J. Barrera & Val. Letelier -Dancing ChaCha at Step by Step D.S.

[dancingcuresall]

Saw you guys in Tampa..you ROCKED the house! Seriously, the East Coast is all abuzz about you 2. Barrera, you must be so proud of your lady, she totally shines out there and your awesome work with her is paying off big time. See ya soon!

[serenissima1960]

I can't get enough of you 2. Please post more videos soon. Can you do another ballroom style dance? I absolutely love this chacha but I adore how smoothly you move together in the old-fashioned style dances...guess that's because I'm older..oh well! Thank you, S.E. from Miami

[vegasdancesport]

Saw your awesome foxtrot a few months ago, but I just ran across your Cha today. You 2 are such an awesome pair. fun & exciting to watch. my girlfriend's boss goes to your studio & he says you are the nicest, most gracious couple he's ever met. it's such a relief to know that dancesport has representatives like you guys. it helps all of us. thanks & good luck this year (ps--when's your next video posting?)

[astairefan]

Very, very nice! Impressive crossover from your smooth. Great to see a pro-am couple with such well-rounded skills. Am very impressed with the level and depth that this pro is expecting/receiving from this young lady. Your "look" is spectacular..a terrific partnership in every way (dancing, good looks, etc). Thanks for this visual treat..can't wait to see what's next.

[MarcosSanJuanPR]

ME ENCANTA esta niña! La vi en Las Vegas en Diciembre. Se ve muy bien en video..pero en persona, es estupenda! Que suerte tiene este profesional. Tiene que ser un gusto tremendo ir al trabajo si le espera esta preciosidad en su estudio. Salud, compadre. te felicito la suerte. Besitos a tu pareja de parte de sus fanes en San Juan.

[JoaoBrasileno]

I just found this by a coincidence but am really glad I did. I get a good feeling watching these 2. I think this pro has found an Am. with tons of potential. Can't put my finger on it exactly, but something about this gal really excites me as a dancer (and as a male ;-) I looked at their other video too ..very impressive. Do you think you can add another one soon? I think a lot of us would be pleased if you could. Thanks. Good luck in your 2009 season.

[1990blackpool]

WOW. I am so impressed. I had really enjoyed your foxtrot clip and just discovered this ChaChaCha clip today. I stand by my previous comment: Couples like you two are the real future of Competitive Ballroom: dedicated, strongly connected and centered, highly attractive with palpable chemistry, and to top it off, authentically talented. THANK YOU..it is a wonderful feeling in the heart of an "old-timer"

[fabianoTOthebeat]

Barrera, hope you r really tight w/this girl cuz u got 2 local pros who got like a new years resolution to get her on board with them. U guys probably have a really good thing goin but thought u'd want the heads-up. some of these dudes can really turn on the "charm" when they see an Am. who could go all the way & give a huge boost to their rep..plus you gotta know they all think she's totally hot. Anyways, good luck Dude.

[papitodances]

Great Cha..love the choreo...love the pairing!

Was observing your interaction and was wondering if you (Barrera) are setting your sights on training this gal to go Pro some years down the road? I realize it's very early-on for you 2 but considering your mutual youth and fantastic rapport, I couldn't help but be curious. Whatever you two do, I know you'll do it very well...you're as classy a pair as they come and a wonderful addition to the circuit!

[silksandsatins]

I luv you 2!! When I see you in person, or even in these video clips, I get all hot and bothered (in the very best way!) My partner does too..he told me at the last comp. he kept wantin to reach out and pat her cute ass..isn't that funny! Don't worry, I'll keep him in line..LOL..you rock!

[dancingcuresall]

Really, really like this pro-am pair. they seem to have found the secret of depending on each other and yet allowing each others' skills to shine through...thats how I define a REAL partnership...don't care if its Pros or pro-am...its all about taking 2 great separate elements and creating a third, totally new "entity" thats better the the sum of its parts. GO FOR IT GUYS!! YOU ARE ON THE PATH!

[BallroomCANADA]

Missed you guys last week at the Yuletide Ball! Hope to see you soon...our studios are doing the Twin Cities Open and the Yankee Classic...hope you guys can make one of them....From: your admirers in British Columbia

[paoloDIfirenze]

You guys rock out loud! I want more, more, more! Can't wait to see what you have in store for us next! Don't make us wait TOO long!! From your Italian fan, Paolo.

[TonioMovin2theBeat]

Great job guys. I love everything u do, here and at the comps. Probably see you at a comp soon so you can kick our ass again (ha, ha) just kiddin...you totally deserve every win you get!! to be honest, you deserve way more than you are getting..pretty soon you'll be too well known & respected to get passed over by politics...the time's approachin 4 u two, I can feel it!! GOOD LUCK....Antonio from L.A.

[dancinOldieButGoodie]

noticed this gal about 1 1/2 years ago. had a different pro. nice but pretty run of the mill. Thought the gal had potential but figured she'd get left slong the wayside. Imagine my thrill & delight to see her matched up with this young pro. THIS is exactly what she needed..and I suspect this is precisely what this Pro had been praying for.hand in hand,,arm in arm,,theyll go ALL THE WAY! we'll be watchin for you..you lucky kids!

[PasoDobleGuy]

TO: "dancinOldieButGoodie". u r right. she did start out with a different Pro but everyone could see she was gonna outgrow him real quick. THIS Pro now, is the best thing that coulda happened to 'er..and I think to him too. It's one of those rare, serendipitous match-ups that'll probably last a lifetime. It'll be fun to follow 'em over the years.

[1dancemaniac]

love the choreo. great pro am partnership. you'll be able to take this gal FAR...the perfect amateur to establish your national rep. think we r gonna see a lot of you 2 in next few years..I see u guys kickin major butt in the near future...GOOD 4 U!! (plus, u gotta admit it's even more fun when you have a hot cutie as your amateur partner, dude!)

[crazy1dance]

nice job dude. any pro pro clips? would love to see.

[viviendoCONritmo]

What a great pro-am pair. I like everything about 'em. I think someone else also said this but I really like how they manage to draw the viewer into the emotional connection between 'em. I'd expect it in a Pro-Pro pair but it's unusual and exciting to feel at such an early point in a pro-am partnership. I anticipate great things from this partnership!

[CorpsEnContretemps]

I am very much enjoying the watching of this couple. Would like to have chance to see more videos but do very like these two. The proyeccion of feeling and sentiment is very real with no artifice. Will very like to watch the progession this professional achieves with this amateur. She is what we call a "fille doree", "un grand cadeau" (a golden girl-child, a great gift)..you must both count your blessings at your great fortune in the finding of your partnership!!

Marianne (Quebec)

[tequilaNsalt]

I heard you guys have only been together a couple of years..how did you achieve such rock solid trust and partnership in such a short time? Saw you at a comp. and noticed how well you get along..what's your secret? You guys don't have the typical Pro/Am dynamic of a fussy amateur and a Pro trying to keep things smooth. Your partnership is authentic, balanced, obviously full of trust, admiration and respect..I both envy and admire you for that. Best Wishes to a First Rate couple!

[JoseMiguelEspana]

Would like to give you (tequilaNsalt) my take on your question. Have had chance now to see them a few times together @ comps. They are polite and gracious to everyone. The gal doesn't have a "diva" bone in her body. The pro is a bright guy who's realized that with enough years and hard work, he can bring this girl up to his level...not something many Pros encounter in their career. Mutual respect and real caring is a rare & valuable commodity, my friends!

[JOAOSambaDoBrasil]

really, really enjoyable. loved the choreo and think you guys are a great match-up. Usually us Pros don't get to pick our amateurs but this young lady is a diamond that any Pro would be proud of. Kudos to you for chemistry you project to your viewers. Makes me squirm (in a GOOD way!). GREAT! ps: wanna see a Samba some day!

[girlzdanceparty]

I haven't danced in almost 2 years..now, after seeing your two video postings, I HAVE to go back again!! You guys got my heart pumpin & my blood pounding..thanks 4 inspiring me..BTW, I think if my partner & I ever had the rapport you 2 guys obviously have, i never would have stopped in the 1st place. THANKS

[felipeYgabrielarock]

we've seen you guys a couple of times and really enjoy watching you but, wow, this chacha is at a whole other level! All our best wishes to a really cool couple and congratulations on your awesome partnership! Sincerely, F & G from Colorado.

[mariacarmenboricua]

Thank you for this posting. I really enjoyed your chacha. really fun, high energy, sexy and exciting. can't wait to see your next video...FROM: an admirer in San Juan, P.R.

[astairefan]

Saw your foxtrot video first & then viewed this. Very exciting. Very sexy. Your partnership is absorbing to your viewers. Wonderful choreography and impressive execution of a quite difficult routine. Well done, all around!

[cumbiascolombianas]

this is krazy kool! how in hell can you get a bronze amateur to do 17 eight-counts of open/side-by-side work?!?..and..execute it so well!!My students would freak if I gave them 1eight count, never mind 17 or so! either you (the pro) are a freakin slave-driver or your student is the most dedicated I've ever seen..or maybe it's both things, lol!! Anyways, loved it, loved it, loved it! Gonna check out your other video now.

[twincitiesrhythm]

Love everything you guys come up with. First rate choreo, Great song, great timing and synchronization on your open work (??bronze??are you kidding?)Wow Barrera, you don't ask much of this partner, do you?..Really love this partnership..you are really going places as a pair. keep it up!..and PLEASE, try to make it in the next few years to the Twin Cities Open. Wanna see you in person. All the best to you both!

[pasosDEanaheim]

By George, you have done it again!Koooooooool.

What a super hot Cha! Dude, how the hell did you get this bronze amateur to dance at almost full-out international speed, while maintaining composure & timing..just the drop @ the end with the super fast lead-in woulda scared the sh-t out of any of my students..never mind the complex choreo. very impressive, indeed

[JuanmarioLAX]

I so dig everything you guys do. Your girl's progress is spectacular. Congrats and keep 'em coming

[SambaBrasilera]

Great video, you two. great choreo, great partnership..think you two are really gonna go places. Gotta tell you something. Saw you @ a comp in vegas..am VERY impressed w/your amateur partner's development/progress. Samba is my thing..watched your girl. Although she's still developing, I saw the beginning of authentic Brasilian movement in her Samba. Very rare at any level in amateurs, esp. bronze. keep it up..think she'll soon be sizzlin & leavin her comp. in the dust!!

[figueroacapistrano]

a friend told me to check you guys out. glad I did! it's really gratifying to see a Pro-Am pair like you guys: you look great together, you have an obviously deep rapport, your showmanship shows a real love of dance and powerful enjoyment of each other as partners. You make your viewers happy. Thanks!

[enchufeGUY]

Fab job, guys! I've really enjoyed both your videos. Keep bringin more when you can. How long have you 2 been together? my guess is 3-5years..based on your connection & how well you interact. Just curious, if anyone knows.

[Gingerwannabe]

WOW guys! I really liked you two as a pair after seeing your Foxtrot video but now..I'm totally hooked!!I didn't imagine that a couple who looked so amazing in classic ballroom style would also blow me away in Latin dances: gorgeous, sexy performance!! Your ending drop in this chacha made me gasp! you two sure trust each other! Keep 'em comin!

[voltasBrasil]

I begged Santa to bring me an amateur partner EXACTLY like this girl...but no luck..lol. Guess I'm gonna have to keep watchin this Pro have all the luck...BTW, got to see them in person at a comp..YEOW!!talk about awesome connection and rapport!!They have this aura around them that just draws an observer in..allows us to emote right along w/them. It's actually really cool..really special. GOOD LUCK IN 2009

[RondePlie]

Wow, guys! you keep bringin it! Loved your Foxtrot video and now this....whoa...that's some serious crossover ability..sweet and silky in Smooth then hot and spicy in Rhythm.

Thanks for sharing..really enjoyin it.

[shakemygroovething]

great partnership. love your connection and showmanship as a pair..so enjoyable to watch. Some below comments are right on...you two REALLY DO give off an awesome vibe together. Keep it up..love to see more in future.

[Showgirlzbiz]

HOT*HOT*HOT**u two r so exciting to watch. I really want to see you in person cuz I can feel the emotion/chemistry bubbling around you two on these little videos...imagine IN PERSON!! gives me shivers!!

[salsaColombiana]

The comments r startin to sound like a chat room for ballroom dancers!! s'funny..at least everyone's tryin to be helpful & supportive..kudos for that. Barrera, saw u & ur gal do ur Salsa in Vegas..am REALLY impressed..have always dug your Salsa but have to tell you, congrats!! u've brought your girl sooo far in such a short time..WOW..what an advancement in movement & connection!! Don't know how u placed, but it better have been 1st or 2nd..u deserved at least that!

[vegaslatin]

Two things: 1--I agree with below comments.. very well done, you guys. 2--I'm confused: I thought this Gal was gonna be training/competing w/Sergei..he was totally stoked about it. How did this Pro find her? Crap!! I wish I'd known she was available.. Would've paid money to train this one!! Will pay better attention in the future..you never know!!

[babeOFballroom]

Hey, vegaslatin, listen up. hope I'm wrong cuz I REALLY like these 2 as a couple but, will tell you from experience. To advance as quickly as this gal is, she MUST be putting in major time & effort. From what I've seen in the business, usually the younger Pros don't make it past a year w/this type of student. Many young Pros become very complacent and take the student 4 granted..sometimes'll get full of themselves & make student feel valueless..would hate 2 see it happen..just wait & watch.

[joaquinmoves]

to babeofballroom: your concern is sweet but probably unnecessary. I've met these 2 @ comps & they seem pretty tight as a couple. It's unlikely, despite youth, that this Pro is gonna risk losing such a high-potential amateur. I suspect he shows her great appreciation and loyalty. He's gotta know that most pros would bend over backwards to take care of a gal like this...unlikely that he'd blow 'er off or jerk 'er around. I guess anything could happen, but this is my take on it

[BALLROOMSWEETHEART]

My partner & I just watched your video.really impressive, guys! My partner asked me to comment: videos just don't do justice to this couple.they really are fabulous in person. The Pro's a real handsome guy and the gal is truly stunning. a bunch of the Pros are totally crushing on her. You guys are the genuine article. best wishes for an amazing 2009 Season.

[tangueroVEGAS]

saw U @ the Holiday in Vegas. screw the freakin politics..u 2 rock!! totally rockin chacha video..really advanced 4 bronze..am really impressed. Did u know u 2 have like a mini fan club? seriously, at the Comps. ur girl walks by & the guys start droolin (It's so cute cuz she doesn't even realize). On the floor, u 2 r the couple that grabs the eye of the audience. Good luck in this next season.

[timingandrhythm]

you must be the cutest damn couple to hit the circuit in years! a lot of the Juniors really admire your girl..she's got a rep for being really kind and helpful to other ladies/juniors. what an amazing find..sweetness, sexiness and limitless potential..she's a stand-out, dude. you must be really proud..hang on tight to your treasure! LOVED, LOVED, LOVED YOUR CHA CHA

[UKstandardGENT]

WELL DONE!! Such rapid-fire improvement! VERY impressive, Guys! Got word that the comp in Vegas recently was a mucky morass of politics and that your girl was major collatoral damage of the partisanship. So sorry to hear that, but sadly, I am not surprised. Try to keep her spirits up..it can be very disheartening to someone who puts so much heart into the sport.

The wheel will turn soon enough..chins up!!

[TELEMARKstandard]

You have done it again! WOW! REMARKABLE job all around. This Pro simply astounds me with what he's accomplishing with this amateur. Throughout this routine, there are moments that make us feel that this is NOT Pro-AM. Your gal is a micro-millimeter away from NAILING those lock steps!! NOT an easy thing to do at her experience level. My most hearty compliments to both of you. Keep your eyes on the prize...it is a case of "when" not "if" with this couple!

[SacramentoSalsa]

Barrera, you continue to astonish. How the freakin bejeesus can you get a bronze, fairly newbie to pull off a choreography like this. Holy crap, she shouldn't even be able to manage the footwork at her level, never mind arm movement, sex appeal and showmanship. She actually managed some ankle brushing in this really fast Cha! WTF!! I have a 5-year bronze student who's pretty damn good but still doesn't get foot-path tracing. All I can say is that Nat'l Champ. is just a matter of time for you 2!

[dancewithheart]

They weren't kiddin when they said that the guys who can dance get all the best girls.oo baby, I like it like that!!hot 'n sweet..I thought I was lucky with my amateur partners but dude, cha-ching, you hit the jackpot! BTW, super-hot Cha.

[RiseOnThe2]

Do you two ever do ANYTHING that's NOT fab!?!

Am lovin you guys. From a Pro's perspective you are EVERYTHING I want to see in a Pro-Am match-up!! As individuals, you are models of a great pro and a competitive amateur. As a couple you are PURE GOLD. You are the classic case of a pair that brings out the best in each-other, so complementary as a couple. One of the few pairs out there that give off that "meant-to-be-together vibe. So nice to see AND feel. Best wishes for the 2009 Season!

[voltasBrasil]

sweeeeeeeeet! havin a blast watchin u 2 move up the ranks and blowing past the competition. Don't let political judging getcha down..those of us in the "ranks" know what's reality and what's politics...u 2 are the real deal. keep up the great work. u guys are definitely the crowd favorite, not 2 mention the admiration of your fellow pro-am pairs. LUCK 2 U!

[chassesNpivots]

Very, Very, VERY NICE! I get more and more impressed every time I see you 2. Really enjoying watching the warp-speed progress of this student/pro-am pair. Quite remarkable, actually. Keep the videos coming.your "fans" demand it..ha, ha! Awesome leadership, Barrera..if we are able to feel the chemistry and connection on an internet video, imagine what you make us feel in person! Good luck to both of you.

[SacramentoSalsa]

Have you introduced her to International Latin yet? I was watching her movement and she seems like she would naturally move well in Intl..seems to be her inherent/instinctive style. Think she'll amaze us all..try it! Good luck in 09.

[UKstandardGENT]

Once again, I must say...this is the student we all dream of finding: beautiful, wonderful floor presence and personality, loads of class yet tempting and sexy at the same time, scads of raw talent...good for you, Barrera for finding her! you 2 truly make a remarkable pair...simply oozing chemistry. my compliments.

[SteppinOut5678]

Hot, Hot, Hot!! I LIKE it like THAT!! Seriously...totally sweet u 2!! we all wanna know how such a smokin hottie in rhythm can also knock our socks off in smooth! Lordy, Lordy Barrera..u sooo hit the lottery with this one. Congrats to u both. u keep amazing us...can only imagine what u 2 will look like after a few more years together..ahhh..the stuff of dreams!

[PasoDobleGuy]

Kudos to one of the classiest Pro-Am couples ever! Saw you in Vegas last week. Saw you totally shine & get plowed over by politics. Gotta say, MY students would have crumbled..your sportsmanship is amazing. Your girl just keeps on smiling, Barrera. You will win-out in the end but want you to know, the way you 2 were affected by politics WAS noticed..by a lot of us..if everyone behaved with the class you 2 have, politics wouldn't exist in Ballroom. WE LOVE YOU GUYS! ps--AMAZING CHA-CHA, Dude!

[alejandroLAX]

So great seeing u in Vegas last week!! Barrera, gotta tell u, my 2 young (A-1) bronze students idolize u guys...they just LOVE your girl. One of my gals had a costume prob. & your girl helped her fix it...now she totally worships her. Thanks 4 being such awesome role models, not to mention the hottest Pro-Am pair to hit the circuit in years!

[WeLive4Dance]

Please see my last comment attached to your Foxtrot video...important!

[BallroomCANADA]

THANK YOU so much for posting a Rhythm video. The connection you 2 have will serve as a great example for many of our Bronze ladies! Barrera, here's the burning question that My colleagues and I all have: How the HELL can you get your girl, who we know is at Bronze level, to perform such a high level choreography with so much confidence, sensuality and...TIMING!! WOW! We can all see you have an incredible partnership but still...this is so sweet..golden!!