FAMOUS HALLOWEEN MOVIE LINES TRIVIA QUIZ 
Contributed by first by Daniel Evans

1. Leave her alone, you bitch! 
2. They're all gonna laugh at you! 
3. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.
4. They're here! 
5. I see dead people.
6. Here's Johnny!
7. We're not in Kansas any more!
8. Friend…
9. Mother isn't feeling well.
10. I'll hurt you if you stay…
11. I'm a sweet Transvestite
12. Redrum

(Editor's Note: Wasn't that fun? Answers are at the bottom of the page.)
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HOW THE SSQQ NEWSLETTER WORKS

After I get through writing the SSQQ Newsletter, it is not unusual to see the entire document takes up to 50 pages!! At the moment I am halfway through and my word count is already above 14,000.

Emailing the entire Newsletter would be prohibitive. So what I do is email information about the highlights of upcoming classes and parties plus tidbits about some of the stories in the Newsletter. What I send to all people on the email list is a mere tip of the iceberg, perhaps 10% of the larger Newsletter contained at the SSQQ Web Site. 

The idea is to use the email as a reminder to click over to the Extended SSQQ Newsletter on the website. Not everybody understands this. Here is a quick correspondence from Bronnie Browne to illustrate my point. 

"Hi Rick,
Unable to sleep I am up at 4 am and was most pleased to see the SSQQ newsletter had come in and I could have a leisurely read. I was even more interested to see there was an article about the odious Longhorn Jackass listed as Story 8. But when I scroll down to it there seems no link and no content beyond the byline. Did you leave something off in error??
I keenly await more, Bronnie"

MY REPLY:

"Hi Bronnie,

The complete version of the SSQQ Newsletter can read at:
http://www.ssqq.com/ssqq/newsletter.htm  
This is where you will find the rest of your story. Rick"

HER REPLY:

"Silly me. Thanks! Bronnie"
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STORY TEN: THE FASCINATING TRUE STORY OF HOW SSQQ GOT ITS START, WARTS AND ALL. 

After 25 years in the dance business, there is no doubt that a man named Glen Hunsucker will forever remain the single most influential person in my career. 

Glen was my dance teacher for six years from 1978 to 1984. He gave me the valuable training I needed to become an effective dance teacher. 

It was Glen who saved my skin in 1980 when I was thrown out of my first dance studio. By offering his own studio as a safety net, he stepped in to save my skin at a time when I had no other options. 

For the next eight years following the rescue I subleased space from Glen at Dance Arts. These years were the most financially profitable era of my career. These years were also a period of great expansion for my business. In many ways I liken the Dance Arts era to the protective period a parent gives a child to grow up and prepare to take of himself. 

Finally in an odd twist of fate, it was Glen who indirectly donated his studio to me, the pivotal move that opened the door for SSQQ to become the largest dance studio in the city of Houston. 

And yet there is a mystery about why Glen's importance to the studio has never been revealed before.

Long-time readers of the SSQQ Newsletter and the SSQQ Web Site know I love to write about every important or interesting event that ever occurred during the studio's long history. And yet the story of Glen Hunsucker is at best the hundredth story I have written. Doesn't that seem an odd position for the story of the man I have named as without a doubt the single most important reason my career has succeeded? By all rights, shouldn't Glen's story have been the one of the first?

The reason I have avoided writing about this episode in my life is that I always wanted this story to be a tribute, but hesitated because it also reveals controversy and a great tragedy, one that I have never completely come to grips with. Unlike many of my stories which include elements of humor and irony, the story of Glen Hunsucker is mostly one of pain and unresolved feelings. On the one hand I wanted to tell the world Glen's great ability, but on the other hand I wanted to protect his reputation... Does this sound like a conflict to you?

My uncertainty over the correct path to take explains why it has taken me so long to get up the nerve to write about this man who was so pivotal in my life for ten years and so instrumental in my career. 

http://ssqq.com/information/advent38.htm
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SSQQ SLOW DANCE AND ROMANCE - ANN THEALL AND ED JABLONSKI GET ENGAGED.

Sent: Friday, October 17, 2003 5:12 PM
To: SSQQ Dance Studio
Subject: the straight story...

"Dear Rick:

It is my proud pleasure to give you the straight story (before Rachael Seff and Melissa Gauthier confuse you with their rumors) on the engagement of Ann Theall and myself. 

We met several years ago, long before our association with SSQQ, at our church (sorry, you can't claim that we met at SSQQ!). Worse, I was even taking dance lessons at the time at (shudder!) another studio across town, but nonetheless was (barely!) able to impress her with my dancing ability. Somewhat later (a few months), Ann discovered SSQQ, and then was able to clearly recognize that my dancing skills needed improvement at a better studio. She subsequently recommended SSQQ to me. I took (she re-took) Rachael's Intermediate C&W class together and have been hooked on SSQQ ever since. It has been off and on for several years before we two bowed to the inevitable. Our kids all get along well, and we are looking forward to a happy future together.

So, do YOU owe Ann a bonus commission for her bringing in my business to you? Or do I owe YOU a bonus commission for training me to be a good enough dancer for her to finally agree to marry me? Hmmmmm...

Thanks for the opportunity to give you the true story, sincerely, Edward J.

P.S.: What you CAN claim is that SSQQ ladies tend to expect higher standards from their men. I believe that after taking a few of your classes, few of the ladies would later pick a partner who is a non-dancer !

(Editor's Note: Ann Theall is an SSQQ Volunteer Instructor. She is also a very gifted dancer. If we helped improve Ed's dancing to the point that he is now acceptable to her as a lifelong dance partner, then I think the studio deserves a little credit. 

Congratulations to both!)
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SSQQ SLOW DANCE AND ROMANCE - SSQQ INSTRUCTOR MICHELLE WANN AND TRENT HAYNES GET ENGAGED.

-----Original Message-----
From: Michelle Wann 
Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2003 3:44 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: Re: engagement to trent haynes

"hi Rick!

I have to say, if only we could have taken a picture of the look on your face when you saw the ring and said, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" :-) priceless - I loved it!

hmmmm....lessee...

How about "everyone should take Whip and West Coast Swing classes at SSQQ because it is a hot and sexy dance where you might meet the man or woman of your dreams?"

How about that? :-)

Ok seriously ( I do *try* to be serious *sometimes*)...

"I am very happy to announce my engagement to Trent Haynes. Those who know him know that he is a loving generous man who happens to be a wonderful dancer. We have not decided on a date yet, but I will keep you posted."

Thanks for asking about my engagement!

Michelle"

(Editor's Note: Michelle Wann is one of the world's great sweethearts. I think she is terrific. Smart, pretty, funny, warm… this girl's got it all. I love to dance with her and I love her humility. Did you know she and Bryan Spivey won a big Houston City Championship this year? You would know unless I told you because she is very down to earth. 

I know Trent Haynes mostly by his reputation as one of Houston's best dancers. I believe he has won many contests although that's an end of the dance world I don't pay much attention to. I have only talked to Trent Haynes once. He seemed very nice. I knew his mother Jeannie very well. In fact I taught her how to Whip. She was a great dancer! I wish both Michelle and Trent the very best.

The shock Michelle mentioned was real. SSQQ has become an unbelievable wedding factory for our staff. Sometimes it seems like half the people working here are engaged or recently married or on the verge of getting engaged.

For the record, 

1. Rick Archer is engaged to Marla Gorzynski. 
2. Linda Cook is engaged to Timm Chavez. 
3. Paula da Silva got married just a year plus ago. 
4. Tracy King and Jeff Perry got married just a year plus ago. 
5. Rachel Seff is getting married to Dave Koenig in November.
6. Ann Bush and Brian White are engaged and to be married in December.
7. Carol Armand met Arthur Madrid here and married him earlier this year.
8. Jim Coulter met his wife Ulrike here and married her a year and half ago.
9. Vicki Bernard met Johnny Smith here and will marry him in November.
10. Michelle Wann just announced her engagement to Trent Haynes. 
11. Patty Or is getting married to David Holmes in November

Perhaps I should add that Ben Liles met his wife Diana at the studio, Daryl Armstrong met Joanne here, and Karen Clawsen met Dennis here.

Plus I know a couple other staffers who could succumb to old ssqq slow dance and romance magic at any time, but I don't wish to jinx them by saying something!!

If you want to get married, join my staff. It's that simple. Sometimes I tease we should rename the SSQQ Web Site to the SSQQ Wed Site. 
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TRACY AND JEFF PERRY HAVE THEIR BABY!!

Back in August of 2002 I wrote about Tracy King's wedding to Jeff Perry, the handsome man she met here at the studio. Now just as I have written about Daryl and Joanne Armstrong and Ben and Diana Liles, it's time to announce the birth of Tracy and Jeff's first child, Kaylyn!! If memory serves, the unusual name 'Kaylyn' is the mixture of Tracy's mother and Jeff's mother's names.

"Dear friends and family--

Sorry to communicate in the mass fashion, but time is limited now. 

Kaylyn Sage Perry was born Thursday, October 16 at 2:04 pm. She weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce and was 20 inches long.

Here is the short story: I woke up in early labor Wednesday morning, went to the hospital that afternoon and was sent home because I was not far enough along. At 2:00 am Thursday morning I was admitted to the hospital in major labor. Many more hours later, including 2 and half of pushing, the doctor decided that a C section was necessary. At 2:04 pm, Kaylyn was born. After a 30 hours of labor, Mom, Baby, and Dad were all well.

Saturday afternoon, Kaylyn had a fever of 102 degrees and went to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The fever came down quickly, but she staid in NICU for observation, testing, and the results of blood cultures until last night. She is perfectly healthy and happy and there is no explanation for the fever.

Finally, Mom, Dad, and Kaylyn spent the night at their own home last night. Kaylyn has brown hair and blues eyes and is strong as an ox. She is also independent and willful and wonderfully sweet. We will send photos as soon as we can get home long enough to get organized.

Love,
Tracy, Jeff, and Kaylyn"
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LETTY AND PATRICK DOUGHERTY HAVE A SIX-MONTH OLD DAUGHTER NAMED ELLIE.

Editor's Note: Letty and Patrick met here at SSQQ. They were married on Saint Patrick's Day a couple of years ago. The last time I saw them was a year ago at the Halloween Party. Letty is one of our most famous costume artists and naturally the two of them won an "Honorable Mention" in the yearly costume contest. Since then, Letty has obviously found something more important to do than come up with a new costume!! 

-----Original Message-----
From: Letty Dougherty  mailto:Lettydougherty@aol.com
Sent: Friday, October 10, 2003 12:22 AM

"Hola Amigos,

We're tickled pink to announce the six month birthday of our daughter Elizabeth Marie.

Precious is she and oh so sweet. Tiny hands and adorable feet. Given to us by God above, a darling daughter for us to love.

Ellie is full of energy and is very healthy. She currently weights 16.2 pounds and is 24 3/4 inches long. She has two lower front teeth and her ears have been pierced. She is still nursing and she is eating solid foods. She plays around with the bottle but will not drink milk from it.

Patrick and I have been blessed with a high energy spirited child. I call her my Chile pepper. There is never a boring moment with her. I am glad I am staying at home. We are involved in many activities and educational programs that are definitely essential for her development.

Here are Ellie's milestones:
Physical Dev: Sits alone and stands with support, loves to jump up and down, turns over easily and uses rolling over to move around room. She loves to dance and exercise with mommy.
Senses and Reflexes: She holds objects, pulls hair and objects, grasps, bangs on objects, likes to play with food and wants to eat grown up food. She loves to take baths.
Mental Dev: She plays vigorously with toys, shows greater interest in details, says "nam nam" when she is eating and of course she says "mama", she gets excited when objects fall. Loves to watch cartoons and hear music.
Social Dev: She enjoys people, loves to play, giggle and laugh, recognizes family members and friends, shows humor and teases, smiles at self in mirror, vocalizes pleasure and displeasure and lastly, shouts for attention.

Ellie is very lovable, affectionate, strong, cuddly, sensitive, intelligent and sociable. We are so proud of her. We thank God for all the blessings, family and friends He has given us.

Love,
Letty, Patrick and Ellie"
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ASHLEY EASLEY WINS A GYMNASTICS COMPETITION!

Tom Easley is one of my best friends. He met his beautiful wife Margaret here at the studio and married her back in the mid eighties. Tom is such a character that I devoted a page on my web site to his unusual exploits. http://ssqq.com/information/advent11.htm

Tom mentioned to me that his lovely daughter Ashley recently won a prestigious gymnastics event run by the former national Romanian and American Olympics coach Bela Karolyi. I was unaware that Ashley was heavily involved in gymnastics but I remembered noticing right from the start just how remarkably athletic she was. Therefore nothing Tom told me surprised me very much about Ashley's great accomplishment. Tom added she finished second the year before so this success was not at all unexpected. I asked Tom to give me more details and Margaret answered with this:

"The event was held at Bela Karoly's ranch outside of Waverly, Tx. I think it was called the Judge's Gold Cup competition. It was basically a district qualifier for state. This is the man that coached Nadia Comanchi, Mary Lou Retton, and Kerry Strug to victory. He was the coach of the US Olympic women's team that won the US the gold medal in Atlanta 96. 

We met him that day before the competition and he was very sweet and friendly. I shook his hand as he welcomed us (he was in the parking lot directing traffic) and he wished Ashley luck. My only regret is that we missed having our picture made with him. Ashley's was the last award announced (since it was the highest) and by the time we got through, he had left after posing for many adoring moms.

I don't know what Tom told you, but Ashley won first place for highest overall score in level 4 (this is the second to the lowest level in competitive gymnastics, so she's not QUITE ready for the Olympics). She scored a 37.5 out of 40 points. She would have done better, but she fell off the beam doing her split jump. Since she usually does well on this event, I asked her why her focus was so off after the competition. I discovered a quick trip to a certain place would have made more than a wee bit of difference." 
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STORY SIX:
MORE ABOUT THE LEGENDARY LONGHORN JACKASS!!

Stories of the Legendary Longhorn Jackass began to filter in on a regular basis back in 2000. Since then LJ sightings have become pretty frequent although I don't publish all the stories I hear about this guy. Even though the Longhorn closed last year, his legend continues. Apparently like the rest of the studio he moved over to Wild West as well. 

One woman managed to get a photo of the guy. First she asked her husband to go stand next to him. While she pretended to photograph her husband, she got a scary picture of LJ instead. 

And to read some of the stories about LL Cool J (Legendary Longhorn Cool Jackass), click here: http://ssqq.com/information/longhornjackass.htm

In the October Newsletter, we had a fascinating story about how Mac Riley deliberately risks the ire of Mr. LL Cool J by whisking victims right out from under his nose. 

Now this month we have yet another take on this bizarre predator from Bronnie Browne:

Mon 10/06/2003 11:40 AM
"Hi Rick,

It is a few days later, but I have finally got to the stories about the Longhorn Jackass. Mac is not the only protector of unwitting victims. A friend of mine, Jim, does a sterling job of both warning beforehand and checking after the encounter and the two of us often operate in tandem. 

I have forewarned some women myself having had a most unpleasant encounter with the man before I knew who he was. I've come to know the type he preys upon: A woman usually sitting alone and not knowing anyone. 

I remember that situation well from my early days before discovering SSQQ when you know no one and any dance offer is welcome. I now like to keep an eye out for LJ prey and I have a story to tell about the Jackass.

There is one particular night of which I am quite proud when I saw a "new" woman sitting alone at Wild West. It wasn't too long before the LJ moved in and he monopolized her for quite some time. She didn't look too keen on the situation. The off-floor body language said it all: He plunked down right by her, leaned in to her and she leaned away, but he didn't take the hint. In fact it got worse and I could see the strained polite smile on her face getting harder to maintain. 

After a while I couldn't bear it, so worked out a ploy to "rescue" her. There was no one on her other side, so I walked by as if going to the restroom and then acted like I recognized her. I gave her a little hug and spoke right into her ear saying "You don't know me, but act like you do if you want to get away from this man. If you don't just play along and I won't bother you any more."

Well, she did need rescuing, so I continued the pretense of long-lost friendship and pointed out where I was hanging out for the night with the SSQQ gang were standing and told her to feel free to come over whenever she wanted. I then left with the LJ not knowing what had happened, but frowning with the thought that it wasn't in his interests.

She did come over very soon after and thanked me. I explained about him and she said she was visiting from Florida, didn't know anyone and had gone out dancing hoping to meet some people. She got more than she bargained for. But then I introduced her to my friend, Jim, who is dance etiquette personified and he danced with her several times so she had a better idea of Houston dance community members.

Just thought I'd share that with you. The man is a CREEP.

Bronnie"

(Editor's Note: Not only will Sandy Lenard Doozy's nail person be in the Haunted House, but I have invited the Longhorn Jackass to be there as well!!

While we are it, if any of our readers are desperate for a Halloween costume, has anyone thought of coming as LL Cool J? You would be a hit, I guarantee it. ;-) 
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SSQQ COMPLAINT OF THE MONTH I - THE SSQQ WEB SITE IS MEDIOCRE

-----Original Message-----
From: Mitchell, Jan
Sent: Friday, October 10, 2003 2:35 PM
To: 'dance@ssqq.com'
Subject: Website suggestions...

"I see from your "credits" that you have a "professional" website designer, but I've gotta tell you, it's VERY confusing to read. With every click on a home page button (Schedule, Register, Parties, etc.), it seems like I'm in a totally different place. None of the pages look the same, not to mention the buttons on each of them. This makes it VERY hard to navigate.

This is my first experience with your school, your site, etc., and I don't want to appear to be only critical, but in this techno-savvy day and age, I recommend that you put a more professional image out there by having your site redesigned so it a) looks like you have only ONE company with ONE image and ONE "look", and b) doesn't look like someone put it together in their garage. (Right now it looks like a 13-year-old made it with Front Page or something.)

Sorry if I'm sounding "harsh". It's just a suggestion...."

MY REPLY: 

"Jan, I do all the work myself. It is an immense web site with several hundreds of pages, some of which haven't been updated in five years. I am definitely not a professional, hence the amateurish look. 

Please forgive the mess. "

HER REPLY:

I hope I didn't offend you...I have a good designer for my own site who can help you if you want to contract it out: www.sevendesignavenue.com. Honestly, I don't get a cut! I just like her work and have had a great customer experience. : )

Jan"


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STORY ELEVEN
COMPLAINT OF THE MONTH - RICK ARCHER IS AN ARROGANT ASS AND MORE.

(Editor's Note: Suggestions that I am an "Arrogant Ass" and "Arrogant Bastard" have lurked in the shadows for a long time. 

This moniker got its start in 2000 when a man wrote an email to me to complain that I was literally an "Arrogant bastard". I lost my temper and had a few things to say to him and everyone else about that letter. If you are curious, you can read the story by clicking below.
http://ssqq.com/information/advent27.htm

Now in October 2003 a gentleman by the name of Eric Hermida, aka the Half-Breed, used a take-off on the AB slogan and converted it to AA instead. Sounds like a blood type. I am AA negative.

As you read, I invite you to decide whether Mr. Hermida called me an "AA" or not. He claims he didn't. I think he did. You can be the jury. Let me know your verdict.

Eric took every Salsa class we had to offer a couple years ago. When the Salsa Eddy nonsense started, he decided it was time to abandon SSQQ. His letters explain at great length exactly why he felt so disgruntled about me and about SSQQ.

In an odd way Mr. Hermida's letters can actually be seen as a compliment. No one could ever have the insight into my personality or my organization that he displays without caring a lot about this place at one point in his life. At any rate, read on at your own risk!!)
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-----Original Message-----
From: Half-Breed [aka Eric Hermida]
Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2003 1:21 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: ID cards, SalsaEddy, "at war", etc...

Rick...

I've watched with much amusement and dismay at the happenings over the years at SSQQ. At most times I've felt you've been quite the arrogant ass, but in retrospect, I realize that I don't always have the ability to view things in your perspective because of the fact that I am not you, nor do I have any insight as to why you do certain things, nor do I have any true vested interest in the studio other than to learn and socialize. For the former (me thinking of you as an arrogant ass) I apologize (in part) to you for judging you without truly knowing you. I do however feel that at times you have a tendency not to take the other persons view in perspective, and can be rather arrogant in your persona. I've come to realize that is just part of your personality and we should just accept it as is.

In regards to the whole Salsa "at war" issue... my dismay comes from that way the salsa community gets 'split' by having to side with one studio or another. I've always hoped that instead, all the salsa studios could just get together and have a 'summit' of some sort, iron out these issues of direct attack, and do what it takes to promote salsa within the community. Maybe I'm just a little more idealistic than most. 

I did take issue with the way some of the regular salsa people have been treated when there was the appearance that they might have had some connection with Eddy Deynes. Too many times have I watched my friends crucified for having a friendship/relationship with Eddy, without realizing that they have no direct nor indirect connection with how Eddy or the other groups do business. Only afterwards, when it was learned that my friends were unjustly accused of committing some atrocious act or another, did they recieve some sort of apology. Guilty until proven innocent in a nutshell.

I'll have to admit that after watching several of these attacts directed at bystanders who are guilty of nothing other than 'guilt by association', did I myselt decide to personally abstain from attending your studio. Eddy's socials are still on Fridays, and I've attended a couple. I consider Eddy Deynes to be within my circle of friends, he has done nothing to me personally that would give him status otherwise. When Eddy decided to directly compete with your studio (the first 'true' attact from my viewpoint) by having a salsa social on Tuesdays, I decided enough was enough. I personally abstained from attending his studio as well. Currently I attend neither your studio, nor Eddy's, nor anybody else's. The amount of antagonism between the 'street salsa' studios and yours has made salsa in any of the studios an unpleasant experience. I heard a seeming ridiculous story of "spy's" being sent over from SSQQ to Eddy's studio to report on who's attending his socials, so that they can be blacklisted at SSQQ. Somehow this all comes to the point of ridiculous in my limited viewpoint.

I fully realize that you are in direct competition with other studios for business. The issue is how the competition is viewed in the salsa community. Instead of friendly competition to raise awareness, promote dance as a wholesome alternative to binge drinking or anything else otherwise not healthy, I see a lot of needless bickering and fingerpointing. If you've ever been sickened thoroughly during an election to watch the endless muckraking and mudslinging of one candidate to another, then you can hopefully see what I see. Instead of dealing with issues in the salsa community and promoting a wonderfully healthy, fun, clean activity like salsa, all we salseros get to see are studio bashing and negativity.

I'm fairly well known in the salsa community. I used to do some amateur promoting with my weekly Salsa Calendar. Most people view me as an above average dancer (not great, but I can live with that) and I'm glad I have a reputation as a good lead. A lot of people ask me where I learned how to salsa like I do. My answer? SSQQ. I regularly attended classes at SSQQ for over 3 years on an almost monthly basis (9 out of 12 months per year approx). I've referred 20,30, maybe almost 50 people to your studio over the past 4-5 years I've been dancing salsa. 

But here's one thing I've come to realize about your studio that maybe you don't. You have a niche market that the other studios don't. You have a distinct advantage that SalsaEddy, SalsaAzteca, Guaguanco, Guajiro, Cosalda, Kyuco, etc, do NOT have. Your association with LLU provides your studio more beginner salsa recruits on a monthly basis than ALL THE OTHER STUDIOS COMBINED. You should be proud of that.

Another thing that I've come to realize about your studio that you may not want to come to grips with is that with the advantage you have over the other studios is also your weakness. Because of the sheer number of students in your beginner/ intermediate classes, its more of a matter of quantity vs quality. With 1 teacher and 1 assistant, it's almost impossible to teach 60-80 new people how to correctly dance salsa, teach technique, teach style, teach clave, etc... you show them the basics, after that its purely sink or swim. The ones that don't get it, thankfully drop out after a month or two due to lack of personal attention. The ones that do get it move on. Occasionally, you'll get a couple that don't get it at all, but they still strive to move forward in the classes, and within 3 short months, with no willingness to practice, and absolutely no true concept of rhythm, timing, lead/follow, foot placement, etc, they are Advanced. Wooohooo! These are the people that make me get to my last point. 

These people who are allowed to be called advanced dancers simply because they've attended 2 previous classes screw up what the truly advanced dancers are trying to learn. In a couple of cases that I personally know of, there are students who have never taken a single salsa class anywhere, that are allowed to just jump in on your advanced class, without any prerequisite or skills assessment. The people who 'get it'... who actually have the right to be called above average dancers (intermediate plus), wind up getting frustrated with that situation. So what happens next?

Well, they start asking around... "Hey, who's that bald guy over there? He's a damn good dancer. Does he teach?".... "Who's the kid doing all that styling? Damn, they don't teach that at SSQQ, can he teach me that?"... "WOW!, you mean that there's more to salsa than just forward/back 123-567... there's freestyle, footwork, tricks, pauses" In essence, the other studios offer things you don't. Your studio provides a very basic and necessary background to a beginner salsero. Basics, practice, repetition. But if a true salsero wants to become advanced, he/she has to move on and try other instructors, studio, workshops, congresses, etc... Now, these other studios aren't stealing your students. You've taken Joe Salsa and taught him as much as he/she is gonna get from your studio. Now, they graduate to something a little different, more advanced, more stylish, clean up the technique, learn style, footwork, shines, etc... If you've done your job right, and you continue to promote a FUN, safe atmosphere in which to dance salsa in, one night, when Joe Salsa is bustin' a move on the floor, somebody is gonna come up to him and ask, "Where'd you learn to dance like that?". And if you've laid a good basic groundwork, and left the door open for Joe Salsa to come back on a good basis, they'll say, "Go to SSQQ, it's by far the best value for your money to learn salsa. After you get the basics down, you can shop around for different instructors, but if you haven't gone at least 6 months at SSQQ learning all that they have to offer, you haven't taken full advantage of one of the best studios around."

In summary to all of the above, I'd like to finish with a couple of things:

Kudos to you for finally realizing that the people like me who have spent years at SSQQ promoting SSQQ for you for free, deserve the same recognition as someone who currently attends your classes. I'll come by sometime and pick up my card sometime soon.

Please realize that all we want is a fun place to dance and that we'd rather not 'pick sides'. Kiss and make up, call a salsa summit, do whatever it takes, but lets make salsa fun again.

Relish the fact that you get more salsa rookies thru your door than any other studio, but also realize that some day the little birdie is going to leave the nest. You offer things other studios don't, and other studios offer things that you don't. In the end, its all a wash and you still make buttloads of money, and if you've done your job right, every person that leaves your studio will refer 20,30, 50 more back to it, just like I have. 

As an FYI, there's a website called http://www.fortheloveofsalsa.com/ For the Love of Salsa that is promoting 1 free day of salsa lessons on Octover 11th. I didn't see SSQQ on the list. Hopefully I'll see SSQQ giving back something to the salsa community. A little goodwill goes a long way.

FYI #2: Jorge Mercado who teaches at UH, and has a non-profit organization called Houston Salsa Dancers, gives scholarships to underprivileged kids to go to college if they attend his classes. He is organizing the Houston Salsa Congress and has had to put it off because of a lack of an adequate place to hold the workshops. SSQQ with its different rooms and staging areas provides exactly what Jorge might be looking for. You have a wonderful opportunity here to do several things:

1. support a wonderful non-profit venture using a salsa related event

2. promote SSQQ in a new way to a wide range of salseros from the city and from other cities/countries

3. be the first to lay down the 'gauntlet' thrown by the other studios and just be 'big' about things

I appreciate the time, I appreciate the many wonderful friends and memories that SSQQ has given me over the many years, and I appreciate your studio. Have a great year and maybe I'll see you at SSQQ sometime soon. 

Eric Hermida

MY REPLY:

"At most times I've felt you've been quite the arrogant ass."

Not exactly the most effective way to put me in a warm-hearted mood, Eric, but if it makes you happy to insult me I guess that is your right.

"I've always hoped that all the salsa studios could just get together and have a 'summit' of some sort"

Eric, I mind my own business. 

This has two meanings. One, it means I leave other organizations alone. Two, it means I will take any action necessary to prevent exploitation by people such as your friend Eddy who goes around putting his business cards on every car in my parking lot. I cannot imagine a more low-class disrespectful move. Nor does he deny doing it. 

It amazes me that people like you and Red Angeli keep harping at me about the discord in the Salsa world as if I had something to do with it. I never did one thing to harm Salsa Eddy. All I did was tell the man in no uncertain terms to quit lying to our faces about his unsavory actions of recruiting our students on studio premises behind our backs. First Eddy promised Judy Archer that he would never recruit our students to take lessons at his studio, then the moment I confronted him about one student in particular who had spilled the beans about what Eddy was up to, Eddy admitted the student was correct. 

"My dismay comes from that way the salsa community gets 'split' by having to side with one studio or another."

What the heck is wrong with you, Eric? Where do you get ideas like this? No one is being forced by SSQQ to choose sides. You are welcome to dance here tonight as long as you don't call me an "ass" again. No one has been banned. Nor do we have a blacklist.

Do you honestly believe anyone in the Salsa World gives a flip about this stuff? Here at SSQQ all we are trying to do is teach people to dance well for an inexpensive price. At the same time we don't even begin to pretend we are movers and shakers in the world of salsa politics.

I have no desire have a meeting with Salsa Eddy even if it would make you happy. If he is successful due to his own actions and talent, more power to him. But what kind of fantasy world do you live in to think I have any reason or desire to interact with a man who has tried to harm and exploit my studio?

Here is a warm fuzzy for you, Eric. Salsa Eddy has left my studio alone now for the past six months. We get along great now. 

"I did take issue with the way some of the regular salsa people have been treated when there was the appearance that they might have had some connection with Eddy Deynes. Too many times have I watched my friends be crucified"

Would you care to document the alleged crucifixion of your friends? Was anyone beaten? Threatened with bodily harm? Yelled at? 

Of course not. We simply asked a couple people to leave. Aren't you getting a little carried away here? And let me add that "crucifixion" is far too serious a word to be used in this context. 

"I heard a seemingly ridiculous story of "spies" being sent over from SSQQ to Eddy's studio to report on who's attending his socials, so that they can be blacklisted at SSQQ."

Eric, you have my word of honor and may God strike me dead if I am lying that I know of absolutely no such scheme. I would fire anyone who cooked up such a far-fetched plan. This is SSQQ you are talking about. We leave people alone. We do not go out of our way to look for trouble. We aren't the Sopranos. We don t intimidate anybody, spy on anybody, steal students from anybody, lie to other dance professionals or in any way try to harm their businesses. At SSQQ we mind our own business and respect the right of any honest instructor to make a living teaching people how to dance.

"Another thing that I've come to realize about your studio that you may not want to come to grips with is that with the advantage you have over the other studios is also your weakness. Because of the sheer number of students in your beginner/ intermediate classes, its more of a matter of quantity vs. quality."

Come to grips with what?? Give me a break, Eric. I think you are guilty of exaggerating the difficulty of learning to dance Salsa. As you well know, lots of people learn Salsa just by watching in the clubs. Others buy videotapes and learn it. Anyone will tell you that 90% of learning to dance is simply Practice Practice Practice. 

When I was learning to dance, I took private lessons from a very good instructor. Despite all the wonderful one on one advice I received, I never made much progress as a dancer until I started to practice. And I might add that most of what I have learned about leading came from practice. Where my instructor helped was showing me the moves. After that I did the rest myself. So don't waste my time with that nonsense about how our students aren't receiving enough benefit from individualized instruction. 

And when it comes to providing opportunities for our students to Practice, SSQQ is still light years ahead of the other studios. 

Furthermore it doesn't matter if there are 20 students or 60 students as long as they can see and hear the instructor and have room to move. 

And for that matter a strong case could be made for the energy and excitement generated by having so many dancers in the class rooms and during practice night. My guess is most people would prefer to take classes with a large, enthusiastic group of 50 people than a class of 5. 

You speak so eloquently of the beauty of small, intimate classes at the other studios. Gosh, Eric, doesn't it get a little boring for a guy to dance with the same two women all night long? Switch partners. Ola Carmen. Switch partners. How ya doing Dulce? Ladies and Gentlemen, Mambo Number 2. I guess learning everyone's name isn't too tough. There's one big advantage. 

In September 2003 we had 300 people taking Salsa classes at SSQQ. This means on any given night there are literally hundreds of men and women to dance with and hundreds of people to meet. Any lady learning to dance Salsa at SSQQ might dance with 30 to 40 different men a night. She's going to learn everything there is about following in short order and have a blast in the process. 

And a man learns to lead countless different women just like he would in a club. And what a joy having 40 different women move their bodies and their hips in his arms all night long! This is more fun than most men deserve, but women love to dance so much that even a nerd becomes Apollo once he learns to dance. 

At SSQQ, there are so many beautiful women taking Salsa classes I constantly catch myself staring in awe and disbelief as they walk by. If I were a hot-blooded single young man, I would take every Salsa class SSQQ had to offer. And I would practice every night after class just for the chance to dance with these talented, lovely ladies and put them in my arms. 

Dancing Salsa at SSQQ is an enormous pleasure. 

And you know what? I bet all these long-winded notes from you and Red are really just cover-ups for the fact that you both miss dancing here a lot, but you can't swallow your pride and admit it. 


HIS REPLY:

-----Original Message-----
From: Half-Breed 
Sent: Wednesday, October 01, 2003 1:15 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: Re: Re: Re: comments

First of all... LOL... Rick, I ask you to reread the first section. I did not CALL you an ass. I wrote the original email in 2 sections because I was interrupted. I did take time to reread the first part and was concerned that it might not be the best way to start out an email, especially to someone you really don't know. I reread it several times and was satisfied with the intent. Let me give you just a small perspective on my viewpoint. I've had 3 separate face to face contacts with you. In none of the times we interfaced did I come out of it with any sort of warm fuzzy. 1) when i first started classes and in passing I said "hello" to you cause we made a momentary eye contact, you blew me off completely. Maybe you didn't hear me although there was nobody else w/in 10 feet of you. I guess you were distracted with something on your mind. 2) another time when I was still fairly new at your studio, I asked you a question regarding "Why xxxx" Sorry, i don't remember the question nor the response, but it didn't seem to be a question that would be out of line, and you gave me a truly sarcastic and biting answer. 3) one time I was talking with one of your instructors about 10-15 minutes before classes were starting. The instructor was doing nothing in particular when we started conversing, and I was actually asking her a question regarding classes. For some reason, you came up to me and the instructor and asked me if I had something better to do than bug your instructors and shoo'ed me off. Now, I've got a fairly good sense of self-esteem, and I don't need redemption nor validation from you, but lets just say that in NONE of our brief instances of chance happenings have I gotten anything resembling a warm fuzzy, especially considering I spend money at your place of business. So, if in my personal opinion of you at the time was to view you as an ass, then it was based solely on our interaction together. Please understand one last point, I never called you an ass, neither to your face or to anybody else, it was merely my personal opinion and I was actually apologizing to you for merely having an UNvoiced opinion of you. But, you are correct that my personal opinion/apology still may not have been the best was to start an email. LOL. 

From your statements regarding SSQQ minding there own business, then I would guess that you definitely don't feel any need nor want to form friendships/alliances/relationships with other studios. No biggie to me either, how you conduct business then is solely you and Judy's business. I'm also to assume based on the statement that you don't care to be involved in any way in the upcoming Houston Salsa Congress. So be it as well. 

In regards to the salsa community being 'split' by some of these issues and the way some of my friends were treated... well, sorry Rick, but I don't believe you stay in touch with the salsa community like I do. I'm not sitting in my mad doctors studio dreaming of ways to spread malicious gossip. Basically, I'm at the level of involvement where I hear lots of stuff going back and forth. The purpose of the email was to inform you that there is some discord in the salsa community, and I'm just relaying back to you that some people who are aware of the "infighting" between studios causes some people to feel uneasy. Also, sure, crucifiction is definitely too harsh a word by sheer definition. It doesn't change the fact that 2 of my friends were told to leave your studio only to find out later that they have no connection to Eddy other than a friendship. Instead of asking directly to these 2 people, "hey, this is what happened, do you have any involvement?", they were told to leave. Later, when the facts proved out otherwise, were they told... "oooops, sorry". As for the SSQQ "spy", I did preface that statement as "seemingly ridiculous", and I'm merely letting you know that someone said it. I believe you that you would have no part in something as ridiculous as that, but it just goes back to my original statement of students feeling uncomfortable with the discord between studios. If something like this is 'getting around', then obviously it means something to somebody. Also notice please that while I consider Eddy to be a friend, I do not condone business practices that I personally feel to be less than honorable. While I do not currently take classes at your studio, neither do I at his. 

As to the student/teacher ratio... well, you somewhat put words in my mouth. First of all, I did not 'speak so eloquently of the beauty of small, intimate classes'. Secondly, I'm not wasting your time with the benefits of individualized instruction. If you don't find the benefits of individualized instruction, then why does SSQQ offer private lessons? You could go ahead and shut down that aspect of your business right now since it makes no difference to teach on a 1-on-1 basis as compared to a 60-on-1 basis. Also, I've met a huge number of people while taking classes at your studio. I AM NOT MAKING THIS UP WHEN I TELL YOU THAT TWO OF THE PRINCIPAL REASONS PEOPLE HAVE LEFT YOUR STUDIO IS: 1)overcrowding, 2) much, much, much slower students affecting the quality of learning for the average/ above average crowd. I've heard it time and time and time again. Now I'm just making you aware of it. If you care not to even take it into consideration, then again... it's your business. As for the practice goes, I won't disagree that the practice sessions are better with more people, but I can't say the same for instruction aspect of it. 

Three last things:

1) you pretty much dismiss these 'long winded notes' from myself and Red, and probably even Claire as petty jealousy or attitude, or disdain... Let me clue you into something. I know myself, I know Red, and Claire. None of us wouldn't have written a single word if we didn't care. That's right, we love salsa, we care about SSQQ, we care about the studio and its instructors. Most people could look at a situation with apathy and just shrug their shoulders and say "so what". Claire, Red, nor myself are like that. If you wish to look at our insights, observations or questions as the ranting and ravings of lunatics who should be locked up, then so be it. Maybe the time AND COURAGE to write these emails is fully wasted on you. Regardless, I still wish you, Judy, and SSQQ the best of luck in the future, and may you prosper beyond your current successes.

2) I noticed you pretty much like to dissect the negative aspects of emails and shoot them back with the editors reply. I've also said some very positive things about SSQQ, its methodology and structure, but I notice you never take note when someone says something in a positive light about your studio. Do you care to comment at all about the 20+ people I've referred to you studio? Do you care to comment at all about the fact that I've never once walked up to you and said, "Rick, I've referred 20+ people to your studio, where's my discount, where's my free classes?" I refer people to your studio because I truly feel it is one of the best damn values in Texas in which to learn the basics of Salsa, not because I require recognition nor money.

3) about me making baseless references to the reasons why people have left your studio, all you have to do is ask. That's right, ask the people. You have the means in the next newsletter to poll everybody with an email address. 

For people currently taking classes:

-- did you learn what you came here to learn?

-- do you feel the number of people in the classes directly attributed to the outcome?

-- if you could change anything, what would you change?

For people no longer taking classes:

-- the same questions,

-- why did you leave our studio? 

-- if still taking classes elsewhere, why did you pick another studio over SSQQ?

If you feel that your business is perfect and you have no need to grow, change, accommodate, then all the above was pointless and I congratulate you on having created the perfect business. Again, have a great day and a prosperous year. 

Eric Hermida
AKA 'half-breed'


MY REPLY:

"At most times I've felt you've been quite the arrogant ass". 

OK, I reread what you said in Letter I and Letter II and yes, I now agree with you, Eric, you didn't call me an ass. You simply "felt" that I have been an ass. Welcome to the Bill Clinton school of word games. 

I am sorry you feel like I am an ass. There is no doubt that I can be brusque at times. I am frequently in a hurry at the studio and have offended people on many occasions with my tendency to interrupt or be short. If this makes you feel that I am an ass, touchι for pointing out my one of my many shortcomings. 

We offer private lessons for the simple reason that people request them. Obviously our main focus is on group classes. 

Yes, I appreciate the people you have referred to the studio. Thank you.

No, I do not feel my business is perfect. With over a thousand students a week, it is impossible to meet the specific needs of each person. Many of the fast learners get bored and many of the slow learners get frustrated by the pace. This is the risk of group classes. But we do the best we can to match our teaching pace to the ability of the majority of the students. 

I would prefer not to poll my students for their reasons why they leave the studio. I am confident they are perfectly capable of emailing me with whatever they have to say just as you have done. What I prefer to notice is the amazing number of people who continue to do repeat business at ssqq with little to no prompting on our part whatsoever. For this I am grateful. 

Finally, I have read everything you said very carefully and it is obvious you have analyzed both me and my business very thoroughly. Thank you for your input and insights.

Rick Archer"


HIS REPLY:

-----Original Message----- 
From: Half-Breed 
Sent: Friday, October 03, 2003 3:45 PM 
To: Rick Archer 
Subject: Re: more comments 

"Thank you Rick for your professionalism and courtesy in your last email. Regardless of the situation, my only wish is that any insight, whether opinion or fact, be used to help you gain a better understanding of how outsiders view your business. Sometimes, we can be so close to a situation that we don't always take into account someone else's concept of the same issue. Perception = reality. 

I truly wish SSQQ continued success in the years to come. Every one of the friends I've referenced, and many I've not, is a result of a chance meeting at your studio and I feel forever blessed by their friendships. I thank SSQQ for the opportunity to have met so many quality friends, and I hope to make many more friends in the same manner over many more years to come. 

I look forward to next months newsletter and will hopefully be taking classes again soon if time and schedule permits.

Eric Hermida
proud SSQQ alumni”
..............

STORY TWELVE: A NEW SSQQ POLICY - SSQQ ALUMNI ARE NOW WELCOME TO ATTEND PRACTICE NIGHT FOR THE SAME PRICE AS EVERYONE ELSE WITH "CARD".

Effective Sunday, September 28, SSQQ Alumni will be able to attend any Practice Night for the same price as current students. 

For the sum of $1 to defray printing costs, anyone who has taken 12 or more SSQQ one-month classes at any time during SSQQ's tenure of business can apply for a card that will permit the discount. 

The simple way to get the card is to request it from Susan Schroeder during Registration hours (7 pm - 8 pm) or to ask Rick Archer or Judy Archer directly. 

Please note if you took your classes before September 2001, then we will be unable to look your history up on the computer. Nevertheless ask Rick Archer anyway. It would be very difficult to take 20 classes at this studio and not have him remember you. 

In case you gathered there might be a connection between Red Angeli's complaint and this new policy, you would be correct. Although I didn't appreciate much of his logic, I see his point that many former students feel "pushed away" and alienated from our premises. 

Hopefully the advent of the new "SSQQ Alumni Card" will help soothe some of the hurt feelings. 

Rick Archer
……………………..

THE NOVEMBER BRAIN TEASER - THE MISSING DOLLAR
Contributed by Judith Williams

3 salesmen check into a cheap motel. The man behind the desk said the room costs $30. Each man pays $10 and goes to the room. 

A while later the clerk behind the desk realizes the room was only $25, so he sends the bell boy to the three men's room with $5. 

The bell boy stops and wonders how he will split $5 evenly without having to exert more than the minimum necessary effort so he pockets the $5, pulls out 3 One Dollar bills. Then he goes to their room and hands each man a one dollar bill. 

This means each man paid $9 for the room which totals $27. Add the $2 that the bell boy kept which makes $29. 

Where is the other dollar? (Answer at bottom of the page)
……………………

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AND THAT’S A WRAP FOR THIS ISSUE

As you can see, the SSQQ Newsletter is mostly written by people just like you who send stuff in. If you have any comments, suggestions, requests, complaints, jokes, pictures or poetry to share, please send it to me, Rick Archer, at ssqq@houston.rr.com

And thanks for reading all the way to the bottom! …. I might add I do have reason to believe some of you simply scroll to the bottom to look for any little surprises I hide down here. ;-)  

Anyhow, thanks to all for making it this far!

One more thing. In case you were wondering, this issue of the SSQQ Newsletter is equivalent in length to 25 pages.

Rick Archer SSQQ Dance Studio 
4803 Bissonnet 
Email: ssqq@houston.rr.com
Web: www.ssqq.com
Phone: 713-861-1906 

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The End

ANSWERS TO FAMOUS HALLOWEEN MOVIE LINES 

1. Aliens
2. Carrie
3. Silence of the Lambs
4. Poltergeist
5. Sixth Sense
6. The Shining
7. Wizard of Oz
8. Frankenstein
9. Psycho
10. The Fly
11. Rocky Horror Picture Show
12. Shining


Answer to Brain Teaser:

The price of the room was switched from $30 to $25 so you can't use the $30 any more in the math. Use the $25 figure instead. The bell boy kept $2 for himself. The men paid $27. $27 - $2 = $25 which is the new price of the room. The men overpaid by $2 due to the bellboy's shady handling of the refund. 

The SSQQ Newsletter started in January 2000 as a way to update our students on upcoming classes and parties.  Once it became obvious that most SSQQ students had email addresses, the idea was to replace written material and save on wasted paper. The idea quickly caught on in ways we didn't anticipate.

We soon discovered how easy it was to publish all sorts of information.  This allowed the SSQQ Newsletter to evolve into a "Do-It-Yourself" Newspaper. Members of the SSQQ Community began to contribute all sorts of articles, jokes, pictures, puzzles, vocabulary words,  and letters to the editor. 

As a result over half of each Newsletter is written by the readers themselves. Our readers are the reporters.  We just edit what you send us and give it back.