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Juan Matos & Amneris Martinez (USA/Milan, Italy/Puerto Rico)

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN POLAND

Juan "Pachanga" Matos was born in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. He moved to the United States in April of 1996. Little did he know that within three years he would become one of New York's top male dancers.

Not of legal age yet, Juan started visiting clubs to watch his parents, who were at the time Santo Domingo's top hustle dancers. They were his prime influence and main inspiration in dancing, which slowly became Juan's dream. He was never quite sure which dance form he wanted to pursue until 1997, when he saw mambo. He visited Victor "La Magica" Pacheco's class and was instantly hooked. However, after just 2 months of mambo classes, Juan was forced to take a break due to a back injury. After being noticed at a club when social dancing, with only street knowledge and little technique, Juan was able to learn and perform a whole mambo routine in less than seven days. A lot of hard work and dedication helped Juan to progress to the next level; becoming a performer in a group called, "Magic Combination Dancers."

At the beginning of 2000, Juan was invited to join a dance group, directed by Osmar Perrones, who was one of the instructors last year (Yamulee Dance Company). A couple of months later, Juan was also invited to train with, "Santo Rico Dance Company" (founded by Wilton Beltre and directed by Thomas Guerrero). After a year of training with Santo Rico Dance Company, Juan developed what is now called "Pachanga style." This unique style is why all eyes are fixed on him in New York's mambo scene. Whether it is during a social dance or a dance performance, Juan is considered to be one of the best, hottest and most influential dancers of his generation. He has been a huge inspiration for the majority of the "on2" professionals in the salsa world. Natural talent, pure, smooth, classic, and fast feet best describes this talented young man. Juan has created a name for himself on the International platform as a teacher as well as a performer. In 2008 you will have a chance to learn from him and admire his dance for the first time ever in Poland.

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Jhesus Aponte & Anna
(NYC/USA)

For the first time in Warsaw!

Jhesus Aponte has been surrounded by dance his entire life and has taken the talent he was born with to the greatest heights with every intention of continuing his ascension to even taller peaks. An internationally renowned dancer and choreographer who is taking the world by storm with every rhythmic move he makes, Aponte is two times winner of World Salsa Championships, prestigious titles to add to his already abundant list of accomplishments.

Born and raised in the town of Santurce in the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, Jhesus Aponte comes from a family of musicians. His father is a bass player and all of his paternal relatives are musically inclined, most playing a minimum of two instruments. Music was constantly played in the home and Salsa, the cultural music and dance of the island, became embedded in Aponte's subconscious in the same way learning to speak does. It's not something you think about, it's something you simply know.

Aponte's inherent love of dance took a more professional turn at the hands of a friend who brought him to an aerobic jazz class. "I was enchanted," he says of that first formal lesson, "and decided to start training to become a more complete dancer." Classes in Jazz, Ballet, Music Theatre, Tap, Hip Hop, Swing, Hustle, Flamenco and Rumba, ensued at various schools throughout Puerto Rico, including Bailos, New Attitude, Conservatorio de Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico, and Dance Machine, and New York City at Broadway Dance Center, Steps and Eglevsky Ballet where he had a Summer Scholarships. In 1991, Aponte landed his first job as a professional dancer, and has not stopped working professionally since. Jhesus has taught and performed in countries such as North, Central and South America, Turkey, Italy, Morocco, Hungary, Spain, Japan, South Korea, France, Monaco, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Israel, Poland, The Caribbean and Germany.

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Ana & Joel Massicot - Masacote Dance Company (Boston/USA)

For the first time in Poland!!

Husband and wife team Ana and Joel Massicot of Masacote Dance Company are taking the dance world by storm with their unique artistry of merging dance and music.

They have taken the interpretation of the dance to new heights and can be described most simply as artists. They broke new ground in 2006 (performing and choreographing to music created by them and for them by Joel Massicot himself).

In 2008, Masacote became the first Salsa dance company in the world to create a scripted theater production, entitled "Fantagious," with all music and dance compositions created solely by Masacote. The new album "Fantagious" was released in May. Appearances include Japan, Korea, England, Spain, Germany, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Canada, and throughout the US.

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Nuno & Vanda (Portugal)

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN POLAND

Nuno Furtado and Vanda Gameiro are originally from Portugal, the country they represent at international salsa congresses and festivals. They are professional salsa dancers and teachers but they have formation in several kinds of dances, such as contemporary, jazz, funk, dance, tango, etc, which they beautifully incorporate in their salsa, creating versatile choreographies, each with a different feeling. They definitely stand out on the international scene. Their work in salsa is based on styling, dynamics, excellent technique and musical interpretation. They have travelled mostly in Europe and Middle East but they have also been to New York and Puerto Rico. In Portugal they have their own school and a group called JDfreestyle. Ladies and Gentleman, you cannot miss their styling and acrobatics classes!!! This is their first visit to Poland.

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Frank Santos (Great Britain)

Frank Santos is one of the hottest new talents on the UK and international salsa scene. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Frank grew up in Italy where he started to develop his talent in dance. With a background in Hip-Hop, Merengue and Bachata, Frank started to dance Salsa in 2001, after studying various styles of salsa, including Puerto Rican, New York, LA and Cuban.

Frank has made appearances on television and stage throughout the UK and Europe dancing with the Leon Rose Project, Irene e Miguel, Iris de Brito, Andrea Stewart and his partner Natalie Beltao. Appearances and achievements have included winning the UISP Italian championship for Cuban and New York style dance in 2003, BBC's "Strictly Come Dancing Fever", Havana Club Tour and Iris de Brito's "El Barrio" musical.

Frank is renowned for his dynamic, creative style and seamlessly incorporates this into his teaching technique - whether he's teaching "On 1" or "On 2" partnerwork, styling, shines or most famously Bachata. As an instructor, performer and choreographer Frank has undoubtedly made a vast contribution to the salsa scene. After seeing his work you will realise the drive, commitment and enthusiasm he brings to any arena. A special thank you to Matar and Morena of La Rumba, Italy, for encouraging and helping Frank to fulfil his dream.

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Marc Anthony & Elena (Canada/Sweden)

FOR THE FIRST TIME AT THE WARSAW SALSA FESTIVAL

Mark-Anthony (Toronto) has been living his dream since 1999 and he has since become the most experienced salsa instructor in Toronto as he travels the globe teaching, performing and choreographing. He has a deep passion for the Latin arts and music which can be seen on the dance floor and stage. His creative style and a high level of musicality can be seen on stage, in his workshops and on the dance floor. Mark-Anthony's technique, body movements, control, creative shines, turn patterns and the ability to dance both On1 & On2 make him a very unique talent in the salsa world, who continues to strive for excellence.

Elena (Stockholm) has been dancing since she was 6 years old and has competed in and won many Latin Ballroom competitions worldwide. When she started dancing salsa, she incorporated into her dancing various other styles, which include Flamenco and Latin Ballroom, and this combination made her a more complete dancer. A few years later Elena became a member of Sacuye Latin Dancers of Sweden. As one of Sweden's premiere salsa dancers and instructors, Elena has performed and taught at various worldwide salsa events and was also featured on one of Leon Rose's instructional DVD collections. Elena has a great passion for dancing and she can always be seen on the dance floor right to the end.

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Osbanis Tejeda (Cuba/Great Britain) & Aneta Kępka (Poland/Great Britain)

Osbanis Tejeda Fajardo was born in Havana, Cuba. He comes from a family of natural talent that taught him the best way to learn was by listening and watching. He graduated as a Cuban percussion teacher from the Fernando Guanches Academy, where he later worked with several Cuban musicians and taught percussion to children and adults. He developed dance when he arrived in the UK, where the important thing to him was to feel everything you see, in music and dance. For that reason he says 'dance is to play and music is to live, so live to play'.

Aneta Kępka, 2008 IDO World Ladies Salsa Shines Champion and 2006 UK Salsa Champion, began her dancing career in Poland with Ballroom Dance. Over the years she has studied various dance forms, with an emphasis on Latin dances, trying to create her own unique style. She now lives in London. Her current dance partner is Osbanis Tejeda, with whom she teaches and performs at congresses around the world.

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Tamambo & Ania (Great Britain/Poland)

Tamambo's dancing originates from the African/American Rn'B/Hip Hop scene of the 80s. By incorporating his own flavour into the Puerto Rican style Salsa, he promotes what is now recognised around the world as "London Style" Salsa. His influences lie in Flamenco and Contemporary dance, in which his interpretation of the dance has taken a theatrical form.

Tamambo was one of the driving forces behind the London salsa scene before exploding onto the world stage. Performing and teaching On1 and On2, he rapidly earned his reputation as one of the very few instructors in the UK to raise and develop the new generation of salsa dancers, instructors and performers in the nation.

As one of Europe's top all-round instructors teaching both On1 and On2 and specialising in teaching complex, yet leadable partnerwork routines for the dance floor, he has fast become a very sought after name in Salsa.

Ania Chagowska has been dancing since she was a 6-year old girl. It all started with ballet classes, then modern jazz and other forms of dancing. She studied at an afternoon ballet school, took part in many different workshops and gained stage experience performing with Folk, Contemporary and classical Ballet choreographies. All that had helped her to adopt salsa steps at a great pace. Trying to use her knowledge and talent, she has managed to create her own original style in salsa becoming one of the leading female dancers in Europe. She successfully mixes femininity and elegance with a funky street flavour and encourages her students to look for their own crazy style mix.

Now, teaching and performing together Tamambo and Ania Chagowska create a duo and are getting rave reviews with their two brand new contemporary influenced choreographies, Violin Solitude and Senales de Humo (2008).

This couple has achieved unity in front of their audience, making every single ingredient excel into an explosive mixture of attitude, power, showmanship, passion, flavour and style.

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Deuce (France)

Oswald (aka Ozy Shyne), of Haitian origin, created Deuce in 1996 and has been the choreographer since then. For several years Oswald has trained many talented dancers in hip-hop and worked with some of the biggest artist all over the world through his different experiences as a professional dancer.

His partner Julie (aka Juuw) enhances Deuce with a touch of femininity. This magnificent dancer was trained in contemporary dance, modern jazz, hip hop and dancehall.

In 2001, Ozy was crowned World Champion in Street Dance. Since then, he has been acclaimed by the Hip Hop scene all over the world: he danced in several musicals and French television broadcasts like "Gone With the Wind", "The 10 Commandments", "Star Academy", but also alongside the greatest like Eminem, Destiny's Child, Jay Z, and many others in music videos and on stage.

In 2004, he realized his childhood dream of starring in a movie, directed by Blanca Li "Le Défi", enabling him to express his talents as a dancer and an actor. Following this experience, he was contacted by Marc Jolivet and offered the main role in a French TV movie "Concours de danse à Piriac".

He discovered salsa this same year and feels he has a real connection for this dance. He set himself a goal which he achieved within 1 year only: their 1st salsa stage with Julie and his brother Sopho. Today, Ozy and Juuw are the rising stars of salsa.

With Deuce, the salsa scene discovers a musical and artistic diversity marked by an urban style. Indeed, since 2005 Ozy's choreographies reflect the variety of dances learned during his career: hip hop, jazz, contemporary, African, mambo on1 and on2, cha cha cha.

Deuce, with Ozy and Julie, now attends various European congresses to present its different shows: The Crash, Heaven, El Pintor, Darkness and now Yelele, each taking you into a different universe.

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Salsa Dance Squad (The Netherlands)

Salsa Dance Squad is a dance company led by the director Eric Lalta. It includes 65 members who with their creative and original shows, their feeling, drama and modern stage expression capture audiences everywhere in the world. A beautiful mix of old and new, Salsa, Mambo, Cha Cha Cha and Rumba in a theatrical scenery. Come, enjoy and feel part of their show. They love to perform as a team and together they stand strong. They have high expectations and they work hard to achieve their goals and to fulfill their dreams.

They have recently received two life time achievement awards for their work over the last 6 years: one in the UK and one in Los Angeles.

As instructors they specialize in teaching afrocuban body movement, styling, transition from dancing on 1 to on 2 and, most importantly, transmitting their performing and choreographing skills by teaching you parts of their excellent shows. They belong to the most favourite Warsaw Salsa Festival Instructors, this is their 4th time here. You cannot miss their choreography class!!!

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Lieb J. & Yuniel - Salsaché (Cuba/Italy)

Salsaché was founded in 2003 by a teacher a choreographer, Lieb. J (Cuba). Apart from Lieb, the group's members are Yuniel Gual (Cuba), Francesca Bianco (Turin) and Melissa Padalino (Turin). With their choreographies, mixing New York Style salsa with Afro-Cuban rhythms and Hip Hop, they were an immediate success.

Salsaché are frequently invited to conduct workshops all over Italy, they are also regularly present at major international salsa congresses. They captivate their audiences with their style, energy and charisma, which make each of their performances a unique experience.

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Yasser Sarria Terry & Soila Sarria - Baila Baila (Cuba/Finland)

Yasser was born in Cienfuegos, Cuba. He became a professional dancer and dance teacher in 1993 when he graduated from Escuela Profesional de Arte de Santa Clara. He later continued his studies at Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA) in Havana where he obtained a diploma in Cuban folkloric and popular dances. He has performed with many well known Cuban dance companies including Cuerpo Danzario, Geminis, Ritmos Cubanos, Kaniky and Ballet Sabor Latino. He is also a member of Musicaribe and Turarte, two major Cuban agencies representing professional artists.

Yasser came to Finland in 2003. He established his own dance company, Sabor Latino, and teaches in several dance schools and companies, such as the Baila Baila dance school in Helsinki. He also travels around Europe to teach and perform at international salsa festivals.

Soila has been dancing since she was 6 years old. She has studied modern dance, jazz, afro and Cuban dances in New York, Havana, Santiago de Cuba and Mali. In 1998 she graduated as a dance teacher from Turun Taideakatemia (Arts Academy at Turku University of Applied Sciences) in Finland. Since then Solia has been teaching Cuban salsa and performing at salsa festivals all around the world.

As teachers Yasser and Soila are cheerful and enthusiastic but also demanding and patient. Fun and full of energy, they are the life of any party and are the last to leave the dance floor!

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Neeraj Maskara (India/Switzerland) & Gosia Kulpa (Salsa Sabrosa, Cracow/Poland)

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, original body movement 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!!!

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Iris de Brito & Miguel Monteiro (Angola/Great Britain)

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. She trained at "The London Studio Centre" with the late William Louther (one of the original members of the Alvin Ailey company), and then further developed her own unique style when working 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, making her an impressive diverse Dancer/ Singer. Her elegance and energy illuminate each of her performances. As one of few female dancers in the salsa scene she has managed to make a name for herself and remain successful whoever she's working with. This year she will teach the popular Kizomba dance among others.

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Majusee (France)

Pronounce it with a ' Z ' !!

Matthieu, Juliette and Sebastien, 3 salsa lovers from Paris formed MaJuSee in May 2006. Karima an excellent addition to the group completed the team.

Each member has a strong background in dancing and has developed their individual technique and knowledge dancing in various international groups (Caribbean Soul, Uforia, Latin 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.

They are one of the favourite instructors of the Warsaw Salsa Festival, it is their 4th time here!

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Franco & Lisandra (Germany)

Organizers of the well known Berlin Salsacongress. They have been dancing together since the beginning of 2004. Franco has been teaching L.A. Style for more than 7 years now and is running the largest salsa dance school in Berlin. They went to a number of salsa congresses in 2005 where they presented their shows e.g.: Prague, Brusseles, Regensburg, Scheveningen, Wrocław, Sofia and Hamburg.

Lisandra, Cuban and German blood in her veins, has a unique style of dancing and gains a lot of recognition on the European salsa scene. She has joined a musical dance professional school where she constantly evolves as a dancer, singer and performer.

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Salsa Libre (Warsaw/Poland)

An explosive mix of styles!

The history of the Salsa Libre Dance Company goes back to 2003, when salsa was just beginning to take off in Poland. That is when Ania Chagowska and Marek Domański, now the owners of the Salsa Libre Dance Studio in Warsaw, started dancing and performing together. Soon they were joined by other salsa enthusiasts, and thus, in 2004, the Salsa Libre Dance Company was born.

Currently, the group comprises 11 dancers with diverse dance experience and education, brought together by their passion for dancing and a will to reach new levels of expression in salsa. Each of them is a regular salsa instructor, teaching classes and workshops at the Salsa Libre Dance Studio in Warsaw, and an established figure on the Polish salsa scene.

Ania Chagowska, now an accomplished and acclaimed salsa dancer, remains Salsa Libre's principal dancer and choreographer. Coupled with her extensive dance experience and excellent pedagogical skills, the group's hard work and dedication resulted in the creation of Salsa Libre's unique style. Their New York Style performances incorporate elements from various dance forms, ranging from afro, through jazz, to classical and contemporary dance.

The diversity and talent of Salsa Libre dancers have not gone unnoticed at international salsa festivals both in Poland and abroad. The group are regularly invited to perform at salsa congresses in Hamburg, Berlin, Regensburg, Prague, Stuttgart, Egypt, London, Minsk, and others.

Marek Domański

His specialization is New York Salsa Style "on 2". He's also a hothead for Afro-Cuban dances (mostly guaguanco rumba). And to develop his salsa skills, Marek takes part in jazz, funky and hip hop classes.

Ania Chagowska

nia Chagowska należy do nielicznego grona wszechstronnych tancerek, które zajmują się jednocześnie dydaktyką, choreografią i występami na scenie. Jej specjalnością są zajęcia z ruchu ciała i stylingu z elementami opartymi na technice tańca współczesnego.

Piotr 'Mayer" Romanow

Piotr started dancing salsa in 2001. With previous dance experience in Tango and Ballroom, he became a member of Salsa Libre Dance Company in march 2004 and has since then regularly performed at international salsa congresses all over the world.

Rafał Krakowiak

Professional dancer, instructor and choreographer, a graduate of the Academy of Physical Education and Sport in Gdansk, Rafał has been dancing since the age of 11, drawing his inspiration from ballroom, modern, ballet, jazz, new style, popping, locking and salsa.

Magda Prichodko

Magda started dancing ballet at the age of 7 and was then introduced to modern dance, jazz, hip hop, and even acrobatics. However, it was the hot Latin rhythms of salsa that turned out to be a perfect match for her exuberant personality.

Radek Wierzbinski

Radek started out dancing Crossbody style but soon discovered the joy of dancing Casino. He developed his dance skills attending classes and workshops with renowned Polish and international instructors, including Frankie Martinez, Juan Matos, Supermario, Susana Montero and Ismael Otero.

Klaudia 'Brokuł' Orłowska

What Klaudia likes most about dancing salsa is the freedom of expression and of interpretation it allows. That's why her sources of inspiration are not limited to salsa, but also include Arabic, Brazilian and Hip Hop music. Her second biggest passion is reggaeton.

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Basia Wojciuk (Warsaw/Poland)

Basia took her first steps in dancing and acting as a 7 year old, participating in classes at an arts centre in Siedlce. As a member of an amateur dance group she attended training camps in Slovakia, Hungary and Italy, where she explored several dance techniques and styles, including ballroom, disco, jazz, ballet, tap, modern jazz and dance show. Her extensive experience has made her a versatile and accomplished dancer, as evidenced by her success at numerous dance competitions both in Poland and abroad.

Basia came to Warsaw in 2000, when she performed at a Polish TV show called "Gra w Przeboje". She joined Spin, a dance company with whom she worked for a number of years. At the same time, she obtained a diploma in contemporary dance. She is now a choreographer, a certified teacher and a member of the BaSiMo dance team. She has participated in numerous prestigious events ("Dar serca TVP2", "Vichry 2006", "Miss Polski 2007"). Basia joined the Salsa Libre team in 2006 as a jazz dance teacher.

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Anna "YouYa" Jujka (Warsaw/Poland)

Dancer, choreographer and dance teacher. Ania started dancing at the age of 7 and over the years has been exposed to several distinct dance techniques, including funky jazz, street dance, hip hop, jazz, modern jazz, broadway jazz, and others. She has gained her experience dancing in Poland, Germany and France (Paris).

Ania has performed at numerous events, such as concerts, theatre productions and corporate functions, both in Poland and abroad (Copenhagen, Vilnius, Bonn). She has also been a jury member at the following competitions and TV programmes: "Shake Ya Booty", "Booty Challenge", "Dolina kreatywna-taniec", "Warsaw Challenge" (hiphop/newstyle), "Check the Flow" (hiphop/newstyle), "Break Session" (streetdance), "3 Styles Tournament" (hiphop/newstyle), "Polish Dance Battle" (hiphop/newstyle), "Show Your Skillz" (hiphop/newstyle), "Battle Day"- Berlin (hiphop/newstyle).

Currently, Ania is working as a dance instructor at the Salsa Libre dance studio and at the Isadora Duncan Dance Academy. She cooperates with dance schools in Poland and abroad, conducting workshops and training sessins and preparing choreographies.

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Monika & Mek "The Salsa Kings" (Gdynia/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 has been part of 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".

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Salsa Sabrosa (Cracow/Poland)

Salsa Sabrosa is a name identified in Poland, as well as beyond its borders, with unforgettable colourful fantasy choreographies with a high dance standard that imaginatively combine different dance styles and forms into one magical whole.

Salsa Sabrosa Dance School was founded in Cracow in April 2004. The founder was Małgosia Kulpa, who invited Michał Zakrzewski for cooperation.

Both Małgosia and Michał had been surrounded by different dance styles from an early age, which allowed them to create a school not only characterised by high dance standard but also filled with a lot magic and passion. And they were able to pass this passion to a lot of salsero-generations in Cracow.

Modern dance with elements of hip-hop and funk, which Gosia studied from an early age, and Latin dance, which Michał grew up in, turned out to be a perfect mixture and bore fruit in stunning, multifaceted, surprising choreographies, which sink deep into the memory of the audience.

In December 2004 Salsa Sabrosa was joined by an old friend Grzegorz Przetocki. Grzegorz started his salsa adventure 6 years ago, and already after a couple of months he became a member of one of the first salsa formations in Poland - Salsa Ventura.

In February 2005, having some of the best instructors of Cracow and amazing dancers, Małgosia set up one of the first salsa formations on Poland, Salsa Sabrosa. Since then, the instructors of Salsa Sabrosa, as well as the members of the show-group, have constantly been improving their skills, taking part in and performing at the most prestigious salsa congresses and festivals in Poland and Central Europe:

- Carnaval de Salsa - Wroclaw / Poland
- Salsa Festival - Berlin / Germany
- Salsa Festiwal - Warsaw / Poland
- Salsa Festival - Frankfurt /Germany
- Salsa Festival - Karlsruhe / Germany
- Salsa Festival - Prague/ Czech Republic

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"SalsHall Ortodox" (Warsaw/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), Orville Small (salsa), Susana Montero (salsa), Jay (hip-hop) and Jorge Camagüey (rumba). During a three-month stay on Cuba, she learnt 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 mixture of elements from afro, rumba and hip-hop. In her dance, she can perfectly match each instrument. 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 Bąkowski is a founder of SHO, musician and dancer. He began learning Latin percussion in 1997, under the guide of Mexican percussionist David Saucedo Valle. Then he learnt 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 a famous Cuban musician, Renell Valdez-Caperro. He also co-operated with the 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 in latin-jazz "Carnival". Since 2000, he has been teaching 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).

Kuba Makowczyński is a dancer and a dance teacher at SalsHall Orthodox. He began his dance training with ballroom, under Iwona and Włodzimierz Ciok and rock'n'roll and boogie woogie under Marcin Skrzecz. Kuba now specialises in Caribbean dance forms including reggaeton, salsa (solo and in a couple), Cuban rumba, Afro-Cuban- and Afro-Brazilian dances, dancehall and Brazilian samba. He developed his dance skills at international dance congresses and in Warsaw dance schools: SHO, Salsa Libre and Latin Groove.
Being a member of SHO's dance team gave Kuba the opportunity to perform at numerous dance festivals (including 2nd and 3rd International Warsaw Salsa Festival in Warsaw, 5th and 6th Carnaval de Salsa in Wrocław, 4th 5th and 6th Festival of Brazilian Culture in Warsaw, Multicultural StreetParty 2007 and 2008 in Warsaw, 1st Mini Salsa Festival in Cracow, Baila Maquina in Cracow, Cubamemucho 2008, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Drum Festival in Warsaw), TV programmes ("Taniec z Gwiazdami" in TVN, New Years Eve show in Canal+ in 2006, "Pytanie na Śniadanie" in TVP2) and Warsaw clubs (including Stodoła, Lemon Club, Lucid, Hotl, Amnesia, Harenda, Space, U Artystów, Salsa Libre Dance Studio, Ground Zero).
Kuba's teaching experience includes giving workshops at Tomasz Potocki's dance academy, FitnessArt fitness centre in Stara Miłosna and LaMosca fitness centre in Pruszków. Currently, Kuba teaches regular dance courses (Brazilian samba and Afrobrasil, reggaeton, salsa solo/in a couple, dancehall) at SHO and drop-in dance classes at Amnesia Too, a Warsaw dance club.

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Project Salsa (Łódź/Poland)

Marta and Michał 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 the use of a variety of dance forms. Both feel excellent dancing solo as well as in couple. Marta and Michał place great emphasis on improvisation and music interpretation, issues that they teach to their numerous students. They have taken part in several workshops around the world and have performed at international congresses. Marta also leads psychology workshops in dance therapy.

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Andreas Bromirski (Łódź/Poland)

Andreas is a dancer, instructor and choreographer, the co-founder of one of Poland's biggest salsa schools and the creator of the "Urban Dance Zone" dance studio in Łódź.
He started his dance career with hip-hop but salsa soon became his real passion. He rapidly became an instructor and dancer appreciated both at home and abroad. He has led numerous workshops at international salsa congresses.
His specialty is what he calls "Salsa Funky Style", that is salsa with a slight blend of hip-hop techniques. His unique and exciting style is characterized by great expressiveness and powerful dynamics, with a strong emphasis on improvisation and music interpretation.
Andreas provides high-intensity classes spiced up with plenty of humour. As a bonus, what you learn in his workshops can be used on the dance floor both when dancing solo and in a couple!

See him dance:

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Marysia Szumielewicz (Warsaw/Poland)

Marysia Szumielewicz - Montuno Aye

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Mambata (UK)

Mambata are Yuko Kamiya, Fiona Sinclair, Guy Lawrence and Tony Tee. The mambata dancers bring with them interesting backgrounds to salsa dance. Yuko is a classic salsa dancer with excellent body isolation skills and is also the eight time UK champion in modern jive. Fiona dances lambada, salsa, ballet and jazz and is known for her incredible body movement and flexibility. The brothers Guy and Tee were professional sports performers in Basketball and American football. They were also professional musicians with their own band before becoming salsa dancers and performing in Mambata.

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Salsa Carnaval (Latvia)

Salsa Carnaval group is the most polished and professional show group in the Baltics. For three years the group has performed in concerts and large events in the Baltics as well as in Salsa Festivals across Europe.
Their performances are varied and they cover not only Salsa but other Latin dances such as Merengue, Bachata, Tango and even Hip Hop.
Well received by both Latin dance aficionados and general audiences, their shows are rich with detail and complex synchronized movements. This is a group that dances as one to a thrilling effect on all that watch them.

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Latin Fusion (Poland)

Latin Fusion is a dance school whose roots can be trace back to the first salsa school in Pomerania. It was founded in 2006 by a group of dance instructors who believed that professional dance training was as important as a friendly relaxed atmosphere in the dance class.

As dancers, Latin Fusion draw their inspiration from various dance forms, including salsa, jazz, contemporary dance and hip-hip, making their performances a truly spectacular ad unforgettable experience.

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