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Mario B. (United States)
Mario always wanted to learn how to dance mambo but was very hesitant due to his large athletic body. However, in 1999 a good friend, Danny Useche introduced Mario to Ismael Otero. Mario was so inspired by what he had seen, and after having a conversation with Ismael, Mario was convinced that mambo was for him and immediately signed up for classes with Ismael Otero. Unfortunately, Ismael wasn't teaching those days, there was a substitute. We've all heard about "Love at first sight", well, Mario's first mambo lesson was "The date from hell". This left Mario even more determined to prove his point that size, shape, and color does not matter when it comes to mambo! Mario was down but definitely not out.
Now Mario had to find a class just as good as Ismael's but
not as advanced. He was then introduced to one of the smoothest
and most humble instructors in the mambo scene, Greg Taylor. After
a few days with Greg Taylor, Mario was in mambo heaven. Mario took
classes with Greg for approximately 6 months. Therefore, once again, he tried Ismael Otero's class. Ismael was so impressed with Mario, that he was asked to join the student group, "Caribbean Soul 2". Now Mario was introduced to the performing aspect of the Mambo
scene! After performing with "Caribbean Soul 2" for
a year and a half, Ismael felt that Mario was ready to move
up to his professional group "Caribbean Soul".
At the same time Mario was asked to join Abbey Plotkins, "The
Mambo Mamas & The Papa" and by joining it, Mario was given the opportunity to perform for what would become an instant hit, "Latin Madness" under the direction of Nelson Flores of Descarga Latina
and Carlos Mendoza of "The Side Street Kids". "Latin Madness" is an off-Broadway Mambo/Musical depicting the history of Mambo from past to present.
With the opportunity of performing in "Latin Madness" gave
Mario the ability to dance, work and share the stage with top professional groups like Descarga Latina, The Santo Rico Dance Company, Addie-Tude Dance Company, Abakua, Jai & Candi, The Mambo Mamas & The Papa and the Latin Jazz Ensemble. With stage experience and help from an acting coach, enabled Mario to appear in the movies "Empire" and "Kal-ho-naho". Mario also acted for the NY International
Independent Film & Video Festival at Madison Square Garden.
In a short amount of time, 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!"
| Check out video of workshop with: | Check out another video of: |
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| Mario B. | workshop with Mario B. |
| Check out social dance of Mario B. | Check out show of: |
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| at Puerto Rico Congress 4 years ago | Mario B. together with Santo Rico |
More information: www.salsafeveron2.com
Ivona Bochinska (Poland/United States)
Ivona began dancing in late fall of 1999 after being exposed to local dancers
in the New York/New Jersey Mambo scene. Without any formal classes, she began
frequenting the dance scene and through trial and error started to develop as
a dancer. Her style embodies emotion, playfulness, intrigue, and at times even
a challenge to a rhythmic duel. She views dance as a bridge between separate
islands of personality, a source of identity and hope, and most of all a narcotic
that can provide a temporary relief from everyday monotony and stress. Ivona
has worked both locally and abroad with some of Mambo's best instructors and
musical legends such as Tito Allen, Adalberto Santiago, Ray de la Paz, Dave
Valentin, Giovanni Hidalgo, Frankie Vazquez, Ray Santos, The Tito Puente
Orchestra and many others. She plans to continue evolving as a salsera and
exploring other forms of dance.
More information: www.salsafeveron2.com
Shaka Gonzalez Brown & ClaveKazi (United States)
Shaka Gonzalez Brown has been teaching dance for over half a decade.
His teaching style has been influenced by Eddie Torres, Ismael Otero,
Frankie Martinez, Edie "The Salsafreak", and many others. He focuses
on making the learning process fun, easing students fears with humor
and a lighthearted approach to dance. As director of the ClaveKazi
Dance Company, he has taught and performed at every major salsa congress
in the USA. His ability to teach partnerwork, footwork, body styling,
timing, musicality and spinning keeps him in demand from Puerto Rico
to Tokyo. Shaka is a partner of www.iMambo.tv (check him out!),
featuring online videos of dancers around the world. Shaka is also
promoter of the Washington DC Salsa Congress, which brings over
thousand people to the Nation's Capital to dance all weekend.
| Check out | Check out another | Check out yet another |
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| social dance of Shaka | social dance of Shaka | social dance of Shaka |
More information: www.clavekazi.com , www.iMambo.tv
Orville Small (Canada/Holland)
On his 6th year of dancing, Orville's accomplishments have been outstanding
and endless. From his first major win at the '2000 club 6-49 International
Salsa Competition' in Montreal, to placing first at the '2003 Mayan
International Salsa Competition' in L.A. (International category), to
winning the '2004 International Instructor of the Year' award at the UK
salsa awards.
San Francisco International Salsa Dance Champion
8th Annual Mayan World Salsa International Champion
Three time Annual Ottawa Salsa Champion
Club Med International Salsa Champion
Annual Berlin Salsa Champion
| Check out social dance of | Check out video of famous |
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| Orville and Sabrina | Blade routine |
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| workshop with Orville | workshop with Orville |
More information: www.salsation.ca
Super Mario (India/United Kingdom)
Super Mario has, in a very short time, created a name for himself in Salsa, not only through his students in the UK and Europe, but as far as Australia, Japan and the USA, where many successful teachers and performers admire his dancing ability and imagination.
Mario was born in India, an accountant by profession has been dancing salsa since 1998. (He has no prior dance background). Mario's style is fast and smooth, which allows both men and ladies freedom to improvise. He prides himself that none of his moves are choreographed, and all his moves can be used effectively with any follower even if they have never danced with him or his students before.
Super Mario, also known as, The Million Moves Man, rapidly became a recognisable figure on the salsa scene. He has made a name for himself, with his smooth style and endless unique combinations and his amazing presence on the dance floor. He has taught at a number of respected salsa festivals/congresses and is constantly expanding his teaching skills through successful workshops around the world.
Even from his early days when Mario was just a student, he always showed promise, and when he started teaching, he quickly gathered a following of loyal students. The big break came in Toronto, when he was asked to teach at one of the biggest salsa congresses in the world.
Super Mario is based in London. He specialises in cross body style, dancing on the '1' or the '2', focussing mainly on moves and combinations, with a lot of emphasis on leading techniques.
For his contribution to Salsa music as a Dancer and Instructor he was given an award at the LA Congress 2004.
For his contribution in promoting salsa in the UK and Israel, he was given awards at the British Salsa Congress 2003, and the Israel Salsa Congress 2004.
Super Mario has taught in more than 25 countries
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| Super Mario | Super Mario |
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| with Super Mario | with Super Mario |
More information: www.millionmovesman.com
Osbanis Tejeda (Cuba/United Kingdom)
Trained as a musician in Havana, Osbanis has taken the UK scene in
the last three years as one of the most charismatic, entertaining and devoted
teacher in the UK and in Europe. World Champion in Rueda de Casino 2004 and
UK Champion in Cuban style salsa 2003 recently seen with Iris De Brito in
the video "Shake a leg" with Roll Deep, in Popworld and also at the Kiss100
Awards show - performing on the same stage as Sean Paul! Natural Rumbero & Rap
singer, performing alongside Latin Clan, his personality will capture your
attention anytime.
| Check out show of: | Check out social dance of: |
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| Osbanis and Iris | Osbanis |
Iris de Brito (Angola/United Kingdom)
Iris De Brito is 2X UK Salsa Champion, performer and teacher in the UK and abroad, originally from Angola, a country in the south west of Africa. Trained at “The London Studio Centre” with the late William Louther (one of the original members of the Alvin Ailey company), and further developing her own unique style when work and learning at the “Badejo Arts” and “Kokuma Dance
Company” (African dance companies). Iris’s mixed heritage and Cuban influences, along with years of hard work and training have contributed to her own unique and elegant style of dancing and
interpretation, and has become an impressive diverse Dancer/ Singer.
Her elegance and energy are the attraction to any performance.
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| Osbanis & Iris de Brito |
More information: www.irisdebrito.com
Neeraj Maskara (India/Switzerland)
Neeraj Maskara has been dancing salsa for about 7 years. His background in dancing
has been mainly Jazz Ballet. He is becoming increasingly popular in the salsa scene for his
dynamic turn patterns, creative footwork and impressive style. It is no surprise that he has
been invited to teach and perform in most of the large congresses in Europe this year. Those
of you who have attended his workshops in any congress surely admire his excellent way of
explaining the technical and rhythmic details of salsa dancing. Don’t miss out this
opportunity of attending his classes!!!
| Check out video of workshop with: | Check out show of: |
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| Neeraj | Neeraj & Ania |
Herve Suzane & Uforia (France)
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| Herve | Uforia |
More information: www.uforiadance.com
Matthieu, Juliette, Sebastien, Karima (France)
Matthieu, Juliette and Sebastien, three salsa lovers from Paris formed Majusee
in May 2006. Karima (Sals'appeal, Uforia), an excellent addition to the
group completed the team.
Each member has a strong background in dancing and has developped their
individual technique and knowledge dancing in various international groups
(Uforia, Caribbean Soul).
Though mainly choreographed by Matthieu and Juliette, the current routines
(Chaplot and Boco Boco) performed by the group are an innovative mix of
their different styles.
| Check out video of workshop with: | Check out social dance of |
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| Matthieu | Karima |
Farid & Barbara (Maroco/France/Spain)
Farid started dancing salsa in 2001. He discovered Mambo style in
2002 during the Paris Salsa congress and was influenced by the Vasquez's' style.
One year later he presented his first show during the same
congress “ the X-Men”. The show was a big success. Since then
Farid performed in many countries such as United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy,
Germany, United States (New York and Los Angeles). His performances are always
very original and dynamic. Farid is also a musician (he sings and plays the
percussion). His dance style is a mix of speed, seduction, humour and crazyness.
As a natural born performer Farid likes the crowd and the stage. In year 2003
Farid founded his own school and dance formation - Salsa Conga.
Barbara Cano start dancing salsa ten years ago, she's from Sevilla, and
she also dance Flamenco and Modern. She's teaching all over
the world lady salsa style with Flamenco which has an incredible success,
she participated to all the famous congress in United states (New york San
francisco, and New York), and all over Europe (UK, Marseille, Zurich,
Brussels, Hamburg...) as a teacher and performer. Before joining Salsa
Conga she was a performing together with Manuel Mascarell from
Valencia (Spain).
| Check out show of Farid's group: | Check out spin competition beetwen: |
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| Salsa Conga | Farid and Francisco Vasquez |
More information: www.salsaconga.com
Mayssane & Falco "Big Spenders" (France)
Created in December 2004 by three friends, Big Spenders is a new salsa group from Paris. Composed with two guys and a girl, the group offers two different shows: one named Masai, reminding the African hunters, and the main one named Diamond a lot inspired by Bob Fosse’s work.
The group already performed in several congresses, like Sofia, Paris (where they performed two times with the same choreography, Diamond), Cannes, or Bremen, as well as in private parties in Paris and abroad.
Big Spenders participates to the development of salsa in Paris and abroad, by giving workshops in New York style salsa, men and lady styling, spinning technique, footwork and partnerwork.
| Check out show of Mayssane group: | Check out video of: | Check out Falco: |
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| Big Spenders | Mayssane partnering Super Mario | dancing with Magna Gopal |
More information: big-spenders5.blogspot.com
Mitchell & Monica (Holland/Germany)
Mitchell Provence (born in Curacao) always had music in his culture and country but he never were attracted to Salsa untill the fall of 2000 in Holland. His brother came with his team member from Curacao to visit the first salsa congress in Holland. He invited Mitchell to come with him. What Mitchell saw there was a surprise cause he never thought that salsa developed that much. He had in mind that salsa was cuban Style like they dance in his country. He went with my brother all three days to this Congress. His brother showed him the basics and he practiced hard. After three months he went to his first party. Mitchell forgot his other dream wich was basketball and he chose dancing. Receiving a lot of help from friends and teachers such as Eddie Torres, Frankie Martinez, Leo Garcia wich helped him cultivate his knowledge of latin music he became the dancer that he is right now. Something more important for him is having his own interpretation of the music and that is what made him dancing.
Monica Melito was born in Germany from a Bolivian mother and a Brazillian father. The first time she saw Salsa was in 2002 in Hannover. She felt pretty stupid cause being a Latina she thought she could dance just by moving hips and shaking her body. But when she saw other people moving to salsa she thought she was in Mars). From then on she started taking classes at Salsa Del Alma. A half a year after she met Assal and Gus. With them she went to various International Congresses and what she saw there made her think that she was in Jupiter. From then she practiced intesively with Assal. Gaining help from Leo Garcia (New York) she understood the structure and language of the Music. In year 2004 in Zürich she met Mitchell and they started practising together. She learned a lot from him, for example:dancing on2, discipline and others. That made her the dancer she is today...
| Check out video of workshops with: | Check out social dance of: |
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| Mitchell | Mitchell & Ania |
More information: www.claveytambor.net
Eric Lalta & Liduina Lovers (Holland)
Liduina Lovert and Eric Lalta are well-known throughout Europe. They are the leaders and choreographers of Salsa Dance Squad(SDS), with which they've travelled the world and performed in numerous congresses such as the West Coast Salsa Festival in LA and the Barcelona Congress.
They have studied dancing on 2 at the Eddie Torres Latin Dance Studio, where Eddie Torres, legendary dancer and close friend of the late Tito Puente, still teaches. Eric and Liduina are passionate choreographers, dancers and teachers who teach both on 1 & 2. With their enthusiasm and a touch of rumba they will bring extra flavour to the dance.
| Check out video of workshops with: | Check out show of Eric's & Liduina's group: |
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| Eric & Liduina | Salsa Dance Squad |
More information: www.salsadancesquad.com
Jorge 'Camagüey' Izalguez (Cuba/Spain)
| Check out video of cha cha workshop with: | Check out video of afro workshop with: |
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| Jorge | Jorge |
More information: www.asisebaila.com
Franco & Lisandra (Germany)
Organizers of the renown Berlin Salsacongress. They are dancing together
since beginning of 2004. Franco is teaching L.A. Style for more then 6
years now and is running the largest salsa danceschool in Berlin. They have
been to a number of salsacongresses in 2005 where they presented their shows
f.e. Prague, Brusseles, Regensburg, Scheveningen, Wroc³aw, Sofia and
Hamburg.
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| Franco & Lisandra |
More information: www.pura-salsa.de
Ania "Salsa Libre" (Poland)
| Check out video of Ladies Styling | Check out video of workshop with: |
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| workshops with Ania | Ania and Neeraj |
More information: www.salsalibre.pl
Salsa Libre
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| Salsa Libre |
Ola & Marysia "Salsa Factory" (Poland)
Ola Leszczewicz is known as the very first salsa instructor in Poland and the
polish pioneer in cross-body, rueda de casino and NY mambo on 2 styles.
Since 1999 she's been giving her own regular lessons in Warsaw, being also
invited to do workshops in many other cities in Poland. She has gathered her
dancing skills on numerous foreign festivals and trainings. The most
significant one was her stay in New York in 2004, where she had a chance to
improve her dancing abilities with Eddie Torres and Abakua dance company
instructors. Beside her unique style, Ola also mastered the leading technique
that could be enviable for many males.
Maria Szumielewicz is an original salsa stylist as well as a very good
technician. The music has been an inseparable part of her life since she was
a child and that is the reason Maria considers its interpretation as one of
the most important things while dancing. Her great inspiration were
Frankie Martinez, Burju Hurturk, Juan Matos, Griselle Ponce, Eddie Torres,
Candy Mena, Nancy Ortiz and many other dancers and instructors. Maria does
workshops nationally and internationally and teaches salsa classes in Warsaw
on a regular basis.
Ola and Maria are co-founders and choreographers of Salsa Factory's mambo
team with whom they perform within Poland and abroad.
Both ladies specialize in NY mambo but they teach both on 2 and on 1.
Although they've been working together for many years now, Ola and Maria
have different, original styles of dancing and that is why their classes
have such an unrepeatable character.
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| Ola & Marysia |
More information: www.salsafactory.pl
Monika & Mek "The Salsa Kings" (Poland)
Professional dancers, teachers and coaches, they are acknowledged
specialists in both ballroom and latin dances, especially salsa and mambo.
Recognized in Poland and throughout the world as leaders of "The Salsa
Kings" Monika and Mek are admired for their incredible temperament,
charisma and the ease with which they move.
Both specialize in NY style mambo and especially in so called "body
movement", which they effectively bring into their classes with diverse
dance groups.
For over ten years, Monika and Mek have drawn inspiration and gained
experience in the following areas of dance: salsa, mambo, modern dance
and modern jazz and hip-hop.
Monika's particular specialties include salsa-hip-hop and Ladies
Styling. Since February 2005 she is among the all-star cast of the renowned
hip-hop show "12 benches".
Mek specializes in so called "shine steps", elegant solo footwork
based on NY mambo and modern dance. Along with the cast and crew of "Teatr
Okazjonalny", he is part of the upcoming modern dance shows: "Carpet Show" and Samuel
Beckett's "The Square".
| Check out video of workshops with: | Check out show of Monika's & Mek's group: |
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| Mek | Salsa Kings |
More information: www.salsa.com.pl
Gosia & Grzesiek "Salsa Sabrosa" (Poland)
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| Salsa Sabrosa |
More information: www.salsasabrosa.pl
Marta & Andreas "Project Salsa" (Poland)
Marta and Andreas are dancers and main instructors of the Project Salsa Dance Studio.
Their fascination for salsa, hip-hop and jazz dance evolved into an electrifying dance-mix that they self call “Salsa Funky Style”. Their style is characterized by great dynamics and expression, as well as use of a variety of dance forms. Both feel excellent dancing solo as well as in couple. Marta and Andreas place great emphasize on improvisation and music-interpretation, issues that they teach their many students. They have taken part in several workshops around the world as well as had shows on international congresses. Marta also leads psychology workshops in dance therapy.
More information: www.projectsalsa.pl
Piotrek & Dinelvis (Cuba/Poland)
More information: www.esalsa.net
Nikodem & Ale "SalsHall Ortodox" (Poland)
Ale Miodowska is a leader and co-founder of SallsHall Ortodox and, at the same time, a dancer and dance instructress. Ale specialises in yoruba dances, traditional Cuban rumba, salsa and dancehall. As a dancer, she performed with such groups as "José Torres y Salsa Tropical", "Sonido Tres" (Cuba), "Calle Sol" and "Ritmodelia". In years 2002-2004, she was a dancer and instructor in the group "Los Bailadores". Among Ale's teachers are Afro Crudo (afro), Pedro Ros (samba and Afro-Brasilian dances), Orvill Small (salsa), Susana Montero (salsa), Jay (hip-hop) and Jorge Camglley (rumba). During a three-month stay on Cuba, she was learning Afrocuban dances from Rainel Fernández Ballester (rumba, yoruba - Orisha), Joyce Vasallo Martinez (yoruba - Orisha) and dancers from groups such as Conjunto Folclórico Nacional de Cuba (yoruba - Orisha) and Grupo Afrocuba de Matanzas (yoruba - Orisha). Ale's dancing style is characterized by a huge amount of elements from afro, rumba and hip-hop. In her dance, she can perfectly match each intrument. The knowledge of many Cuban rhythms allows her to improvise to live music. Ale's dance workshops provide also some information on the Latinoamerican culture.
Nikodem B±kowski is a founder of SHO, musician and dancer. He began learning Latin percussion in 1997, under the guide of Mexican percussionist Divid Saucedo Valle. Then he was learning on Cuba, with such well-known percussion players as Macho Calderón (Aguii-Yo), Duniesky Barreto Pozo (Bamboleo, BuenaVista Social Club), Grupo Afrocuba de Matanzas, etc. For three years he played timbales in "Son de Cuba", a group founded by famous Cuban musician Renell Valdez-Caperro. He also co-operated with following bands: DAAB, Noche de Boleros, Conexion and Banda Virtual. At the present moment, he is a member of "Ritmodelia", a group playing batucada - Brazilian samba. He also plays congas in "Milagros y Su Clave" and congas in latin-jazz "Carnival". Since 2000, he teaches the basics of conga and timbales.
He dances salsa, son, traditional rumba and Afrocuban dances, which he acquired at home and abroad (the Czech Republic, Cuba).
More information: www.sho.pl
Marcin & Ewa "Krambo Dance" (Poland)
Marcin Tokarczyk is a professional musician and is considered as
one of the best and most talented salsa/mambo dancers in Poland.
He possesses his wide knowledge and technical perfection thanks
to the work with worldwide known Descarga Caribe Dance Company
(Chicago, USA) and its artistic director Sekou McMiller. Marcin
has also a large teaching experience. He has been successfully
running mambo classes and workshops since the beginning of 2005
in such cities as Krakow, Warsaw, Gdansk, Czestochowa,
Bielsko-Biala and Hannover. As a dancer and a choreographer of
Salsa Sabrosa DC he performed in Wroclaw, Berlin and Warsaw.
Ewa Tauroginska dances since a very young age. She began her
dancing career in a show dance company where she made choreographies.
She started to dance and practice mambo in 2005 with Marcin who
was her first instructor. Very fast she reached a very high
technical level creating also her original styling reach with
naturalness and flavor. Marcin & Ewa are founders and leaders
of Krambo Dance Salsa School in Krakow. They perform, create new
choreographies and give workshops nationwide.
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| Marcin and Ewa |
More information: www.krambodance.com
All invited teachers are confirmed. However the organizers reserve right to replace each teacher by another with similar reputation.