Women Acting Up: A local dance, dance revolution
July 7, 2009 by Annie Brokaw
Filed under Inspiration U, Women Acting Up
Like most teenage girls, Jenny Gill had struggles with her body, her health and coming into her own as a woman. She vowed that someday she would help other teens through what can be a difficult and lonesome experience.
Today Gill, 33, of Erie, is doing just that.
Gill and her father, Sam Gill, opened Bantaba World Dance and Music in 1999.
Although Bantaba closed its doors in April 2007, Jenny and Sam Gill have moved on to another exciting venture: teaching Boulder County teens about self-esteem and teamwork in the form of Rueda de Casino via their nonprofit, SalsAmigos.
Rueda de Casino is the Cuban style of salsa dancing. Done in a circle a la square dancing, but cooler —the moves of Rueda are called and participants switch partners. The classes are funded by a grant through the Boulder County Youth Opportunity Advisory Board.
The Gills teach in local high schools, either for credit or as an after-school program. What makes the Gills’ method different is that both the males and females are taught to lead and follow.
The Gills believe that this method promotes teamwork and equality of the sexes, while fostering the ability to be both a leader and follower. Sam Gill, through research, has found that learning both parts is good for brain development. It also gives undecided teens the ability to explore their sexuality in a safe place that allows them to be themselves — no body is singled out.
“Everybody gets in a circle and just dances,” Jenny Gill says.
What started in 2006 as a way to teach teens will be spreading to classes for people of all ages, from 5 to 85.
“We’ve seen the benefits in teens,” Jenny Gill says. “The brain can re-learn; it can become more juicy.”
Part of the effort to bring Rueda to all people includes a new grant proposal they’re working on.
With the money, the Gills want to train others how to teach Rueda.
They hope to host a free 10-part downloadable lecture series on their Web site that others can use to learn the Gills’ methods. The lecture series will start rolling out this summer.
“I never thought I would teach, ever,” Jenny Gill says. “Doing this and teaching with my dad has been very satisfying. We just laugh and have a great time.”
To learn more about SalsAmigos and the Gills, visit www.salsamigos.org.
— By Annie Brokaw
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