THE ONLY DANCE & MUSIC FESTIVAL THAT HIGHLIGHTs AND CELEBRATEs QUEER, TRANS, ALLY, AFRO-LATIN DANCERS AND MUSIC LOVERS!
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The 5th Annual Queer Afro Latin Dance Festival will be bringing together queer, trans and ally dancers and music lovers for the party and celebration of the year!
This festival is for all who love & support the LGBTQ+ community, and who want to be part of a magical weekend. Join us for three days of dance, music, performances, pool parties/night parties, dance competitions, panel discussions, and over 60 hours of dancing!
AN INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION OF UNITY
About the Festival
by andres arias at creative agency.
If you are interested in participating here is what you need to know:
Have you ever wanted to experience the stage? Here is your chance!!! JOIN the international mega Bachata superstar Roxy Vega, on the QALDF stage for a group performance you will not want to miss. You'll get to spend 6 hours with her, learn a fun Bachata footwork choreography, and perform on stage with Roxy herself, and her dynamic dancers.
You will not only sharpen your technical abilities as a Bachata dancer, but you will also get to grow your performance skill by learning from one of the best performers in the industry. Beyond that, Roxie is warm, funny, and truly a master at putting on a great show.
Cease the Moment - Claim your Space - Say YES to this Challenge
1️⃣ Sign-up early! This challenge will SELL-OUT!
2️⃣ Plan on arriving on Thursday or early Friday (challenge starts Friday at 4pm)
3️⃣ Book your hotel room before they sell out.
HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO GET ON STAGE!
ROXY VEGA
PERFORMANCE CHALLENGE
Join us as we discuss important and relevant issues in our Communities. 🌈 🙋🏾♀️ The topics for this year will be: Colorism and Body Positivity within the Afro Latin Dance Culture.
Join this Movement! Let´s together, learn and explore ways to be more inclusive and affirming.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
🔸Ana Tinajero
🔸Lilly Rose Valore
🔸Karol Maracas
🔸Tom Ogunribido
🔸Lyrik Cruz
🔸Serena Spears
friday 9th - 3:30-5:00 pm
dISCUSSION PANEL
Who are the panelists?
- WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS -
The amazing Lineup
Ana Maria perales
Amoura Teese
alex & Desiree
Andrew Cervantes
Ana & MORI
Jhesus Aponte
bex
Serena Spears
ELEANEE
Angelica & Jahaira
Ana Tinajero
Ace Fusion
karol maracas
Antonio Doza
Angie & Audrey
Clinton & Aneska
carlos & Susan
Dioney da Silva
Lyrik Cruz
Lilly Rose
Latisha Hardy
morgan (mo) hernandez
Monique Manzo
bRyon & sammantha
John and Liz
Kathy Reyes
elvis COLLADO
Jorjet Alcocer
milton
Mariah & Andrea
Jahaira Fajardo
Jeremy Meza
Helen Vazquez
Joshua & Natali
Joel Gomez
Jessica marie
Lexi Shreeve
Katlyn Rodriguez
Karel & Bruno
Noelia & Irena
Ngoc
Mireille Ruiz
rOXY VEGA
Rafa Gonzalez
Oscar & Tiffany
tom Ogunribido
SIR JOQ
Sabrih joy
Specializing in Latin-style dancing, Alex and Desiree are professional dancers who partnered in 2015 to share their passion with the world. Whether it’s teaching at the world’s premier dance festivals or bringing exciting-energetic showcases to stages across the globe, they are currently among the most sought out artists today. While both Alex and Desiree are well rounded in many forms of dance the world has really embraced their interpretation of Bachata. They have undoubtedly become the leading couple representing Bachata Clasica also known as Traditional or Dominican Style Bachata.
Their trajectory includes winning world coveted titles and recognition for their signature choreography and their abundant contributions to the Latin dance scene. You may have also seen Alex AnD Desiree on television shows, music videos, and all over social-media platforms. Despite their popularity, however, their focus continues to be the spread of joy and passion through the growth of dance communities everywhere. Apart from coaching and training dancers from across the globe, Alex and Desiree are also part of the official judging panel at two of the world's most prestigious Dance Championships such as the World Salsa Summit and Bachatea World Masters.
Bachata Fundamentals | beginner
Bachata Partnerwork Connection | ADVANCED
ALEX & DESIREE
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. 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. As a Choreographer Aponte has choreographed for many Stars, Concerts, TV, Music Videos and Commercials. In Theatre, The West End in the UK , Off-Broadway and many Regional Theatres in USA, Dominican Republic, Uk and PR. Jhesus has taught and perform in countries such as, North, Central and South America, Turkey, Italy, Morocco, Hungary, Spain, Japan, South Korea, China, France, Monaco, Switzerland, Norway, United Kingdom, Israel, Poland, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Croix, Germany, Thailand, Australia, Guadeloupe & Sweden.
Salsa Heels Fusion | intermediate
jhesus aponte
ABOUT ANA
Ana is an internationally-renowned Latin dance specialist, a passionate community advocate, and the proud, queer daughter of Mexican immigrants. A childhood spent consuming books landed this Chicana at MIT, where she studied business and co-founded Afro-Latin dance and music company, Masacote Entertainment, with Joel Massicot.
She has been blessed to share her lifelong love of salsa dance with communities in Boston and around the world. Today, Masacote is one of the most influential and in-demand Latin performance groups in the salsa industry, and in 2014, they received the Small Business Association Minority-Owned Business of the Year Award. In 2018, she launched Dance to Power, LLC, an online global academy dedicated to helping womxn discover their best lives through dance.
ABOUT MORI GRANOT-SANCHEZ
Mori is based in Rhode Island, is the founder and director of Rhode Island Latin Dance, a dance school she started in 2012. In 2017 she launched her professional dance team, RILD-Synergy. Through her community work, Mori teaches weekly salsa classes at the Brown University Salsa Club and directs their performance team Alma Salsera.
She ran various after school dance programs and art credit-eligible dance classes for inner-city youth in high schools throughout the state. She currently teaches at Bradley Hospital for the Healing Arts Program, where she provides a creative and therapeutic dance outlet to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of young patients.
Salsa Partner-work | BEGINNER
Ana & MORI
Andrew is currently one of LA’s Top male soloist and a three time World Latin Dance Cup Champion in the same gender division. He exudes tremendous showmanship and energy both on stage and on the dance floor. He has the ability to lead and follow, and is most known for his following styling and multiple fast spins.
SALSA SPINS | INTERMEDIATE
Andrew Cervantes
Eleanee is a New York/New Jersey artist with extensive experience as a professional dancer, instructor, and choreographer. Eleanee’s dance roots evolved in her early childhood being surrounded and immersed in traditional Latin art, culture, music, and dance. Her passion, riveting & sexy soulful dance style, and hard-working nature quickly elevated her to be recognized as one of the top elite artists in the area.
She is a joyful, energetic, and talented artist to work or be in company with. Her mission is to “share her passion with others by creating a positive environment for people to learn, celebrate and revel in the art of dance and Latin culture“. She is the creator and founder of her own dance company. People from all over the tristate area have a place they can call home at Afinké Dance Company.
Salsa Shines | BEGINNER
Eleanee Jimenez
Serena Spears is a fusion dancer, performer, teacher, and choreographer from Brooklyn, NY. With three decades of dance experience and a diverse background in hip-hop, modern, African, and ballet as well as Afro-Latin and Middle Eastern dance forms, Serena focuses on creating seamlessly integrated and moving fusion that inspires people around the world.
Serena began training in MENAHT (Middle Eastern, North African, Hellenic, and/or Turkish) dance in 2006, and in 2010, she transitioned to contemporary fusion bellydance. In 2014, Serena started learning Afro-Latin and partner dancing, spending the last six years exploring salsa, bachata, chachachá, rumba, Afro-Cuban folklore, tango, samba, and, most recently, Brazilian zouk. Combining her new training pathways with the old has given her a unique perspective on body mechanics, movement, and isolations and continues to strengthen her love of dance as art, connection, and healing.
Afro Latin House Fusion | beginner
SALSA RUEDA | BEGINNER
serena spears
Bex (he/they) is a trans nonbinary artist, performer and latin dance instructor from Venezuela, and the founder of Queerchata. Bex fosters spaces where Trans and Queer dancers can use movement as a tool to explore their identity, while forming deeper connections with themselves and their communities.
Queerchata ShineS | BEGINNER
Bex Nitti
Andrea Arenasvazquez (They/Them/Theirs), nicknamed “Ace Fusion” was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico and in the year 1995 moved to Brooklyn, N.Y, where they were raised. Throughout their youth Ace was known as the “Dancing Queen”. They attended Hip-hop, Salsa, Bachata classes and shared their love for dance whenever the moment presented itself. Ace has made it their goal to touch the hearts of others with love and connection through music and dance. Traveling and dancing, have created so many wonderful opportunities for Ace. While serving their country in the USMC and now in their career as an International Bachata instructor, Ace has had the chance to teach and dance in places like Japan, Africa, Spain, Copenhagen, Sweden, France, and various states throughout the U.S. Ace is dedicated to sharing all the knowledge that has been shared with them with future dance generations to come.
Bachata Musicality | beginner
ace fusion
Ana is an internationally-renowned Latin dance specialist, a passionate community advocate, and the proud, queer daughter of Mexican immigrants. A childhood spent consuming books landed this Chicana at MIT, where she studied business and co-founded Afro-Latin dance and music company, Masacote Entertainment, with Joel Massicot.
She has been blessed to share her lifelong love of salsa dance with communities in Boston and around the world. Today, Masacote is one of the most influential and in-demand Latin performance groups in the salsa industry, and in 2014, they received the Small Business Association Minority-Owned Business of the Year Award. In 2018, she launched Dance to Power, LLC, an online global academy dedicated to helping womxn discover their best lives through dance.
salsa | all level
ana Tinajero
Angelica Medina and Jahaira Fajardo are the Directors of In Lak’ech Dance Academy, in Oakland CA. They both share an immense passion for dance, and in 2014 they met and fell in love on the dance floor. They soon after decided to grow as dance partners while training for competition. In December 2015 they placed 1st in the Latin Ladies Same Gender Division, at the World Latin Dance Cup. Jahaira made history as the first Bachata female leader to become a World Champion. In 2018, they returned to to WLDC as pros and placed first in the Bachata Couple Pro Cabaret division.
In 2017, Jahaira and Angelica participated and completed the Alex and Desiree Bachata Instructor Certification Course. They also had the honor to Direct The AnD WW ~Team SF Season One.
In 2018, In Lak’ech Dance Academy produced the first ever Queer Latin Dance Festival, where Queer and Trans Latinx dancers are highlighted and celebrated. This event continues on an annual basis.
In Lak´ech Dance Academy is the direct result of the passion Angelica & Jahaira share for Latin Dance and for their community.
bachata | all level
angelica & jahaira
Angie and Audrey are a Queer Latinx couple with a mission to decolonize society’s mentality by uplifting Afro-Latinx culture, history, and gender-free expression in partner dance. Angie started her formal training at age 14 in her hometown Colombia. Audrey was born in the Dominican Republic, where her training began in ballet at the age of 4. Though trained in a variety of dances throughout the years, it wasn’t until they both reconnected with their roots, through Afro Latin dances that they began their journey as a performing duo. Angie and Audrey specialize in salsa and afro cuban dance movement. They perform Salsa on 2, most times fusioned with flamenco dance, Afro cuban, modern, and hip hop/phunk.
Salsa Non-Binary Partnerwork | beginner
angie & audrey
Antonio Doza - Dancer, Actor, Model, Health & Financial Advisor based in New York City. Known for his great performance presence, Antonio brings so much heat to the stage that he guarantees all eyes are on him. As an instructor, he brings his intriguing style with his amazing Spinning, Isolation, Body Movement, Styling, Lead & Following skills, and Exquisite Technique to his workshops and classes. He is Co-staring in the new hit movie, “SHINE” and is featured in numerous music videos by many top name commercial artists. Antonio has traveled throughout the world teaching and sharing his talents. He is currently touring, acting, modeling and directing his Lindas De Doza & Doza Dance CoEd Teams.
Salsa Spins & Technique | INTERMEDIATE
antonio doza
Latisha Hardy is a business owner and professional dancer, bringing culture and diversity to Colorado Springs, Colorado. Leaving corporate America in 2016, she began dancing professionally and opened her own studio. Recently moving to the Downtown area, the studio quickly became city renowned and recognized for its professionalism, expertise, and community.
Latisha’s dedication to community brought together a semi-professional dance team that travels and performs across the states with a message of empowerment. The impact on the team and in the community have been remarkable.
salsa fusion | intermediate
latisha Hardy
Lilly Rose Valore is a Dancer/Model/Trans Activist from Boston, MA. She is a Program Assistant at Futures Without Violence which is a nonprofit organization working to end Domestic Violence for Women and Children.
Her work for Black Trans Lives has led her to become an artist/activist. Lilly has always had an interest in developing the lives of marginalized groups specifically within the city of Boston.Her activism work has included speaking on LGBTQ+ awareness panels and teaching vogue classes as well as history and performing at LGBTQ fundraising events.
Lilly's art often has queer symbolism weaving in and out of her work to bring awareness until her people don't have to suffer anymore. Stylistically she's a retro 1950s girl at heart but her values don't come from that era she says.
Lilly has also picked up a sudden interest in quarantine as she is telling her story through photo and film. Creating art from home!
vogue | beginner
lilly rose
Lyrik Cruz of Puerto Rican descent from Chicago has become a highly acclaimed world renowned choreographer and master instructor who has danced in just about every corner of the world, including Canada, West Africa, South America, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and Canary Islands.
He has served as a guest Choreographer to over 20 dance companies in the world. In addition to choreographing for shows at Madison Square Garden, Hammerstein Ballroom and major music venues throughout the east coast, for the past 6 years Lyrik has served as a principal choreographer on creative team of legendary choreographer and TV director Debbie Allen, showcased pieces at the Wallis Annenberg Theatre for Nigel Lithgoe, appeared on the CW's hit sitcom "Jane the Virgin" as a featured dancer, choreographed for international recording artists J Balvin (Capitol Latino) and Becky G (RCA), Spike TV's "Lip Sync Battle", The ELLEN Show, Greys Anatomy and the finale of American Idol "The Farewell Season" on FOX.
Cruz' is also part of the creative team for Norman Lear’s IMAGEN AWARDS where he serves as the creative director and choreographer. Most recently Cruz garnered nominations for the CHITA RIVERA AWARD in NYC and the World Choreography Awards in LA for his work in the movie “SHINE” for outstanding choreography in a film and just wrapped in Warner Brothers “In The Heights” the movie where he is one of the featured dancers. Cruz adds a unique flair and vibrant energy to every project he is involved in. Cruz is on a mission to share his passion with the world and bring his Latin fusion to the forefront of TV/film.
Latin Jazz | beginner
lyrik cruz
Monique Manzo, a Reno, Nevada local, began her dancing career over 20 years ago, training at a variety of studios located in some of the performing arts capitals of the world including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Las Vegas.
In 2017, Monique decided to utilize her knowledge and expertise to form her own community of talented and passionate dancers through the creation of The Reno Empire, a dance studio located in her hometown of Reno, NV. Monique began directing two performance teams at The Reno Empire - Bachata and Heels. She incorporates a variety of styles throughout her teaching and choreography including Hip-Hop, Jazz, Latin, and Burlesque. Although it’s clear that Monique has a love and passion for all forms of dance, there is one style that will always hold a special place in her heart: Bachata.
“The first time I heard a Bachata Remix - I fell in love. By allowing the music to take over my soul, my body began to realize the many styles that Bachata could encompass. It was love at first dance.” - Monique, on her love for Bachata.
From soft and sweet to hard-hitting and sexy,
To her, providing a space for her students to grow as dancers and performers is the best part of teaching. Because of her deep understanding and appreciation for the art of dance, Monique is able to identify the individual strengths and talents of each and every one of her students, providing them with the necessary skills and technique to become more confident, empowered, and attention-grabbing dancers with every step..
heels fusion | beginner
monique manzo
Morgan ‘Mo’ Hernandez (she/her) is a Pansexual, Chicana Dancer based in Sacramento, CA. She was classically trained in Ballet and Jazz for 10 years and broke into the Latin Dance scene in 2017, training in the styles of Bachata, Mambo, and Latin Heels.
She was a company member and coach for Inessence Dance Co. in San Francisco, CA for 3 years and began dancing as a company member for Lines Dance Academy in 2020. Mo trains and performs with the LDA Goddesses Team.
Mo lets her passion and love for dance lead the way and enjoys helping students of all skill levels reach their goals. She especially loves building community through Bachata and seeing her students evolve as people through the practice of movement.
Bachata Fusion | beginner
morgan (mo) hernandez
12 years of professional dance experience, Teaching, performing and judging Bachata competitions in Local and international venues.
Currently based in Berkeley Ca.
Director of KathyReyesDance Performance teams.
Producer of 2 top dance socials in the Bay Area and founder of BELLA Dance Weekender, a unique women’s celebration.
Intro to Bachata | beginner
Kathy Reyes
John Narvaez and Liz Rojas, dance artists and world salsa champions, are recognized as one of the most accomplished competitive salsa dance instructors in the world with over 155 medals at the World Latin Dance Cup.
They are the founders and directors of the San Francisco Bay Area-based Two Time World Team Champion Salsamania Dance Company.
Salsamania is recognized as the premier salsa dance company in the Bay Area performing "San Francisco Style" salsa (a fusion of New York and Puerto Rican styles). Salsamania dancers are known for their hypnotic performances that are marked by high levels of grace, speed and technical difficulty.
Intro to Salsa on-1 | beginner
John & Liz
Mariah and Andrea Burkhart, founders and creative directors of Embrace dance company, based out of Reno NV. Our love for dance is what brought us together in the beginning, and is still a big part of who we are together today. Just like the love we have for dance, our love for one another is ever flowing and everlasting. We strive to grow, learn and teach in the world of dance, continuing to create movement that represents who we are as a company as well as, who we are as a couple. Embrace is a company where we encourage our dancers to be unapologetically who they are, in a space we continue to make safe and welcoming, for all who have the desire to grow along side us.
Urban Bachata Partnerwork | beginner
Mariah & Andrea
Milton is trained in different disciplines such as jazz, ballet, contemporary and Latin rhythms,
He is one of the strongest exponents of the Same Gender in Mexico characterized by his mastery of technique and his spectacular choreography.
He is currently the champion of the World Salsa Summit 2021, Same Gender Couple.
He is also part of the strongest salsa company in Mexico (Open Break)
Salsa on-2 Partnerwork | INTERMEDIATE
contemporary | intermediate
milton
Jorjet Alcocer, is the most versatile dancer on the planet. Known as the “ Salsa MVP”. She has traveled the world both leading and following Salsa On1/On2, Bachata, Pachanga, Punta and more.
Jorjets natural style amazes her onlookers and has given her enormous respect from the Salsa elite. From teaching a Ladies styling class one hour to teaching an Advanced Partnerwork class the next hour, she can do it all. Other dances include: Tango, West Coast Swing, Hustle, Two Step, Waltz.
bachata footwork | beginner
BACHATA FOOTWORK | advanced
Jorjet Alcocer
Jeremy Meza is a Mexican-America dancer, choreographer and performer from Santa Ana, CA. He began his dance training in high school starting with hip hop, jazz and ballet. It was soon realized that Jeremy had a natural talent. At the age of 17, he was invited, amongst the top dancers in Orange County, to train with Complexion Contemporary Ballet Company at the University of Irvine. While there, he was inspired to proceed his dance journey. Jeremy had big dreams of becoming a professional dancer, he immersed himself in ballet, modern and contemporary for the next 4 years at Santa Ana College. After his final year, Jeremy decided to focus on hip hop and jazz funk and train at top studios throughout Los Angeles and Orange County. Soon after, he was introduced to Aubrey Ares and the style of bachata. Jeremy would spend the next 7 years training under Ares as a dancer inside her company, Empowered Movement Dance Company.
In 2018, Jeremy had made his way from principal dancer to managing media and assisted in the rebranding of EMDC. In succession, Jeremy became a studio instructor and began teaching hip hop and jazz funk at multiple festivals across the nation. Since 2019, Jeremy has gone on to win a Wold All-Star Hip Hop Championship, 4 Bachata World Championships and 2nd at the Euroson Latino World Salsa Championship. In 2021 Jeremy started his very own dance troupe, FORCE. An electric powered hip hop fusion team that continues to spread the message of empowerment and self confidence. Jeremy’s charisma and versatility has made him one of Los Angeles most notable entertainers.
hip hop | beginner
Jeremy Meza
Jessica Marie (she/her) started her dance journey in June 2017 in Texas. She has spent many years training and learning under some of the top instructors in the U.S. and abroad. She specializes in Tarraxinha, Tarraxo, and Urban Kiz. She has taught as an instructor in multiple cities and states around the U.S. Jessica Marie is known for her attention to detail, her ability to break down complex material, and provide individualized feedback even when leading group classes. Her dance students also appreciate her approaches around inclusivity, mindset around consent, and her promoting of safe dance spaces. Jessica Marie’s background in psychology (as a fifth year PhD student) also creates a unique learning environment as she has the ability to see more than just the dancer in the room, but she is able to connect to the person in the room fostering a deeper connection and cultivating an optimal learning environment.
Jessica Marie is the owner and creative director of The Kiz Lab. The Kiz Lab is the biggest growing Urban Kiz dance organization in the Bay Area. The Kiz Lab is a Black-Owned and minority led Urban Kiz dance organization located in the Bay Area, CA where they host classes, workshops, and events.
Urban Kiz | BEGINNER
Jessica marie
Nacido en el distrito de Tolima, Líbano y criado en Cali, Colombia
A los 5 años tuvo inclinación por la danza de la rumba (fiestas) de familiares y amigos. La danza era una forma de expresar sentimientos y situaciones experimentadas. Gomez comenzó a bailar profesionalmente a la edad de 18 años después de terminar la escuela secundaria.
Se convirtió en coreógrafo donde creó su escuela "CaliSabor" de Joel Gomez y Compañía Danza.
Joel Gómez tiene su entrenamiento en Salsa Caleña, Salsa L.A. Estilo y salsa Puertorriqueña (estilos en1 y en2, Bachata, Kizomba, folclore moderno, colombiano, Clásico, Ragga Morfi, jazz, Danza en tacones, hip-hop y junto a Jhesus Aponte ha comenzado la fusion de una nueva Salsa Caleña con la Puertorriqueña bailada al 2).
Salsa Caleña & BACHATA PARTNERWORK | intermediate
joel gomez
Mireille Ruiz Born and raised in Mexico City grew up dancing and listening to Latin Music as part of her culture including Cumbia, she learned her first following Techniques dancing with her father in every family fiesta.
She has a Mexican folklore, Jazz, tap dancing and gymnastics, background as well as she is a percussionist, drummer and Montessori Teacher.
She grew up performing since she the age of 4.
Bay Area bachata and cumbia dance instructor,
Mireille has been teaching, performing and leading dance teams, around USA since 2010.
Cumbia | beginner
Mireille Ruiz
Tom “El RastaSalsa” Ogunribido is a positively energetic Salsa and Bachata dance instructor based in Denver, CO. Tom uses his creative background as a musician and dancer, and his technical background as an engineer, to teach and inspire his students from different perspectives.
Tom also has a patient and empathic teaching style, breaks down and explains concepts in creatively different ways to provide each student with a unique learning experience in all of his classes.
Salsa footwork | beginner
tom Ogunribido
- djs -
dj el matatan
dj edwin rivera
dj Ace
DJ chino
DJ Femme Papi
DJ Edge
DJ tatiana
DJ Relleo
DJ olga t
DJ papi john
DJ ak
DJ emancipation
Andrea Arenasvazquez (They/Them/Theirs), nicknamed “Ace Fusion” was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico and in the year 1995 moved to Brooklyn, N.Y, where they were raised. Throughout their youth Ace was known as the “Dancing Queen”. They attended Hip-hop, Salsa, Bachata classes and shared their love for dance whenever the moment presented itself. Ace has made it their goal to touch the hearts of others with love and connection through music and dance. Traveling and dancing, have created so many wonderful opportunities for Ace. While serving their country in the USMC and now in their career as an International Bachata instructor, Ace has had the chance to teach and dance in places like Japan, Africa, Spain, Copenhagen, Sweden, France, and various states throughout the U.S. Ace is dedicated to sharing all the knowledge that has been shared with them with future dance generations to come.
New york, usa
dj ace
Rivera Rhythm aka Edwin Rivera is one of the most influential artist in today's Latin dance & music scene. With a career spanning over two decades, He has made quite the impact as a dancer, dj and music producer throughout the world. Born & raised in the Bronx NY of Puerto Rican decent, Rivera has geared his dance & music career in a way that has allowed him to perform at some of the biggest festivals throughout the world.
"I like to describe my dj sets as a unique experience that delivers pure authenticity to my roots” as described by Rivera himself. “Uniqueness”, “experience” and “authenticity” are the three things he's revolved his career around. Which is why Rivera's career continues to thrive in today's music & dance industry. Rivera specializes in Salsa/Mambo, Deep House, Latin, Salsa electronic dance fusion, Moombahton, Trap, Progressive house and Twerk music. When Rivera Rhythm arrives the place comes alive.
Rivera works closely with Noel Lee of Monster Products creators of beats by Dre headphones as a director for MONSTER PRODUCTS Latin Initiative, "Monster The sound of Latin".
Rivera is the artistic director to some of today's premiere Latin dance festivals in the world, The New York International Salsa Congress, The Texas salsa congress, The Baltimore salsa & bachata congress, the Japan salsa congress, The Maui Salsa & Bachata Congress and The Mother City Latin dance festival in South Africa. He was the former producer of the 2nd longest running Latin dance festival in the world, "The Los Angeles salsa festival" and the largest Latin dance dance competition the world, "The world Latin dance cup". He also produces the only youth Latin dance festival in the world, "The Children teen salsa congress" in San Juan Puerto Rico. Rivera became the first organizer to produce the first ever live stream latin dance & music festival on its own platform, "Sigue El Sol Fest".
Los Angeles, usa
dj edwin rivera
Brian - "El Matatan Del Amargue" - is a dancer & DJ based in New York City. He has been DJing in the scene since 2012, and involved in dance even longer. He has been an instructor specializing in Bachata since 2013.
DJ Brian El Matatan has been known to play open format events, but specializes in Latin music. He has held multiple residencies over the years.
Affiliations:
BachaDura Social Club, LatinParty.com, Matatan LLC.
new york, usa
dj el matatan
be a part of the embetterment of the Afro latin dance community. join the conversation with our discussion panel.
pARTICIPATE IN THE only QUEER AFRO-LATIN DANCE COMPETITION!
Get your dance on to local and international dj's at the pool parties and nightly theme parties.
13 GENRES OF MUSIC TO ENJOY INCLUDING:
VOGUE, HIP HOP, BACHATA, SALSA, MERENGUE, ZOUK, JAZZ, HEELS, reggeaton, perreo, cumbia & CONTEMPORARY.
POLISH YOUR DANCe SKILLS, by LEARNING FROM WORLD RENOWNED QUEER INSTRUCTORS.
ENJOY 3 NIGHTS OF PERFORMANCES FROM TOP QUEER & Ally, domestic and international dancers THAT ARE BRINGING SPECTACULAR SHOWS.
QALDF was such a special space. It was like a glimpse into the world we could create where everyone is safe and celebrated for showing up authentically
As a trans woman, I got to chill at a pool in a cute 2 piece bathing suit and people wanted to dance with me. It's an incredible feeling that I had yet to experience! I felt more than just tolerated at the festival as a whole, I felt desired and celebrated.
It's felt like a battle to just be gay and female presenting in this world, and your festival allowed me to feel safe, accepted, and celebrated. I'm in tears thinking of it. I talked to my therapist about it and truly you've raised the bar for all festivals but also just the space I create and participate in, in my life. Thank you for what you've created.
I felt that QALDF went out of their way to create an accommodating experience where everyone was welcome by personally interacting with volunteer staff, providing ASL translators, and offering workshops focused on being comfortable in our own bodies
I was overwhelmed by how positively the space felt. I felt comfortable baring more skin without being objectified or judged, and it made me realize how little I have that in the rest of the dance community.
I loved seeing a safe space for the LGBTQ+ dance community. Everyone was welcome regardless of color, gender, age, or sexual orientation.
The festival centered and celebrated non traditional beauty standards and it felt safe to show up as my unlimited self
I love that all gender expressions were able to lead and follow. Everyone was friendly and treated people as equals. It was great to see so many Afro Latinx folks at the forefront of the organizing and performances
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This is what they say
