Media Release

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For Immediate Release

Julio is a one-man movement to ignite everyone’s love of dancing. In 2009 he was a top ten nominee for the State Journal-Register’s First Citizen award and formally proclaimed Salsa Ambassador to Springfield, IL by Mayor Tim Davlin. He additionally received the President’s award from National Image Inc. for his dedication to the mission of education, employment and civil rights for Latinos in Central IL. He has been the feature of many articles and news stories dealing with his motivational programs and initiatives. Born in Lima, Peru, Julio moved to Springfield with his mother at the age of nine. After graduating high school, he joined the United States Navy and traveled extensively around the world. He later attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and completed a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing with a specialization in intercultural communication. As a student, he was president of the Latin American Student Association and later founded the SIUC Salsa Club. Upon graduation, Julio returned to Springfield and began his own company- Salsa 29 Productions. His idea was to use the educational, non-threatening, and entertaining value of Salsa music to create customized motivational presentations. He has worked with local communities providing programs for children, adults, older adults, and people with disabilities. This unique and innovative use of Salsa helps people of all abilities and ages to at least try dancing and overcome the limitations they place on themselves. It is his belief, that by overcoming these limitations, people expand their comfort zone and enhance both their professional and social development.

Julio Barrenzuela, Motivational Speaker and Salsa Ambassador, founded this company to promote health, education, and culture in our communities. We customize motivational presentations that inspire people of all ages to embrace the value of health, education, and culture. We fulfil this goal using a unique method: salsa dancing. Our presentations are more than just dance lessons. Our entertaining, engaging method facilitates learning, relationship building, and self-development.

Our work illustrates how salsa dancing and the message that it embodies can bring people of all ages and abilities together. Each of our presentations creates a link between generations and cultures, encouraging dialogue and the sharing of ideas. The result is a better understanding of oneself and of one's relationship with the larger community.

Our programs are more than just dance lessons; they embody an innovative style of motivational speaking and entertainment. Our unique method utilizes audience participation and creates a fun environment that allows the participants to absorb and remember the program’s message. Our message focuses on three pillars of community building: health, education, and culture. We encourage people to exercise their bodies, stimulate their minds, and appreciate the many cultures of the world. Our work brings together people of all ages, resulting in a better understanding of oneself and of one's relationship with the larger community.

Everyone can dance! That is our motto. We aim to reach as many individuals as possible, and we do not limit our scope to any one particular group. Participation eligibility is never based on age or ability. Instead, we believe everyone can dance, and our program is for everyone. We seek to work with those who want to listen and with those who are typically underrepresented in the larger community, including children, older adults, and people with disabilities. This distinctive approach allows us to empower people of all ages and abilities overcome the limitations often placed on them. It is our belief that by overcoming these limitations individuals are able to enhance their personal, social, and professional development.

Our mission is to inspire people to contribute to the betterment of our communities by motivating individual development and promoting relationship-building.

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