It’s official, the heart of Star Dance Studio , Mr Ma, has passed away from the mass shooting last night. I’m devastated.
Maria Liang the owner of the studio is ok and shared this news. I’m trying to process their pain as well as my own because Ma was everything at Star and we were always so connected with him.
I taught a private yesterday and got to see Ma for the last time as he helped me find parking since the Monterey Park streets were packed in celebration to the Lunar... New Year festivities. Ma then had a wonderful chat with dancers Jenny and Ray , expressing how much he enjoyed watching them dance.
Maria, the owner, came later, looking so beautiful and excited for their social event happening in the evening. I wished them all a great night, as always, and left before they prepared for their event.
I know some of you will see this as a close call. I’m personally thankful to have that last beautiful interaction I had with Ma before hearing this horrific news. I’m heartbroken. To the ones who were there and so many other dancers in our community, I’m so glad you got to meet and get to know Ma and his beautiful soul, at least once, before passing.
I will always remember Mr. Ma and the way we communicated to each other.
His English was not great, but he’d always say, “My teacher! My teacher!” Always kiss my cheeks and say “Love You! Love you!” Full of hugs and physically pick me up sometimes. It was always so loving when he would do this. He was so adorable to me and I could tell he was the heart of Star Ballroom. So many dancers, teachers and organizers were connected with Ma and I personally will miss him dearly. Thank you those who took and found these photos. 🥺💔🙏🏾
Maria, my heart aches for and with you and I know this is all so very overwhelming. We are here for you and all the other dancers who experience this trauma and with so many other losses.
