Contents Table of Contents...............................................................................................................1 Welcome Message..............................................................................................................2 Congress Agenda.................................................................................................................3 Performance Schedules..................................................................................................5 Thursday Night Shows...............................................................................................5 Friday Night Shows.....................................................................................................6 Saturday Night & Afternoon Shows........................................................................7 Workshop Schedules........................................................................................................9 Friday Workshops.......................................................................................................9 Saturday Workshops................................................................................................10 Sunday Workshops...................................................................................................11 Congress Instructors......................................................................................................12 Abel Pena....................................................................................................................13 Andrew Cervantes...................................................................................................13 Andy Cruz..................................................................................................................14 Ava Apple & Rodolfo Guzman...............................................................................14 Corey Raynor & Mireille Ruiz................................................................................15 David Nieto & Charlene Rose...............................................................................15 David & Jennifer Stein..............................................................................................16 Eddie Mora & Emily Andagan.................................................................................16 Eddie Torres...............................................................................................................17 Grizzly Hidriago........................................................................................................17 Isidro Corona............................................................................................................18 Javier Campines........................................................................................................18 JC Labio & Tellina Rezzoffi......................................................................................19 John Narvaez & Liz Rojas.......................................................................................19 Liz Lira........................................................................................................................20 Luis Aguilar.................................................................................................................20 Maritza Gonzales & Jorge Martinez.....................................................................21 Omar Munoz.............................................................................................................21 Ricardo Tellez & Tianne Frias.................................................................................22 Rodney Rodchata Aquino.......................................................................................22 Samira Benjebali.......................................................................................................23 Sergio Jasso & Gabriela Equiz...............................................................................23 Shani Talmor..............................................................................................................24 Vassili..........................................................................................................................24 Vera Rowe & Uriel Garcia.....................................................................................25 Zeke Ruvalcaba & Kathy Reyes............................................................................25 Jack & Jill Competition.................................................................................................26 Musical Guests....................................................................................................................27 Salsa Congress DJs...........................................................................................................28 Salsa Friends........................................................................................................................29 Mingle.......................................................................................................................................30
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Welcome WELCOME to the 14th Annual San Francisco International Salsa Congress! The SF Salsa Congress is one of the largest salsa events in the world, and we have been working hard all year to bring you another unforgettable salsa experience. We have a very special event for you this year, with world renowned musicians such as Charlie Aponte, Fruko y sus Tesos, international salsa dance instructors, and over 100 dance showcases that will wow and inspire you. This year we are also hosting a series of special shows and competitions, including the Mambo & Bachata Challenge, the World Salsa Summit Qualifiers, and the ever-popular Masters Jack & Jill competition. If you are interested in participating in any of our competitions, please speak with our helpful event staff, and they can help get you signed up. It has been a great pleasure to put on this event for over a decade, and this year is looking to be the best year yet. Thank you for participating in the 14th Annual San Francisco International Salsa Congress, and have an amazing weekend! -Ricardo Sanchez PB&G Dance Productions
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2014 SF Salsa Congress Agenda THURSDAY, November 20th @ Oakland Marriott® City Center TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
10:00 am
Registration Opens
Hotel Lobby
12pm - 4pm
Yamulee Challenge Day 1
Room 1
5pm-7pm
Evening Tech Rehearsals
Golden Gate Stage Room
7:00 pm
Evening Registration Opens
Hotel Lobby
7:30 pm
Door Open For General Dancing
1st Floor Oakland Marriott
8pm - 4am
Bachata & Kizomba Rooms Open
Room 1 & 2
9:30 pm
General Dancing, Live Music w/ N’Rumba
Main Ballroom
10:30 pm
Dance Performances
Golden Gate Stage Room
12:00 am
General Dancing, Live Music w/ Julio Bravo
Main Ballroom
2:00 am
Good Night!
Oakland Marriott
FRIDAY, November 21st @ Oakland Marriott® City Center
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TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
10:00 am
Registration Opens
1st Floor
12pm - 4pm
Workshops
Convention Center
4pm - 7pm
Evening Tech Rehearsals
Golden Gate Stage Room
7:00 pm
Evening Registration Opens
1st Floor
8pm - 4am
General Dancing, Bachata Room Opens
Main Ballroom, 2nd Floor
8:00 pm
Dance Performances
Golden Gate Stage Room
9:30 pm
Live Band - Conjunto Clasico
Main Ballroom
10:30 pm
2nd Show
Golden Gate Stage Room
12:00 am
Live Band - Conjunto Clasico
Main Ballroom
4:00 am
Good night!
Oakland Marriott
SATURDAY, November 22nd @ Oakland Marriott® City Center TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
8:30 am
Registration Opens
1st Floor
9:00 am
Tech Rehearsal - Afternoon Shows
Golden Gate Stage Room
9am - 4pm
Workshops
Convention Center
12:00 pm
Rising Stars Show 1
Golden Gate Stage Room
3:00 pm
Rising Stars Show II
Golden Gate Stage Room
4pm - 7pm
Tech Rehearsal - Evening Shows
Golden Gate Stage Room
7:00 pm
Evening Registration Opens
1st Floor
7:30pm
Door Open For General Dancing
Main Ballroom
8pm - 4am
Bachata & Kizomba Rooms Open
2nd Floor
8:00 pm
Dance Performances
Golden Gate Stage Room
9:30 pm
Live Band - Vibrason
Main Ballroom
10:30 pm
Dance Performances
Golden Gate Stage Room
12:00 am
Live Band - Tito Rojas
Main Ballroom
4:00 am
Good night!
Oakland Marriott
Saturday is Gala Night, dress to impress!
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Sunday, November 23rd @ Oakland Marriott® City Center TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
8:30 am
Registration Opens
1st Floor
9:00 am
Competition Registration Opens
1st Floor
10am - 4pm
Workshops
Convention Center
12:00 pm
Open Level Jack & Jill
Golden Gate Stage Room
4:00 pm
Masters Level Jack & Jill
Golden Gate Stage Room
6:00 pm
Evening Registration Opens
1st Floor
6:30 pm
Doors Open General Dancing
Golden Gate Stage Room
7:00 pm
Competition Qualifiers
Golden Gate Stage Room
8:00 pm
General Dancing
Main Ballroom
8pm - 4am
Bachata & Kizomba Rooms Open
2nd Floor
10:00 pm
Competition Finals
Golden Gate Stage Room
12:00 am
General Dancing Continues
Main Ballroom
1:00 am
Announcement Of Winners
Golden Gate Stage Room
4:00 am
Good Night! See You All In 2015!!!
Oakland Marriott
Performance Schedule THURSDAY, November 20th - 10:30pm Evening Shows 10:30pm
Main Ballroom 1
Con Afinke, SF Bay Area
Mambo Groovin, OAK
Couture Dance, SF
Prodigy Semi Pro, Fresno
Eddie Torres & Eddie JR, NYC
Rodney & Michelita, SF
Eric & Maria, SF
Salsa Sin Limite, OAK
Hector & Liz Bachata, GUA/MEX
Stanford Salseros, SF
Inspiracion Latina, CHI
Vera & Uri Salsa, CHI/DOM REP
Jorge & Maritza, MEX
Vimal Pradeep, SF
Keesha Roberts, SJ
Wayne & Veronica, SJ
Luis Ernesto, MEX
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*Schedules are subject to change, not listed in performance order
FRIDAY, November 21st - 8:30pm Evening Shows 8:00pm
Main Ballroom 1
Aragon Dance Company, LA
Mambo Groovin, OAK
Achuith & Mayuko, IND/JAP
Melomanos, LA
Caitlin & Daniel, AUS/LA
Omambo Project Japan
Daizu, Japan
Passion Y Tumbao (Que se sepa), LA
DF Dance CO, Utah
Ritmo Y Salsa, LA
Inspiracion Latina, CHI
Salerosas, LA
Jarek & Jackie, LA
Son Montuno, SJ
Jose & Darci, SJ
The Latin Symbolics II, SF
Latin Vibe, OAK
Yemaya Semi-Pro, SAC
Majesty Pro, SD
FRIDAY, November 21st - 10:30pm Evening Shows 10:30pm
Main Ballroom 1
Abel Pena & Liz Lira Team, LA
MG Dance Co, LA
Alma Bachata Bay Area
Ricasalsa, OAK
Andrew Cervantes & Ashley, SF/LA
Salsamania y Su Nueva Dimension,OAK
Eddie Torres & Eddie Torres Jr, NYC
The Latin Sybolics Pro Theatre, SF
Gaby & Sergio, Bachata, MEX
Tumbao De Omambo, LA
Grizzly Dance Company Pro,VEN
Yamulee, NYC
Helen & JC Bachata, SF
Zeke & Kathy, LA.CHI
Liz Lira Dance Academy Bachata, LA
Yemaya Pro, SAC
Majesty Ladies, SD
Vimal & Liz Salsa, IND/MEX
*Schedules are subject to change, not listed in performance order
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SATURDAY, November 22nd - 12pm Afternoon Shows 12:00pm
Main Ballroom 1
Aragon Dance Company, LA
Montuno Stars, SJ
Candela Dance Co, OAK
Passion & Tumbao Freedom, LA
Gustavo & Michelita, 4pm
Ritmo Y Salsa Bachata Team, LA
Jarek, LA
Souls4Salsa Kids Dance Comp.
Majesty Amateur, SD
Souls4Salsa Kids Girls, LA
Mambo Nova, SF
Wayne & Clarice, SF
Mambo Soul Dance Co, Iowa
Yemaya Training Team, SAC
Manny & Mirelle, MEX
SATURDAY, November 22nd - 3pm Afternoon Shows 3:00pm
Main Ballroom 1
Alma Ladies Styling Team
Montuno Protégé, SJ
Caitlin Kelly, AUS
Omambo Amateur, LA
Gabe & Mila, MEX
Passion y Tumbao (Mambo de la Luz), LA
Grizzly Dance Co, San Jose
Ricasalsa Training, OAK
Just Couture, SJ
SF Bachata Touch, RENO/SF
Little Jacki (Solo), LA
Spartan Mambo, SJ
Los Rumberos, LA
Yemaya Salsa Libre, Sac
MG Dance Co, LA
Yemaya, Esu Bachata, SAC
SATURDAY, November 22nd - 8:00pm Evening Shows 8:00pm
Main Ballroom 1
Alma Latina Bachata, Mex
Omar & Shani, Mex/Israel
David & Patrick, SD
Ricasalsa, OAK
Fuerza Montuno, SJ
Rise, Japan
Haute Couture, SF
Salsa Vitus, CAN
Helen & JC Salsa, SF
Salsamania Pro, OAK
Luis & Lizeth, MEX
SF Bachata Touch, RENO/SF
Mambo Rage, SD
Vassili Zouk Show, SEA
MG Dance Company, LA
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*Schedules are subject to change, not listed in performance order
SATURDAY, November 22nd - 10:30pm Evening Shows 10:30pm
Main Ballroom 1
Abel Pena & Liz Lira, LA
Helsinki Dance Co, Finland
Afinkao, SF
Javier Campines & Erica Reina, LA
Alma Latina Salsa Pro,MEX
John & Andrew, SF
Boogie Wonders, SF
Jorge & Maritza, MEX
Majesty Pro, SD
Omambo Pro, LA
Eddie Torres & Eddie Torres Jr, NYC
Vera & Uri Bachata CHI/DOM REP
Gabriel & Vika, SF
Yamulee Dance CO, NYC
Grizzly & Jessica,VEN
*Schedules are subject to change, not listed in performance order
Your Shoes Need An Upgrade:
GFranco Dance Shoes specializes in creating comfortable and fashionable dance shoes for serious Latin-style dancers. Find our booth in SF Congress lobby for special deals on dance shoes, or find us online at www.gfrancodanceshoes.com.
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Workshop Schedule FRIDAY, November 21st, 2014 Time
Room 1 JEWITT
Room 2 JEWITT
Room 3 Golden Gate
Room 4 Main Ballroom
9:00am
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
10:00am
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
11:00am
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
12:00pm
CLOSED
ZOUK
LADIES STYLING
Vassili
Liz Lira
MENS FOOTWORK
David Nieto 1:00pm
2:00pm
3:00pm
CLOSED
COLOMBIAN FOOTWORK
SALSA & FLEXIBILITY
Jefferson
Javier Campines
REGAETON
BACHATA
Samira
Rodney Aquino
MAMBO FOOTWORK
ON1 PARTNERING
Eddie Torres
Abel Pena & Liz
FOOTWORK & STYLING
SALSA
CHACHA
LIFTS & TRICKS
Grizzly
Ava & Rodolfo
BACHATA Zeke & Kathy
Alma Latina
David & Jennifer Stein 4:00pm
OPEN FOR PRACTICE
CLOSED
Intermediate
Advanced
TECH REHEARSAL
CLOSED
Key: All Levels
Masters
Shows/Comp
Workshop schedules are subject to change, see www.sfsalsacongress.com for the latest schedule
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SATURDAY, November 22nd, 2014 Time
Room 1 JEWITT
Room 2 JEWITT
Room 3 Golden Gate
Room 4 Main Room
9:00am
ZUMBA
CLOSED
TECH REHEARSAL
OPEN FOR PRACTICE/ PRIVATES
Samira
10:00am
11:00am
12:00pm
1:00pm
Afternoon Shows
YAMULEE MAMBO CHALLENGE
MAMBO JAZZ
YAMULEE MAMBO CHALLENGE
NY LATIN HUSTLE
YAMULEE MAMBO CHALLENGE
DOMINICAN BACHATA
YAMULEE MAMBO CHALLENGE
ON2 PARTNERING
Andy Cruz
TECH REHEARSAL
ON1 SALSA PARTNERING
Afternoon Shows
David & Charlene
CLOSED
SPINS & PARTNERING
Ava & Rodolfo
Grizzly RISING STARS SHOW 1
OPEN FOR PRACTICE/ PRIVATES
CLOSED
BACHATA
Corey & Mireille
Vera & Uri
John & Liz 2:00pm
3:00pm
4:00pm
EDDIE TORRES MASTERS WORKSHOP
MENS FOOTWORK
EDDIE TORRES MASTERS WORKSHOP
PACHANGA
OPEN FOR PRACTICE/ PRIVATES
CLOSED
CLOSED
Gabby Equis
Isidro Corona
Maritza & Jorge
LADIES STYLING
RISING STARS SHOW 2
OPEN FOR PRACTICE/ PRIVATES
TECH REHEARSAL
CLOSED
Evening Shows
Key: All Levels
Intermediate
Advanced
Masters*
Shows/Comp
*Masters classes only for those who purchase the Masters pass
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SUNDAY, November 23rd, 2014 Time
Room 1 JEWITT
Room 2 JEWITT
Room 3 Golden Gate
Room 4 Main Room
9:00am
OPEN FOR PRACTICE/ PRIVATES
OPEN FOR PRACTICE/ PRIVATES
OPEN FOR PRACTICE/ PRIVATES
OPEN FOR PRACTICE/ PRIVATES
10:00am
YAMULEE MAMBO CHALLENGE
ZUMBA
MUSICALITY
Samira
Ricardo & Tianne
SHINES & PARTNERWORK
YAMULEE MAMBO CHALLENGE
KIZOMBA
MAMBO
SEXY BACHATA
Eddie & Emily
Luis Aguilar
Gaby & Sergio
YAMULEE MAMBO CHALLENGE
CLOSED
CLOSED
JACK & JILL COMPETITION
YAMULEE MAMBO CHALLENGE
CLOSED
EDDIE TORRES MASTERS WORKSHOP
MENS FOOTWORK
11:00am
12:00pm
1:00pm
2:00pm
3:00pm
4:00pm
Omar Muñoz
All Levels CLOSED
JACK & JILL COMPETITION All Levels
John & Andrew
EDDIE TORRES MASTERS WORKSHOP
MAMBO
OPEN FOR PRACTICE/ PRIVATES
OPEN FOR PRACTICE/ PRIVATES
David & Jennifer
LADIES STYLING Shani Talmor
AFROCUBAN BODY MOVEMENT JC Labio
COMPETITION TECHNIQUE Uri & Vera CLOSED
BACHATA Zeke & Kathy MASTERS JACK & JILL COMPETITION
Key: All Levels
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Intermediate
Advanced
Masters*
Shows/Comp
*Masters classes only for those who purchase the Masters pass
Want More Dance Lessons?
Dance Dojo is an online dance school where you can improve your dancing by watching videos of professional dance instructors. Learn at your own pace from the comfort of your home. Give it a try today by visiting www.thedancedojo.com.
Want More Dancing?
The San Francisco Salsa Festival is major salsa and Latin dance festival held in the City every year by Salsamania Dance Company. Join us in celebrating the 7-year anniversary of this amazing festival from April 2-4, 2015. For more info, visit www.sfsalsafestival.com.
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A B EL PE NA (Los Angeles, USA)
3x World Salsa Champion Mayan World Champion LA-Style/On1 Champion
Abel Pena is one of the top ranked On1 salsa dancers in the world. He, along with his dance partner Zulmara Torres, is a 3-time winner of the World Salsa Championships, as well as other competitions around the world, including the Mayan in LA.
Abel has a broad background in dance, including ballroom dancing and tango, and has been dancing since he was 15 years old. He is the director of Ritmo y Salsa dance company in LA and teaches salsa around the world.
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A N D R E W C ERVANTES (Sacramento, USA)
3X World Latin Dance Cup Champion Semi-Finalist 2014 America’s Got Talent
Andrew Cervantes is a salsa instructor and competitor originally from Sacramento. Andrew began dancing salsa as a teen, and is now one of the top salsa dancers in the world and is an in-demand instructor and performer at salsa congresses around the globe. Andrew is the current reigning champion in the Same Gender division of the World Latin Dance Cup, and has won the title 3 years in a row with his partner John Narvaez. Andrew is also a principal dancer of Salsamania Dance Company, and competed with the team in 2011 and 2013 when they won the world title. He is an expert at both leading and following technique.
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A N DY “ LYRI K” C RU Z (Chicago, USA)
Featured in congresses around the world Exciting and energetic performance style Official judge at the World Latin Dance Cup
Andy “Lyrik” Cruz is a songwriter, poet, dancer, choreographer and instructor who has been performing professionally since he was 7 years old. He has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the salsa world, and is a well known presence at salsa festivals the world over.
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AVA APPLE & RODOLFO GUZMAN (San Francisco, USA)
Complex intricate lifts and aerial tricks Have trained many of the top salsa dancers Directors of the Latin Symbolics
Ava Apple and Rodolfo Guzman began their partnership in 2005 and together they direct the Latin Symbolics dance company. Many of today’s top dancers began their story with Ava Apple and her classes, including world champions Junior and Emily
Alabi. Ava and Rodolfo are well known for their ability to execute complex and awe-inspiring lifts and tricks, and hold regular lift workshops for dancers looking to take their repertoire to new heights.
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C O R E Y R AY N OR & M IREI LLE RU I Z (San Francisco, USA)
Top bachata couple in the SF Bay Area Known for fun and playful choreography US Salsa Open Bachata Champions
Corey Raynor and Mireille Ruiz made a name for themselves at the first ever San Francisco International Bachata Festival, and they have since performed at festivals around the world.
Corey has a background in ballroom and Brazilian Forro dance and has also been a principal dancer with some of the Bay Area’s top dance companies. Mireille comes from a jazz and gymnastics background, developing a personal style of club salsa and bachata dancing which she has honed through performance and competition.
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DAVID NIETO & CHARLENE ROSE (Los Angeles, USA)
Mayan Salsa Champions 2008 Exemplar performers in the LA Style Sought after teachers and chroreographers
David Nieto and Charlene Rose are well known dancers and choreographers in the LA style who have been featured at salsa festivals around the world. David is a top 3 finalist in the World Salsa Championships and has been a featured dancer in multiple Hollywood films, while Charlene was a semi-finalist on FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance, and has choreographed for Dancing With The Stars. Together they are the champions of the acclaimed 2008 Mayan competition, and continue to wow audiences with their jaw-dropping style.
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DAVID & JENNIFER STEIN (San Diego, USA)
Directors of Majesty in Motion Masters of Mambo
David and Jennifer Stein founded San Diego’s Majesty in Motion dance company in 2002, and since then it has grown into a veritable salsa empire. The couple is well recognized for an energetic brand of performance, with a preference for latin jazz and a detailed musical interpretation. David and Jennifer’s unique take on classic mambo has wowed audiences around the world and their contributions to the salsa community have been recognized with numerous awards. Jennifer is well loved for her creative and sensual lady’s styling, and her popular workshops are attended by dancers the world over.
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E DD IE M ORA & E M EL I E A NDAGA N (Sacramento, USA)
Directors of Yemaya Dance Company Bachata & Kizomba Experts
Emelie Andagan has been training in the art of dance for over 20 years, in diverse styles including ballet and jazz before finding her true passion in salsa. She is the founder of Sacramento's acclaimed Yemaya Salsa Dance Company in October of 2000. Eddie Mora is a performer, dance instructor and artistic director hailing from the Sacramento area. Specializing in the styles Bachata, Kizomba and Salsa, Eddie is a principal dancer on the Yemaya Salsa Pro Team. He directs Ritmo Salvaje, the official Sacramento State University latin dance team, where he continues to develop his unique sense of style.
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E D DI E TO RRES (New York City, USA)
“The Mambo King” Popularizer of On2 Salsa
Eddie Torres is a true legend in the art of salsa. Credited with defining and popularizing New York style mambo (also known as salsa "on 2"), Eddie has helped to shape the dance into what it has become today. With over four decades of dancing and teaching experience, he has inspired and trained many of today's top dancers and world champions. Eddie continues to share his passion for the art of dance with audiences and students all over the world. The SF Salsa Congress is proud to welcome Eddie Torres back to the stage for a classic performance of the style he helped create.
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G R I Z Z LY H I D R I AG O (Caracas,Venezuela)
World Latin Dance Cup 2010 & 2011 Cabaret Champion Unique fusion of Latin Jazz and various salsa styles Explosive tricks and innovative choreography
Grizzly Hidriago is a latin jazz and cabaret specialist. Originally from Caracas,Venezuela, Grizzly has been dancing from a young age and is trained in virtually every style of dance from Ballet to the Cabaret and Theatre Arts. He has made a name for himself in the salsa world with two championship titles in the cabaret division of the World Latin Dance Cup. Grizzly is known for his amazing tricks and creative choreography, and he is the director of Grizzly Dance Company based in LA, which has won a number of competitive salsa titles.
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I SI D RO C ORONA (San Jose, USA)
Director of Montuno Dance Company US Salsa Open Professional On1 Champion Multiple World Salsa Championships Finalist
Isidro Corona is known for his intricate turn patterns and energetic salsa dance style On1. He is a US Salsa Open Professional Champion and a multiple-time World Salsa Championship finalist.
Isidro is the founder and director of South Bay’s Montuno Dance Company which represents his signature hard-hitting style and has won multiple titles at the US Salsa Open Championships. A seasoned international performer accustomed to the big stage, Isidro performs and competes all over the the Bay Area.
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J AV I ER C AMP I NE S (Los Angeles, USA)
Prolific Competitor and Performer Director, Clave & Tumbao Beat Dance co.
Javier Campines hails from Panama City, Panama by way of Los Angeles and has been dancing his entire life. Javier has been dancing professionally since 2004, and has trained with world renowned dancers such as Josie Neglia and Frances Nieves. He has also worked with notable artists including Marc Anthony, Aventura and Andy Montanez. A prolific competitor, Javier Campines has been a featured instructor and performer in some of the biggest salsa and bachata festivals around the world.
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J C L A BI O & T E LL INA REZZ OF F I (San Francisco, USA)
Experts in Afro-Cuban body movement Directors of Afinkao Dance Company Top Bay Area salsa instructors
JC Labio and Tellina Rezzoffi are the director’s of the East Bay’s Afinkao Dance Company. They are known for their original and creative choreography with heavy influences of Afro-Cuban movements, jazz, and fluid body motion.
Together the husband-and-wife pair have performed at events nationally and around the world, and host one of the Bay Area’s premiere monthly salsa socials at The Beat in Berkeley, home to the annual Bay Area footwork competition.
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J O H N N A RVA EZ & LIZ ROJ AS (San Francisco, USA)
2011 World Latin Dance Cup Team Champions 3-Time US Salsa Open Top Instructor Award Experts in complex turn patterns and technique On2
John Narvaez and Liz Rojas are the directors of the award-winning Salsamania Dance Company, which is the largest salsa dance company in the Bay Area and the winners of the 2011 World Latin Dance Cup. John & Liz are known for their crisp & clean technique On2, playful routines, and fast footwork. Together they have competed and placed in top-level salsa competitions, including the World Salsa Championships, US Salsa Open, and World Latin Dance Cup. John has been recognized 3 times as the top instructor at the US Salsa Open, and travels and teaches around the world.
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LIZ LIRA (Los Angeles, USA)
Multiple-Time World Salsa Champion Choreographer for DWTS & SYTYCD
Liz Lira is a dancer and choreographer from LA who holds multiple World titles in salsa dance, including the Mayan Championships, the World Salsa Championships, and the World Latin Dance Cup. She is known for her strong technique from her jazz and ballet background, and uses her dance experience to help guide her students. Liz Lira is also a noted choreographer, and has choreographed multiple routines for TV shows including Dancing With The Stars and So You Think You Can Dance.
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L U I S AG U I L A R (San Francisco & New York, USA)
Two-Time World Salsa Champions Two-Time San Francisco Salsa Congress Champions Two-Time New York Salsa Congress Champions
Luis Aguilar is one of the top On2 salsa dancers in the world, having won the World Salsa Champions 2 years in a row in the On2 division. Luis has years of ballroom dance training, and has developed a unique style of salsa that is recognized the world over for its technique, timing and precision. Luis is also the director of the Couture Dance Alliance, a dance company based in San Francisco that numerous national and international titles including the US Salsa Open Championships and World Salsa Summit.
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MARITZA GONZALES & JORGE MARTINEZ (Mexico City & Tijuana, MEX)
International Salsa Competitors Mambo & Pachanga Experts
Jorge Martinez and Maritza Gonzales are two of the hottest prospects bursting on to the professional salsa scene. Both internationally renowned as exciting performers and competitors from Mexico, the pair have been making their rounds at some of the biggest salsa festivals and competitions around the world.
This year they make their debut as a couple for the first time at the San Francisco International Salsa Congress Stage, and they are sure to impress with their thrilling tricks and dazzling choreography.
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OMAR MUÑOZ (Los Angeles, USA)
Director of Omambo Dance Project World Salsa Champion On1
Omar Muñoz is a World Latin Dance Cup champion in the On1 division and the director of the Omambo Dance Project based in LA. He has competed and performed at some of the biggest venues in the world including the ESPN World Salsa Championships and World Latin Dance Cup. Omar is known for his complex and precise turn patterns, blazing speed, and spinning technique.
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R I C A R D O T E L LE Z & TIANNE F RI AS (San Francisco, USA)
Two-Time World Salsa Championships Finalists Co-Directors of RicaSalsa Dance Company Creators of the “On5” dancing style
Ricardo and Tianne are world renown salsa dancers and instructors from the SF Bay Area. They have performed and competed around the world, and are two-time finalists at the World Salsa Championships. Ricardo has been teaching salsa for over 13 years and is the creator of the On5 dancing style. Tianne has a background in ballet, modern, tango, and ballroom dancing, and has over 2 decades of dance experience. Together they are the co-directors of RicaSalsa dance company, winners of the 2010 World Latin Dance Cup.
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RODNEY “RODCHATA” AQUINO (San Francisco, USA)
Internationally recognized bachata instructor Organizer of the San Francisco Bachata Festival Organizer of the Reno Bachata Convention
Rodney Aquino, aka “Rodchata”, is one of the top bachata instructors and promoters in the US. He is the organizer of the Reno Bachata Convention and SF Bachata Festival, and co-organizes half-a-dozen other major bachata events throughout the year.
Rodney has a broad background in Latin dance, including international ballroom, salsa, cumbia, chachacha, merrengue, and bachata. He has taught bachata around the world including Europe, Asia, Australia, and the US. Rodney is also certified personal fitness trainer and karate black belt.
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S A M IR A BEN JEB AL I (TUNISIA)
2012 World Latin Dance Cup Champions Multiple-time World Latin Dance Cup Finalists
Hailing from Tunisia, Samira Benjebali is a fitness trainer, dancer and choreographer. She has always been an active and dynamic athlete with a deep passion for dance. Over the past few years, Samira has become the go to instructor in Dubai for all fitness needs to including Zumba, Body Sculpting, Stretching Yoga, and many others. In 2007, Samira discovered salsa, and has added that to her repertoire as well. Samira promotes more than simple dance technique, she overall body fitness and well being.
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S E R GI O J A S SO & GA BRI ELA E QU I Z (Mexico City & Tijuana, MEX)
2012 World Latin Dance Cup Champions Multiple-time World Latin Dance Cup Finalists
Sergio Jasso and Gabriela Equiz are founders and directors of Mexico's world famous Alma Latina Dance Company. Founded in 2005, Alma Latina has quickly grown to be the pre-eminent salsa and latin dance company in Mexico, winning the World Latin Dance Cup team championship in 2012. Alma Latina is known for its stunning execution, exhilirating performance style, and truly world class instruction.Many of Alma Latina's students have gone on to bright and successful professional careers, claiming world titles and gracing stages the world over.
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S H A N I TAL MOR (ISRAEL)
Internationally Recognized Salsa Dancer Master of Ladies Styling
Shani Talmor, born and raised in Israel, has traveled worldwide presenting her sensual and sexy Salsa style. Trained in a variety of dance styles, including Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Samba and Afro-Cuban, Shani is an energetic and explosive dancer. She is world-renowned for her unique, sensuous styling and body movement on and off the dance floor. She has powerful stage presence and a passionate love for teaching. Certified in Simonson Jazz Technique By Dance New Amsterdam, NYC and graduated of the Intern summer program at Broadway Dance Center, NYC.
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VASSILI (Seattle, USA)
2 Time "Reno Dance Sensation" Champion Head Instructor Salsa con Todo Professional Musician
Vassili is a musician, dancer, and dance instructor from Seattle. He took his first salsa lesson in 2000, and has since gone on to win the “Reno Dance Sensation” competition 2 years in a row.Vassili is one of the top instructors at the Salsa con Todo school in Seattle, and his background in music gives him a deep understanding of rhythm, timing, and musicality, which he imparts to his students.
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V E R A ROW E & U RI EL GARC I A (Fort Lauderdale, USA)
4X Bachata Champions World Salsa & Cabaret Champions
Uriel Garcia and Vera Rowe are two of the top competitive Latin dancers. In a brief two years together, they have traveled all over the U.S. as well as internationally to teach, perform, and compete. Their most recent accomplishments include becoming The 2014 World Cabaret Salsa Summit Champions, The 2014 World Cabaret Bachata Summit Champions and The 2014 World Bachata Masters Champions. They have also been finalists at The 2012 World Latin Dance Cup, The 2013 Puerto Rico World Salsa Open and The 2013 Hong Kong World Salsa Championships.
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ZE K E & KATHY (Chicago, USA)
2010 World Latin Dance Cup Finalists National Bachata Champions Known for their passionate & sensual styling
Zeke Ruvalcaba and Kathy Reyes are top-level bachata dancers who are known for their passionate and tender bachata performances. Zeke is the founder of Bachata All-Stars, the first bachata dance team in the Mid-West, and Kathy is an experienced performer with over 5 years of dance experience. Together, Zeke and Kathy have taken the bachata world by storm, winning numerous bachata competitions across the country, including a 2nd place finish at the 2010 World Latin Dance Cup.
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Jack & Jill Competition The Jack & Jill Competition is a freestyle salsa competition where dancers are paired off with a random partner and dance to a random salsa song selected by the DJ. In the first round of the competition, dancers are judged individually, and in later rounds they are judged as a couple. The competition will be held at 12pm on Sunday. If you would like to participate, please sign up at the registration table between 9am - 11am on Sunday morning.
Master’s Jack & Jill Want to see some of the best dancers in the world battle it out in a freestyle dance competition? Then check out the Master’s Jack & Jill competition on Sunday at 4pm. The Master’s Jack & Jill is one of the highlights of the Congress, and is not to be missed!
Photo by Ricardo Tellez
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Musical Guests
Also Featuring: Orquesta N’Rumba (Thursday) Julio Bravo (Thursday) Conjunto VibraSON (Saturday)
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Salsa Congress DJs Your musical hosts for the evening! The SF Bay Area is lucky to have some of the best salsa & mambo DJs in the world and this year’s Congress features an All-Bay Area salsa DJ line-up, spinning the best salsa music all night, every night until 4am in the morning. Happy dancing and remember to thank your DJs for their hard work!
DJ BoriQua (Orlando Felix) SF Bay Area/Abu Dhabi DJ EldelaClave (Felipe Martinez) SF Bay Area
DJ Super Chino (Jairo Aguilar) SF Bay Area
DJ Mundo (Edmundo Martinez) SF Bay Area DJ El Guapo (Jeison Aguilar) SF Bay Area
DJ Willie (Willie Martinez) SF Bay Area DJ ELDJX (Carlos Xiloj) SF Bay Area
DJ J.Bear (Juan Solis) Sacramento
www.salsabythebay.com/salsa-djs
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Salsa Friends
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Collect signatures from all the great people you meet during Congress!
2015 SF Salsa Congress Performers Abel Pena Achuith & Mayuko Afinkao Dance Company Alma Latina Alma SF Aragon Dance Company Boogie Wonders Caitlin & Daniel Candela Couture Dance Alliance Daizu David & Patrick DF Dance Company Eddie Torres & Eddie Jr Eric & Maria Gabe & Mila Grizzly Dance Company Gustavo & Michelita Hector & Liz Helen & JC Helsinki Dance Company Inspiracion Latina Jarek & Jackie Javier Campines & Erica Reina John & Andrew Jorge & Maritza Jose & Darci Just Couture Keesha Roberts Latin Vibe Liz Lira Dance Academy Los Rumberos Luis & Lizeth Majesty In Motion Mambo Groovin
Mambo Nova Mambo Rage Mambo Soul Dance Company Manny & Mirelle Melomanos MG Dance Company Montuno Dance Company Montuno Stars Nueva Dimension Omambo Dance Company Passion y Tumbao Prodigy Dance Company Ricasalsa Rise Ritmo y Salsa Rodney & Michelita Salerosas Salsa Sin Limite Salsa Vitus Salsamania Dance Company SF Touch Shani Talmor Son Montuno Souls4Salsa Kids Dance Spartan Mambo Stanford Salseros The Latin Sybolics Vassili Zouk Show Vera & Uriel Vimal & Liz Wayne & Clarice Yamulee Yemaya Dance Company Yemaya Esu Zeke & Kathy
Program by:
www.salsabythebay.com