Simply Destinee. Free Dance Studio.

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged. I finally feel I have a worthy reason to- Thanks Martin Luna!

I read about the man who had jumped from the parking garage in downtown Aurora. What I remember most of the article was the dance studio owner who went out of his way to shield his students from seeing the aftermath. That the dance studio owner was a survivor of his niece’s suicide and went above and beyond to protect the kids.

A second article I read was about Martin Luna, Founder and Owner of Simply Destinee, a dance studio open to any child over the age of 7, in downtown Aurora. A FREE dance studio that Martin and his sister, Liza opened in 2012. The studio was originally in Leland Towers on the second floor and they needed to move. They were seeking a new space.

Their new dance studio home resides at 30 Stolp, just across the street from Leland Towers and Millennium Park in downtown Aurora.

I met with Martin on Monday at the Rivers Edge Cafe. I enjoyed my latte and watched “Elsa” from the movie Frozen read to the children and their parents. I greeted Martin with a hug and was surprised at how tall he is. I imagined him being able to command attention from the kids with his height alone. We spoke of the history of the studio and the impact of losing his niece, Destinee, to suicide four years prior and then losing his mom to cancer three months ago. It’s been a roller coaster. A constant in his world has been his studio.

The studio has grown from 7 kids to 70. The kids pour in. Martin teaches themed dances and then the children perform where ever they are invited: local festivals, holiday events, parades, schools and more. They are currently working on a dance to the song “Thriller” for Halloween.

Martin had talked about having a cut-off date for teaching the dances, but so many children keep pouring in, he simply gets them up to speed with the rest of the group and they carry on.

Martin’s classes do not cost anything. The children show up to his studio- often times to complete their homework or hang out before it is time to dance. Parents are invited to stay, and the large dance room is lined with chairs to accommodate. Quotes of inspiration line the walls. On the far wall is a gigantic fireplace with a beautiful collage of photos of his niece, Destinee.

A small kitchen offers small snacks of ramen noodle soups and fixings for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in case a child arrives hungry. Some days the kids pitch in $2. for a pizza. They have a small cooler for water.

The studio is on the 3rd floor- the kids take the building’s elevator to the studio. There are two spacious bathrooms and a tiny room for Martin and his sister to use as an office. The office features a beautiful angel statue, and a small shrine dedicated to his mother.

Aside from classes, Martin also has different groups come in to talk to the kids. A local church pastor, a boxing studio owner who teaches a free class once a week, local advocates of positivity. Martin has taken a group to visit local colleges. He wants to show them all the possibilities of a bright future.

His plans for the studio include a girls spa night for his students, a Thanksgiving dinner for his students and their families, haircuts for the kids, holiday caroling at nursing homes, a dance flash mob and more. They know that they are welcome anytime and can sit quietly and be present, even if they are not attending a class. It’s a safe place for them to be.

The stories are what touch my core- one of his students had talked about never having had a Thanksgiving Dinner before.
Another student had no idea that you could go to college for dance. Students with varying needs and abilities are at home.

Martin shared a Facebook post with me from one of his students. “Ever since I was 12, i’ve been dealing with self-harm, suicidal thoughts, & depression.. Im a huge isolator. Sometimes i really hate to be bothered by people... Which i hate so much but sometimes its hard to not isolate myself... I’ve been really trying to get myself together.. & I’m Trying to move forward... Its been really hard.. But i haven’t self-harmed in almost a year.. Which is outstanding for me.. Months ago i found myself picking up a bottle of pills or a blade every week... Now, i dont even think about taking my own life...& its just because of one little thing.... Dancing. Dancing has helped me soo much with my depression.. Now that i found Simply Destinee, & met soo many amazing people. Its making a change in my life. I came into Simply Destinee not knowing where i was headed.. With no hope for life...I even doubted if i was even gonna be living the next day.. But now that im here... I couldnt be more happy. Liza & Marty, you guys taught me soo much about Family, Love, & God, that i never knew before. & because of that, i want to thank you guys so much for everything. Thank you for being here when i did need someone. Thank you for the hugs, the laughter, the love, everything. Because i definitely needed it.. Music might of saved lives, but you guys saved mine. Im so thankful to have met amazing people like you. Thank you guys so much. I owe you one.”

I can’t imagine a better tribute of more motivation than those beautiful words.

Martin struggles with how the bills will be paid and how they will continue. He supplements his income with teaching dance lessons for weddings and special occasions. He’s actively seeking donations and any available grants to keep his non-profit organization afloat. Donations of snacks for the kids, Thanksgiving dinner item donations, and monetary donations are most welcome. Checks can be made out to Simply Destinee or Martin Luna and mailed to: 30 S. Stolp, Suite 309. Aurora, IL. 60505.

I had such a wonderful time talking with Martin, I didn’t realize that 2 hours had passed with conversation. I honestly keep thinking, “Jesus would appreciate Martin.” His life is completely devoted to these kids and doing everything he can to make their world better.

Follow Simply Destinee on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/SimplyDestineeMusicSavedMyLife
I am currently working on their website: www.simplydestinee.com (Coming Soon.)

Martin- Thank you for existing and being you and motivating me to be a better person. I will do all I can to tell the world about all the great things you are doing. I went home feeling so blessed to have met you. Keep shining.