"Hey V

My name is Cee Cee... and its good to see.. someone succeed so high in the dance world.... i look up to you!

I have my own ideas.. in starting off.. my own dance company but i know alot come behind it..

Im still young.. but i dont think its ever to early...

I know of some of your students... and.. I see nothing but good from your page...!

Your a blessing!

Hope to see you around..."

CeeCee

"hey, awesome to hear from u! definately going to add u to myspace to keep an eye out for me hehe.
I found out that the story about KR3TS was part of a larger series documentary called Sex n Pop and it was shown on a channel called SBS here in Australia sat 17 March 2007 (as a re-rerun) late at night.Ill look into it a bit further and find out what episode exactly if u weren already aware of it.I think it must be at least 2 or 3 years old tho, because my friend who watched it all said that it focussed a lot on Britney spears before she went completely wacko jacko if u know what i mean. Thats awesome that someone wants to start up something like that here in Australia, do you know where in Australia they are? I am in Perth Western Australia. I would love to be involved in something like that, however, I am no choreographer, but thats to my Latino roots i do have rhymth haha.If you can, let me know where this other person is, my background is marketing so i could help them with funding or anything like that if they are in my city or somehow work cross-country if that is possible.Your dance company definately has the makings of great cross atlantic possibilities, what i would hope for something like that, is to expand it into an international family, where your guys travel to other countries and get it started or have some sort of exchange program going.. now that could be big..I have a friend who works in this organisation that help rich people who want to do some good but dont have the time to do it, spend their money on community projects of all sorts. Given that a lot of affluent people ive come across in Australia have a particular affinity for putting their names to programs that promote the arts as well as providing new opportunities to either indigenous peoples or those that are classified as disadvantaged in background... something like that could probably get off the floor with a bit of support once its started.anyway im sure youre busy and ive written too long an email already, you take care and have an awesome day and hope to hear from you soon!

lots of love
susi

"Hi Violeta,
This may be wierd or not.. You don't know me, but I just finished watching CRISTINA & I thought to search u on myspace & sure enuff, here u are.. you are most definitely the most inspiring person, to me, I've seen. MUSIC is my life. You're an inspiration to me. DANCE & VOICE is what makes me who I am. I never had the proper, professional training to get far. I never had that support & encouragement from the 2 ppl who mean the world to me, my parents...so that dream drifted & now I'm 23, married & living on a dream that one day I thought could have come true. So seeing others complete their dreams makes me feel good. My name is Jody & I live in west new york, newjersey. I just wanted to show u mad boricua love because what u do is out of this world! GOD BLESS you & ur 2 adorable sons. I don't want to keep blabbing on... ;] love what u do mama! Keep up the GREAT work & I hope one day we could b friends to share our love of music & dance"

Sincerely yours,
Jody aka
Mi$$ Jae

"Hey,

Girl I have sat here and viewed some more of your success stories. All they say is positive things about you, now all you have to do is the same for your self at the CRISTINA SHOW, just in SPANISH. I know you can do it and for sure if you need help now you know how to find me. You say u believe in the LORD, this is the time to count ur BLESSINGS and say thank you to HIM. It has been how many years we dont speak and out of no where I come along right before your GREAT BIG MOMENT to help you with your spanish. Use me wisely and u have HELPED & INSPIRED HUNDREDS maybe even MILLIONS as you pass them by, let me help you with this LITTLE/BIG PROJECTyou have in ur hands right now. Violeta this reminds me of a story when you and I were just kids. Do you remember one early morning it must of been like 0200hrs (sorry military time for 2:00am), well anyway, we were walking down 116st. bet 2 & 3rd ave and some guys were beating a man I dont remember if he was a Mexican or a Bum in the streets and you kind of yelled at them from across the street and the left running. I remember like it was yesterday.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND UR SUCCESS, U HAVE COME ALONG WAY AND U DESERVE IT. ONE OF YOUR FIRST DANCERS. LUZ DENIES DIAZ NOW LUZ DENIES STRNAD. IN THE ARMY SINCE THE SLOGAN WAS BE ALL THAT U CAN BE, NOW THE NEW SLOGAN IS THE ARMY OF ONE. "

I LOVE YOU GIRL,
FROM YOUR SISTER-IN-LAW FOR LIFE

"YES BABY!!!!! YES BABY THAT IS WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!!!!!!!!! KEEP RISING KEEP RISING. I WILL BE THERE I OWE YOU ALOT FOR REAL. YOU KNOW RIGHT NOW YOU MADE ME FEEL REALLY SMALL BECAUSE NO MATTER WHAT YOU TRY TO MAKE ME APART OF YOUR PROJECTS OR SHALLI SAY YOU JUST WANT ME TO BE APART OF YOUR SUCCESS. WHAT I MEAN BY THAT YOU KEEP ME POSTED ON ALL YOU DO AND WHAT IS NEW I GUESS YOU DO THAT BECUASE YOU SEE THAT MY INTEREST IS ONLY POSTIVE FOR YOU, AND YOU SEE THAT ALTHOUGH I SLACK I NEED THAT PUSH AND MOTIVATION TO KEEP RISING I GUESS YOU DONT CALL YOUR TEAM THAT NAME FOR NOTHING. WELL LET ME BE THE ONE TO TELL YOU THAT IT FITS YOU AND THAT IS WHY YOUR RISING AND FOREVER WILL. LOVE YA THANKS FOR ALL FOR REAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ON1"

from Maria

"En el espíritu navideño, la emoción continua durante toda la noche cuando Cristina le cumple un sueño a Violeta Galagarza, una madre soltera de Nueva York, quien ha salvado la vida de muchos jóvenes de Harlem a través del baile. Cristina la sorprendió con lindos regalos valorados en más de $ 10,000.00."

"I absolutely loved working with you! You have such a great group of talented kids!! You guys are really awesome! I gave your number to the producer of Despierta America because I think they could also do a great human interest story.

We'll see you tomorrow. God bless you too for the great work you do!!"

Vanessa
from Univision

"Violeta,

I am so proud of you and your dedication, persistence to help our community. I just viewed
your interview and it gave such a great feeling to know that I at least in this lifetime I had an
opportunity to meet you and see first hand the work, hope and love you give our children. I can not be thankful enough for myself, for our community and the world that you have been sodetermined to accomplish the things you have already. I sat here and listened to music, watch how much your dreams have grown and it gives me the chills. Thank you again for being such an inspiration in a world where we really need it....in our community!"

God bless.

Peace,
KEL

"Hi Violeta,

Just wanted to thank you for giving my son this great opportunity.

I have the greatest respect and admiration for all you do for our children today, which will build a better future and outlook on life for them tomorrow. You are really an inspiration; not only to children, but also to adults.

Just reading your story and the journey you have been on lifted my spirits. My husband was really impressed by your oldest son because he was very respectful and made a special effort to say hello and introduce himself.

I really enjoyed viewing your web site and thought your little guy was fantasik. He reminded of Anthony when he was younger. Anthony never had a problem getting up in the middle of a formal wedding and going over to the DJ and ask for a breakdancing song and start his routine (in his suit) all by himself. He just loved performing and dancing and still does today."

Thank you again,

Dina

(Anthony Rodriguez's mom)

"WHAT AN AMAZING STORY .. SHE IS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!"

FROM WELL KNOWN HIP HOP CHOREOGRAPHER DARRIN HENSON

"Hello Vee,

This is Angie one of you ex members of KR3TS. The one from Staten Island and the one that had a boyfriend in the marines. I know its been awhile since i last seen you and the group, and i left unexpectedly due to personal problems. But the reason im writing you this email is to tell you that i just saw you on TLC CoverShot. You look so beautiful and amazing!!! I couldnt believe it was you. I cried when i saw you! It was a very emotional moment for me because even though i didnt last long in your group and i didnt get to know you very well, but you were very good to me and i appreciated you on giving me a chance and having faith in me in such little time. I have always thought about you and i hated myself for leaving the group. You inspire me so much and it made me happy to see you happy. I miss the group and i miss dancing with all of you guys, and i couldnt face you to tell you why i had left because i didnt want to take any of your time. But i am so grateful to have met you , your sons (Noah is HUGE!!!) and the group. I wish to see all of you again in the future. I hope everything is going the way you ever wished and keep being strong and beautiful because no matter what, you will always be my mentor and my dance motivator. Thank you...."

Take care always........Angie

"Not for nothing Viola I hand it to you girl you have tremendous heart and I hope to God you truly succed your studio is not just any studio its a studio that gives these kids heart and hope, belief in themselves! God Bless you. "

Modeling Consultant/Agent & Music Consultant

"I am speechless, I mean you look ABSOLUTELY #$%&!!!! FINE! I first saw it and it didn't register it was you until the email and then of course I had to go back and look to be sure.
I mean WOW! My first thoughts before knowing it was you, were DAMN SHE'S MAD FINE!!!! Where can I meet her, hmmm....little did I know. Anways I hope you are doing well, from the looks of it you are in more ways than one."

pc

"Oh and I saw KR3T in the park one day ....what great thing that group of people are doing for the lil young ones. And they look great."

Luv,
Lil Richie

"I know we don't know each other that well, But we met last year and talked about danicng and stuff. Anyway! I'm so Proud of you Girl! You do your thing! It's so hard for a latina to even be considered to be in a billboard let alone in broadway. So Happy..And you look AMazing!! No one can ever take that away. I passed by there the other day and took a picture. Keep up the good work!"

Yolanda

"HEY TITI THIS IS RICHIE SERIOUSLY IM SO PROUD OF YOU...MY MOM WOULD TALK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME TELLING ME STORIES OF WHEN YA USE TO HANG AND DO EVERYTHING TOGETHER AND IT AMAZES ME TO KNOW THAT YOUR A STAR INSIDE AND OUT WEATHER YOUR ON A BILLBOARD OR NOT...YOUR 35,HOT AND YOU MAKE ME PROUD TO SAY "I KNOW YOU"...ME AND MY FRIENDS WENT TO SEE YOUR BILLBOARD AND WE STARED AT IT 4EVER TILL I STARTED TO TALK ABOUT U ALL THE WAY HOME...MY FRIENDS THINK YOUR SO PREETY AND ARE DIEING TO MEET YOU...WELL TELL ME WHEN I CAN VISIT YOU AND STUFF & ILL COME BY WHENEVER...LET ME KNOW WHERE YOU HAVE YOUR DANCE PRACTICES AND STUFF SO I CAN COME BY AND WATCH...REMEMBER YOUR AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! INSIDE & OUT AND I CANT WAIT TO SEE THE SHOW!!!!!!!!!! TALK 2 U SOON...MUAHZ LOVE YA!"

Luv,
Lil Richie

"Hello Ms. Galagarza,
It is with many blessings that I have found you, your work, and your website by watching a television show at 3:00 in the morning. I have been discouraged with myself as a teacher because my skills are in modern dance (Graham technique) and ballet. I am teacher in the public schools and I am realizing that my skills are not enough. As a teacher, in order to really reach kids you really have to know Hip Hop, which I am not great at. What is good about me is that I am always searching, have a strong passion for learning, and a strong commitment to my students and teaching.
I would love to take your class so that I can grow as a dancer and teacher. I am 39 years old, yet I am healthy, in good shape, and motivated to learn. Your website states that your classes are for students to the age of 34. I have no doubt that it is Gods blessings that I saw your work on television. I hope I will be able to take your class.
I will pass your information to my students. I can't believe I haven't heard of your work before. I look forward to hearing from you. God bless you and the work that you do with your students and your community."

Sincerely,
M.P.

Hey, I am writing to you from a small town in New Hampshire. My family and I visited NY last year and had the extreme privilege of watching your company preform in the park (sorry I had seen so many things that day that I cannot even remember what park it was). My daughter was and still is in awe. Your dance team was definitely the highlight of our trip!. My Daughter, Hailey left that park with such an impression of your team that that has been all she (and my husband and myself) have talked about!. We had videoed it and have watched in NUMEROUS times!. My daughter now has a new goal in life.............she wants to be like the choreographer she saw in NY, That of course was you. Hailey has been dancing for 9 years now and I have watched her dance and her teachers teaching her and have NEVER once saw what I saw when I watched you as you looked on at the dancers as they preformed. You (maybe without even knowing it) showed such admiration and stood proud!. You should be very proud of them and yourself as you have created such an explosion that I am sure anyone would envy!
We have again planned our vacation to NY and we were all excited to see that again your team would preforming. Of course we also have planned our sightseeing trip through NY so that we will be ending up in Union Square Park by 12:00 so that we will catch the whole show this time. Hailey wanted to come up and meet you and the dancers but she was a little shy and chickened out, hopefully she will have more guts this year!. She plans on attending a college where she can be just like you!
I just wanted to tell you what a great job you are doing, how much of an inspiration you have been and what an impression you have left on us and probably others. I am sure you probably do not get many people to tell you how great of a dancer and choreographer you REALLY are, and in this hectic mundane world we live in we all NEED some positive encouragement. To know that the little things you do in this world mean all the more especially when you leave a smile on a little ones face and a impression that will last a lifetime!
you guys are an inspiration!
We look forward to seeing you, only this time I am hoping she will approach you guys!
THANKS AGAIN FOR A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES!

Christina Miles

"I was incredibly moved and inspired by Violeta and her dancer when we performed together a few weeks ago."

Nancy, NY Times

"That very Sunday, I bumped into Stanley Kaplan and Daniel Watson; both of whom are filmmakers, with cast and crew to shoot a video on KR3T. After a while there, they also participated in the dancing. For Kaplan and the crew it didn't matter, they were enjoying themselves! "Everybody here is great," Kaplan stated. "This is a family!" Watson adds. "Everyone respects each other." Violeta concludes, "Nobody here is the star. We are a team, that's what counts." Currently, the dance group is trying to find a permanent space. "Right now we need a building." That's the bad news. However the good news is that from what has been observed, they will be around for many years to come. So, before you go to Latin Quarter or the Copacabana, go to a dance class at KR3T's. ELLOS SON BRAVISMO! Which means they're great!."

Ish's Barrio

"KR3TS (Keep Rising to the Top)
This boisterous hip-hop troupe returns to the park after thrilling audiences last year."

From www.newyorkmetro.com

"I know I'm mad late, but that Lumidee video is hot. I like that song. man those dancers be giggin' I need to record it so I can learn how to do some of those dances. these little dance halls songs be jammin'  I like watching those videos. more dance hall songs!"

From www.xanga.com

"Lumidee was accompanied by 2 dancers who put on more of a show than this almost famous singer. Looking like she had a bit of stage fright, Lumidee managed to get through a couple of songs ending with her hit single "Never Leave You (Uh Oooh)"?

"She has stile.She got cute people in her vidio and the dancers were hot.I think she would be more beter if she sang more. But other than that she has talent."

Posted on www.bet.com/articles

"The Wednesday-afternoon Union Square performances (music, readings, and dance) put on by Summer in the Square through August 20 have a funky ease, no matter how polished the show that fans, passersby, picnickers, and wandering tots may be watching. Part of the charm of KR3TS, the hip-hop group directed by Violeta Galagarza, is that its young performers are skilled and disciplined without being the least bit slick. Galagarza speaks from the heart between numbers about positive attitude and joy in life, and tells us that we too ”however young, however old”can do this dancing. Her two-year-old, Noah, gets the mic to chirp the group's motto and acronym, "Keep rising to the top."

"A smart number, like the opening Get Ready, shows how clever and busy the hip-hop body can be, given some solid choreography. This group is less about individual, show-off B-boying (although that happens) than about enthusiastic ensemble precision from which individuals come out to shine. These dancers change your view of their bodies all the time ”watch these elbows, see that leg twist, here comes a turn, there goes an arm ripple ”and all this rides springy, dug-in foot rhythms that never quit. A fellow named Ali sings as well as dances. One skinny man is as wily as an eel. One very sharp boy is only eight. Two-year-old Noah has some of the moves down, almost; the big guys work around him or give him gentle shoves.
Watching salsa, mambo, popping, locking, a little male-female flirting, a lot of good-natured showing off, and vibrant dancing ”it's a healthy way to spend the cocktail hour."

Choreographers From Several Cultures
Brighten the Summer City, Country, Park
by Deborah Jowitt

"PC & KR3T'S (from NYC) were there to represent and they were so great ~ I even went out of my walk to stalk them and get an autograph cuz that's how confident I am that they'll be popular someday! And KR3T'S were nice enough to give the KDPhis some special help with our culturefest show dance! WE WILL LOVE THEM FOREVER AND EVER ~ especially "Sam the Man"....hahahaha..they were ultra inspirational!!"

Critique after a KR3TS' performance
last year at John Hopkins Univ

"Who are KR3T’s? KR3T’s meaning in itself is very inspiring to all dancers. Especially when you know or can figure out the meaning of this less than obvious message in their name. I can tell you this is an outstanding and uplifting organization of talented dancers and leaders for all cultures. They are the outlet for the underprivileged of the famous “barrio” of New York City. Not just a dance group but a great leader in positive role models thanks to Violeta Galagarza, Executive Director, Keep Rising To The Top, www.kr3ts.com, the choreographer and organizer of this group. They do perform to it all, Hip-Hop, Salsa, Jazz..you name it they have done it. In fact they will be performing at the world famous Copacabana June 11, 2004 in celebrating all that is positive about the barrio in NYC. Their talented breeding ground right in their own back yard will be exhibited on an all star salute to the barrio so go and check out the newest sensational fusion in dance."

"In case you’re wondering why the letters KR3T’s...the name says it all, Keep Rising To The Top, so they are the Keep Rising To The Top’s (3T’s = To The Top). A big shout out to the KR3T’s on behalf of the New York Mambo Organization! We will definitely watch their progress and report on them from time to time. I have a funny feeling we’ll be hearing their name a lot more often in the near future."

NYMambo.com