UNIFIED

We are a group that sticks together, through any kind of weather! HENCE DA NAME: "UNIFIED". The team was originally born on Decemeber 2, 2006, when two girls (Renee & Katlyn) decided they wanted to try their luck at the Apollo Theater. They went in search of kids who was willing to join their group. They quickly got two other girls and a boy (Matthew) to choreograph their routine. The night before the Audition one of the girls dropped out, so Matthew (the only other person who knew the routine) volunteered to help the girls and joined the team. The kids put together an all black outfit with with suspenders, white hats and white gloves (way before jabawalkeezes...lol) It was a freezing cold morning, but TOGETHER they waited for hours, as it was time to audition. Everyone was so nurverous that when they actually performed and they called for the directors we had not thought of that part...lol we had no director, it was all a shock. Zenaida Aponte took the responsibility to speak on the teams behalf, and from that day forward, They All Pledged: To stand by eachothers side no matter what, and to stick together through any kind of weather.
Boy did the weather get rough...lol throughout their Journey at the Apollo Theater Unified (a team of a 12, 15, 16 & 17 yr old)became a homesome name, however back in the real world where the original members who belonged to an actual dance school were told they were not to perform outside of the organization, So they eventually had to choose the path they were going to take.
With no studio or school of their own and no one to perform for (other than the Apollo) Unified decided they were going to continue to rehearse and create other routines for the future, hoping that some day someone would want to watch them. As the Year went by they were given opportunities by Mr. Kamershine from the local Middle School 126, the Beacon after school program provided some rehearsal space, Omar Martinez Owner of Mambo 101 Dance Studio allowed them to rehearse late nights for free and as he saw the team progress he gave them the opportunity to perform alonside his team on the Salsa Cruise 2007 (what an experience!) Cynthia La China invited them to perform at small venues, which made them extremely excited. They supported causes such as the March of Dimes, Diabetes Association, The Fight Against AIDS in Puerto Rico, where they met fabulous singers and poets. They helped raise money as they danced for a cure for Breast Cancer. During the Summer of 2007 they were introduced to Duplessey Monic Walker, where they quickly started to take private lessons with her, she gave them their first taste of the real salsa world; when she gave them the opportunity to dance with her and Braniff at the opening day of the New York Salsa Congress 2007. As the kids continued to take private lessons it became very costly, which is what inspired the start of the youth dance program.
The program was to consist of ten students enough to help pay for Unified's classes, however as Unified and the program became more exposed, the proposed ten kids has grown to a full program, of 2 full classes of children's Hip Hop, Salsa and even Ballet. The objective of the program is to provide quaility dance instruction at an offordable price. The staff consist of professional instructors such as: Duplessey Monic Walker (Salsa/Ballet), Derrell Bullock (Advance Hip Hop), Student Instructors: Matthew Rivera(Hip Hop), and Migdalia Santiago (pee-wee Salsa). We allow any child/teenager from Age 5 to 18 to take any one class of your choice four times a month for $45 or Any Two classes for $75 or ALL THREE FOR $95. We will also be having a Summer Session which is a flat rate of $200 for the month. July 8-31, 2008 The children will meet Tue/Wed/Thurs from 1pm - 5pm for four weeks. This is an intensified session! Although we are new to the industry, and have had wonderful experiences.
We want to take a minute to thank the people who in reality make it all possible. Our Mom's!
**Zenaida Aponte (Katlyn Rodriguez's Mom)She is the TRUE Director of Unified she works behind the scenes and make sure we are financially taken cared of. Our costumes are ordered, our reservations are made and gets us to and from our events. Thank You Zenaida Aponte for your contribution and dedication.
**Marie Ubiles (Renee Ubiles's Mom) we call her our bodyguard, she is the one who looks after us where ever we go. If you think we're alone, THINK AGAIN! She helps Zenaida in all the decision making as far a costumes and fundraising, she is always there when we need someone to talk too. She's also in charge of collecting money... Body Guard Status...lol Thank You Marie for your dedication.
**Melody Guzman (Migdalia's Mom) she is in charge of comming up with fundraising ideas, she is extremely creative and is always available to help out! She also her own best customer...lol She is always willing to help out with the girls choreography (no she's not a dancer)...lol Thank You Melo for your dedication and great Hospitality.
So as you can see THE TRUE OWNERS AND DIRECTORS OF UNIFIED ARE OUR MOMS... THEY GET THE JOB DONE!
ALTHOUGH OUR CHOREOGRAPHERS ARE FIERCE!!
~Duplessey Monic Wlaker~ & ~Derrell Bullock~