Closing Chapters – Full Circle

As I get closer to the end of this project, I can’t help but look back and see the trajectory of my life in slow motion. I know it sounds cliché, but the truth is everything that has happened to me, and everything that I have lived, has led me right here – and back – full circle. 

La Italiana de la Salsa, was once just a daughter, a sister, a cousin and a friend. Claudia Lenti was a little girl who dreamt bigger than her tiny body, and there is a reason for that. 

I was given the opportunity to dream, and I never did nor do I now, take it lightly or for granted. I thank my parents for doing the best they could to teach me values, love, the true meaning of life and for allowing me to dream – while instilling in me a very strong work ethic and responsibility. 

That doesn’t mean that I haven’t made mistakes, because I have. I am human. I have sometimes put myself in situations that I didn’t necessarily have to be in – but I always found my way out. I found my way out because my parents taught me how. More importantly, they taught me how by showing me love; and although my love has been often what has led me down the wrong path, it is that very love that has saved me time and time again. 

After years of fighting to build myself back up, and years working towards my real dreams, today I, Claudia Lenti, am very proud of who I became. 

This is why this album is so special to me, because my efforts, my tears, my struggle to be heard and respected, is all encompassed within in. 

La Italiana de la Salsa is not just a tag or a nickname, she is the embodiment of strength and perseverance. She is proof that anything is possible, as long as you keep the faith, and you keep on – no matter what. 

Today we filmed the last video of the album, for the final song, ‘La Italiana de la Salsa’. It was magical and mystical. The sun was out, despite weather warnings of rain, and I was surrounded by my family. It truly was a family affair. I can’t give too much away, but I can tell you that this video is unlike any other. I wrote this script for my inner child, for little Claudia, for that little dreamer who believed anything was possible, as long as you did it with love.