rubs off on you, it really does!

I have learned so much about dancing and myself because of Robert. I started out just doing the basics and now I’m at a silver level. Robert has challenged me and interested me in so many aspects of dancing. There are so many different dances to learn and he makes it fun.

I have even had the honor of being able to compete with Robert in the Hotlanta Rising Stars competition. Some people don’t want to compete and that is okay. I had not planned on competing myself. But I tried it, and it was so much fun, it really was!!!! We are going again this year, I can hardly wait! Since I did not know much about competing in the dance world, Robert guided me all the way and explained everything there was to do. And we placed! I still can’t believe it; I’m totally amazed. I will have those memories to carry with me forever!

I can go take a lesson after a hard day, sometimes with a really bad stress headache. By the time I leave my lesson with Robert, the stress and headache are gone. It is great exercise too (not some boring old treadmill) and I’ve really toned up. It is a great way to lose those love handles!!! Since I have started dancing, I’ve lost 20 pounds and I attribute that to Robert. Robert motivates, coaches, and inspires me.

Robert is also a very gracious teacher and individual and very personable. He never takes his students for granted. He lets you know how he cares about you as an individual in the little things he does. He is always excited to see you when you come in for a lesson, he sends personal hand-written thank you cards, remembering special events in your life, and just being there as your instructor and your friend.

Robert, I’m so grateful that you’ve come into my life because before I started dancing, I didn’t have a life other than work. Now I have a life and a wonderful circle of new friends that I’ve met at A Social Affair. Thank you Robert for 2 really wonderful years!!!!! I hope there are many more years of dancing to come! And thank you for all the wonderful memories!!!

Corina

Student

I never thought I would love anything more than ballet, until I tried ballroom dancing. I had an ankle injury and was dancing several hours a week of ballet and pointe. It got so bad that I had to have surgery. After the surgery, my ankle was actually worse due to the built up scar tissue. I was so down since I wasn't able to do the thing I loved most. I thought my dancing career was over! Ballet was my passion and I felt there could never be anything better than it.

Since I wasn’t able to do ballet, I figured I would try ballroom dancing. And now that I’m here at A Social Affair, I’ve found that ballroom dancing is even more fun than ballet! I love it so much and I couldn’t be happier! All the instructors her are so friendly and welcoming! Muhidin is such a wonderful instructor! He has such a caring and loving heart for people. He is so energetic, he’s a lot of fun, and he always puts a smile on my face. Whenever I’m having a bad day, I’ll come to the studio and Muhidin always makes it so much better!

I want to learn all that I can and will work my hardest to become the best I can! I can’t wait for my first competition! A Social Affair has changed my life- I’ve found a new passion for ballroom dancing! I don’t know where I would be right now, if it wasn’t for A Social Affair!

Anna Gwaltney
Student

How Dancing Has Changed My Life

Sometimes I go back to when I first walked into the studio. Yes, I know my music; salsa, rumba, boleros. But there was something missing. I could not dance. I could only watch every body having a good time. The studio gave me a nice gift. I can dance now. I don’t have to watch others anymore. I have gained confidence and I don’t have to walk with my head down. My head is up, looking at everyone’s eyes, proud of being Latino and learning how to be expressive. Now I feel whole. Even when I go on a date, I feel very confident because I have something more to offer.

Thanks Chris, thanks so much Carolyn for your patience. You are a great instructor. And thank you staff.

Love,
Hector
Student

Dancing and Me

Dancing is probably known best as a night time sport. (Shark of the Night Fun Baby!) But, for the Lar-Bear, well, he can enjoy it twenty four- seven. And in places you never would have guessed.
No silly, it’s not that little dance we all do, when the shower water suddenly turns from a comfortable temperature to a scalding hot in less than a second! That’s doing the Jingly Wiggly! And it does not qualify… or could it? Nah!

Dancing always makes me feel good, both inside and out. Imagine, I’m leaving the studio with a beautiful song in my heart, having had a great lesson. (They’re all great!) My head is spinning with dance patterns, from the Waltz, to the Cha-cha, or Rumba maybe. “Life is good!” In my head, I am counting (1-2,3. 1-2,3) Oh my God! Where did you park your ride dude!?!? (Cha-cha-cha!)

Dancing, and certain tunes, can very quickly take me for a ride down memory lane. It’s been said, “I danced very well,” during those times.

Dancing is dangerously romantic, dudes. Confirming bachelors before warned. If you don’ believe me, just dig your lady’s beautiful eyes as the two of you move through and evening of dancing.

There’s that comfortable, pleasant look, and a smile, as you Foxtrot. Pure crazy fun shines in her eyes as you Swing or Cha-cha. Dreamy quiet love is her theme as you Waltz. The Tango? Man! There’s red, to hot to handle flames of passion showing! And of course, if the two of you Rumba, then she can quickly become a sexy seductress, that’s most often hidden away inside her.

Like, it leaves me asking crazy questions. You know, like, could this possibly be the same freckled faced kid that lives next door? Or perhaps the wife you left sleeping in the morning with her hair in rollers and a ton of stuff on her face? Wow man!

So dancing is the Lar-Bear’s passport to crazy and fun times. To actual quiet, and from there to feelings of passion and yeah, even love. It’s one hell of a trip, Dudes and Dudettes! A real kick, so join me, let’s dance!

The Lar-Bear
A.S.A.’s Senior and self-installed Stud Muffen

Letter on Why I Like Dancing

I enjoy dancing at A Social Affair with my talented and exciting instructor, “Muhiddin,” because when I dance there is no yesterday, or tomorrow, only this magic moment in a Special Fairland, where I am energized and happy.

Personally I feel dancing well shows there is no age limit at which you can become a Star, and who knows what doors it will open.

Mary Crane
Student

I have been going to A Social Affair for almost sic months now and I love it. I would never want to go anywhere else. The first time I came in I was shy and very nervous because I had never danced before and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I came in and met my instructor. He was so very nice and I began to feel more at ease. He introduced me to a few other instructors and soon I was much more relaxed. As we danced I forgot about everything else, all of my problems just faded into thing air. The more I kept going to A Social Affair, the more I saw myself improving, and not just on the dance floor. My life outside of the studio was improving. I was more outgoing and unafraid to let people get to know me. The students and staff of the studio were so friendly and sincere that my faith in people was actually restored. I was happier than ever when I would go in and be greeted by at least a half a dozen smiling faces. I have developed so many wonderful new relationships and gained so many new friends, that I feel truly blessed to have found such a wonderful place to dance and have fun. My favorite thing about the studio is the attitude of the people who work there and learn there. They are nice, friendly, sincere, and warm. They really want to help you learn.

Stefanie Hearn
Student

When one floats through life with no direction, the chance of failure and unfulfilled potential is great. Knowing that there is a limitless sky and actually touching the clouds are two entirely different circumstances.

Before dancing at A Social Affair Dance Studio, I was overwhelmed with self-doubt and a fear of success. Before dancing, my life seamed bleak, uneventful, and on the verge of being tragic. I had no plan, no ambition and no will to become the person who lives in my dreams.

Now, after a while in the business of dancing, I see a light at the end of the tunnel. In fact, the light is at my command. I wish I could share the joy of dancing with the whole world. With all of you we can start together. Let’s make the world a better place, one underarm turn at a time.

Sincerely,
Tom Wasil
Instructor

I used to be afraid of dancing. It used to be something I did only when forced out onto the dance floor, when all I really wanted to do was run back to my chair because I didn’t know how to dance. Secretly, though, it was something I really wanted to learn to do. Somehow, I finally got up the nerve to call ASA and set up a lesson. Walking through the front door on my first day was a challenge in itself. I almost turned around and went home! I’m so happy that I didn’t. Not only was everyone so nice to me, but I discovered, to my surprise, how much fun dancing is! Although it’s a lot of hard work, my lessons are something I always look forward to. Whenever I’ve had a bad day at work, I come into the studio and Tom is there, waiting to start my lesson. I always feel 100% better afterwards. Having such a wonderful teacher like Tom really makes the learning process so much more enjoyable. I’m so glad I walked through that front door!

Cynthia Hanna

Dear Staff,

I wanted to say thank you, but those words pale in comparison to the gratitude I’m feeling toward all of you at the studio.

Ever since I was a little girl I have wanted to dance. Circumstances throughout life just never allowed it. Then I became a wife and mother, the greatest gifts of my life. Over the years however, I’d started to lose my own identity and had forgotten who “Kim” was. I have the most amazing husband who loves me so much to support me in anything I do and knowing the importance of me time, when I mentioned that I wanted to take dance lessons, he didn’t hesitate to agree.

The Joy I feel when I’m at the studio is beyond measure, it’s like the joy of someone to love, it’s like the joy I have when my children laugh and are happy. And that joy that I feel while dancing is spreading out to the rest of my life. My family is reaping the benefits of this joy.

How can you say thank you for that?

Everyone at the studio is wonderful. So kind, and encouraging and fun! It’s so nice to see professionals so happy at what they do, being totally professional and yet seeing and embracing the fun in what they do. I’m so grateful for the studio and the entire staff. You all, along with my families support, are making my dreams come true.

With deepest gratitude,
Kim Newsom

Dancing to Believe...

Whenever I would hear a song on the radio the first notes would send me soaring through the day. Music has always had this effect on me. From Classical to Latin I can see movement in the melody. This inspires me to dance, to remember the songs of the past and hope for new ones to celebrate in the future. I have always wanted to show how much music there is in me. Through laughter, patience, sweat, and tears, I have found a positive way to show my children that I can do so much if I believe in me. A Social Affair Dance Studio, and especially my muse, Stanislav Datsenko has been able to make this dream come true. I have found my bliss and I thank you.

Shashily Kling
4/2006

Slow, Slow, Quick, Quick.

Oh those words - - how they repeat over and over in your head until you find yourself at the copier mouthing them to no one in particular, while moving your feet, and find your co-workers starring at you like you have 6 heads. That is what dance has done to me. Mow, some may interpret that as not such a good thing, but not me. Ballroom dancing has become a huge part of me and filled my life with a joy I can’t possibly do justice in describing. It’s not just the dancing that’s fun, but a fantastic, courteous and knowledgeable staff who never make you feel like you suck, even at the simplest of steps, that make the experience all the more enjoyable. So thank you, all.

I must express a special thank-you to my teacher, James. Aside from his dancing skill and talent, he always makes sure I have fun even when I’m struggling with a difficult (or not so difficult) step. It is truly wonderful to know, that there is a great place to go where you can dance, meet people and have fun all in the same location, without feeling the pressures of the outside world. So, keep on dancing and remember that the hokey-pokey says it best, “That’s what it’s all about.”

Jean Marie Bedeni
3/2006