Learn to Dance Ballroom, Latin, Country And More! | Santa Fe, N.M. | Dance Station

Each year at this time we gather amongst family and friends and give thanks. Despite all the trials in our world, we are reminded that it is also filled with many blessings and we express our gratitude for these many gifts.

This year brings many gifts for which I give thanks. I would like to share a few with you.

First, the opportunity to live in our beloved Santa Fe and teach at the Dance Station. Many people spend their lives doing things they would rather not in hopes that one day they will be able to follow their heart and dreams. I have the great fortune of living everyday my heart and dreams.

I have always loved teaching dance, and in the last year, dancing and competing with Mary, I have been able to refocus on my own dancing, which has been a real challenge and a pleasure.

I have had the pleasure of watching my students grow and change, each in accord with their own goals and dreams, it is very fulfilling to watch their progress and to witness their commitment and determination.  I appreciate the glowing recommendations they give of Dance Station to their friends. I am also touched by their generosity and thoughtfulness, a perfect example, a surprise trip to Las Vegas for my birthday.

I have the opportunity to work with an extraordinary staff, I know all of you who have taken a class with, Mary, Mike, Jason, and Cheryl will attest, they are a dedicated and delightful group of people. Tony and Kathy at the front desk have made great strides at making everything run smoothly. The entire staff is caring and supportive, their commitment to the studio is an inspiration to me. 

And the chocolates, don’t forget the chocolates. Many of you have enjoyed at Dance Station parties and events, the delectable confections from Todos Santos. Many of you also know the dear heart Hayward Simoneaux behind the sweets. To Hayward I am ever grateful. 

Of course this year has not been without its challenges. Running a business, while never easy, has required extra patience and creativity in our current economic climate. But again, I am grateful for our many students and their unwavering loyalty and commitment to their dancing. For their guidance and encouragement our guest coaches, Jenell Maranto, JoAnna Senn, Ian Gillett, and Tom Hicks. For their continued dedication to dancing and their association with Dance Station, Kristine Poole and Michael Walker. And of course Ernestine Martinez and all our good friends from Jazzercise. It takes a community to create a success and we certainly have the strength of community.

As many of you know this year presented a great personal challenge for my family. This Fall, while working as a letter carrier for the US Post Office, my sister Leslie was involved in a very serious accident when another driver rear ended her mail truck. She was rushed to UNM Hospital where she was under the capable care of the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit. While she sustained very serious and life threatening injuries, through great care and the prayers of so many she is making an amazing recovery. While the road to full recovery looks to be long and challenging Leslie has the will and the spirit to overcome. I attribute much of the miracle of her recovery to my parents great faith and am humbled by their strength. Again, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your patience, support and prayers – you may never know just how important and uplifting they have been.

Thank you all for participating with me in this journey, I look forward to the many joys and triumphs of the coming year and am grateful to be part of such an extraordinary community.

Lawrence Black