Ivette


I was born in Boston in 1974 in the midst of the Disco era. As a child I was surrounded by the sounds of Donna Summer, Michael Jackson, Prince, Stievie Wonder, Diana Ross, Gill Scott Heron and Chaka Khan just to name a few. My mother loved music and used it as an escape from dark times. My fondest memories of my childhood are of dancing with her in the living room. I was five when she taught me to Salsa and do The Hustle. Although I am probably not the only child to have gone through this kind of experience, I felt it was crucial to mention as it ties into how I became a profound lover of House music.

I was separated from my mother for most of my early childhood and wasn't reunited with her until I was an adult, only to be told that she had a disease that could take her from me at any time. Music is the one thing that kept me connected to her in those times where we were separated from each other. My mother was known to be quite the dancer in her day and many people who knew her would tell me stories of how she used to clear dance floors. I was told when she danced she set the floor on fire and people were forced to stop what they were doing and watch her. This is where I gained my passion for dance.

I was 17 when I stepped foot in the dance club that would reunite me with the spirit of my mother. It was 1992, and the club was The Loft . From the second I entered its doors and heard the sound of the bass, I knew I had found a home. The combined sounds of gospel vocals, jazz, latino influenced beats and 70's soul colored my imagination with memories of my childhood. I remember like yesterday the grungy look of the place, how the floors bouced up and down from pounding feet,the humid air that made the walls literally sweat, and the second wind that would take over me around 4 a.m. in the morning when the best songs where played. Just when you thought your legs would give out on you and you just might lay on the floor and sleep, Bruno would drop a song like "Love Hangover" or "Let No Man Put Asunder" at around 5:40 in the morning and you felt like you could dance for another three hours. It was a truly magical place with a vibe. I know it holds a special place in the hearts of all the people who got to share in that incredible experience. And to me it was a place to be in the spirit of my mother, even if for only six hours. I met some of my closest friends there and it is where my passion for music was born.

My mother recently lost her battle with disease. Losing her has made the presence of music and dance that much more important to me. So I want to give a special thanks to all the D.J.'s who play songs that inspire and motivate me to move and all the dancers who share in my my experience and encourage my creativity. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!

In loving memory of Beatriz Oyola.... Mami, I hope your dancing on a cloud!