Carlos Hernandez, born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic grew up dancing salsa in The Bronx, New York. Though he grew up dancing salsa as a little kid, it wasn’t until his early 20s that he began dancing New York style ON2 salsa with Yamulee. For half of a decade, Carlos traveled the world performing with Yamulee at international salsa congresses in Hamburg, London, Manchester, Miami, Acapulco, Los Angeles, Chicago and dozens more alongside legendary Osmar Perrones, former Santo Rico teammate. As Carlos developed his dance, he looked for a more classic style of New York salsa. That’s when Victor Karisma, former Director of Santo Rico asked him to join Karisma Dance Company. Carlos continued traveling and performing with Karisma at salsa congresses in Punta Cana, Boston and Dallas, as well as on T.V. including ColorVision, Telesistema, Univision and Teleantilla. After performing with Karisma for some time, Carlos along with his partner at Karisma, Arlette Guerra, who also began her salsa dance career with Osmar Perrones over 10 years ago, decided to break away and perform as a couple.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlos_zafire

Peruvian dancer, teacher and choreographer. Professional world champion of salsa and bachata solo with 10 world titles. She has also participated as a workshop teacher and performer in many renowned congresses and festivals in various countries around the world. She is also Director of JP Dance Company (Current World Group Salsa Champions)

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jhoanapalhua_official

Juan and Sara have been dancing and teaching together around the world for a year and a half. These two dancers channel all their energy, chemistry, and connection into teaching solid body movement techniques. Their teaching method, based on the biomechanics of body movements applied to bachata, has taken them to events and schools across different continents.

Juan, with a lengthy teaching background and a disciplined approach to Latin dances, has run his own school in his hometown, Cádiz, for over 10 years. He has graced many stages, making him a knowledgeable instructor. On the other hand, Sara has received training in various dance disciplines such as funky and hip-hop. In recent years, she has focused on Latin dances, honing her technique in body movements.

Together, they have established their dance school in Madrid called "bachatea-t studios," where they train dancers and instructors from around the world. Despite their extensive experience, they continue to work hard, constantly refining their skills, and sharing their knowledge with the world, expressing their unique approach to dance.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juanysara_bachata/

Leon & Jessica are instructors from London, England that specialize in teaching Rueda de Casino, Dominican bachata, musicality workshops and are known for bringing lots of fun animations to the party! They currently work with the biggest events company in the UK, BOXPARK and have their own studio classes and teach around the world.

They love the joy of dance and the communities that festivals bring together. They look forward to dancing with everyone so that we all feel equal and can enjoy dance.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmkdance/

Born in The Eternal City, Chiara Tofani decided to make her dancing skills everlasting and strong. So after classical and modern dance education at her young age, she mastered Afro Cuban folklor and Cuban salsa learning from the best such as Maykel Fonts, Kirenia Cantin, Teresa Castaneda etc. She continued deepening her skills with Adolfo Indacochea, Tania Cannarsa, Franklin Diaz etc. which bore fruit and in the period between 2013 and 2016, Chiara won several Italy's championships in salsa and bachata. 

Living a life of a real dance diva, after Milano, where she forged her style in Sosa Academy and took part in two of the most famous salsa companies - Latin Soul Dancer by Adolfo Indacochea and Black Soul by Tania Cannarsa, she finally moved to New York. Specialized in body movement and styling for both, ladies and men, she's now teaching in one of the most prominent salsa schools in NYC - Adelante Studios. She also started her own dance project - Chiara Tofani's Team and spent the whole year in Italy teaching online and training her team of 60 girls from all over the world. 

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chiaratofanidancer

Maurizio Bollo, born in Salerno, born in 1997, is one of the youngest established dancers in the Latin Dance world. He began to take his first steps in the Caribbean world at the age of 15 he meets her prima ballerina Miriana Coppola with whom she immediately begins to win victories at a regional and national level. First Regional Champion of Salsa “Los Angeles” and Bachata, subsequently Italian Champion (Amateur) of Salsa and 2nd place in Bachata.

He expanded his studies first in Rome, then abroad. Several times on the podium in Bachata competitions until qualifying for the BACHATASTARS World Championship in Salamanca in 2016

He began to be among the most well-known faces for bachata in 2016 and among the youngest artists in the field. Present in numerous national and international conferences.

His presence at conferences in Italy and abroad is even more frequent thanks, in addition to his technique, to his fame on social networks. Over the years he became the most followed Italian artist of bachata in the world, until in 2020 he left the dance scene for 3 years. His latest congress is the KYIV BACHATA FESTIVAL

In 2023 he returns to the world of bachata, creating the BACHATRIO style and bringing his high name back to the world. Today, together with the dancer Serena Fummo, he once again represents one of the most famous Italian artists in the world.

Famous for his style, Bachatero founded a new FOOTWORK style movement called DOMINICAN VIBES🌴 His classes in both pairs and singles fill the halls of all world congresses. He also asserts his character on stage, becoming one of the funniest presenters and entertainers.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauriziobollo/

Irena Tannous is a dancer - performer - instructor and choreographer from the Middle East specifically from Beirut, Lebanon.

She started her passion with ballet classes for 14 years and started in parallel to enjoy oriental belly dance, commercial styles like reggaeton afro fusion, twerk and heels. But she found a great passion for the Latin dance Salsa and bachata mainly, so she mixed all these styles she dances together and created her own flavor.

Irena works with famous artists in the Middle East for big events, music videos and advertising shootings. She teaches dance classes and workshops in Lebanon and travels to share her knowledge and passion with more dancer lovers.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irenatannous/

Andrés Silva and Nataly González have been professional salsa and bachata dancers for the last 8 years, owning and operating their own dance studio in Bogota called NG Dance Studio. They have instructed and performed at festivals in the United States, Latin America & Australia.

 

Accomplishments:

Winners of more than 17 national competitions in Colombia

2 times Latin American Bachata champions

And world champions in the Puntal Pie World Salsa Championship 2022

Currently certified judges and workshop leaders of national and international events.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andresynatalyofficial/

Born on March 30, 1990, in the picturesque city of Matera, Claudio D’Ercole has always shown a natural affinity for movement, a talent that manifested early when, at the age of 13, he was captivated by the vibrant energy of Caribbean dances. From his first step, Claudio realized that to truly understand this universe, he needed to immerse himself in Cuban culture, breathe its roots, and master the related disciplines essential for artistic completeness.

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At 15, fascinated by the ancestral rhythms of percussion and the profound allure of Cuban folklore, Claudio began a meticulous study with the most respected Cuban masters. Just two years later, his restless spirit led him directly to Cuba, where the young talent connected with the founding fathers of these disciplines, absorbing invaluable knowledge that would shape his future career. He returned to the island for eight consecutive years, spending extended periods there.

 

Simultaneously, Claudio expanded his training by incorporating classical, contemporary, and hip-hop dance, exploring every nuance of the human body in motion, never halting his artistic journey. In 2005, a pivotal encounter occurred: the legendary master Maykel Fonts. From that moment, Claudio followed Fonts in every stage of his evolution, drawing inspiration and strength from his mentor, strengthening a dedication that continues to this day.

 

In 2008, Claudio began competing in the most prestigious international competitions, winning the Italian Choreography Championship title in the Master category five times (2009-2013) and the Italian Master Cuban Salsa title in 2013. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to create something even greater: in 2009, he founded the "Los Hermanos" Dance Academy in Matera, which soon became one of the most renowned dance schools in Italy, welcoming up to 700 students per month.

 

As his academy flourished, Claudio graced the stages of the most prestigious international dance congresses, solidifying his role as a leading figure not only as a dancer but also as a judge in world-class competitions. Alongside this, he founded the “Cubana Company,” a dance group that quickly became one of the most acclaimed internationally, consistently performing at major dance events. They are the current winners of the prestigious VALETODO 2024 competition at the renowned Italian Eventopeople.

 

Today, while continuing to develop his projects and creations, Claudio collaborates with the renowned dancer Claudia Caturano, together, they form one of the most renowned couples in the International Cuban salsa scene, and his lifelong mentor, Maykel Fonts, within the "Fonts Company" project. Every step, every movement, every choreography tells the story of a man who has made dance his voice, turning his dream into a boundless art form.

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Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/claudio_dercole

Stephany has traveled the world while training and competing in various countries such as Mexico, Italy, and all over the US. Stephany has had the honor of performing with amazing artists such as Prince Royce, Shelia E, and Roberto Roena. She has also participated in the World Salsa Summit, winning first place alongside one of her dance coaches, Melanie Castillo. Stephany is currently living in New York City, where she is advancing in her Salsa training and establishing herself as a New York dancer to keep an eye on! Stephany is known for her charismatic personality, and often complimented for her ability to thoroughly explain each step for all her looks.

Angel Peguero is a Dominican Native, born in New York City, and raised in Philadelphia. At the age of 18, Angel discovered his passion for Latin dance and never looked back. He began his training with 4x World Champion, Darlin Garcia, then also trained with 2x World Champion, Noel Rodriguez. Angel learned various styles of Latin dance, such as Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue. Angel has competed in the World Salsa Summit where he won 3 World Champion titles. He has trained in various countries including Italy, China, and Canada. While teaching in his workshops, Angel is known for his charisma and high energy, all while challenging his students with dynamic shines and intricate partner work. Today, Angel resides in New York City where he continues to train and establish himself as a rising star in the New York Dance Scene!

Together, Angel and Stephany are a force to be reckoned with! After debuting their first routine on November 2018, this young couple quickly developed a fan base all over the world. Within their first couple of months performing, they have been invited to teach and perform throughout the United States, Singapore and Cuba! Currently Angel and Stephany offer weekly online Salsa lessons to their students all over the world and offer weekly in-person partner work lessons at Empire Mambo Dance Studio, in the heart of NYC, Times Square! This ambitious and charismatic couple has begun making their mark in the Latin dance community, earning recognition and respect from their mentors and peers.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelandstephany 

Fausto Felix is a world renown Latin Dancer, Choreographer, Director, Dance Coach and Instructor He specializes in Latin Dances such as; Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Dominican Folklore, and Acrobatics. Fausto owns and directs a Latin dance company, La Fuerza Dance Company, which also includes La Fuerza Kingsmen. The La Fuerza Kingsmen is an all guys dance crew that has taken the Latin dance scene by storm.

Fausto travels the world teaching and performing to a new style he created called “NY Style Bachata”. This is a Latin dance fusion of Traditional Bachata, Hip Hop & Street Style Merengue. He also founded, dances and manages one of the most prestigious competitive championship Latin dance companies composed of all star NYC dancers called “The NY Movement”. When he initially learned about dance, he committed himself to learning and studying many forms of dance and movement including Dominican Folk, Salsa, Hip Hop, Merengue and Bachata to name a few. Born to Dominican parents, Fausto is the product of New York’s Boogie Down Bronx.

He first broke into the world of dance in 2002 when he was 17 years old, as a member of El Conjunto Folklorico of Alianza Dominicana which is based out of New York City in Washington Heights. Throughout his career he has choreographed and danced with artists like Romeo Santos, Raulin Rodriquez, Luis Vargas, Anthony Santos, Maite Perroni, Milly Quezada, Fernando Villalona, Joseito Mateo, Elvis Martinez, and many more, performing across the world in all continents.

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faustofelix_lafuerza/