Learn how to dance like a pro at St. Croix Ballroom & Latin Dance Studio! Owners Garincha and Jennifer Hilaire have over 20 years of knowledge and experience in the art of dancing and brought their expertise to St. Croix. After honeymooning in St. John, the couple fell in love with the idea of island living. They decided a larger island was more their speed and chose St. Croix as their home, moving to the island in October 2020.
Garincha & Jennifer tried to find a social ballroom and dance spaces on the island and realized there weren’t any. From there, St. Croix Ballroom & Latin Dance Studio was born offering various types of dance styles under one roof – salsa, swing, tango and ballroom. Originally, the couple planned on creating a dance club. “We wanted to create a space where groups of people could come together and dance,” said Garincha. However, the COVID-19 pandemic made that option impossible; instead, they opened their dance studio in June 2021.
Three types of lessons are offered – private, group and practice – with each one offering different benefits for the student. Private lessons are one-on-one coaching and is the most efficient way to learn how to dance. Students can practice any style of dance they want; questions are answered right away and lessons take place at the convenience of the student. A manual is provided to track progress, learning and development. Group lessons are always fun and energetic. With these lessons, students can use it as repetition and to fine tune what they’ve learned in one-on-one lessons. “Our group lessons are great because of the people who attend.” There is no need to be shy as the groups are noncompetitive where everyone supports one another. Practice sessions round out the offerings with a real-life setting featuring disco lights. Here, students get to apply the material they’ve learned and are supervised throughout the session. According to Garincha, it is ideal to have all three forms to be a well-rounded dancer. However, you can mix and match lessons as you choose.
As a beginner specialist studio, anyone who feels they have two left feet should come and see their teaching method. “We can make anyone a believer that they can be a great dancer.” The first lesson, which is a private lesson, is free. This ensures that each person enjoys their time with St. Croix Ballroom & Latin Dance Studio before making a decision to join. At that time, the pricing, packages and other offerings will be discussed and decided on.
Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
Crucian-born Shanya Williams always had a passion for fashion. Her worldly travels deepened her love for this form of self-expression in a way she never expected. After visiting places like Thailand, Australia, Costa Rica and Caribbean islands like St. Lucia and Jamaica, Williams was “intrigued by the different cultures and how they represent fashion.” Enter Kasavah – a bohemian lifestyle boutique with a modern twist. This intimate space nestled in the historic Caravelle Arcade in downtown Christiansted features earth-friendly, eco-friendly apparel and accessories for women and children. Kasavah’s style offers modern hipster vibes with an edgy twist. “My goal for Kasavah was to make it appealing to a wide range of people,” said Williams, “and introduce a style that was different from the norm found on St. Croix.”
Williams knew having a business on St. Croix was going to be a challenge. That’s why she didn’t hesitate to open the boutique during the throes of a global pandemic. “This was a personal goal for me to open during the pandemic,” said Williams. “If we can get through this and be successful, we can literally do anything.” Opened on November 27th, 2020, Kasavah was welcomed with open arms by locals and visitors to the island with an unwavering support that surprised Williams. It became clear that many craved this free-spirited, hipster apparel and there was truly something for everyone.
Shopping at Kasavah is more than a shopping experience but a lifestyle! When you enter the boutique, you will quickly discover that every garment and accessory is a statement piece. The featured brands in Kasavah originate from countries and continents that many on St. Croix wouldn’t normally gravitate towards. Additionally, the clothing for most of the brands are rooted in sustainability and made with organic materials.
Kasavah is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 5pm. For more information and to shop online, visit their website at www.Kasavah.com. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates on what’s happening in and around the boutique.
Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
Question: What kinds of technology will you use to help sell my property?
Chris’s Answer: The technology we use to represent your property will greatly depend on the property, and how we feel we can best create a complete, accurate, and visually interesting listing. We may use different equipment, including a drone, a gimbal, and a Matterport camera.
Photos and Video are the backbone of any listing. Having great, attractive, well lit photos is, of course, a must and video is crucial in walkthroughs of the property or showing the wonderful sweeping views that many properties on St. Croix have. Still photos just don’t have the same impact as video to show the beauty of the Caribbean panoramas of clouds, waves and on a clear day, the neighboring islands.
Drones are very common these days, and create wonderful photos and videos which can give buyers a better idea of the property. A sweeping video either from overhead, or at an angle, give a dramatic representation of land, homes, or a condo complexes. Sometimes land is very overgrown. A drone can give a buyer a better understanding of the terrain and view. It can show the proximity to the beach. And, if there is more than one building on the property, a drone photo or video can show where each building is located on the lot.
drone footage from our recently sold lots at 72EB and 72EC Clairmont
Gimbals stabilize a camera while walking or driving so that the video is very smooth. We use this for walking through the property, walking around the outside of the property, or driving the neighborhood. We might show a pathway to the beach, the way to the pool, what the property looks like from the street, or anything else we feel could be of interest.
Matterport Cameras create a 3D self guided tour where a potential buyer can see the entire interior – from floor to ceiling as if walking through the condo or home in person. The viewer clicks on a spot, and the video takes them to the exact spot. It also creates a “doll house” image so that the property is viewed as a whole (as in the adjoining photo).
Question: What’s the most important thing I can do to help me sell my property?
Christie’s Answer: DE-CLUTTER! As buyers search, they want to visualize themselves living in the property. The photos and videos we take should show what you are selling. It’s best that your property is as uncluttered as possible! If you already have plans to paint or make any repairs, those things should be done before the photos and videos are taken. That way, when people see your home, it will be more attractive, and ready for sale. Sometimes there are needed repairs which will not be made prior to sale. That’s OK. We can mention them in the listing, and inform buyers that either the repairs are scheduled to be done before the sale closes, or that the repairs won’t be done, and they are buying the property as is.
If you have more questions about selling your home, contact us!
Studio 360 is your one stop shop for wellness on St. Croix. This state-of-the-art chiropractic wellness and movement center combines chiropractic wellness care with a functional fitness center. Together, these pieces create an environment that supports the goal of helping the body heal itself. Designed with holistic wellness in mind, Studio 360 owners Amanda & Kendall Holmes opened the center in late 2017 after the devastating hurricanes Irma and Maria. “Right after we unloaded the equipment into the space, Irma came with little to no damage and Maria soon after,” said Amanda. Unfortunately, hurricane Maria’s 175-mph winds caused catastrophic damage to the island. Although everything was still in plastic, their plans on opening were delayed due to the storm.
Despite the delay, Amanda and Kendall were determined to open Studio 360. With no power for 4 months, they provided personal training sessions at their home and did wellness visits at the studio in the heat. Amanda stated how badly people wanted care after dealing with the stress of the storms. “This is why we train – to stay healthy.” In doing so, the couple was able to help many and be resilient during the tough times post hurricanes. Creating a healthy community is the purpose and mission at Studio 360 because “a happy community equals healthy people.”
Studio 360 stands out from other fitness centers with their focus on functional movement, which is a new area of exercise, and wellness. The studio strives to help patients achieve an optimal level of wellness where they’re not coming in because of an issue but maintaining overall health before an issue occurs. In addition to the chiropractic wellness session and fitness classes, Studio 360 offers acupuncture, massage therapy, diet and nutrition consultation and reiki, a relaxation, stress reduction and holistic energy healing practice that helps manage health and wellbeing. Their specialty equipment is also one of their standout features, most specifically the K-Mill 360 which was created and designed by Kendall. This multi-directional treadmill allows for movement in all 360 degrees where one can burn up to 52% more calories than walking alone. Using this one-of-a-kind piece of equipment allows muscle utilization in all the ranges they were designed to move, creating a balance physique, stimulated nervous system and improved posture.
Studio 360 is located at Five Corners in Estate La Grande Princess in the old National Guard Building. For more information about Studio 360, visit their website at www.studio360vi.com or give them a call at (340) 514-8376.
Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
