Dallas Bachata Festival Instructor Banner

 

 

Summer Sando Lap Dance DVD

Summer Sando (Tucson,AZ)

 

 

Summers true love has become Bachata. In 2006, Summer had the priviledge of meeting and training with Jorge Elizondo during his worldwide Bachata tour.  Ever since then, Summer has collaborated with and assisted Jorge with his misson of spreading the word about this passionate and sensual Latin Dance.

Summers years of experience as a massage therapist, crossfit practitioner and marathon runner has brought to her instruction, a high degree of focus on body awareness and personal empowerment. Summers patience, professional instruction and her versitle teaching methods has helped her connect with her dedicated students to a point where she challenges them mentally yet provides them with an environment where they can feel comfortable, confident and well informed. Helping students express themselves on the dance floor and more importantly in their lives...is her primary joy. And this is exactly why she and her husband developed the infamous "Lap Dance Classes for Bachateras"! Unlike any other experience at the Bachata Festivals, this class has been the highlight for many that attend. Delivered in a classy and respectful manner this 90 minute session will make any open minded dancer connect at a higher level of sensuality more than they could have ever imagined

 

 


 
Sevan Prak
Savan Prak (Los Angeles)

Bio Coming Soon

 

Jay Stylz (Dallas,TX )

 

If Ain’t Sexy… Don’t Do It!


Jay Stylz and Jenny have traveled across the country to perform and teach workshops for hundreds of people, appeared in numerous television and news spots, and also progressing their classes in Dallas. Jay’s dance- and teaching-style is an interesting blend of body isolations, salsa, afro-cuban and just the right touch of sex appeal. Follow Jay Stylz and The German Chocolate to Salsa success.

 
Jorge Elizondo ( South Texas)
Jorge Elizondo was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, where the sounds of Mexico, the Caribbean, and the United States meet. In this unique environment, Jorge trained in music theory and Latin dance and developed "Bachata Fusion," a style of dance that combines turn patterns and body movements from traditional Bachata, Tango, Cha Cha, and Salsa with many original moves. The end result is an expressive, active style of dance that removes all barriers and allows dancers to be more creative.
Formerly a public school teacher, Jorge's passion for teaching equals his passion for dancing. His Bachata BootCamp tour has taken him to 300 cities throughout North America,Europe, Asia & Australia where he has taught tens of thousands of students. Throughout all his journeys, he has continued to develop new concepts to share with the world. He has produced 30 instructional DVDs ranging from beginning bachata to salsa, and his work has been sold in over 40 countries. Jorge's mission is to spread the love of bachata all over the world and encourage people to live a healthier, more active lifestyle
 
Pablo Vilches (Madrid,Spain)

Bio Coming Soon! Visit his website at www.Salsea.net

 

 

Jorge Contreras & Leslie Ferreira

Bachata Caliente Dance Company

 

 

 

Jorge Contreras and Leslie Ferreira, are one of the most innovative and sought after dance couples in the world. Their creative choreography and impressive teaching skills have taken them across the globe, giving them many opportunities to inspire others with their passion for Bachata.

On the dance floor their partnership is like no other. With their unique style and original steps this couple incorporates a variety of dance genres into a style of Bachata, all their own, while still keeping it authentic. With their Chemistry, Passion and Determination, this couple can’t help but capture the eye of the public!

Jorge and Leslie are very well known for both their innovative Urban Style Bachata and their traditional Dominican Style. They receive much credit for their creative and fancy footwork. Jorge is especially credited for his sharp and syncopated steps as well as his amazing lead, tension, technique and sensual dips. Leslie is admired for her smooth upper body isolation’s and Hot Sexy styling. She intuitively feels the music making her one of the most original and instantly recognized figures in the Latin dance scene,especially Bachata. Always connected to the music and each other it is obvious that this couple dances from the heart.

Jorge and Leslie are not only incredible dancers, performers and teachers, they are also the Creative Directors of “Bachata Caliente”, Los Angeles ‘first Bachata Dance Company. They have danced with famous Bachata Artists such as “Xtreme”, “4 Ever”, “Unique”, Jimmy Bauer”, “Prophex”, “Freddie Munoz” and more and were featured dancers of “Aventura’s” Promotional Team. Their distinctive style has also been showcased on numerous television shows. They are World Bachata Competition Finalists (2009) and Hosts of the annual “L.A. BACHATA FESTIVAL” (February 10-14, 2011. They have taught, performed and competed here in the United States (San Francisco, Philadelphia, Washington D.C, Las Vegas, Reno, Seattle, Alaska, Hawaii) and in countries around the world including Canada, Australia and Malaysia.

Jorge and Leslie have been dancing their way through life and look forward to continuing the journey that lies ahead in Bachata.

 
   

 

 

robert
Robert Lay (Dallas,TX)

Roberto Lay has been in the dance and entertainment industry for over 13 years. As a dancer, choreographer, performer and instructor, he has shared his talent, creativity and passion to audiences across the U.S. and internationally. Originally from Panama City, Panama, Roberto moved to the United States when he was 10 years old. His first experience with dance was at the age of 15, when he joined a Folkloric group in Killeen, TX. It was there that he discovered his true love and passion for dance. He was also one of the founding members of the world renowned Semeneya Dance Co alongside Lee Rios. Since then, he has studied and mastered several genres of dance including Salsa, Mambo, Merengue, Bachata and Cha-Cha. Roberto Lay is currently based out of Dallas, Texas where he continues to perform, instruct and host/promote salsa events. He is the Founder and Artistic Director for Rumba y Fuego, a local-based performance group. Although they began performing Salsa routines, Rumba y Fuego was the first group to choreograph and perform a Bachata routine in the Dallas area. Roberto has traveled and performed all over the united states and has been showcased on international television. Known for his originality and flair in his choreographies, Roberto continues to develop and evolve as a dancer, performer and instructor.

 

Robin Chance ( Austin,TX)

Robyn was born in Houston and studied dance in Austin, New York and Los Angeles for fourteen years. Her primary roots are in Ballet, Burlesque and Hiphop. She’s a former member of Austin's 96.7 KISS FM Hiphop Dance Team, and instructed Texas' first controversial "Cardio Striptease" dance class at the Atomic Dance Factory. While living in LA, Robyn partnered the team captain of Liquid Silver Productions, and the director of Tropical Rhythm (the 2008 Mayan World Salsa Champions). Robyn has been featured dancing in MTV music videos with Chris Brown, Daddy Yankee, Far East Movement, Pharrell, Gwen Stefani, Brooke Hogan and more famously as the Lead Dancer of Baby Bash's "Cyclone" video. Other credits attached to Robyn's professional career are Maxim Magazine, FHM Magazine, HBO, the Travel Channel, Wild on E! and Miss Hawaiian Tropic State Finalist. Robyn brings a hot, sensual fusion of Salsa, Ballroom, Burlesque and Bellydance to the stage and television.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ivan Osuna (Tres Cantos, Spain)

 

Bio Coming Soon

 

 

 

Alejandro Rey - Los Angeles

 

Alejandro Rey is the Co-Owner of the Steps of Gold Dance Studio in Santa Fe Springs, CA. "Urban Bachata" is how Alejandro Rey and Paso De Oro define their Bachata dance style. Integrating new elements of Jazz, Hip Hop, and R & B into their Bachata creating a dance that is set to stage for todays audience. It is fun and entertaining to watch, but even more fun to dance! "I created this style for the new generation. We emphasize modern ideals such as posture, sharp musicality, precise partnering, and overall attitude and style; yet we maintain traditional Dominican ideals such as sensuality, hip motion and footwork," he states.


Teaching is his passion. He teaches workshops at dance studios throughout Southern California on a monthly basis, and group classes every week at his studio.

 

Two Time First Place at the Salsa Mambo Festival Bachata Competition 2007 and 2008
- First Place at the Long Beach Sevilla Bachata Competition 2008
- Performance credits include working with Bachateros such as: Monchy y Alexandra, Xtreme, Andy Andy, and Toby Love

 

 

 
Jose Maldonado (Atlanta)

 

Who is Jose Maldonado?

A native of the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico, Jose Maldonado was born and raised among popular Latin music lifestyle. Surrounded by family musician and salsa singers his interested in music arrived at early age. An UMASS graduated Engineer with 5 US Pattent, Jose has been on stage since 1999, and hasn't stop since.  His passion, background and education as a dancer (influenced in genres such Afro Cuban, Cha cha, Latin Jazz, ballet, jazz, contemporary, and others), has lent itself to making Jose Maldonado a world reknown choreographer and performer in Latin dance. He has choreographed/performed for television, music videos, and stage, and has worked for well known Latin stars Oscar De Leon, Grupo Niche, Gilberto Santa Rosa, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Luisito Carrion, Guayacan, Ruben Blades, Black Eye Peas and others. Jose also teaches and performs around the world in places such as Bermuda, Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the US. He is the founder of PasoFino Dance Company in 2004, and owner of PasoFino Latin Dance Studio, Atlanta's only Salsa Studio with the mission of promoting the art of Latin dancing and its lifestyle.
 
CARLOS CINTA
Carlos Cinta - San Diego/Chicago

Carlos Cinta, originally from Chicago, has been dancing for around 5 years with a very unique bachata dance style. While he sometimes teaches modern patterns and shines; he mainly instructs traditional Dominican style footwork and partnering and is internationally known for his bachata musical understanding class.

Carlos’ passion for teaching grew when he “constantly saw people only doing the basic step” the entire song. He knew there was more to bachata than those steps and he was committed in promoting it at the clubs. Carlos has then gone on to instruct at numerous events and institutions here in San Diego including San Diego Salsa Festival and Dance After School. Recently Carlos was in Australia teaching for six weeks and teaching at the Reno Bachata Festival.   

 

 

Tate Blomquist (Orlando)

 

Tate Blomquist a.k.a. Mojito Mami
It is a common misconception in the Latin dance community that the gift of Caribbean-style rhythm is exclusive to people of Hispanic heritage. However, the director of Guatú - The Orlando Bachata Team, Tate Blomquist, is living, breathing, DANCING proof that this is not always true.
Tate, born and raised as an all-American Southern girl, is of Lithuanian and Swedish descent and is a 6th generation Floridian. She began dancing ballet at age 4 but was drawn to hip-hop around age 8 and continued into adulthood.  She began learning On1 salsa at Salsa Heat Dance Studio in Orlando, Florida in the summer of 2007. Her fated exposure to the Latin dance scene found her bitten by an entirely new love bug: Bachata!
Tate began a seven couple bachata team in the fall of 2009 and performed at the 2010 Reno Bachata Festival. Her all-girls bachata team, The Guatú Honey Bees, performed at the 2011 L.A. Bachata International Festival. Checkout her most recent performance as a sexy flight stewardess: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUDQQ_1zOhE
These projects are the love child of Tate’s deep affection for the dance and the bacheteros who have helped to develop her style and/or inspire her: Hiram Forestier (Salsa Heat), Christian Sola (bahhari), Alejandro Rey (Paso de Oro), Camille Yannatuono (Positive Energy), Rodney Aquino (iBachata), Zeke Ruvalcaba (Chicago Bachata All Stars), Joe Figueroa (Living In Rhythm), and Carlos Cinta (Got Bachata).
Tate specializes in teaching sophisticated modern bachata with a kiss of Dominican style musicality and footwork. She educates her students on the various instruments, timing changes and vocals within the music to create a deep connection between music and movement.
On any given week you can find Tate teaching On2 mambo class for Essential Element Dance Company (www.e2dc.com) – coaching private bachata students –taking dance class from a variety of genres–or social dancing the night away.