New Mexico
Dancing to heal: Veteran offers salsa dancing socials
Dancing is healing, that is what one Albuquerque veteran will tell you. When he came home, he discovered the positive effect hosting salsa dancing classes and socials has on himself and others.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Dancing is not just good for your physical health but also your mental health.
“Being able to dance, you know, it keeps you it keeps your mind busy,” said Gabriel Ogaldez, the owner of On the One Latin Dance Promotions.
Aside from keeping Ogaldez busy, dance was a step toward healing for him.
“I am a veteran of the US Armed Forces, 22 years in the military, and having a very stressful job. Going through a very difficult time in my life, I was looking for an out. I was looking for a way to relieve depression, anxiety, stress and PTSD,” he said.
For Ogaldez, dance was the answer. After taking a few lessons, it was clear there were options to learn salsa dancing.
“But there weren’t a lot of venues that provided a place for people to go dance,” he said.
Ogaldez didn’t miss a beat. He started “On the One Latin Dance Promotions” to bring the community together through dance.
First, he needed a venue.
“I initiated by creating marketing proposals and going to different venues that I felt would be good places to hold these salsa dances that provide safety, that provide solace, that provide a place for people to come dance and feel comfortable about it,” he said.
Ogaldez then met DJ Gabriel Goza, who had taken over the turntables for these socials.
“When I play music, it’s to transmit healing frequencies. It’s to create unity and to induce joy. So whenever you’re at our events, that’s what that’s what you expect,” Ogaldez said.
Sobremesa Brewery and the Q Bar Lounge at Hotel Albuquerque opened their doors for these socials. People can socialize and even learn some moves from local dance instructors.
“I love that it is a place to destress. It’s a place to fully escape the world because we all have stressful lives. This is the one night of the week that we can take a step back,” one eventgoer said.
Almost every week, there are events where people can not only dance salsa and other Latin dances. People can also learn the basics of dancing and its health benefits.
“We’re not a nightclub, we’re not a place to come get drunk and cause problems. We’re not a place where there are fights. On the One Latin Dance Promotions is a place of solace, a place of safety, and a place of peace,” Ogaldez stated.
Just like the dance that brought him peace Ogaldez hopes to keep doing that for others for may years to come.
During the events, On the One offers free Uber rides to anyone who may need them.
If you’d like to learn more about On the One and their events, click here.
SANTA FE, N.M. – Santa Fe County and Edgewood approved a new agreement and ordinance that secures ongoing fire and EMS services for Edgewood residents.
According to a joint announcement from the Town of Edgewood and Santa Fe County on June 19, the two governments negotiated and adopted a new Joint Powers Agreement and ordinance to keep the Santa Fe County Fire Department serving the town.
County and town representatives drafted the agreement together. The town adopted the ordinance unanimously at a special meeting on June 16, putting an end to weeks of uncertainty.
Santa Fe County District 3 Commissioner Camilla Bustamante said, “I believe we are all relieved to know that the people of Edgewood will continue to have the fire and EMS services necessary to protect their homes, their families, and their community. This community deserves nothing less.”
The announcement said the ordinance takes effect five days after final publication. The statement also said no further action or approval is needed to guarantee continued fire suppression, fire prevention, and EMS services for Edgewood residents.
Both governments noted the agreement will continue indefinitely unless either side ends it with five years’ notice.
New Mexico leaders are backing a bipartisan bill after 12 confirmed U.S. screwworm cases, including one case in a Lea County dog.
SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico leaders are backing a bipartisan bill after 12 confirmed U.S. screwworm cases, including one case in a Lea County dog.
New Mexico State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Holeck said the parasite has spread to New Mexico, though officials say they have not found any human cases.
“This is also not a political issue this is a nationwide issue that we all need to address because it affects all warm blooded animals including humans,” Holeck said.
U.S. Reps. Gabe Vasquez and Teresa Leger Fernandez support the Protect America’s Herds Act.
The bill would create a grant program to train people to identify, treat, prevent and report screwworm. It would also support more livestock inspections and education for ranchers.
Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez said she heard concerns from tribal leaders about the cost of protecting cattle herds.
“I spoke with one of our tribal leaders today and they have cattle operation and they’re worried, and they’re talking about how much more money they’re having to pay to go make sure they check on their herds and there are extra costs,” Leger Fernandez said.
Funding would prioritize states and tribal communities most at risk for screwworm outbreaks.
State health officials said screwworm is not a food safety issue. They also said ranchers should stay alert but not alarmed.
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