Peter Araiza

The very first thing is to access what level a student is. After, I figure out what type of learner they are. The very first thing a student will learn are the basic steps, followed by connection. Once a student begins to understand their balance and body flow then we put the steps together with lead and follow techniques. 

Lessons normally go for $100 for a single 60-Minute Session or $300 for (4) 60-Minute Sessions. Appointments are based on availability. I do my best to accommodate the best I can. 

I started learning how to social dance when I was 18 years old. I took various classes under different instructors. I though I knew what I was doing until I was out of the country at a Salsa Club and I was not able to dance with anyone. Frustrated with my experience, I came back from my trip and started focusing on lead/follow techniques instead of fancy patterns. I was able to take basic everyday actions and relate them to my dancing in one shape or another. At that time I auditioned for a dance company called Contra Tiempo. Through intense training with them I performed nationally with them. It was shortly after that I begin to teach and share my knowledge. I began my teaching experience in Long Beach, California at various locations. About a year later I was hired to teach at a performing arts school in Puerto Rico. While living their I gained a strong appreciation for the culture and a further understanding of my craft. Upon my return I co-founded a dance company called, The LA Influence. Through that experience I trained over fifty dancers in various forms including; Salsa, Bachata and Ruede de Casino (Cuban Style Salsa). The company stayed open for five years. I soon after began touring nationally and internationally teaching at various events. Over the past 10+ years of teaching I was able to touch the lives of hundreds of students. Presently, my focus is now teaching one on one lessons as well as teach within the College Social Dance Community within California. 

Though most of my experience has been teaching Adults, I have taught children in the past while instructing at Waldo Gonzalez School of the Performing Arts in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. 

In May of 2019 I had the honor of performing with a student at a Hospital Charity Function. My student whom had never danced prior, had to dance in front of 300 people. It was an emotional event because she was dancing in memory of her best friend who unfortunately lost her battle with cancer. 

Best advice I can give to any student is, find an instructor you like. You are spending hours of your time with them. Find the right match for you. 

Why do you want to dance? What do you hope to get out of this experiance?