Chicago Dance Supply-Dance Shoes and Apparel for Men, Women and Children-Premiering: Ray Molina-- Ballroom Instructor, Joel Hall Dance Center nce

We are at Svea on Clark Street enjoying Swedish pancakes and ligonberries as Ray primes us on what to expect when his Salsa dance class comes to Andersonville at the Joel Hall Dance Center in January 2006.

Born and raised in Chicago, Ray began his formal training in the 70's. At the end of each day, after many grueling training hours in the studio, Ray would remain on his own in front of the mirror perfecting his moves. "They eventually had to give me a key." And then what would he do to wind down? "I went out to the clubs to practice some more!" He describes himself as a “good dancer, but an excellent teacher.” His teaching credentials are extensive, with 4 years at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio and 25 years at the Discovery Center. Ray can teach anything: waltz, dirty dancing, salsa, Mexican folkdancing, country-western, Cajun, the twist, the electric slide, and even striptease. One former male striptease student even went on to perform on Oprah, and Jenny Jones. "I was a bouncer at a club and I used to dance with the girls just for fun. Guys would would want me to dance instead of the girls sometimes!"

But as Ray speaks fondly of family (he's youngest of eight), friends (he's been with his ballroom partner for 20 years) and former students ("Felix, once a student, now my assistant--he's a son to me") it’s obvious that he is more than just a teacher—he’s a mentor who uses his passion for life and dancing, honesty, skill and humor to inspire his students.

In his teaching manifesto, Ray tells us that dance is good for posture, poise, “a great hobby between two people”, good exercise, a great way to meet people and most importantly for him, emotionally therapeutic. " I forget about everything else when I dance." Ray not only teaches footwork, continuity, style and lead, but also music appreciation, the cultural background and the history of a dance so that students will “feel the spirit and move with style.” He is committed to answering all his students’ questions before class is over, and making sure that his classes are always fun. Ray is committed to teaching dance to his students as a way for them to grow and enjoy themselves “in many ways, on many levels.”

A man of many talents, Ray is also a professional cook, wine broker, has extensive theatre credits and enjoys roller skating, painting, volleyball, reading, opera, writing, costume jewelry and eclectic attire.

Ray joins the staff of Joel Hall Dance Center in January. For more information contact Joel Hall Dance Center at 773-293-0900, 1511 W. Berwyn.

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