…10 years ago, the dancing community got enriched with a new concept in the Latin scene. It started as a simple and social salsa event, but moved its way up over the years and eventually became one of the most popular dance events in the Netherlands. An event where Latin meets R&B and the dance floor became a true catwalk to show off your assets through the latest fashion trends. Yeah, it was all part of the show. People with different backgrounds came together to party and share the GWEPAAA, including the best DJ’s, international dancers and even Dutch celebrities.

Recently a lot has happened in the Dutch dancing scene. Something that started as a friendly, monthly event for the dance community, came to an end with heartbreak and pain. It ended in a disaster where somebody lost his life. The purpose of a human life is to serve, to show compassion to each other and the will to help others. Live in harmony, enjoy and celebrate life. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about what happened that certain night. Respect my dear people, Respect for each and another is something what is very rare and hard to find these days. That inner feeling of respect, understanding and empathy. The simple meaning of being human. Humanity, where did it go?

In my opinion it all starts with the fact that we have a love/hate romance with our ego. The ego is just a way of how we reflect on the world, based on fear, insecurity and defensiveness. Nobody can “see” without this layer what’s called “ego” around them. It is the desire, competition, fear and all distortions like that within our ego which keep us from being in peace with our true self.
So what happens when we let go of that ego? The only thing that remains is the true self. People always seek to be something, want something, but forget to live at this certain moment.

I would like to tell you something about our Latin dance community. What is it? What moves us and how is it possible that we DO get along in harmony and with respect for eachother?}
There is a somehow a simple answer for those questions. First of all we are all equal in the fact that we share the same passion: dancing. We are all here for the same goal: we express our love for dance, we embrace music, we are open minded to learn and we enjoy to socialize with each other. There is no judgement whether you are black or white, young or old, rich or poor, gay or straight. In general we accept each other for the way we are and the way we think. You don’t have to like everybody, but there is respect!

“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice.
Whatever choice you make. Choose wisely.” – Roy T. Bennet

It is a small community, compared to other scenes like ‘R&B’ or ‘House’ for example, but the latin dance scene reaches people from all around the world. All with different cultures and different backgrounds. We, speaking about us dancers, travel the world to share some special moments in dance, to see our friends and to blow off some steam from our daily routine. Dance is something you must really feel and love in order to stick to it. It gives you nothing in return, no material things. Nothing, but that one thing, that one single moment when the music hits your soul and you feel present and alive! Dancers don’t need much. Give them music and they will enjoy themselves no matter where they are or what time it is. If it is at the airport, or outside on a sunny day in the parc. When there is music, we seek every opportunity to meet up and do what we love to do. When we dance we get rid of our stress and the things we hold onto, we relax our mind and body. With dance we fill our cup with energy. DANCE CONNECTS PEOPLE!

Life can be so simple, when you understand the value of it. Why are we so focussed on our ego? The day you were born, you were born pure. That small little baby was brought into this world without hate, without any type or form of ego. Just a pure soul. I believe and always will believe in the good of human beings. Don’t let ego get in the way of your values. As when we were kids, we were taught to respect our parents, elders, different cultures, religions, people’s feelings, opinions and all of that. Treat others how you want to be treated and the world will be a much better place.

As a child I was always obsessed with music, dance and cultural arts. During my study Tourism Management I discovered that my talents are mainly on the organizational and creative level. After successfully completing this study, I followed the higher professional education Marketing and Communication Management. I have a strong passion for writing and the last 2 years I developed myself as graphic designer.
In 2012 I got introduced to Latin dance and in 2013 I started with my addiction “Kizomba”. Currently I work together with dj Ozy Shyne from Paris on his dance festival in Croatia and other international projects. In my free time you will find me all over the world sharing my passion with others and most important living life, enjoying every moment!

See you on the dance floor. – Babette