kathleen eccleston
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"There has always been a dancer within me. But, growing up I was painfully shy and always danced behind closed doors, never expressing to anyone my desire to dance. Fortunately, I was recognized for my gymnastics ability at a young age and was place on a competitive gymnastics team. |
The intense training and competing kept me quite busy for 8 years. Unfortunately, when I retired I thought I was too old to start dance training. It wasn’t until college that I realized my passion and started to take it very seriously enrolling in ballroom classes with Arthur Murray and then competing with Northeastern University Ballroom Dance Team.I finally fell in love with Salsa and in 2006 after years of training, placed third at the World Salsa Championships.
I began teaching 6 years ago, instructing young students in the fine art of gymnastics. I employ many of the same successful techniques now in teaching salsa to all age groups.
I believe that learning best takes place when fun is used as the medium and there is never a dull moment in my class. I love seeing my students fully understand what I have taught them. I call it the light bulb moment, the “ah-ha”. Nothing is as exciting to me as when everyone shares that moment and the entire class dances as one unit." |
One of Katheen's many star performances
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Accomplishments/Awards:
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Recently accepted into the National Dance Institute of New Mexico “Teaching Excellence” Program. September 2008
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Semifinalist: ESPN World Salsa Championships 2007, team division (Philly Pro Salsa Team)
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3rd Place: ESPN World Salsa Championships 2007, qualifying round (partner, Noel Rodriguez)
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1st Place: Sabado Gigante “A Bailar A Bailar” International Dance Competition 2007 (partner, Raul Santiago)
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1st Place: Chivas Regal Salsa Competition 2007 (partner, Noel Rodriguez)
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1st Place: Philadelphia Salsa Congress 2006, on2 division qualifier (partner, Darlin Garcia)
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3rd Place: ESPN World Salsa Championships 2006, on1 division finals (partner, Darlin Garcia)
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1st Place: Kool Salsa Competition 2006 (partner, Noel Rodriguez)
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Starred as Catwoman: Batman vs. Catwoman “Catfight” Stunt Show 2004 and 2005 Six Flags Great Adventure
