Moving and Grooving: Arturo Leads Dance Class

Arturo started attending Easterseals Southern California’s Paramount ADS program in 2024, where he jumped right in and started sharing his talent for dance with his coaches and fellow participants.

“I feel so happy when I’m dancing,” said Arturo. His Life Skills Coach Magdalena Laveaga added, “One day, I started a Zumba class here, and Arturo just came right up front with me and was following all my steps and was doing so good. I asked him if he did Zumba before and he said he’s been dancing for many years!”

^{Arturo (L) and his Life Skills Coach Magdalena (R)}

Not long after that Zumba class, Arturo told Magdalena that he wanted to lead the next dance class himself. Now, with the support of his Life Skills Coach, he is teaching the Zumba classes once a week.

“I like to teach people dancing so they can be healthier and use their muscles,” said Arturo. “Everybody needs to dance so everybody can feel better!”  

Arturo developed a passion for dance and music as a child, thanks to his godfather. For many years, Arturo has participated in traditional Mexican Folklorico dance events and competitions. Recently, he even competed at an event in Las Vegas where his team won a trophy.

In addition to dance, Arturo enjoys singing, playing baseball, learning new things, and sharing his passions with others, so the Easterseals ADS program has been a great fit for him. He said, “It’s nice here, they take me to the library and to volunteer.”

“Arturo volunteers at the senior center in Paramount and all the ladies wait for him because they want to dance with him,” said Magdalena. “He said one time to me that he doesn’t feel like ADS is a program, he said he feels like it’s a part of his job, like he has a purpose coming here. He comes to the program to learn all the time. And he is always happy with a smile.” To learn more about Easterseals Adult Day Services in Southern California, visit our website.