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I never thought my hobby would become a way of life. Born and raised in Queens, New York, I moved to the Dominican Republic from the age of twelve to seventeen, and ultimately returned to New York upon graduation from New Horizons High School in the Dominican Republic. After returning to New York, I attended Baruch College, where I graduated with a BBA in Finance and Economics. In preparation for a career on Wall Street. Little did I ever know that after taking one Mambo class my life would change forever. Dancing completed the emptiness I once felt and gave me a chance to remove myself from the stress of everyday securities trading. Piel Canela Latin Dance and Music School opened in October of 2001, ten years into my career as a stockbroker. After the unthinkable events of September 11, 2001, and the resulting plunge in the market, I decided to make a serious change in my life by removing myself from the stress of securities trading. I sold my business and started teaching salsa as a hobby. This hobby has now become a way of life to which I devote 200% of my time; a decision I never regret. As my dream took shape, in the form of Piel Canela Latin Dance and Music School, I experienced a plethora of defining and gratifying moments. One of the most moving memories for me along this journey occurred when I watched my first team perform my choreography for the first time. Moments like that, as well as the dynamic passion of salsa, its music, and the people who dance it, have all combined to turn the dream I once had into an amazing reality. I aim to continue expanding my dance school and company to include a wide variety of dance styles. Ultimately I desire to continue this expansion through to the establishment of the Piel Canela Center of Latin Arts. In the meantime, I eagerly look forward to the 2008 season and, in particular, the second annual production of Que Rico Mambo!
Joe |