((( FIRST TIME IN CANADA )))

Liz Lira (Los Angeles/Bolivia) - 2009 ESPN World Salsa Champion!

Liz Lira, the "Rose of Salsa," was born in La Paz, Bolivia, and immigrated to the United States at the early age of eight. Making Southern California her new home, she embraced the art of dance and excelled in both ballet and jazz.

For more than a dozen years, she trained at the most respected dance studios with top ballet coaches and traveled with her dance company, performing in front of thousands and on TV. Seen as one of the more talented young ballet dancers, she encountered numerous opportunities, including the possibility to move to New York and join one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world -- The New York City Ballet.

She went on to capture her first major salsa dance championship at the Mayan World Salsa Championships in the summer of 2002. Along with many other competitions, her itinerary also included performances on the international stage, including appearances in her beloved Bolivia, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, Italy, Germany, and Japan. The momentum of her early success lead to commercials and music video appearances, as well as opportunities to choreograph for television and motion pictures. Liz has recently had the honor of choreographing the semi-finals and finals routines for Mark and Shawn, the first-place winners of Dancing With the Stars, Season 8.  She was also choreographer and principal dancer for the feature film, The Ugly Truth, starting Gerard Butler and Katherine Heigl.

Liz Lira is the reigning Champion of the 2009 ESPN World Salsa Championship.

((( FIRST TIME IN CANADA )))

Eli Torres & Yen Dorado (Philadelphia) - 2009 Mayan World Salsa Champions!

Representing Puerto Rico & Bolivia

Eli Torres Based in Philadelphia , PA, of Puerto Rican descent, Eli Torres is one of the top leading male salsa dancers in the world. Eli has eight years of salsa experience in judging, choreographing, performing, and competing. Known for his “single foot skater spins” when he follows, Eli has made spinning into an art form. He is also respected for his exceptional leading skills; because of this he has been dubbed by many as the Mambo/Salsa “DIVO”.

He is currently the runner up in the 2009 Annual ESPN World Salsa Championships in Orlando, FL. Together with his dance partner Yen Dorado, Eli and Yen have become pioneers in the salsa community for being the first same-gender dance couple to take their show and compete at a professional level. Most recently, Eli and Yen have made history for being the only same gender couple AND the first out-of-state/international couple to win the 2009 Mayan World Salsa Championships in Los Angeles.
 
Yen Dorado Born and raised in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, of both Bolivian and Chinese descent, Yen moved to Philadelphia to pursue an Ivy League education. He began his salsa career under the direction of Eli Torres as part of Aru N’egwu Dance Company in 2004. After two years of training under his director and instructor, Yen began to perform and compete in international arenas at the professional level. Yen is known for his leading skills and for providing a great frame for all his dance partners. Together with his instructor/director and now dance partner Eli, Yen broke ground as a pioneer in the salsa community when they were the only same gender couple to compete in the 2007 ESPN World Salsa Championships. Most recently, Eli and Yen have made history for being the only same gender couple AND the first out-of-state/international couple to win the 2009 Mayan World Salsa Competition in Los Angeles.

Leon Rose is an innovator. Embracing the sensual art of salsa, Leon has been at the vanguard of the British salsa movement, since 1997. He was first introduced to salsa by his mother, an avid fan of the style, which has its roots in African, Caribbean culture, particularly Puerto Rico and Cuba. “Mum took me to my first salsa class one Sunday at a club called Villa Stefano’s in London.” Says London-born dancer and choreographer. “A girl asked me to dance and that was all I needed. The following week I started classes.”

A Leon Rose routine is as exhilarating to watch as it is to dance, and it seems that dance fans around the globe agree. Leon has taken his unique and innovative style to as far afield as Eastern Europe, Asia and the Middle East. He has, of course, travelled extensively in South America and the Caribbean, inspiring salsa enthusiasts to add their own unique flavour to the art form. For a British-born salsa dancer to be seen as an ambassador of the Caribbean genre is incredible, but Leon has done just that.

Noemie Millon France is emerging as a dominant force in the world of Salsa with Noemie right in the forefront setting standards for others to follow. Her versatility in the dance has turned many heads as she is extremely capable of dancing most, if not all styles of Salsa and still remarkably keeping her own unique flavour. Noemie’s energy not only stands out on stage or while dancing socially but also in her classes and workshops where students always feel they have really learnt something and enjoyed doing so.

Born and raised in Normandy, Noemie comes from French and Caribbean parentage. Music has always been a big part of her life. Discovering the dance and music of Salsa, she instantly felt a hunger to learn more. Educated to bachelor degree level in Sports Management, Noemie has a deep understanding of how to push one’s body to achieve the best.

((( FIRST TIME IN CANADA )))

Alma Latina - Mexico - 2009 ESPN World Salsa Championships 6th Place!

Alma latina es la academia artística más reconocida en la ciudad de Tijuana. Estamos comprometidos en formar a los mejores artistas y bailarines de la región. Nuestros alumnos y maestros se distinguen ganando competencias artísticas y apareciendo en comerciales, películas y programas de televisión como cantantes, bailarines, actores y conductores.

Gabriela Equiz inicio su entrenamiento de bailarina a los 4 años. Estudio Ballet y flamenco en las mejores escuelas de México D.F., Tijuana y Los Ángeles. Como adulto, hizo la carrera de Ingeniería en Sistemas Electrónicos en la ciudad de Tijuana y posteriormente ingreso a la maestría en Robótica. Mientras residía en os Ángeles, asistió a una audición de canto que la llevó a obtener un contrato disquero para cantar en un quinteto internacional “i5” y salir de gira abriendo los conciertos de artistas como Britney Spears y 'N Sync entre otros. Al mismo tiempo, también en Los Ángeles, conoció el mundo de la salsa y fue entonces que se enamoró de este género de baile. En 2004, Gaby vuelve a Tijuana y decide convertirse en profesional y abrir una academia artística, similar a la que asistió de niña (academia milton gio) en donde podría guiar a niños que desearan desarrollar sus habilidades artísticas.

Sergio Jasso Nació en la ciudad de México, donde creció escuchando salsa y cumbia. Desde pequeño se distinguió en actividades musicales y específicamente en baile. En 2000 se mudo a San Diego, CA donde desarrolló su técnica de baile e ingreso a la compañía de salsa Majesty in Motion. En 2005, formo su propia compañía , llamándola “on fire”.

En 2006, Sergio y Gaby se únen para formar la compañía “Alma latina” e inmediatamente se ano tan grandes éxitos y ganan notoriedad a nivel nacional e internacional con su estilo único de bailar y la calidad superior con que entrenan a sus alumnos y bailarines.
Recientes Logros de Alma Latina: * 1er lugar, San Diego 2006, * 2do lugar nacional, México 2007, * 1er lugar, San Diego, 2007, * Top 10 del mundo, ESPN 2007 * Top 10 del mundo, ESPN 2009

Mark-Anthony originally from Toronto has performed and conducted salsa workshops all over the world and in 2005 he formed his new dance company called MAS Mambo Dance Company.
He has a deep passion for music and dancing which can be seen on the dance floor and stage. He's very creative, and demonstrates a high level of musicality when he dances. Mark-Anthony's technique, body movements, control, creative shines, turn patterns. He specialize in dancing On2 but he also dances On1 which makes him a unique talent in the salsa world and he continues to strive for excellence.

He has recently relocated to Stockholm, Sweden where he has trained a new group of young talented dancers to represent MAS Mambo around the world.

The San Tropez Dance School has been living Salsa for thirteen fun-filled years, close to 20,000 students have danced in this school.

From its beginnings San Tropez mission has been to create the most efficient method of teaching, to allow each student to become a complete dancer and to have fun getting there. Above all try everyday to live up to student's expectations of being the most professional dance school.

Sonia and Morris are the organizers of the very successful and world renown Montreal Salsa Convention, going strong yearly in April.

Katia developed a passion for dancing at an early age. She studied Classical Ballet with Russian Prima Ballerina Helena Voronova, performed with a Mexican folklore troupe directed by renowned Marcelo Juarez, himself a former student of Amalia Hernandez, one of the most renowned choreographers/ directors in Mexico. Victor, wishing to master his Latin dance technique and skills, joined the Salsa community at the age of 18. To further perfect his craft and to share his passion with others, Victor became a certified Latin Dance Instructor. Given his creative talent, he has developed many of his own choreographies. Katia’s passion for Latin dance took a definite turn when she and her partner Victor Contreras opened up their own dance company ComoMango in 2007. They have won 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in numerous competitions around the globe, defining them amongst the best dancers in Montreal and in Canada.

One of Montreal's premium dance schools. Directed by Edson Vallon, this school continues delighting audiences and training top dancers. Year after year their routines become more interesting and talented.

Looking forward to this years routine!

Professional dancer, choreographer and dance instructor for Latin dances, performance and nightclub style Salsa, Afro-Cuban and Contemporary dance.

Starting dance studies at the age of six, Ana eventually graduated in Modern Dance, Ballet and Afro-Cuban folk dances from ENA (Escuela Nacional de Arte - Danza Moderna), a famous 8-year program in Havana, Cuba. She toured the world with the prestigious Compania de la Danza Moderna and as the lead dancer with Tropicana Dance Troupe. Ana's coaching and workshop sessions are bringing her rich dancing background and experience to the modern Salsa dancers.

Caryl Cuizon and Angus Dirnbeck have been dancing together since the spring of 2000. Initially studying and dancing salsa here in Toronto, they quickly found themselves performing with some of the city's top dance troupes and together as a featured couple. Their insatiable appetites to learn soon found them traveling abroad; studying and performing in places such as New York, Montreal, Detroit, Puerto Rico, Texas and Chicago.

In 2005, they founded iFreeStyle.ca - an urban infused Latin dance company specializing in Salsa On2. Aside from introducing beginners to the wonderful world of Salsa dancing they have enjoyed much success in helping On1 dancers transfer what they already know to the On2 paradigm.

Paula and Jose are the directors of Dance to Live Studio, one of Toronto’s Top and longest established Salsa Studios (since 1996). Known for their charisma, professionalism, and strong adherence to dance technique, Dance to Live also brings much international experience to the table after performing, teaching and participating in various international Salsa Congresses throughout the years. Recently, Paula and Jose were very fortunate and excited to be working with and training one of Canada's top 4 finishers on “So You Think You Can Dance”. You can find Dance to Live Studio in the heart of Uptown Toronto or visit www.dancetolivestudio.com

Jennifer Aucoin is a full-time salsa instructor, performer, choreographer and event organizer. She is the founder and director of STEPS Dance Studio in Toronto and has taught workshops in Puerto Rico, Europe, the U.S. and Canada.  Jennifer is the organizer of the annual Canada Salsa Congress, the largest salsa congress in Canada, as well as the Canadian Salsa Championships, the first qualifier in Canada for the World Salsa Championships.  Jennifer has been part of the judging panel for the World Salsa Championships televised on ESPN for the past three years and has judged competitions in Puerto Rico, New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, Detroit, Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto.

City Dance Corps is a professional dance company based out of Toronto, but recognized internationally for their choreography, performances, and unique teaching styles.
This company has set the bar for Toronto performers and is best recognized for their unique and cutting edge routines fusing Latin dance with Tango, Hip Hop and Contemporary.
The choreographers, Tina and Estelle Nicolaidis, have choreographed for several music videos, film, and television and are currently choreographing Nelly Furtado's South American tour!
These dance specialists are often sourced in Toronto's newspapers and magazines, and have extensive performance experience nationally and internationally!
The team has performed locally and abroad, including Toronto, Montreal, Ireland, New Jersey, Bermuda and England to name a few.

She has also shared the stage by performing at the pretigious Toronto salsa concerts of El Gran Combo, Gilberto Santa Rosa and Willie Colon.

Latin Energy is working towards becoming internationally recognized for their unique performance style and their teaching skill. They aim to share with their students the richness of Latin culture and their love for salsa.

Giovanni Torres is a full-time salsa dance instructor, a cardio salsa instructor, performer and choreographer. He has been instructing Latin dance since 1989 and his Colombian background has allowed him the ability of dancing and teaching first from the heart. Through his extreme passion for salsa he is now the director of Los Salsomanos Dance Co. His highly energetic team not only performs but also instructs with him. Giovanni has traveled extensively throughout the world instructing, performing and judging salsa competitions representing Toronto at various salsa conventions, congresses and events hosted in Canada, USA, Puerto Rico, Holland, Belgium, Germany and Italy.

Toronto Dance Salsa is Canada's largest salsa dance school with over 5000 students every year! TDS specializes in turning absolute “Two-left feet” beginners into seasoned Salseros and Salseras, instilling a life-long passion of dance. Founded in 2005 by Sharon Galor, TDS has grown to a huge team of instructors including Tracie Yee, Sara Sharifpoor, Emely Tapar, Evan Carmichael, Winnie Fung as well as over 70 helpers. Their main studio is at Empress Walk in North York with additional classes being held all around the GTA. For more information visit them at http://www.torontodancesalsa.ca

Clifton Stennett, Patrick Danquah & Andrea Hanak - Over the past 5 years, this amazing trio has become extremely involved in Dance and fully ingrained in the Salsa community. They have been instructing, training, and performing both locally and internationally in an effort to sharpen their skills and make their presence known.. Collectively they have graced the stage with numerous teams all over North America and shared experiences that undoubtedly helped to sculpt a successful path and a promising future.

In 2009 they collectively decided to share their knowledge, enthusiasm, and never ending passion for this art form and created: The Cadence Dance Academy.

Presently, Clifton, Patrick & Andrea continue to instruct, perform, and train very hard in hopes of reaching new levels in dance.

Korikoa was built through love: for love of music, love of dance and for love between two people. It represents an encounter between Korean and Quebecois cultures, where the phonetic blend Kori-Koa (Korean-Quebecois) stands for. Thourgh Kori-koa you will experience Salsa as a mean to express yourself, to get away from day-to-day obligations, to smile and laugh.

Young - A former principal Dancer of Mambo Tribe Salsa Dance Company, he has performed and taught in Paris, Cannes, Nice, Hamburg, Bermuda, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Rochester, Detroit, Boston and Montreal.

Gen - A former principal Dancer of Saltimambo, Gen acquired great technique and achieved great maturity as a performer, choreographer and teacher.