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Don't miss last year performances in Los Angeles on DVD with full length versions of all evening routines.
Available online Now!
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Here is the list of instructors for this year congress (by alphabetical order). The workshops will be on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
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Los
Angeles / USA
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| Ritmo Y Salsa
was founded by Abel Peña, Jr. and Zulmara Torres. Their love
of latin dance and music brought them together. They now are
changing the foundation of salsa by bringing a greater depth
to an art form that literally started in the clubs. Their
focus on cleanliness, boldness and energy will no doubt shock
the ballroom world and instantly bring a greater appreciation
for salsa dancing everywhere.
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New
York / USA
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| Adolfo was born and raised in Lima, Peru. He moved to Monterrey, Mexico when he was 19 to study industrial engineering. It was there that he began to learn to dance salsa. He began performing with Salzumba Dance Company. After ten months he left the group and began dancing on his own and teaching in Mexico. In January of 2004 he moved to San Antonio, Texas where he continued to learn and teach with the Semeneya Dance Company, also teaching and performing with partner Claudia Vazques. In September 2004 he moved to New York City where he continued to learn and develop as a dancer with instructor Victor Mayovanex. At that time, he partnered up with Amanda Estilo whom he performed with for 8 months. In February 2005 he began dancing under the instruction of his mentor Eddie Torres.
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Los
Angeles / USA
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| Professional
Dancer, Instructor, Choreographer and Actor Al Espinoza
national Origin Mexican/Puerto Rican from: los Angeles Al has
been teaching and performing in more than 40 countries all
over the world and can now be seen teaching and performing
with his new talented partner and wife Karla Fiorella Palomino
Espinoza. He combines salsa with his 20 years of pop locking,
break dancing and hip hop to create what is known today as
millenium salsa Karla Fiorella Palomino Espinoza Professional
Dancer, Instructor, Choreographer and Actor National Origin:
Colombian Location: los Aneles was residing in Miami, Florida
where she was formerly dancing with Salsa Passion Dance
Company and performed at several special different special
events. She then had the opportunity to partner up with world
known dancer Al "Liquid Silver" Espinoza and began traveling
to perform along with teaching their talented and unique dance
styles to the world.
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New York / USA
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| Amanda, the
"Queen of Styling" started dancing as a young girl in the
Dominican Republic with family and friends. Her first
competition was with Julio De La Salsa. Soon after, she
performed with Eddie Torres "The Mambo King", Seaon Bristol,
Jose "El Canario", Tito Puentes, and many others. She is
always sexy and graceful on the dance floor but a humble and
genuine person inside. Seaon has descibed her as follows: "No
one has the grace, the elegance, the class and definitely the
STYLE like her. She has a way of commanding the dance floor
and making an audience spellbound when watching her perform."
She attributes her strong presence on the dance floor to the
music and her interpretation of it as she dances. For Amanda
styling is everything, with the exception of when it
interferes with the lead of her partner. She believes that
styling is simply an extension of your personality and what
you are feeling from the music. She loves performing and also
the unplanned element of social
dancing.
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Chicago / USA
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Andy Cruz at the age of 25 has taken the world of Dance by storm. Born and
raised in Chicago his love for dance started as a Childhood dream to be on a
stage and share his Talent. In 1998, at the age of 17 Andy founded " Los
Jóvenes Del Swing Dance Company" which is a non-for- profityouth dance
organization that serves the kids in the Puerto Rican community of Humboldt
Park.
In 2003 Cruz decided t. Since the inception of Los Soneros Del Swing in
February 2003, Cruz has been able to make his mark worldwide including
countries like Sweden, Italy and France. Known for his energy, innovation
and charismatic presence Andy Cruz is a name that you will always link to
Latin dance internationally. Some of Cruz's television credits include
appearing on UPN's television pilot "Kevin's Room" as a principal hip-hop
dancer, Telemundos "Despierta America", WGN's "Jenny Jones", and "Its
Showtime at the Apollo". Still working on the growth of his career he
currently manages the Dance Academy of Salsa and is the most sought-out
entertainment director and choreographer from Chicago. He also serves as a
guest choreographer for some of the most highly acclaimed youth dance
companies in the country such as Chuckes Choreography of Houston, Grupo
Fuego and Grupo Caliente of Philadelphia and Chicago's youth power house
couple Bandon & Serena.Most recently he has teamed up with Mambo Diva
Griselle Ponce to form one of the newest and hottest acts to hit the mambo
community.
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San Diego/ USA
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| Angel and Tulane
have been dancing together since January of 2001, and since
then have been inseparable. Tulane was formerly Angel's dance
instructor and, after a couple of months, became her dance
partner. Tulane has been dancing since she was seven years
old, with extensive Ballroom and Latin training from London,
England. Angel started dancing at the age of 21 and brought
with him passion and desire. After a couple of months this
dynamic duo was formed. Angel & Tulane will be celebrating
their 3rd Year Anniversary of their very own Performing Arts
Studio called "A Time To Dance" in December
2005
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San Francisco/ USA
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Ava Apple has been a performer, teacher and competitor in Salsa, Hustle and West Coast Swing for over twenty years.
She is director of "The Latin Symbolics", a salsa dance team specializing in exciting lifts & aerials. The Latin Symbolics have participated in Salsa events in Ecuador, Italy, Germany, Hong Kong, Holland, and Puerto Rico as well as throughout the U.S.
Ava, along with Dave Paris, has produced a series of seven instructional DVD's titled "Salsa Lifts & Aerials".
Rodolfo Guzman started out in Ava's salsa classes, moved up to her student performance team, joined The Latin Symbolics in 2003, and now is co-director of both The Latin Symbolics and Symbolic Mambo.
Ava & Rodolfo made thier professional debut at the "Festival Borincano 2005" in Puerto Rico, and since then have performed for El Gran Combo and at several salsa congresses and events.
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Orlando/ USA
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| Billy has over
30 years of dance performance experience as well as Katie
Marlow has been performing professionally since 1981. As the
owners of Dancesation, Inc. Billy and Katie produce some of
the highest quality production shows in the industry. It has
been a marriage of the best kind. Billy brings to the table,
his experience as lead dancer, owner and choreographer of the
Dance Dimensions Katie began Dancesation, Inc. in 1995. With
her degree in business administration, along with creative
flair and 14 years as an entertainer and choreographer, she
quickly caught the eye of the competitive corporate
entertainment industry. Winning the MPI Rookie of the Year
award in 1997.
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Philadelphia/ USA
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| He's competed
and performed (Dancer/Musician) on and off for more then 20
years. His dance experience (Training) first occurred at home
where music and dancing was a way of life. After Graduating
from College he found himself dedicated to dance and his
chosen career. By the mid 90's he found myself being drawn
once again to the Afro Latin Rhythms he was first exposed to
as a child. This is when he decided to concentrate his time
and effort into refining his Salsa dance ability and
knowledge. After training and dancing with some of the best
Latin dancers in the world, he found a need to once again
express his interpretation of this wonderful music and dance
called "Salsa/Mambo" though the use of the diversely talented
dancers that make up his dance group called Latin Nation.
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Salt
Lake City/ USA
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| Callejeros is a
Salsa Team located in beautiful Salt Lake City, Utah. We are a
team dedicated to perform and teach this rhythm to all who are
interested in seeing how amazing it is. Our style integrates
jazz, funk, hip-hop, latin and traditional folk dances. Our
routines are choreographed by all it's members and are taught
by the elite team all througout Salt Lake, Provo and Logan,
Utah.
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New York/ USA
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| Dave Paris lives
in NYC and teaches and performs a unique blend of aerial
acrobatics, New York style salsa dancing and afro-cuban
folkloric dance with his dance partner Zoë Klein. He studied 7
years under the two most internationally acclaimed salsa
dancing schools: the Eddie Torres system and the Razzmtazz
system. He has taught at all the major salsa congresses around
the world Zoë Klein is a native New Yorker where she is a
modern dancer/choreographer, acrobat and lighting designer.
Zoë has trained partner balancing, Chinese acrobatics and
trapeze Zoë studied Afro-Cuban folkloric dance at university
for 4 years and at the Nacional Escuela Del Arte, Havana Cuba.
Zoë was first introduced to Salsa when she met Dave Paris
February 2005. Together as Paradizo Dance, they draw on a
unique range of lifts and theater arts, mambo and afro-cuban,
as well as performance
art.
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San Diego/ USA
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| David has been
dancing salsa for over 8 years now, however he has been
dancing since he was just a kid. He entered many talent shows
and was an avid break-dancer throughout high school.People
called him "Dancing Dave". He is a skateboarder and been
featured in skate videos, and skate magazines. Growing up it
was all about extreme sports and break-dancing. He has worked
for a skate shop for over three years, and wanted a change.he
developed a great passion for salsa and met Stephen Gallardo
and Josie Velsasco. They all teamed up and decided to move on
to the next level starting San Diego's first dance company
Salsa Y Fuego . While working with them, he gained knowledge
on how to run a dance company. A year later he and his prior
dance partner, Espie Hernandez decided to start the dance
company now known as Rumba Rica . While working together the
two performed, taught at salsa workshops, and were a part of
major salsa events in Southern California. After working with
Espie for over two years, David decided to start Majesty in
Motion one of San Diego's newest dance company. Since working
with this dance
company,
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Cali/ Colombia
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| La Fundacion escuela de baile Swing Latino nacio en el mes de abril de 1995 bajo la direccion de Luis Eduardo Hernandez (El Mulato) quien a travez de estos anos introdujo el baile de la salsa a los jovenes de la nueva era en la ciudad de Santiago de Cali. Actualmente la escuela de baile Swing Latino es la mas importante y representativa en Colombia, pues con sus logros obtenidos se han posicionado en lo mas alto de este genero artistico.
Desde su aparicion, Swing Latino registra tres campeonatos a nivel nacional, dos departamentales y tres a nivel mundial, con lo que reafirma su destreza y categoria en los eventos que participa. La escuela cuenta con mas de 100 bailarines de distintas edades los cuales han encontrado en el arte del baile un nuevo estilo de vida. Su director (El Mulato) Tambien consigna un magno aporte. pues en su 30 anos de carrera artistica a sido tricampeon nacional y campeon mundial en la modalidad de pareja.
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Calgary/ Canada
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| Kelly began
dancing at the age of four with training in gymnastics, and
later musical theatre and jazz. Kelly has been a finalist at
the prestigious Mayan World Salsa Championships in 2002 and
2003 which is broadcast worldwide Kelly is the co-director of
Salsa Rica Dance Company Eric is a former Open North American
Ten-Dance Champion, and has traveled the world competing at
some of the worlds most prestigious dance events He moved to
Calgary in 2000 to pursue a very successful professional
ballroom career, and here he was introduced to Salsa in the
clubs. Eric quickly fell in love with salsa because of its
free and fun social style. Eric has become one of salsas most
recognized faces
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Los
Angeles / USA
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| Originally from
Guadalajara Mexico, Francisco moved to the Los Angeles in
1988. Francisco's introduction to Salsa occurred when he
accompanied his girlfriend to a nightclub. Motivated what he
saw, he immediately set about teaching himself the basics by
watching the best L.A. salseros of the day: Albert Torres,
Laura Canelias and Joe Casini. Soon the steps came and he
discovered that he had a natural ability for dance, a gift for
rhythm and a deep understanding of the music. This, paired
with the inspiration and influence of the Nicholas Brothers,
Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, led Francisco to create his own
innovative style. Eventually he began teaching his brothers,
Luis and Johnny. Francisco and Johnny later went on to found
Los Rumberos Dance Company. They became known for their
flashy, fast-paced footwork, keen sense of timing and the
ability to hit an accent at the end of a quadruple spin
perfectly.
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Portland/ USA
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| Gemini was conceived in 2004 and has since been competing internationally,
while maintaining the title of undefeated champion in Portland, OR. Gemini is recognized internationally thanks to the quality of its performances and teaching. Gemini has traveled to many destinations, including Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada and, most recently, Japan. Gemini has also produced the first full-color magazine dedicated entirely to salsa (Pure Salsa Magazine). Also, Gemini has produced the Largest NW Gemini Salsa Competition to date, which is associated with the biggest promoter of salsa, Albert Torres, as well as the Las Vegas World Salsa Championships and ESPN.
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San Juan/ USA
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| Eugenio Acosta Rosario "Genito" was born in San Juan P. R. Outstanding dancer, choreographer and dance team director. Despite his short age, he has been able to transmit his talent and made his rythm unique and authentic. He's being dancing since he was a little kid. One of his first classes was with Stacey Lopez with whom he learned his dancing technique.
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New York/ USA
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| Griselle Ponce
is one of the top New York/New Jersey area dancers.she is a
performer & instructor and founder of her own' Taima'
Dancers, an afro Puertorrican Ballet. Griselle is a former
member of the Caribbean Soul Dancers from NJ She carries her
sexiness on the dance floor like a second skin, and projects
an energy that is alive and captivating to watch. Griselle
currently has her own instructional DVD "Ladies Styling" by
Griselle Ponce
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Miami/ USA
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| Salsa Racing
Director & Founder, Dancer & Choreographer.
Nationality: Cuba. Skills: Performer, choreographer,
instructor of Salsa-Casino/Rueda and “one on one” with
additional dance experience in Bachata, Merengue, Cha-cha-chá,
Mambo, Son, Danzón, Pilon, Guaguancó and Hip-Hop Henry
Herrera, Director of Salsa Racing Dance Studios, Inc. was born
and raised in Havana, Cuba where the steps Mambo, Cha-cha-chá,
Son, Danzón, and Guaguancó were first introduced along with
Casino style, a Cuban traditonal way of dancing to the beat ,
that is now known as "Salsa".
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Los
Angeles / USA
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| Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, IsabelleSalsa Pampillo, moved to U.S.A representing AFAA as an International Consultant & Master Aerobics-Fitness Instructor. Isabelle's became a celebrity to Instructors Worldwide in the ART of "how to teach" & deliver effectively the break-down of dance patterns to faliciitate learning . Her Instructional DVD, "Salsa 101" is a perfect example of her mastered skills. Isabelle discovered Salsa, and her carreer shifted. Now a recognized International Salsa Instructor, Dancer- Choreographer for
TV-Film, Founder-Director of "LLego el Sabor" Dance Company, and Owner of Isabelle's Dance Academy, in
Santa Monica, specializing in Salsa, Argentine Tango & Pole Dancing
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Italy
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| Swing World Champions, they are the promoters of a new salsa style called "SalsaSwing", where sexy movements are mixed with swing and lindy acro elements.They made a huge impact in their first appearance at the Puerto Rico Salsa Congress in 2004, After that Los Angeles, NewYork/New Jersey, London, Switzerland, Milan, Portugal, Paris, Tampere, Rome, Madrid, Chicago and many more of the most important salsa and swing Congresses in the World. They have used their knowledge of Jazz, Tap, Swing, Acro, Classic, Latin, Hip Hop to create a new Style based on the concept the music give you all the informations about Style, Choreography and right Interpretation. So if you know different dances you have more possibilities
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Oakland/ USA
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| John Narvaez and
Liz Rojas, born and raised in Colombia, have been dancing all
their lives at social and family gatherings. John came to the
U.S. at the age of 11 and Liz at the age of 10, where they
both began a new life with new expectations. John Narvaez and
Elizabeth Rojas are full time dance instructors and dancers
that travel all over the world sharing their passion, love,
and knowledge for salsa.In 1997 John and Liz decided to take a
step ahead in the Salsa World. Putting in numerous hours every
week -- creating, choreographing, and learning - they soon
became professional salsa dancers, competing, performing and
teaching all over the Bay
Area.
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Los
Angeles / USA
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| Born in Toronto,
Canada, Josie Neglia grew up amongst many Italian friends as a
middle child amongst many Italian friends as a middle child of
Sicilian parents. From a very young age, she studied ballet
and jazz and later entered York University as a dance major
1990, Josie fell in love with Salsa. In 1993, she relocated to
Los Angeles and for the past twelve years, has become world
renowned as a Salsa expert and has produced eleven
instructional Latin dance
videos.
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New Jersey/ USA
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| Juan Antonio Calderon was born & raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He moved to New Jersey in 1985. He attended North Bergen High School & Seton Hall University, where he began his dancing career by founding, directing, & teaching Seton Hall's first Latino Dance Group.
Juan has performed for television, parades, & pageants, as well as corporate, public, & private events. The dance group, "Cultural Explosion", has performed for the Mambo king himself, Tito Puente, & Miss Puerto Rico, as well as many other celebrities at the legendary
"Roseland". They frequently appear at some of the biggest salsa conventions available for the salsa community around the world. (Their "explosive" style blew me away when I saw them perform at DC's salsa convention! - Michelle) Since 1992, Juan has simplified salsa for thousands of people in the tri-state area, & travels frequently around the country. Juan is accompanied by the sassy Diana Dieppa, with twenty years' experience in dance, from ballet & jazz, to hip-hop & salsa!
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San Francisco/ USA
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| Junior and Emily are a brother and sister team from San Francisco, CA. Junior (21) and Emily (17) have performed, taught, and competed all over the world. Through the years Junior and Emily have created their own unique style of dancing which has swept stages around the world. They are 7- time National and International Salsa Dance Champions and are the youngest solo internationally traveling couple. They are also the youngest couple to hold their own dance company called, "Amicitia". Junior and Emily will continue to deliver fast, energentic, and exciting performances that will inspire the youth and welcome the new generation of dance.
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San Juan/ USA
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| Somos Licelott Maldonado de 18 anos de Puerto Rico y Kelvin Hernandez de 20 de Venezuela. Nos conocimos en el Congreso 2005 de Puerto Rico, donde descubrimos que teniamos quimica y desde entonces somos pareja de baile. Llevamos un año y 4 meses trabajando juntos lo que nos ha llevado a ganar un primer lugar Nacional (San Juan es Salsa 2005), un tercer lugar mundial (Salsa Open 2006 P.R.), y actualmente primer lugar en San Francisco, con el cual cualificamos para el World Salsa Championship,al cual estamos proximos a ir para dar lo mejor de nosotros y a representar honradamente a San Francisco.
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Los
Angeles / USA
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| Laura Canellias - also known as the "First Lady of Salsa" is one of the foremost
salsa instructors on the west coast. Originally from Texas , Laura started
dancing jazz, ballet & tap at an early age and continued on into musical
theater where she developed her skills as an actress & stage performer. She
later focused her energies on various social dances which encompassed everything
from ballroom to swing, Latin & country western. After moving to Los
Angeles 19 years ago, Laura has made a name for herself in the world of salsa,
affectionately referred to by some of her students & friends as "The Salsa
Queen," "The First Lady of Salsa," or "L.A.'s Salsa Diva" she has been teaching
as well as choreographing for television & stage while also appearing as a
featured dancer in films such as "The Mambo Kings," "Out To Sea" & "Dance
With Me." One of the high points in her career was choreographing &
performing "Oye Como Va" & "Ran Kan Kan" with the late, great Tito Puente at
the 1998 4th Annual Achievement in Arts Award Show sponsored by The Whitney
Houston Foundation.
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Los
Angeles / USA
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| Liz Lira, born
in La Paz, Bolivia, immigrated to the United States at the
early age of 8. Making Southern California her new home, she
embraced the art of dance and excelled in both ballet and
jazz.she trained at the most respected dance studios with top
ballet coaches and traveled with her dance company, performing
in front of thousands and on TV. Seen as one of the more
talented young ballerinas, she encountered numerous
opportunities, including the possibility to move to New York
and join one of the most prestigious ballet companies, The New
York City Ballet. Personal strife and limitations hindered her
dreams of pursuing a life on stage performing ballet and
nearly caused her to quit dancing forever. With the support of
family and a strong determination, however, she regained her
commitment to dance and transitioned into new avenues.
Although professionally trained for many years in various
forms of dance, including modern, lyrical and hip hop, it was
not until 2001, at the age of 21, that she emerged onto the LA
salsa scene. Her style quickly gained her recognition as one
of the top female dancers in Southern California. Although she
desires to present an elegant style of salsa as her trademark,
her dancing has been referred to as a fusion of graceful
motion and explosive energy. Admired by many for her warm
personality and exceptional dancing skills, she quickly became
one of the more recognizable personalities on the club
circuit.
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Montreal / Canada
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| Founders of the Chilital latin dance company in Montreal, Canada, they have been dancing together for 4 years and both have a background in jazz and ballet dancing. They have won 1st place in 9 Canadian Salsa Competitions and took 3rd place at the 2005 World Salsa Championship in Las Vegas. They travel the world teaching and performing their unique style.
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Sydney/ Australia
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| All the way from Sydney, Australia. This team has perfromed in cities like Sydney, Los Angeles, Puerto Rico, Rome,Milan and many more. You may remember them as the Braveheart routine from last year's Championships.They are currently Australian Team Salsa Champions for the second year running. Introducing, Modus Vivendi Salsa Productions!
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Sydney/ Australia
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| Oliver & Luda are the current World Salsa Champions having competed and won the 2001 IDO World Salsa Championships in Orlando, the 2005 & 2006 World Salsa Championships in Las Vegas and the 2006 World Salsa Open in Puerto Rico. Oliver & Luda, the creators of 'Aussie Style Salsa' are one of the worlds most sought after instructors and performers today.
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Bronx/ USA
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| Osmar Perrones ,
director of Yamulee Dance Company began his dancing career in
1994 under the guidance of Wilton Beltre. He has been a member
of The Descarga Latina Dance Company, The Fuerza Latina Dance
Company, Combinacion Magica, and was senior
instructor/choreographer of Santo Rico Dance Company. Osmar
participated in the off-broadway show Latin Madness.
Currently, he is the director and founder of Yamulee Dance
Company and supervises the student, children and professional
teams.
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Madrid/ Spain
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| Finalistas en el 2º Campeonato Mundial de Salsa. Pablo ha estudiado danza y teatro. Fue Campeón Nacional de Argentina en ritmos latinos. En España es un reconocido Profesor de Salsa Estilo Los Angeles. Diana es bailarina de Jazz, Danza Contemporanea y Ballet. Del 19095 al 2000 formó parte del más prestigioso ballet de Colombia, el Ballet Folclorico de Antioquia. Juntos forman una pareja explosiva sobre el escenario y sus clases de Acrobacias son muy aclamadas en todos los Congresos de Salsa
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Castellon/ Spain
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| Es como se conoce en España a Saul. Desde hace más de 20 años este Cubano ha impartido clases y creado Bailarines que actualmente están en los mejores escenarios. Es respetado y admirado por la amplia técnica de sus movimientos y el tener una base de danza contemporanea le ha permitido ralizar coreografías realmente originales. Ha bailado con Artistas de renombre, ha participado en diferentes programas de Televisión en España e incluso ha escrito para Revistas especializadas en Baile. Tiene todos los Premios y Reconocimientos que más puede desear un Artista y lo mejor, el calor del público cada vez que sube a un escenario.
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San Francisco/ USA
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| Ricardo and
Michelle make their home in the Bay Area and have been
performing, teaching, judging, and promoting salsa for many
years. They have taught and performed all over the world
numerous times Known all over the world for their clean lines,
precise footwork, and always sexy styling, Ricardo and
Michelle are pioneers in the Bay Area They have taught all
over the world and are constantly invited back for more of
their smoldering salsa
style
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Los
Angeles / USA
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| National Origin:
Mexican From: Los Angeles Professional Dancer, Instructor,
Choreographer and Actor The seed of his passion for dance was
planted in him the day he was born and has only continued to
flourish since then. He went from dancing his own steps at
family parties at the age of three, to learning the structure
of dances such as salsa, cha-cha, merengue, mambo, bolero,
quebradita, punta and the Mexican waltz from his grandmother,
to dancing his own steps once again; but this time, with the
knowledge and adeptness to combine his god-given, natural
talent with the predefined form and technique, which has thus
created his unique and elegant style for which he is well
known in all parts of the world. Rogelio has 9 years
experience teaching, his captivating style has harnessed the
attention of everyone from Japanese event coordinators to
Hollywood producers and
directors.
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Puerto Rico/ USA
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| Stacey López has been dancing since he was in his mom’s belly. Mom and Dad were great social salsa dancers back in his town up in the mountains of Puerto Rico, Cayey. Stacey began his professional dancing since 1979 when he participated in different salsa shows in Puertorican Television. Moved in 1985 to New York City to do Graduate School he discovered The Eddie Torres Dancers and was hired on the spot. After five interrupted years he formed his own company “The New York Mambo Dancers” producing four events in a year span for the RMM Record Company and traveling around the world as an instructor. Stacey has dance and choreographed for many of the salsa bands from NY and PR. Currently, he is finishing his Doctorate degree in Education. The Department of Recreation and Sports of Puerto Rico recently hires Stacey to trained dancers to become Salsa Instructors.
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San Juan/ USA
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| Tito Ortos, was
born in Santurce on December 26, 1974. After finishing a
Natural Science Bachelor's Degree in the University of Puerto
Rico. Tito started his carrer as a Salsa Dancer by his parents
initiatives. Also he is an outstanding dancer of other genres
such as: Jazz, Merengue, "Bomba y Plena", Rumba, Modern Dance,
among others. Since then, he has visited more than 30 cities
worldwide giving performances and classes, with his wife and
dance partner Tamara Livolsi. They both participates yearly in
congress around the world. Tamara Livolsi, was born in
Argentina on February 24, 1978, but was raised in Puerto Rico,
she inherited from her mother the art of dancing. With more
than 20 years exsperience, trained in various dance
disciplines like: jazz, ballet, hip hop and others, makes her
a versatile dancer and
instructor.
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Boston/ USA
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Hacha Y Machete (HYM Style) was the first official Massachusetts based professional New York Style "ON 2" Latin dance company. The company was formed in 1999 by a group of friends with the intent of enriching and educating New England about the New York Style of dancing salsa/mambo through our performances and classes. Under the direction of Burju Hurturk and Victor Perez the group has earned a remarkable reputation both locally and internationally for their innovative choreography, original style, and high caliber of dancers. Their dedication and passion has earned them spots on some of the world's most prestigious stages such as the West Coast World Salsa Congress, the New York Salsa Congress, in some of the biggest night clubs in Boston, New York City, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Washington D.C., and along side well known salsa bands such as Sonora Carruseles and El Gran Combo.
Today, Burju and Victor continue to direct their company with the original goals in mind. To enrich, educate, and promote a positive and inspiring environment for all salseros. To share their love and appreciation of the music and dance throughout the communities they reach.
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Mexico
City / Mexico
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Victor began dancing in parties since he was 6 years old and Gaby had 8.They have been dancing for a long time ago, but they have together as a couple since 10 years ago. Victor and Gaby began performing dancing quebradita, but after 2 years of being a salsa couple, they became professional dancers thanks to their incredible performance in LA congress 2002.
With the support of Albert Torres they began to travel around the world, with no boundaries, thanks to their great and unique combination: salsa with quebradita (On 1 & On 2). They have been teaching and performing in more than 30 congresses around the world like: USA, PR, Canada, Venezuela, Colombia, Dominican Rep, Australia, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, England, Japan and China.
In December of 2000 Victor and Gaby, founded Mexico's most important dance company: SALSA CON CLAVE.
In association with Albert Torres, they produce the greatest salsa event in Mexico, the well known Annual Acapulco Salsa Congress
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New York/ USA
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| Victor Mayovanex, Director, began his mambo training under de direction of Wilton Beltre. Upon the untimely departure of his instructor from the mambo community in 1996, Victor accepted the challenge to take over Mr. Beltre dance school and company. Although Victor enjoyed being a part of this venture, he felt the group did not extended itself to expressing the essence he was after. After three years of directing Mr. Beltre's company, Victor decided to embark on his own exploration to take the art of mambo dancing to the highest level possible.
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Puerto Rico/ USA
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| The group is born from a desire to form a chemistry in which the salsa roots were projected in the dance and evolved in sensual cadentious moves. Thankful of being members of the dance company "Danzarines de Papa Tambor" in Puerto Rico, this young people decide to make their dreams come true and created the YOUNG BLOOD. They in correlation with Papa Tambor, have represented Puerto Rico in European countries (Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and England), Central America (Mexico and Panama), South America (Argentina, Colombia and Ecuador) and several cities of the USA (L.A., New York, Miami and Denver).
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Los Angeles/ CA
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| Joby ‘Brava’ Aranda was born in New York and proudly first generation Dominican. Her 20 year dance experience includes classical dance training but specializing being one of the pioneers of L.A. Style Salsa. In 1994 she co-founded the first Salsa dance company in California, Salsa Brava. Now as Joby ‘Brava’ Productions she offers electrifying choreography, hot but easy dance instruction, Salsa career training & consulting and 8 instructional DVDs. She has 3 dance companies Joby ‘Brava’ Ladies (Amateur and Semi-Pro) and a partnering team 1 Vicious 2 Mambo. Joby has worked with many artists of different genres from Tito Puente to Jennifer Lopez.
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