Where were you or what did you see that
made you say, "I want to do that!!"
Actually, in 1991’ I was seeking out an activity
I could do “solo” and came across a small group of women
who danced “Country Line” in a local community hall.
I was never a “Country” music aficionado, but when I
heard the country songs they were dancing to - void of that “twangy”
sound I remembered as a child - I was hooked. I remember my first
time on the dance floor. After following effortlessly, one of the
ladies told me that “line dancing” was not for me on
account that I moved too “darn” much. That didn't stop
me though - the music was that good and I thought, “what a
neat way to exercise”. I incorporated my Latin moves into
every dance - from the Elvira to the Boot Scootin’ Boogie,
everything got a little “hip” action. It was at the
Bear Mountain Inn in NY that I first saw over 100 people dancing
in unison - all smiling and having a grand old time – I knew
then that I wanted to be a part of the line dance “thang”.
How did you get started with dancing, or DJg or producing
videos or whatever?
I have always danced. I was born into a festive family in a home
where music was always playing and dance was the natural thing to
do. I minored in dance in college and have been teaching off and
on for over 30 years – from the hustle and mambo/salsa in
the 70’s to freestyle in the 80’s. In the 90’s
to present – it’s been line dance and private salsa
lessons. After seeing how much fun line dance can be and
the many people it brings together, I thought it would be a great
way to raise much needed dollars for the Hospital I worked for.
So I convinced the vice president of development to let me start
a line dance program in the hospital cafeteria. He agreed and the
program ran for 8 years(’95 to ’03); During those 8
years I attended many weekend events which exposed me to top instructors/choreographers
such as Jo Thompson, Scott Blevins, Max Perry and Kathy Hunyadi.
Also, I took lessons from many talented NY instructors who contributed
greatly to my involvement and evolvement in the line dance arena;
There was Kathy-Sharpe-Arrant who paid me the biggest compliment
when she used my choreography in a televised dance presentation
at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville TN and invited me to teach
her class on occasion, Janet Humphrey-Wilson who showed me how to
put the “funk” into my country, Rich Focht- my first
line dance instructor - taught me the patterned partner classics
and Lee Mansfield always made it fun. Throughout the years and recently
I’ve been given the opportunity to teach at different venues
and weekend events; Thank you to Alan Kohn, Tim Gillis, Bill Teresco,
Dan Albro, Rona Kaye, Kathy Sharpe-Arrant, Jen & Jason, Scooter
Lee, Wildman Louie St George, Sarah Delisle and The Hayloft Steppers
for the opportunities, encouragement and friendship.
What made you want to continue?
Dance is my “yoga”, my choice of exercise and recreation.
I find that line dancing offers the diversity in music that I enjoy,
not to mention all the talented dance instructors, choreographers
and the people from different walks of life it brings together worldwide.
It is forever evolving and ALWAYS fun. I love teaching, especially
beginners and seniors; seeing folks excited over a new dance, as
they master their first challenge, is indeed very gratifying –
it makes it all worth my while; I will do this till I drop.
What type of dancing/teaching do you do?
I teach Line Dance to people of all ages at all levels
in Sturbridge, Ma and neighboring towns. My “senior gals”
and I travel to assisted-living homes all over Worcester County
Ma spreading a little cheer, showing-off our “senior”
moves and encouraging people of all ages to join the family of line
dancers. Still very much the salsa lover (or salsera), l continue
to offer private salsa lessons.
What dances have you choreographed that you are most proud
of (because I know some of you will have a zillion of them)?
I’ve been enjoying the positive feedback I’ve received
on “Syncopated Kiss” and “Raindrops” –
my latest, which will be taught at the upcoming Tim Gillis weekend;
“Shine” and “D.A.R.E. To Mambo” still elicits
a positive response when seen on the dance floor. Also I am very
excited about my new dance “Polkaplay”; it’s lively
and fun – music? any good polka will do. Step sheets for these
and many more are available at www.fortyarroyo.com.
What has been a real thrill for you related to dancing?
I am thrilled every time I successfully bring members of the line
dance community together to raise dollars for charitable organizations
such as the Arthritis Foundation Ma Chapter & the Lupus Foundation.
It was a HUGE thrill when Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern NY
announced that its Line Dance Program had raised over $42,000 –
a program where line dance was taught for a nominal fee and all
dollars were donated to the hospital's Cardiac, ER and Homecare
Departments. In the passed two years at the Hayloft Barn in Sturbridge
Ma, and with the help of the dancing community, line dance benefit
events have raised $3,044 for the Arthritis Foundation, $411 For
The Hitchcock Free Academy and $305 for the victims of Katrina.
My biggest “Dance” thrill, however, was dancing
a “mean. fast & furious” salsa with Anthony Lee
(director of the Big Apple) at the 2000 Nevele line dance blast
- WOW!!! Tony, we've got to do it again.
What hobbies and interests do you have outside of dancing?
Although I have slowed down a bit, I still have hopes of taking
my mountain bike and roller blades out for a spin – two of
my favorite activities. During the months of October through March,
I make home made chocolate treats and novelties for all occasions
- from baby showers to weddings.
I love writing poetry and jingles and on those rainy days, I like
nothing more than curling up with a good book – love re-reading
the old classics like “The Old Man and the Sea” and
“Wuthering Heights”. I also enjoy quality time with
family and friends. No longer a NY gal, I miss Broadway - partly
due to distance and partly due to lack of free time; however, I
discovered a nearby community theater that somewhat satisfies my
pallet.
Where do you consider "home"?
Two years ago I moved from Tuxedo, NY to Brookfield Ma where I share
a beautiful home on 28 acres with my sister Lucy and brother-in-law
Arturo. It’s amazing how this “NY” gal has adapted
to feeding goats, pheasants and chickens not to mention the New
England winters and dark & quiet nights. The move was based
on my desire to live closer to my Mom, Casimira who is now just
38 miles away. For the past two years, I have devoted a great part
of my time to her care – I call her my Queen.
What type of job do you do or dream of doing (if you would
like to share it)?
I teach Line dance on a part time basis during the day and at night;
My accounting background allows me to work from home preparing financial
statements and other analytical reports for a NY based organization.
When I am not “dancing” or “calculating”,
I am taking care of my Queen. My dream job would be to own and operate
a rest home where Seniors would be recognized and treated like the
treasures they are.
Share information about your family (if you would like
to share it).
I am one of 18 children from a Spanish & Fillipino Father and
a Puertorican Indian Mother (now you understand, why I call her
my Queen – she gave birth to an empire). Due to many interracial
marriages, my family is a beautiful mix of Spanish, Filipino, Indian,
Afro-American, Uruguayan, Polish, Irish, Chinese, Dominican, Portuguese,
Italian, Cuban, German, English, Columbian and French – oh
my!!! Albeit no children of my own, GOD has blessed me with 54 nieces
and nephews -with one more due in February.
Who have been mentors in your dance career?
I don’t think I can say I had a mentor; There are many folks
that I admire greatly, that have inspired me and from which I have
learned from over the years - simply by watching them and or attending
their workshops; among them local instructors such as Janet Humphrey-Wilson,
Kathy Sharpe-Arrant and Lee Mansfield; In the 90’s (before
she cut back on touring) I had the privilege of attending annual
workshops with the ONE & ONLY Jo Thompson in Oneida, New York.
Her talent and grace, for both teaching and dancing, reign supreme;
her personality – refreshing. She brought so much to line
dance and she is missed by many. Max Perry has been a favorite throughout
the years. I’ve learned much from just watching him and attending
some of his classes at weekend events; To this day I enjoy watching
him “glide” across a dance floor. Scott Blevins has
also been a favorite to watch and learn from – I think I have
taught almost every dance he’s choreographed. Today two additional
favorites that continue to inspire me are the consummate dancers/
entertainers/ choreographers – Barry & Dari Anne Amato
– not only for what they bring to the line dance arena via
their talents but for their way with, and love for, people. However,
there is so much talent in the line dance arena today and although
I have my favorites, I soak up a little “Guyton Mundy”,
“John Robinson”, “Bryan MacWherter”, “Brian
Barakuskas”, “Rachel & Paul”, “Rona
Kaye”, “Johanna Barnes” and “Debi Pancoast”
every chance I get.
Just give us a general overview of you as a person and
a dancer.
If you want to read more about me and what I am up to at the Hayloft
Barn just go to www.fortyarroyo.com.
A big thank you to the dancers who submitted my name for the “Who’s
Who” page and thank you again to those who nominated me for
the Dancer’s Choice Award’s humanitarian category.
It doesn't matter where you dance,
just as long as you dance.
Dancin' til I drop, Forty
ps Support your local dance instructors. Keep line dance alive.
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