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It was August of 1995 and I had only been dancing for a little under a year. There was this little club in New York City called Side Street, and from what I was told, only the best of the best danced there. I was informed that if I wanted my dancing to grow, this joint was the spot to go watch all the greats, and learn as much as I can. Well being the obsessor of Salsa that I am, a couple of friends and I decided to go check it out. The happening night was on Sundays, so we visited the club at about 9pm. It was kind of empty, but at about 12 midnight, everyone started rolling in. Since I was new to the Salsa scene I knew none of these dancers, but I can now tell you, that all the greats were there. We're talking about the people like Nelson Flores, Stracy, Vitico, Eddie Pino, Thomas, Brenda, Anna and of course the woman I consider the true princess of Salsa....Miss Amanda Moncion. All of these well trained and professional dancers left me stunned, but none made an impact on my heart like Amanda. Out of the Eddie Torres Dance Company, Amanda had been dancing for about 5 years at the time, but her sultry, finesse and glamour were absolutely stunning. She was not only glamorous in description, but her style, originality and passion when dancing, had far surpassed any dancer in her category. I particularly remember the way I would sweat her whenever she walked into side street. My regular Sunday Side Street routine was as follows.... The club opened up at 7pm, but none of the professionals got there until about 11. So in order for me to get a good seat near the dance floor where Amanda always danced, I would go to the club at about 8pm. So that's 3 hours of just sitting there all by myself, patiently anticipating when she would arrive. She would stroll in looking as fine as ever, and everyone wanted to dance with her. I would sit until closing, just taking notes from the way she does a cross body lead all the way to her multiple turns. This woman was it for me, and although there are many dancers that I admire, none made me cringe the way Amanda still does to this day.
Just about a year later, after I stayed at home in the mirror, practicing all of those moves, I built up enough courage to approach her and ask for a dance. I remember that night so very well, because I was S*!*ing in my panths. Amanda was wearing a beautiful cat-suit, and she looked just as gorgeous as usual. I asked her to dance, and she said yes. Whew!! was I in heaven. I was so nervous, that all I did, were some very basic moves. I couldn't even keep my concentration in check. Besides how beautiful she looked, how sexy she moved and how well she followed, I was in such a trance; in other words I had no clue what I was doing.
After the dance I asked her if she had some time to talk a little, and she said yes. The funny thing was, I told her how nervous I was, and to my surprise, she said that she was too. She said that she had seen me dance several times before and she had a lot of respect for my dancing. My head grew so fast I was surprised I made it out the club that night. We exchanged numbers, and spoke constantly on the phone and whenever we saw each other in the clubs. Before I realized it, we had become really close friends as well as dance partners. (As a matter of fact, Amanda was one of my friends who insisted that I take classes with Eddie Torres, to improve my open foot work).
Soon after, I noticed that the compliments that I received from fellow dancers began to rise. Every time Amanda and I would dance together, I would notice that people would either stop and stare or express extreme joy from watching us. But no one will ever be as big a fan of hers as I am; and Amanda, I know you know that baby!!
I just want to take this opportunity to express again how much I do love you and the stylistic coaching you've given me throughout the years. You are truly a DIVA, and no doubt, you are definitely blessed. I pray that God continues to bless you and your beautiful daughter Crystal, (I love you Crys!) and that you continue to stun fellow dancers everywhere. You are my inspiration and my joy of Salsa, and whenever my style forsakes me, I always think of you. I miss you so very, very much, and I can't wait for that visit you promised me. I told you before and I'll say it again; you are the originator, the creator, the processor and certainly the definer of Style, and in my book a true Stylist. To me baby, you are definitely #1. Thank you so much for your coaching. I love you ALWAYS!!!