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Tomas Guerrero - Santo Rico Director/President - Instructor, Choreographer, Performer
Tomas Guerrero started dancing socially in 1991. He was recruited from the social scene by Wilton Beltre in 1995 and became one of the original
members of Santo Rico Dance Co. Upon being recruited Tomas had no prior dance training. Most of his training came through learning
choreography and eventually performing with Santo Rico Dance Co. As a professional dancer and now Director and President of Santo Rico Dance
Inc., Tomas has danced only for said organization, from their first local gig in 1996 performance at "Gozamba," a Dominican Festival in Washington
Heights, NY, to teaching and performing at venues across the globe, spanning 5 continents and over 25 countries. Tomas' achievements include
performing in prestigious venues like Madison Square Garden, The Conneticut Convention Center, Salsa Congresses all around the world, and El
Palacio De Los Deportes in Santo Domingo, D.R. Tomas has also performed alongside several Salsa superstars like Tito Puente, Oscar De Leon,
Marc Anthony, Papo Luca y La Sonora Poncena, La India, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Victor Manuelle, Raulin Rosendo, Jose Alberto "El Canario", Johnny
Pacheco, among many others, and performing and choreographing for Hip Hop Superstar Eve's video of her hit single, "What Y'all Want" in 2000.
Tomas' consistent hard work and relentlessness has earned Santo Rico its status as the longest-standing performance team in the world. To date,
Santo Rico is recognized for its dazzling choreographies and their world_famous "Santo Rico spinning technique" initiated in 1998 by Tomas
Guerrero himself, used by most new generation Salsa lovers all over the world.
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Candy Mena - NJ
From a young age, Candy has always shown an athletic ability. Candy was a cheerleader for many years and also studied some gymnastics.
After she finished school she began to take salsa classes in October 26, 1998 with Ismael Otero. She became part of Ismael dance company
Caribbean Soul. After 6 months of dance with Ismael Otero, he introduced to Jai Catalano. Soon after, Candy was invited to dance with the
dance company of the Mambo King “Eddie Torres”. Jai and Candy danced for Eddie for 2 ½ years until they decided to break out and open
their own studio and travel the world as a duet. They traveled the world and dance with many famous artists such as Tito Puente, Celia Cruz,
Jose Alberto “El Canario”, Tony Vega, El Gran C combo, and many more. After 5 years of working together they went there separate ways.
Since then Candy has become a free-lance dancer and has danced with various top dancers and dance companies such as Juan Matos,
Jhesus Aponte, Yamulee, and Angelo Rito. Candy was living in Milan, Italy for 2 years but is now back in New Jersey.
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Ismael Otero - Carribean Soul
Ismael Otero, New Yorican native living in New Jersey, founder and director of the "Caribbean Soul Dancers", is also known as the Million Moves
Man. Ismael Otero's dance style is considered out of the ordinary from the traditional New York style. Over the years, Ismael, coming from break
dancing and hip hop background, has created a unique style of dance that includes complicate arm work, unusual and funny hand flips, unique turn
patterns , exciting foot work and more, combined with flavor and technique. Ismael has a strong connection with the music and he is known for
dancing to every note or beat of the music. Ismael has been traveling and teaching since 1996, teaching his unique turn patterns and foot work to
thousands of people all over the world. In addition, Ismael has been performing in numerous salsa congresses and festivals and TV shows all over
world such as Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, France, Canada, England, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Israel, Germany and etc. He has won many
competitions in various clubs in New York, New Jersey and Miami - one of it was in the famous Latin club "Copa Cabana" in New York City . As
well,Ismael came in 2nd place in the Night club style division of the "Dancesport" competition in Madison Square Garden. Ismael won many awards
over the years from Latin associations such as "the best male performer" in the New York ,New Jersey Salsa awards. He also received an award
from the L.A Salsa Congress ,which is the biggest salsa congress in the U.S, for his contributions to salsa. Ismael's humble attitude and welcoming
personality is what makes him popular amongst the mambo community today.
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Juan Portella - Cache Dance Studio - Bronx, NY
Juan Portella is currently a Latin Dance instructor and performer in New York. Juan learned how to become a social dancer from Eddie Torres –
but he still felt the need for additional guidance. He found that in Yvonne Gutierrez – a vibrant, intense woman whose roots lie deep in the Cuban
tradition of body movement. Through these two influential people Juan has created his own unique style of Mambo. In his quest to become the best
instructor he could be, Juan enrolled in the Aesthetic Education Program at Lincoln Center where he learned methods for teaching the
interpretation of music and dance and how they relate to each other. Juan travels nationally to conduct workshops on Salsa, Bachata and Cha-Cha-
Cha. Juan has performed with such legends as El Canario, El Gran Combo, Tito Rojas, and Johnny Pacheco.
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Angel Ortiz w/ Atsuko Murakami from Japan
Angel Ortiz specializes in teaching Salsa "On 1" and "On 2" New York Style. He's taught Mambo, Hustle and indulges in Cuban Style dancing to get a
well rounded influence of other forms of dance. As an established International Salsa Instructor, Angel has been consistently teaching at
International Salsa Congresses and Festivals since 1997; his first being the original World Salsa Congress in August 1997, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
For five consecutive years (1997-2001), Angel served as a featured Instructor at this event. With 20yrs combined world-wide travel as an
International guest instructor, Angel continues to fortify his base as an Instructor. Precision Footwork, style with technique, and quality instruction
defines his career in Salsa. He has appeared in two major motion pictures (as an extra), salsa music videos, interviews, and foreign publications. In
addition to teaching workshops at Salsa Congresses/Festivals and major events, you will also find him serving as Master of Ceremonies.
Angel believes that learning is a life-long endeavor. It's why he continues to take classes in New York City with his mentor.. Eddie Torres "The Mambo
King". He proudly shares this direct link when he travels both near and far. website: wix.com/angel-ny/Angel-Ortiz email: info@angelortiz.com
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Shani Talmor - Caribbean Soul/Shani's Girls
Shani Talmor, born and raised in Israel, has traveled all over the world presenting her sensual and sexy style of Salsa..
Shani has trained in a variety of dance styles consisting of Ballet, Jazz, Hip-hop, Samba and Afro-Cuban.
She is an energetic and explosive dancer who is known all around the world for her unique, sexy styling and body movement on and off the dance
floor, powerful stage presence, and passionate love for teaching. In addition to that, Shani has created and is the director of an All females
performance team calls “Shani’s Girls” .
The style of “Shani’s Girls” combines salsa with elements of jazz, Hip Hop, Samba, Cha Cha Cha, Reggetton and allot of technique.
“Shani’s Girls” has been performing most successfully in the past year and a half in many Latin events over the USA such as Washington DC, Boston,
Connecticut, NYC, Philadelphia, Puerto Rico, Miami and more.
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Mario Gonzalez, a.k.a Mario B - Director of Salsa Fever On2 Dance Academy, Professional Dancer,
Instructor, Choreographer, Actor
Mario has come a long way to become a Professional Dancer, Choreographer, Instructor, and Actor. What's most amazing is that he achieved all of
these goals with NO background in dance! It's true what they say, "Hard work does pay off!" Who would have thought that Mario would transition
from a full time athlete to becoming a future Mambo Legend? The one regret Mario has had is not learning to dance at a younger age. That is why
he is teaching and training his beautiful daughter, Diamond, to become a future Salsera! In addition, his love for the music and dance was Mario’s
motivation to name his young daughter Jazzlyn.
Mario is very well respected and one of the most humble, loved, well respected and adored dancers in the Mambo scene today!
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Norma Rivera - Unique Style Dance Studio - Carolina, Puerto Rico
World Champion of Salsa Open 2002. 6 time national champion of PR in partner and group categories. Dance of the famous Papito Jala Jala.
Instructor and smooth dancers, specializing in 14 different styles. Owner of Unique Style Dance Studio in Carolin PR. Director of 6 groupstrained in the
same academy that represents PR at an international level. Director of the PR Salsa Dancers under Joey Hernandez and PR es Salsa. Also, a dancer
for many different artist such as Sonora Ponceña, El Gran Combo de PR, Andy Montañez, Tommy Olivencia, Richie Ray y Bobby Cruz, Michael
Stuart, Raphy Levit y La Selecta and many others.
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Roberto Figueroa - Rumba Y Timbal, MA
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Henry Herrera - Miami, FL
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Darlin Garcia - AIM
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Mike Andino - Founder Estilo Dance Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Born in Manhattan but raised in Ecuador, Mike moved to West New York, New Jersey in his early teens. He was first introduced to Salsa in 2000. By
2001, his passion for dancing led him to become both a performer and—with his background in teaching—an invaluable dance instructor.
Although he is always smiling, Michael works hard and takes his career seriously. His drive and motivation led him to become a founding member of
Art in Motion Latin Dancers in 2004. Later that year, he launched the successful children's dance group Kids Con Estilo. By 2006, Michael's
motivation led him to open his own studio, Estilo Dance Studio, in Philadelphia, PA, where his passion for teaching and dancing
continues today. For Mike's full bio or for further information on Estilo Dance Studio, please visit: estilodancestudio.com
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Raul Santiago - Philadelphia, PA
Raised in the streets of Philadelphia, Raul Santiago Jr. always found himself wishing to pursue a career in dance. Raul began his study of
dance at the age of 12, studying with many local and international Salsa instructors. It wasn’t long before Raul found his passion for performing
and began to perform with his local dance affiliations at various charities, Hispanic heritage events, and Salsa congresses. While attending a
Salsa congress, Raul was exposed to the On2 style of Salsa dancing, which he quickly mastered. This sparked an added interest in Raul, and
he soon began to study many different forms of dance from many instructors. His extensive dance background is evident in his unique style and
choreography. Raul now directs his own dance team, Visual Impact Performers, and they can be found performing at both local events and
internationally. Within the past 3 years Raul has been performing with renowned Salsa instructor, Jason Molina of Puerto Rico. Performing
with Jayson Molina has opened many doors for Raul as not only a Salsa dancer, but as a soloist as welldancing wiht hisd new partner Lauren
Lopez. He has recently spent time in Australia dancing with Brazilian based dance company, Brazilian Fantasy. Raul can now be found
teaching group and private lessons here at La Luna.
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Fusion Salsera - Caracas, Venezuela - Tricks & Lifts
Fusión Salsera nace de la iniciativa de sus actuales directores: Willian Santana y Lisneidy Figueroa, quienes después de una importante
trayectoria como bailarines, deciden formar un equipo con un estilo propio capaz de mezclar distintos ritmos musicales y romper con
algunos paradigmas de la época... es así como en julio de 2003 reúnen a su taller de salsa integrado por pesonas de todas las edades y los
invitan a formar parte de un humilde proyecto que requería de mucho esfuerzo, sacrificio y dedicación, con la única promesa de que en un
futuro se recogerían los frutos del trabajo. Es así como se inicia la tarea de convertir personas totalmente ajenas al mundo de la danza en
"Excelentes Bailarines".
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April Genovese - Boston Salsa Congress
April Genovese is a salsa dancer, choreographer, and teacher from the Bronx, NY. She has worked in Boston, New York, Connecticut, San
Francisco, and internationally. April has performed and danced with some of New York's finest Mambo dance companies, including
Yamulee Dance Company, Eddie Torres, "The Mambo King of Latin Dance", Descarga Latina, RAZZ M'TAZZ, Santo Rico Dance Company,
and Stacey Lopez (PR). She has been teaching Mambo/Salsa since 1997.
April has had the privelege to dance back-up for some of Salsa's greatest artists, such as: El Gran Combo, Roberto Roena, Cheo Feliciano,
Johnny Pacheco, Ruben Blades, Papo Lucca, Willie Colon, Domingo Quinones, Bobby Valentin, Larry Harlow, Junior Gonzalez, Adalberto
Santiago, Tony Vega, Celia Cruz, Jose Albero "El Canario", Tito Nieves, and more.
April is the promoter of the annual Boston Salsa Congress. For more information on this event please visit www.BostonSalsaCongress.com
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Alfred Pena - Rhythmology
Rhythmology was founded by professional salsa dancer Alfred Pena. Alfred's dancing career began in college as a member of the Cornell
University Ballroom Dancing Team. He continued his training with world-class dancers such as Victor Kanevsky, Andrew Phillip, and Bas van
der Zandel. While studying Latin, Alfred discovered Salsa and as his passion for the dance grew, he immersed himself in the industry. Since
then he has competed in several tri-state and national competitions and is currently performing and competing as a professional salsa dancer.
Recently, with his partner Aleksandra Kozlowska, he placed third at the NDCA World Salsa Championships held in Puerto Rico.
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Carlos Sagastume - MA - Bachata Workshop
Carlos began dancing 5 years ago after being inspired by a salsa performance at a local club in Boston. After training for only 6 months, he was
invited to join a professional dance team. While there, Carlos performed at many events including national and international congresses. Recently
Carlos has ventured out with his new partner, Kathryn. Together they strive to create new and exciting routines while exploring their artistic abilities.
Although dance is not Carlos’s main profession, he is eager to incorporate his passion for dance with his entrepreneurial skills.. Carlos has
combined his years of training in Salsa with his love for Bachata to create his own style which he calls, Bachalsa.” His unique style has been praised
by many as he looks forward to sharing it all over the world through his teachings and performances.
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Benji Diaz - Rumberos, CT
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Mario Carasquillo - InOltre dance company
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Otto Show y Su Grupo Melao - NJ/Colombia
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Alexander "Monte" Cobb - CT
Alexander "Monte" Cobb is a well known hip hop, ballet, jazz, modern and ballroom dancer, fashion coordinator (runway coach, designer and stylist), and musical theater
director. Born in Stamford, CT, he started dancing at the age of 5, training at Stamford City Ballet, Connecticut Ballet, Broadway’s Dance Center, and Alvin Ailey. Traveling
in two Broadway tours of ‘Hello Dolly’ and ‘Victor Victoria’, Mr. Cobb learned different techniques and combined them together to form his own style of being hard hitting
and edgy. Mr. Cobb is the Artistic Director of Collision Dance Company, Yerwood Center Theater Arts Program, and Yerwood Center DANCE FORCE.
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Addie Diaz - Director, Choreographer & Dancer
Addie Diaz, with a background in Mambo Cha-Cha, Merengue, Hip-Hop and Jazz was trained to be a professional Mambo dancer by the
late Evelyn Leon. She began performing with "Dancers Fantasy Stars" in 1992 and was fortunate enough to be trained by some of the top
New York dancers at the time. She gives Evelyn along with Mario Diaz (no relation), Angel "Negro" Rodriguez and Nelly Cotto credit for
their influence in her dancing skills. She then went on to dance in Stacey Lopez’s "New York Salsa Dancers". In 94' she was called to be
one of the "RMM Dancers" (Ralph Mercado Management) for the "1994" & "1995" Combinacion Perfecta Tour. She has also freelanced for
the "Mario Diaz Dance Revue" and with Luis Zegarra’s "Fuerza Latina". Addie joined "Descarga Latina Dance Company" in 1996 where
she assisted Nelson Flores, Director in running the team and along with the other members, participated in new choreography.
Addie had the opportunity to choreograph dance numbers for other teams as well as travel all over the U.S. and abroad to perform and
teach dance workshops. She moved on to form her own dance company in early 1999 and is the choreographer of the company’s routines.
The team has performed in various venues ranging from live concert stages to private parties. She is acknowledged for her creative and
diversified dance choreography. Several of her numbers were featured in the Off-Broadway Mambo Musical: Latin Madness.
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Benito Garcia & Co - Ballroom
Bio & Pic will be posted soon!
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