May I have this dance?

Angel and I have begun the ever-important journey in teaching Ignacio to dance.  We are starting with Merengue.  In Venezuela most kids learn to dance from birth practically and Angel distinctly remembers learning to dance at the age of Ignacio with his mom.  I took that as a hint.  Apparently for a little boy to learn this couple's dance they need a girl...that's where I come in.  So we have begun!  I decided that the initial invitation by the boy is the starting point so we have been role-playing, in English and Spanish, on his approach and extending the invitation to dance.  He is a natural and even practiced his skills with Ariana, a family friend, when she was over.  Hand placement, rhythm, eye contact...the list goes on.  It helps that Sesame Street featured latin dancing and there was a very daper eight year old latino kid who had some MOVES!  I could see Ignacio's face light up and I reinforced it by saying, "In Venezuela kids dance like that too.  You're Venezuelan!"  He totally soaked the concept up and by the time Angel was walking in the door we had the music blaring.  What a gift from this far-away land he hasn't met in person but which clearly lives very vividly in his heart...and feet!