The Successful Latinos in the US

CNN's broadcast of Latino in America was disappointing to say the least. Somehow CNN and Soledad O'Brian couldn't find a successful Latino to highlight!

Latinos in America are very diverse, and I understand it is not easy to show the world who we are. I just ask that you don't portray us as the stereotype caricatures that sadly so many believe when they think of Latinos, and that you highlight the success too. There are so many successful Latinos in the US that can inspire younger generations within and outside the Latino community, but maybe a producer didn't believe they existed or think it was important to feature.

Fortunately, Julio Varela and several members of LATISM created a forum where real success stories about the Latino experience in the US could be recorded. Read their stories and share your own! Hopefully our stories will encourage others or give CNN and other networks a resource to find Latinos who are successful in the US. =)

I’m Mexican I was taught to make salsa not dance salsa

I love to dance. I’m not the best dancer, but I don’t care. I love the expression, the music and the workout it provides.

Latinos we love music and we love to dance. In DC I’ve noticed that not only can the majority of Latinos dance, but they would put the participants in Bailando por un Sueño, So you think you can Dance, and Dancing with the Stars to shame.

Recently I went out with DC’s Latino Professionals for a night out in the city. We proved no one can do it like Latinos!

That night my FH tried to teach me how to dance Salsa. I was surprised by two things: One that he could dance and two that he was patient to try and teach me.

I can dance salsa as long as I don’t have to touch or follow. He wanted to dance together (holding each other) which would require me to follow.

He said “It’s ok just trust me.”

“I want to but it’s not that easy for me,” I said. I’m too independent that even on the dance floor I can’t let myself go and be dependent on someone else.

Laughing I told him “FH I’m Mexican I was taught how to make salsa, not dance salsa”

“Really, you can make salsa? What kinds of salsas can you make?” he asked a little to excited.

So now I have to learn to make 5 different kinds of salsa because I don’t consider pico (tomatoes, onion, cilantro jalapeño and lime) a salsa, at least one that will do my mother and grandmother justice.

I have also signed up to take salsa lessons with the one and only Mario Salsa through DC Salsa Productions. According to FH Mario is the best person for the job!!

I’ll be sure to keep everyone posted on my salsa dancing.