Cruisin’ Catalina with The Dynamic Duo, Francisco and Stacey Martinez!By Edie, The Salsa FREAK
Cruisin’ Catalina with The Dynamic Duo, Francisco and Stacey Martinez!
By Edie, The Salsa FREAK
The sounds of little feet shuffling and tapping on a wooden dance floor are echoing through the room…
“Kick ball change… shuffle ball change… great job guys!” dance instructor Stacey Martinez yells out to about a dozen or so of the cutest 1st thru 3rd graders learning how to tap dance for the first time. An hour later, husband Francisco Martinez joins her in leading the 4th thru 6th graders in a Jazz routine. Later in the evening, both of them teach flashy Swing and Salsa moves to an adult group! Sound like a typical dance instructor’s day? Typical, yes, but what makes it so unique, is that all this teaching is done by a fabulous, multi-talented husband and wife team, on the beautiful island of Catalina, just 26 miles southwest of Los Angeles!
Every Monday in Los Angeles, Francisco, Stacey, and their 17-month old son John Anthony, jet off in the 55 minute boat ride across the Pacific Ocean to Catalina Island where they become the island’s official dance instructors. Students drive over an hour from clear across the other side of the island to take their classes. Island vacationers who have heard about them, make sure to sign up for their classes as part of their activities during their stay.
One thing I love about this couple is their endless ENERGY. They emit such a positive, fun, and lively aura, that you can’t help but love them. Their enormous word-of-mouth following is proven by their instructional expertise, combined with exceptional honest and pure personalities. They held their “first ever” Dance Adventure 2000 event at the
Catalina Island Ballroom Casino in March. It was an enormous success, transporting over 400 Swing and Salsa dancers on boats to the island for a weekend of dancing and entertainment in the world’s largest circular ballroom.
Francisco and Stacey’s God-given gift is teaching. Both break down each move very well. Francisco in particular is excellent at grabbing and keeping the student’s attention, detailing each count of the move. Conveying in detail how to dance to a huge group people can be quite difficult. Not only do you need to know your material, but you need to maintain good composure, attitude, and keep the class fun and entertaining at the same time. Both of them do this effortlessly. I can usually tell if an instructor is good or not by the accomplishments of their students by the end of class. After watching one of their classes, every single student in the room not only knew how to do all the moves they taught, but knew them very well – including me, and I didn’t even take the class! Just they way they describe the moves makes everything so plainly simple and clear.
Francisco and Stacey are very well versed in most dances, ranging from virtually every competitive Ballroom dance, to Country and Swing, to all varieties of Latin
Dancing (most of their current classes are Salsa!)
Francisco has an ability to teach very well, and he & Stacey have a passion to see people learn well. They care about people learning how to dance right (more than teaching the easiest way), and teach more about technique than patterns.
They teach authentic styling of dances, not just getting students through moves, and they have a personable approach and fun illustrations which make learning to dance a fun experience.
They believe dance is a part of each individual, and everyone has the potential to dance. They help students realize their fullest potential of the beautiful gift of dancing. Above all, it’s very obvious that they care about people more than anything.
They took the plunge into full-time teaching in September of 1999, when the Catalina Island opportunity came up. “This was our turning point. We were still hanging on to portions of our former jobs, part time. We just had to trust the Lord at this point, and take the leap forward.” Says Francisco “…so far, He’s come through like you would not believe!” says Stacey, who had all the faith in the world that this would work out. “We thought it would be difficult teaching and taking care of John Anthony, but he’s taking to this whole dance career very naturally! Because he’s still small, I can teach with him strapped to my back. He loves the idea of constantly being around mom and dad - even at work!”
Their primary base for teaching is Pasadena, California. However, they hold classes as far south as El Segundo, and Catalina. Click Here for their complete class schedule. Both are members of Roscoe’s Rascals, a Swing and Lindy Hop group that has appeared in various films, movies, and commercials and performs all over California.
They are starting a once-a-month Saturday afternoon Summer Practice Parties in the Pasadena area. Their video is in-the-works, and their future looks very bright.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very proud to introduce to you, The Dynamic Duo, Francisco and Stacey Martinez!!
Interview of Instructor, Francisco Martinez:
How long have you been dancing?
I was not what you would call “a natural born” dancer, I worked very hard to get to where I felt comfortable with what I was doing. I started Break Dancing when I was about 16 years old in a small West Virginia town. I was pretty shy, as a dancer, up to that point: I would run from the dance floor if any girl asked me to dance! During the Summer of ’84, though, the most amazing thing happened: I became a follower of Jesus Christ and gave my life to him at a Christian camp. I returned from that camp a different person, almost immediately I felt a new surge in me to want to dance and express that “something new” in me. I remember watching in amazement the slick Moonwalk of Michael Jackson and the tight choreography of the Solid Gold dancers on T.V. By the time, the movies Salsa and Dirty Dancing came out I was hooked! One of my fondest memories, came a few years ago when I had a chance to meet the male dancer from Solid Gold that I admired so much and did a music video along side him.
Who were some of your mentors?
I’ve had so many dear people in my life who have coached, helped and encouraged me. Yet, the one person whom I’ve learned a tremendously from, and still do to this day, is our dearest friend Franco Peraza. I learned how to lead, follow, carry myself as a professional in any circumstance and most important how not to judge people and take them for who they are. Other great influences have been Miguel Angel Masjuan, a great Cuban choreographer and friend from Miami; and I have to mention my first dance instructor Alex Pereira, he saw something in me and was willing to give me a chance. Finally, my wife has been a gift that God has used in my life in things I needed to learn: she’s organized, bright, has the most incredible marketing and detail skills and what I admire the most is her tremendous integrity in all aspects of life…we really do complement each other well. She’s gifted in ways that I’m not…a true teammate.
Who are your favorite dancer / instructors of all time?
That’s a tough one! There are so many good dancers that I admire Fred & Ginger, Corky & Shirley Balas, Franco Peraza, Salsa Brava Troupe, the Forever Tango Dancers…but hands down it would have to be the energy, technique and style of Gene Kelly.
What did you do before you started teaching full time?
The question is more “what haven’t I done!” It seems I’m always coming up with jobs that I’ve had where Stacey says “I’ve been married to you for almost two years and I didn’t know you were a Forest Firefighter, Arco gas attendant, car washer, bus boy, waiter, river guide…etc.” Yep! I’ve done it all. Which is probably why my last job was as a Job Developer for a City of L.A. One-Stop. Also, and as a hobby, I work for my good friend’s outdoor recreation company as a Rock Climbing Guide for High School and Jr. High church groups.
Where did you start teaching?
Arthur Murray’s Dance Studio in Fresno, CA.
Why did you decide on a full-time dance career?
Well…it wasn’t something that happened overnight. It took a great amount of courage, planning and FAITH. I was scared to death of quitting my full-time job to go into teaching and performing; and if it weren’t for Stacey’s persistence and faith…it wouldn’t have happened. I remember days at my old job sitting at my desk, in my big air conditioned office with my white collared shirt and a tie around my neck that felt more like a leash than it did a fashion accessory…and felt frustrated, trapped and unfulfilled. Stacey and I talked about it (many evenings and mornings) and decided we would do what God had naturally gifted us to do and love. We now have hired business consultants, a business manager!
Of all the dances you know, which is your favorite?
Are you ready?????? COUNTRY WESTERN, BABY!!!! YEEEEEEEEEE HAAAAAWWWWW!!! Coming in close second and third would be Salsa/Cha and then Swing.
Where are some of your favorite clubs? (name each per dance)
Country Western – Montana’s
Salsa – Sportsmen’s Lodge (best dancers!) and El Floridita (great atmosphere!)
Swing – Satin Ballroom
Ballroom – Unfortunately, L.A. is still lacking a good place to go dancing a variety of dances….
Have you ever competed? If so, when?
Mostly in Country Western around ’93 – ‘96 and at Emerald Ball in ’91.
Where have you performed?
I’m definitely more of a performer than a competitor. I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to perform with some great people at some dazzling venues:
The Diversity Awards Salsa Brava Dance Troupe
Brian Setzer & Los Lobos Concert Jay Byam and his Swingmeisters
Fan Fest ’95 In Cahoots Dance Team
Country Star Restaurant Country Star Dance Team
RUMBA! Dance Show Miguel Angel Masjuan & Yaysell Prods.
La Alegria de Vivir Dance Show Havanafama Prods.
Fiesta Broadway Banda Mochos
Night of 1000 Stars Lake Avenue Church (where I met Stacey!)
Swing Night Universal Studios
Club Bolero Roscoe’s Rascals
Have you appeared on Television or Film?
Yes. Living in L.A., I think it’s hard to avoid considering we live in the “entertainment capitol” of the world.
Iwon.com’s $10 million dollar giveaway, CBS
The Ellen Show, ABC
La Hora Lunatica con Humberto Luna, Telemundo
Cristina Show, Univision
Jerry Lewis Telethon, CBS
I’ve also done a feature film and dance videos with Placido Domingo, Dwight Yokum and Hal Ketchum.
Do you find it difficult teaching with a toddler at home?
The hardest part is coordinating child care with both grandmothers. Other than us, up to this point he’s only stayed with them. They both have jobs and lives of their own, so we sometimes find ourselves in a childcare pickle. Also, we don’t quite feel comfortable with other childcare outside of “family” until John Anthony is old enough to speak and let us know if anything is bothering him. Our main goal in going into business on our own is so that John could have both parents with him rather than Mommy all day and Daddy at night after an 8 hour work day and 45 min. commute. Now, he sometime actually goes with us and puts in his “2 cents” during class…our students love him!
What is the most rewarding thing about your career?
Doing what I love and loving what I do. I like to follow my own drumbeat and I love that our jobs reflect that. Also, we now have the chance to work for ourselves and decide how to make money and be able to be in people’s lives that we really care about: our students. Talk about rewarding…..wow!
What is the most difficult?
For me it would be the planning and constant upkeep of the business: if one of you doesn’t get it done, nobody will. In addition, keeping priorities straight while balancing God, family and work under the same roof can get rough. I’m very lucky to have someone like Stacey…
Which dance do you find students have the hardest time with?
I would have to say it is West Coast Swing or even more challenging to them would be the Lindy Hop because of its intricacy, constant motion and speed.
Which dance is the easiest for students to pick up?
Foxtrot. It’s easy, fun and students take to it almost immediately. Also, it can be danced to some of the more popular slow/medium-tempo big band sounds (e.g. Harry Connick, Jr., Benny Goodman or even Frank Sinatra).
What are the advantages of spending 24 hours per day, seven days a week with your dance and life partner?
I can truly say that I am becoming a student of “Stacey.” Spending so much time with her has really given me a chance to get an early start on getting to know my lifelong partner. We laugh, cry, fight, love and yes…get on each other’s nerves. Yet, I would have it no other way…I love working with her.
What are the disadvantages, if any, and how do you alleviate them?
I doubt any healthy people out there, no matter how in love they are, could spend 24 hrs. a day with someone and not need a break once in while. It’s needed and healthy for the relationship. Stacey and I have “days off” where we do whatever we want and we don’t have to necessarily tell the other person where we went (or spent money!).
What is your secret to successfully living, and working together with your dance and life partner?
We’ve been reading books on different personalities between men and women and how they relate in love and life…it’s helped us tremendously. We try to put our relationship first and the business second; otherwise, it wouldn’t work. The most important survival tool, though, is to put God in the center…like a triangle with God on top and us at each of the bottom corners, the closer we grow to God the closer we grow to one another. Also, our relationships with other couples at our church have helped us to learn what others have done to make it work.
What are you plans for the future?
We’ve been asked by dozens of people to put together an instructional video, which we are looking to finalize by this coming Fall. Also, we want to create some large events like Catalina 2000 Dance Adventure where people can dance a variety of dances they have learned, from Swing to Ballroom to Salsa.
What kind of advice would you give other couples attempting to do the same thing you both are?
Make sure it is what you really love to do: Being good at something doesn’t necessarily mean you would love to do it as a career; keep your priorities straight – what is important to you? What will and won’t you do? It is important to set your standards before hand to have a uniform approach. Finally, treat it like a business not a hobby or past time – we did so by hiring some business consultants and beginning a business plan. MOST IMPORTANT: don’t sweat the small things and shower each other with grace (I still have some work to do on this last one!)
If you had to live your life all over again, what would you have done differently?
Other than not staying in touch with old friends and my family in Paraguay, I have very few regrets in life. God has brought me to a place where he wanted me to be…I didn’t deserve all the blessings he sent me. Looking at my wife, child and God’s provision…I’m a wealthy and blessed man.
If you had the opportunity to sit yourself down, and hold a conversation with your "self," what type of advice would you give "Francisco Martinez"?
“Relax and know that God is in charge. Second, be a lover of your wife and son. Third ‘Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus’ (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18) and last… drink more water.”
Interview of Instructor, Stacey Martinez:
How long have you been dancing?
Since I was 5 years old.
Who were some of your mentors?
My parents were ballroom dancers, and I grew up dancing on their feet. Literally the first lead-and-follow techniques (and best, I might add) came from my Mom. In fact, those very hints were what I used when dancing with Francisco for the first time. Within one song, he led me in about 6 dances – only 2 of which I had ever done before. But because my Mom taught me how to follow, we danced like we were one… even in the dances I had never heard of before. That was a magical moment for both of us!
Who are your favorite dancer / instructors of all time?
Tap – Jimmy DeFore
Melanie Roberts – West Coast Swing
Ballroom – Franco Peraza
Salsa – Dance floors of Los Angeles!
When did you get married? (date)
July 26, 1998
What was the best part about your wedding?
Our vows were so sincere, so us, and are so true. “Where he will go, I will go.” In conversation, we regularly refer back to many aspects of our vows.
Second: The reaction of the DJ at the reception! He had no idea that at least ¾ our guests were dancers, and many of them professionals. We hadn’t given him a dance list, just genre’s (ie. Blues, Swing, Salsa, Country). His jaw dropped as full choreographed numbers would break out on the dance floor and the crowd would separate for a show. The best part about it was that it wasn’t planned! It so happens we had either been in shows, choreographed numbers, or had known popular choreographed dances to about 6 or 7 songs the DJ just happened to play through the evening. The DJ’s jaw dropped – especially when at the end of one number we all collapsed to the floor, including me in wedding dress and veil. It was a priceless and unforgettable moment!
The comments from guests were: “This was like a scene out of Fame”, “You could have charged admission to your reception!” and, “Can we hire your guests for our next party?”
What did you do before you started teaching full time?
I was a Junior High History teacher after graduating with my undergraduate. Then while back getting my MBA I was an executive secretary in the corporate world before finally working for our Senior Pastor of our former church. Because of our dance business, I was able to quit working outside the home two months before John Anthony was born.
Where did you start teaching?
In High School. I started teaching Jazz in the P.E. classes, then aerobics.
Why did you decide on a full-time dance career?
It supported what God created Francisco to do – teach dance. He’s so amazing at it. And I love to dance. I love watching the light bulb in a student’s mind just go on when we explain a move and they suddenly get it. The way he explains moves and creates such a fun yet challenging atmosphere in class is an amazing gift.
I have the marketing and business background to support the infrastructure of our business, and he has the creative and technical genius to be the man in front. Dancing as our full time business really provides an outlet of our blend of gifts as a couple.
Of all the dances you know, which is your favorite?
West Coast Swing and Cha-Cha-Cha.
Where are some of your favorite clubs? (name each per dance)
El Floridita (by far!)
Satin Ballroom
Sportsmen’s
Have you ever competed? If so, when?
Not really… it’s not my bag. I’m not big on the spotlight stuff. I did a lot in the entertainment industry as a kid, and got burnt out by the business. I’m really gun-shy when it comes anywhere near getting back into the spotlight. Sometimes I even like to stand back during teaching times. I’m most comfortable with my cordless mic OFF!
Where have you performed?
All over the place! Here in LA because we chose not to travel distances with our son, but we’ve been honored to perform in front of a huge varieties of audiences. At times we have to pinch ourselves and say “Is this really happening!?!”
Have you appeared on Television or Film?
Quite a bit when I was young. Most people recognized me from the series McDonalds commercials I did. But I appeared for many years as a regular on American Bandstand among other made-for-TV movies and music videos. We even tell John Anthony that he’s been on screen as we filmed the Dwight Yokum video when I was 5 months pregnant!
Do you find it difficult teaching with a toddler at home?
Yes and no. We find it difficult to do anything but spend time with him when he’s at home. He has truly captured both of our hearts in an amazing way. We were both so eager to be parents, we feel amazingly blessed to have him. We’re thrilled that we live a lifestyle that accommodates not only Mommy being home, but Daddy too! Thankfully both of the Grandmas live close, so if he’s not with us, he’s getting spoiled by one of them!
As a full-time mother and dance instructor, how do you find the time for family time? We schedule it. We have to, or it won’t happen. We have our scheduled “Mommy ½ day off, Daddy ½ day off, and Family Day”. They’re on our calendar, just like a regular appointment. On Family Day we can’t talk business, and I’m not even allowed to turn on the computer (major sacrifice for me!)
What is the most rewarding thing about your career?
Time together, and how happy and healthy our son has turned out to be. In addition, it amazes me every day that we’re actually paid to do what we love. My father told me early in life, find what you love to do, then find a way to get paid to do it. I have.
What is the most difficult?
So much time together. Just like this last week. Mommy’s day off, and we get called for an audition. Do I refuse, or sacrifice my Mommy’s day off? I give up my day off - and the week is just not as easy for us. We need that time away to rejuvenate, take care of ourselves, and really focus on our personal priorities. No marriage is healthy when you lose your identity as individuals. When you live and work together, we need to fight for that alone time. We have to be healthy individuals and a healthy spouse. I don’t think you can be only one of those.
What are the advantages of spending 24 hours per day, seven days a week with your dance and life partner? Although we argue like any other married couple, we truly are best friends. We confide in each other about nearly everything, and we’re pretty transparent. I don’t think we would be nearly as close if we didn’t work together. We know each other so well, we can really support and cover the other person when they’re in need. That’s a very confident feeling. When we’re on – we’re a pretty great team.
What are the disadvantages, if any, and how do you alleviate them?
We alleviate anxiety with our scheduled days off. When we stick to them, we have much easier weeks!
What is your secret to successfully living, and working together with your dance and life partner?
Keeping the priorities correct in my time. God first, my husband second, son third and business next. When I get those out of whack, it affects the whole family. I often let business take too much of a priority. Because I love what we do and it doesn’t feel like work, it’s often hard for me to keep our business in check.
What are you plans for the future?
Hmmm… A little girl? Francisco can’t pass up the children’s section without picking out a little girls outfit. I’m not ready to be pregnant or start nursing another one, so I think it will be a while.
What kind of advice would you give other couples attempting to do the same thing you both are?
To make your business #2, and your relationship #1. We made that determination very early in our relationship, and decided we would work on US above all else. We sacrificed a lot in our business the first years because of that decision. However, when we got married, we had a very strong foundation on which to build our business. Now we filter what we do in our business through the filter of our family values. That makes all the difference in the world. Even when we have low income months, we still feel rich. We know we’re doing what God gifted us to do, and our priority is each other, not our business. Our business is just an outgrowth of who we are.
What kind of advice would you give full-time moms attempting to do what you are?
Nothing. I’d ask them to call me and give me advice!
If you had to live your life all over again, what would you have done differently?
Other than stupid mistakes, I don’t regret much because I sincerely had a wonderful upbringing. I had great parents that really gave me an amazing foundation coupled with independent wings to do what God made me to do. I’ve had a lot of fun, traveled a lot, and done a lot of exciting things. I have amazing friends, and a wonderful deep-rooted family. I’ve traveled a lot, but if there was anything I regretted, it would be the few trips I declined. I do wish I could be with my Georgia relatives more often.
If you had the opportunity to sit yourself down, and hold a conversation with your "self," what type of advice would you give "Stacey Martinez"?
Slow down, read Scripture more. Love on your husband more. Cook more. Call your best friend.
Francisco and Stacey would like to thank the following people for supporting their work on the Island of Catalina:
