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ISMAEL OTERO - Born in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York. He moved to Jersey City, New Jersey at the age of
10, where he currently resides. Ismael enjoyed break dancing and listening to Hip-Hop music. He took his first
salsa/mambo class under the direction of Luis Zegarra, where he later on became a member of Fuerza Latina Dance
Group. Over the years he has had the opportunity to perform and teach at various Congresses worldwide from the year
1998 to present and ranging from New York to as far as Hong Kong. Ismael has been featured in various music videos,
movies, performing with various artists, and participated in many competitions. Many of those competitions, he has won.
The Caribbean Soul Dance Company was founded in 1997. Ismael Otero aka "The Million Moves Man" wanted to show
everyone his unique style and bring the best out of his dancers. Together they have travelled all over the world to give
everybody a taste of their special Caribbean Soul. Using the creative dance form of the streets, combined with
technique and a passion for the music, Ismael Otero created Caribbean Soul, known around the world as one of most
exhilarating salsa dance groups who have maintained their place at the top of the game for more than 8 years. Some
world's best dancers were made so by him - names such as Griselle Ponce, Yesenia Peralta, Candy Mena, and more.
For more info on Ismael Otero please go to: www.ismaelotero.com
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APRIL GENOVESE - April has performed and danced with some of NY's Finest Mambo Dance Companies, including: Eddie
Torres "The Mambo King of Latin Dance", Descarga Latina, Razz M'Tazz, Santo Rico Dance Co., Stacey Lopez and
Combinacion Magica. She now directs her own dance team "De Pura Cepa". April has been teaching in Cambridge, MA
since 1997. Her 4 week sessions include partnering, styling, spinning, footwork and private instruction for men and women
of all skill levels. April was the founder of Boston's First Salsa Night, Wepa Wednesdays at the Hong Kong Club in Harvard
Square in 1998. She continues to promote local salsa events, parties and workshops, featuring top salsa dancers and
instructors from around the nation. Including the Boston Salsa Congress.
More info on April go to: www.aprilon2.com or www.bostonsalsacongress.com
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MARIO B - 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!
Mario is very well respected and one of the most loved and adored dancers in the Mambo scene today!
For more information on Mario B please go to: www.salsafeveron2.com
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SHANI TALMOR - Born in Israel where she started her way in the world of dance as a little girl, and for several years
practiced classic and modern ballet as well as jazz and hip hop at "A studio" directed by Alma Frankfurt (famous formerly
ballerina) and Arnon Zuker(Dancer and Choreographer). Shani was selected to join the Representative Dance Company of
that studio, which was performing in public common events & local festivals. In the year of 2001 Shani was introduced to
Latin Dances & Salsa. She graduated the prestigious Instructors course at the "Israeli Salsa Academy", & in the following
time had been working as a professional instructor at the Focos- Tel-Aviv University students' Salsa club, on behalf of
"Latino Del Mundo", which is the most famous Latin & Salsa event agency, conducted by Lior Petel. At the beginning of
2004 Shani asked by Johnny Vasquez to join his dance group, "Johnny Vasquez y su Imperia Azteca", which he established
in Valencia, Spain. After one year in the group, Shani became Johnny's permanent partner to dance, and actually the
group's prima-female dancer. During the last two & a half years, she performed most successfully with Johnny Vasquez &
the group, in dozens of international Salsa congresses, in the most considered & well known of them, and also in festivals
& Latin association all over Europe- Spain, the U.K., France, Germany, Italy,Belguim, Polland, Swiss etc.
For more info on Shani Talmor please go to: www.sohodancestudio.com
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JUAN PORTELLA - 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.
He is currently one of the lead dancers at the world famous Copacabana night club.
For more info on Juan Portella please go to: www.juanportellasalsa.com
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DARLIN GARCIA - Creative dancer, performer and instructor and with a love for salsa that is evident in his sizzling and
fast pace choreographies. He has participated in dance competitions in Puerto Rico's salsa open, World Salsa Federation
2002, Montreal Salsa Open. After placing 1st in the On2 division at the 2006 Philadelphia Salsa Congress, he went on to
place 3rd at the ESPN Vegas World Salsa Championships 2006 (On1 Division). Darlin is one of the original members of
Salseros Unidos, and forer dancer of Cultural Explosion Dance Company. He is now part of Art in Motion Latin Dancers, of
which he is one of the original founding members, and lead choreographer. He is also the choreographer for Mas Estilo, a
Philadelphia-based youth dance group, which has performed both locally and nationally.
For more info on Darlin Garcia please go to: www.aimlatindancers.com
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CC WILLIAMS - Director and Founder of The Revelation Dance Company, NYC. CC has been dancing since 1980. She
began training at Alvin Ailey Dance Theater taking modern, and ballet dance classes, which were the styles she enjoyed
the most. Currently CC dances the following: Mambo/Hip Hop/Cha Cha/Bomba y Plena/ Rumba/ Jazz/ Modern/ Lifts and
Tricks & Freestyle. In 1991, CC started performing with Luis Zegarra who she then helped form a group called "Fuerza
Latin Dancers". Fuerza Latina performed in all of New York's hottest clubs such as Side Streets, Broadway II, Blue Angel,
Tapestry and Fantasy in NJ. Performing with a number of dance companies, such as: Santo Rico, and Nydia Ocasio's Fiesta
Brava where she danced at Broadway II in a tribute to Machito. She has performed with some of the top recording artists
like: Marc Anthony, El Canario, Jerry Rivera, Nestor Torres and Cachao. She is currently teaching private and group
lessons and performing with her group "The Revelation Dancers", and Duplessy-Monique Walker's group "Soaco Dancers".
One of New York's most prominent dancers and instructor in the Mambo community for over 15 years.
For more info on CC Williams please go to: www.revelationdancers.com
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OTO SHOW Y SU GRUPO MELAO - NJ / COLOMBIA
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ROBERTO FIGUEROA - Born and raised in El Salvador. As a young child he was strongly influenced by his mother's passion
for Cumbia - a traditional El Salvadorian dance. Eventually Roberto's growing passion for dance led him to be involved with
several folkloric dance teams in El Salvador. In April 2001, Roberto moved to Boston to pursue his engineering career. He
began to explore the Boston Salsa scene and soon after, he met Anara Frank, founder of Jam'nastics - a non-profit dance
organization. Roberto immediately fell in love with the world of salsa, as it reminded him of his life and culture back in El
Salvador. Shortly after, he was offered the position of Latin Artistic Director for Jam'nastics, a position he helf for several
years. He now is taking his passion for dance one step further with the start of his own company founded in the Spring
of 2007. As artistic Director of Rumba y Timbal Dance Company in Boston, Roberto has the opportunity and great pleasure
of sharing his culture and love of dance with the communities of the greater Boston area. As a professional dancer and
teacher he also enjoys performing in and teaching at workshop in congresses all over the world.
For more info on Roberto Figueroa please go to: www.rumbaytimbal.com
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MIKE ANDINO - Founder, Estilo Dance Studio, 2006. 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. Through dedication,
creativity and skill, Mike quickly earned the reputation as one of the East Coast's finest. His soft lead and smooth
movements make him a popular choice among the ladies, while his unique styling and shines make him the envy of
gentlemen. His knowledge in Latin dancing spans beyond salsa and includes other popular styles such as Mambo, Bachata,
Cha-cha-cha and Casino Rueda. He has traveled extensively, performing at Salsa Congresses both locally and
internationally. 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 more information on Mike Andino please go to: www.estilodancestudio.com
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JEFF HUDSON & BENJI DIAZ - The Rumberos family is composed of fun lovers from various backgrounds and countries.
These countries would include Puerto Rico, Colombia, Chile, Barbados, Brazil and the United States. The dance stylings
are no less diverse, yet complimentary to each other in performances. We invite all ethnic backgrounds and ages to join
in our celebration of culture and life.
For more info on Jeff & Benji please go to: www.studiorumberos.com
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ROBINA - An international Belly dance performer and instructor from New York, returns this year to Salsa Fest for
another spectacular workshop that was a runaway hit last year at Salsa Fest 2007. With her classical, Egyptian cabaret
style, she creates an exciting fusion of belly dancing with Latin vibes and elements—of course, because she’s a devoted
Salsera too! She is joined this year with Aleenah. Come join the fun!
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ALEENAH – Connecticut’s top bellydance instructor and performer. She creates a unique and exciting fusion of Turkish,
Gypsy, Egyptian, and Tribal bellydance. Aleenah began dancing at the age of three. She attended Ballet School and
graduated from Music School in Odessa, Ukraine. Her dance background includes ballet, Latin, and Argentine tango. After
moving to the United States, Aleenah focused on Middle Eastern dance.
She teaches private and group classes, as well as seminars at dance studios, fitness clubs, schools, and adult education
centers in New England. Aleenah now offers bellydance classes at Latin Moves Dance Studio in Stamford.
For more info on Aleenah please go to: www.aleenah.com
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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". Since childhood he has been avidly involved in Latin music. As his
parents taught him the first steps in Casino style , his love for music grew and he began preparing for contests, many of
which he won 1st place. Later he competed on municipal and provincial levels and another television program called "Para
Bailar" where he won many other prizes, this at the ages of 9 through 11. Later on, his friends and him began calling out
and dancing Casino style in Cuba's most popular clubs. In 1991, Henry arrived in Miami and immediately began competing in
some of Miami's most popular night clubs as well as some television programs such as "Sábado Gigante and Jugando con
Fernando" often placing first place. He was the Miami winner at the "Musicomanía" competition sponsored by Channel 51,
Telemundo, as well as the Paladium Jack Daniels Competition. His Rueda team was the winner of the International Hustle
and Salsa Competition 2001. He was given the "Salsero of The Year 2002 Award" and also the "Chin de Plata y Oro 2002
Award" He also became the new reigning champion of the Professional Salsa Division in International Hustle & Salsa 2003.
He has choreographed and performed in the movie "From Justin to Kelly" in the year 2003 in the Latin Grammy Awards
2003 and he is the dialect coach and Dance Choreographer in the movie Miami Vice. He was the recipient of the Cuban
Pete Lifetime Achievement Award 2004 at the International Hustle and Salsa Competition in Miami and 2005 Honoree for
the contributions as a dancer and instructor in the World of Latin Music and Dance Presented by Albert Torres
Productions Inc at the 7th Annual West Coast Salsa Congress 2005. Henry has also been judge in several events including
Guatemala Salsa Congress,San Marino salsa event in Italy, Marselle-France salsa congress,Venezuela salsa open ,IHSC
Miami,L.A salsa congress,Philadelphia,Peru salsa congress and Las Vegas World Championship . He also performed in stage
with Israel Kantor, Carlos Oliva, El Canario, Frankie Negron, Frankie Ruiz, Oscar de Leon, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Victor
Manuel,NG2, Olga Tañon, Charlie Cruz,Alfredo De la Fe , Lefty Perez,Celia Cruz, Jean Carlos,Los Doctores del Ritmo, Hansel
y Raul, Luis Enriquez,El General, Albita, DLG, Manolin El Medico De La Salsa, Paulo FG, La Reve, La Ritmo Oriental, Dan Den,
Van Van,La Charanga Habanera, La Banda Meteoro, Irakere, Bobbie Brown, Jhonny O, Stevie B, and many more. He also
provided his teaching skills to train Colin Farell, Gong Li, Jim Carrey, Will Smith, Bruce Willis and many other stars. Henry
Herrera also worked in dance entertaiment for Cruise Lines like Royal caribbean and Costa Victoria. He has created 43
instructional DVDs porviding detail explanation of his steps, and performances demostrating his well known talent. He has
a segment on a television show, on now for Seven years, showing on Channel 41, America Te Ve.
He has also performed in many Salsa Congress and taught workshops in many places around the world like: Guatemala,
Puerto Rico, France,Italia, Norway, Canada, Zurich,Gineva, Portugal, Stockholm ,Ireland,Peru, Miami ,Boston, New York,
Arizona, Chicago, Los Angeles ,Texas ,Guadalupe, Bahamas,Curacao,Spain, Haiti, Dominican Replubic, Jamaica, Austria, San
Fransisco,Colombia, Venezuela, Germany,Washington D.C , London, Connecticut, Georgia, North Carolina, Atlantic City,
Holland,Orlando Florida, New Orleans, Tennessee, Brussels and many more... After teaching thousands of people how to
dance throughout the years, competing and succeeding on a professional level he decided to open his own studios to
teach others what he so much enjoys. At Salsa Racing Dance Studios you learn to dance in a short period of time with
private or group lessons. Salsa Racing is also a Vendor at CT Salsa Fest -get your Instructional DVD - Check out his booth.
For more info on Henry Herrera /Salsa Racing go to: www.salsaracing.com
instructional dvds.
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