Gustavo, a former USA Tango Stage Champion, is a dancer, teacher and choreographer from Buenos Aires, Argentina. His teaching style is fun, creative, easy to follow and perfect for those who want to learn Technique, Musicality and Feel the Emotion that makes the Argentine Tango a unique experience. Gustavo is fluent in English and Spanish and lessons can be taught in the language of your preference. Gustavo together with his wife Jesica teach all level dancers, from total beginners to the seasoned professionals. And Yes, they can make you dance even if you think you have Two Left Feet!
Jesica, a former USA Tango Stage Champion, is a professional dancer, teacher and choreographer from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has been training as a dancer from the small age of 4. She became a professional ballerina and then a tango dancer when she met her future husband Gustavo at a tango party “milonga” in Stanford University in 2003. Jesica’s teaching style is energetic, creative and very detailed. She is fluent in English and Spanish and lessons can be taught in the language of your preference. Together with her husband Gustavo, they give weekly classes for all level dancers. Jesica has been trained in ballet, modern, jazz and latin dance styles. The dance styles she teaches include, but are not limited to: Ballet, Argentine Tango, Salsa, Bachata, Merengue & Cumbia. She is also a certified Yoga instructor.
Pablo Levi has always been interested in dance and exploring ways to express himself through movement. Pablo has taught Salsa & Bachata, both nationally and internationally. His teaching style is easy to follow, fun and focused on musicality. His students always comment that they feel good while dancing and learning new moves in his classes. Pablo is fluent in English and Spanish and lessons can be taught in the language of your preference.
Joanna began dancing in 1990 in Miami, FL, and later studied anthropology and world dance at New York University. In California, she discovered kathak, studying for 20 years with Pandit Chitresh Das, and earned a B.A. in Dance Ethnology. She toured with the Chitresh Das Dance Company from 1998-2015 and now continues as a senior artist with the Leela Dance Collective. Starting partner dancing in 2002, Joanna trained in ballroom, Latin, and swing, and has since competed nationally, achieving top placements in various west coast swing divisions. She is the reigning Open Swing Dance Sophisticated Champion while directing the annual event Swing In the South Bay. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Joanna blends technical and social dance expertise, traveling nationally and internationally to share her love of dance!
Linden is an ACE-certified group fitness instructor in San Francisco, CA with ten years of experience teaching dance fitness. Linden discovered dance aerobics in college and Bollywood music not long after that, and she’s been hooked ever since! She has also worked for ten years with adults with disabilities in a community setting and is passionate about bringing dance and fitness to people of all abilities and skill levels. Her mission is to help others express themselves, to make fitness fun and rewarding, and to create inclusive, accessible spaces within the community.
Aditi’s dance journey began at age 4 when she started training in Indian classical dance. Since then, she has been performing in multiple stages across the world. She loves experimenting with different dance forms and enjoys doing Bollywood dance productions. Her teaching style is to ensure everyone is following the beats and having fun. Aditi was invited to judge the 2021 North America Indian Community Dance Talent Collaboration under FETNA. In her free time, she also models and has been published internationally.
Kenn’s enjoyment of dance started in middle school with his first school performance. Since then he’s had a life-long-love of performing and teaching. Mr. Kenn is purposeful about preserving the foundational roots of Hip-Hop including Popping, Waacking, Housing, Locking, & Breaking. As a performer-competitor, he has competed on NBC World of Dance, America’s Got Talent & was 1st place winner of World of Dance Bay Area & LA in ‘17 and ’18. For many years he has been teaching workshops, intensives, competition & choreography. Through dance he’d love to develop economic, social and positive change, using dance as a platform for kids to learn and grow into healthy adults!
Francesca has been dancing for over nine years. She started her dance career as a child taking tap and ballet classes, but fell in love with Hip Hop! For the past eight years, she has been dancing competitively and also trains in jazz, ballet, contemporary, lyrical and acro.
When Francesca is not dancing, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, loves listening to music, and trying new cooking recipes.
Danielle, a Bay Area native, has been dancing for 8 years and teaching and competing for 5 of those alongside her partner Dennis. Her dance journey began at 18 when she joined a social ballroom dance class at De Anza College, seeking a fun way to stay active, meet new people, and enjoy herself. She was instantly hooked, and by the following year, she was competing in ballroom dance at UC Santa Barbara. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for salsa and bachata. After graduating and returning to the Bay Area, Danielle quickly became a key figure in the dance community. She took on the role of principal salsa and bachata instructor at Mark Ballas Dance & Performing Arts, where her classes became known for their vibrant energy and welcoming atmosphere. In addition to her training in On1 and On2 salsa styles, Danielle has also immersed herself in Cali-style salsa (caleña), known for its fast footwork and high energy. Together with Dennis, they won first place at the West Coast Latin Dance Championships in 2021 and the Reno Latin Dance Championships in 2022. Danielle’s classes are not just about technique—they’re about community, passion, and the sheer joy of dance. Whether you’re new to salsa or looking to refine your skills, Danielle’s fun and engaging approach will inspire you to dance with confidence and flair.
Dennis is a passionate semi-pro competitive salsa dancer who brings energy and enthusiasm to every step. Alongside his partner Danielle, he has showcased his talent at prestigious events like the West Coast Latin Dance Championships, Reno Latin Dance Festival, and SF Festival, as well as performing at numerous other venues and congresses. Dennis has honed his skills with renowned teams like Salsa Colombia and Spartan Mambo, where he competed and performed at a very high level. His classes are known for being both fun and transformative, emphasizing foundational techniques that elevate dancers from basic to advanced levels. Whether you’re looking to refine your skills or shine on the social dance floor, Dennis’s approach will help you move with confidence and style!
Astrid began her ballet studies at Terpsicore Comprehensive Dance School at age 13 under Humberto Rodriguez. By 15, she joined the Nuevo Mundo Ballet in Caracas, directed by prima ballerina Zhandra Rodriguez. She then trained with the Teresa Carreño Ballet, performing roles in productions like “Coppelia,” “Don Quixote,” “The Nutcracker,” and more.
In 2018, she won the Silver Medal at the Miami International Ballet Competition. Moving to the U.S. in 2021, she danced with Dimensions Dance Theater of Miami and the Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami. Her repertoire includes main roles in “The Flames of Paris,” “Spartacus,” “Paquita,” “Giselle,” and others.
She currently lives in California, performing and teaching with various companies schools. With extensive experience teaching pre-ballet, youth, and adult programs, she focuses on sharing her passion and knowledge of ballet in a welcoming atmosphere to all her students!
Chris is a fun and creative dance instructor who has been dancing & training in latin dances for almost 6 years. He has always had a love for dance and it shows in his energetic and enthusiastic teaching style. In his classes, he creates a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable and confident to dance. He believes in the power of dance to bring joy and positivity into people’s lives. He loves seeing the transformation in his students as they progress and gain more confidence in their abilities.
Ruby Parra is a kind and welcoming instructor who has been dancing bachata and salsa on1 for 9 years. She has been dancing salsa on2 since 2021 and then started learning how to lead in both bachata and salsa on2. Ruby’s list of dance mentors includes instructors from the Bay Area to San Diego to New York so her style results in a fusion of traditional and urban with hip hop influences. While Ruby has trained, performed, and competed with multiple dance companies, she loves mentoring others far more than being on the stage. Her priority is to create a safe and inclusive space where anyone can lead or follow. Both require their own set of skills and makes for a more comprehensive dancer if you learn both! Ruby’s goal is to create classes that will teach the basics of fun and safe solo and partner dancing. She currently teaches bachata for beginners.
Erin is a mixed-race professional dancer and choreographer currently residing in San Mateo, CA. Erin holds a BFA with distinction in Dance from the Ohio State University. She is fluent in Laban Movement Analysis, and she was the first to Labanotate work from acclaimed choreographer Doug Varone. Erin has additionally performed works by artists such as Ohad Naharin and Bebe Miller, and she has danced with Alvin Ailey and BalletMet. Erin is the founder of contemporary dance company Dragons Dance, 501c3.
Jeric has been dancing and performing from a very young age. While participating in his schools’ dance productions, he picked up on various dance styles such as Hip Hop, West African, Belly, Ballet, Contemporary and more. Exploring his own groove, Jeric choreographed for Jefferson High School’s rallies and became lead coach and choreographer when he graduated. With over 7 years of teaching experience, he has taught at several dance studios, high schools and college programs. He has also trained with a couple dance teams and has competed all over California. Recently, he had the opportunity of auditioning for America’s Got Talent with Str8jacket and dancing backup for Filipino celebrities. Jeric is currently the team captain and one of the head choreographer for Str8jacket. Dance constantly gives Jeric the motivation and purpose to work towards bettering himself and his community. He believes anyone can positively benefit from dance by working hard, embracing self discipline, developing confidence, trusting the journey and thus reaping the reward of self discovery.
Tristan’s journey began with his family and the tradition of being Mexican. Dancing banda, merengue and cumbia are all a big part of the culture. At the young age of 14, Tristan was chosen to participate in many quinceañeras to learn other dances such as salsa, waltz and bachata. At the age of 25, Tristan entered the world of ballroom dance learning more techniques and patterns in waltz and American rhythm. In addition, he began training with Rhazel Urbano to strenghten their partner dancing. Outside of dance he likes to be with family and play board games with close friends.
Rhazel’s dance journey started in high school learning jazz dance. This inspired her to join the school’s Dance Spectrum program and performing yearly. She took classes in contemporary, ballet, tap and hip hop. When she met Tristan and started training together as a dance couple they combined their diverse styles. In her free time you can find her playing the piano as well as seeing musicals.
Marisa enjoys sharing the love, spirit and soul of dance with students of all ages. Ms. Castillo began teaching classical ballet in the San Francisco Bay Area to all levels students at ODC Dance Commons, Stanford University, University of San Francisco, Mobu Dance Studio, LINES Dance Center and Berkeley Ballet Theater. Ms. Castillo has performed with Peninsula Ballet Theater, North Coast Dance, Santa Clara Ballet, and Columbia City Ballet. Seeking an in-depth approach to understanding and mastering the foundations of classical ballet, she trained in the Vaganova Russian Syllabus of Classical Ballet under Karen Morell. She furthered her dance studies in the Certificate program at the Ailey School in New York City and earned a B.A. in Dance from San Francisco State University. From 2004-2019 she had the incredible fortune of being mentored and coached by Augusta Moore in the art of teaching ballet from a somatic viewpoint. She studied in a 3 year seminar with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, creator of Body-Mind Centering® in Applications of Experimental Anatomy for Ballet Teachers. Marisa also holds a California single subject credential in Dance.
Amy began dancing ballet at age 4 and soon after added jazz and rhythm tap to the mix. By the time she reached high school, she had branched out further to study lyrical, hip hop, and pointe while participating on teams and as a soloist in regional competitions in Southern California. At the same time, she began choreographing musical theater productions including Pippin, which she performed with the Torrey Pines Players at the 2006 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Over the next ten years, musical theater choreography challenged Amy to constantly adapt her dance knowledge to the different needs of each show and her teaching style to each new cast. The experience gave her a lifelong passion for helping beginner dancers find their confidence and express their emotions and personalities through dance.
Matthew “Ninja” Sutton was born in San Carlos, CA. He started breakdancing at Dance Mode Studio in 2010 and has since grown to do almost all styles of hip hop. At the young age of 15, he was invited to join Tribe Crew, which is an all adult hip hop based team. Currently, Ninja is a choreographer and director for Poise’n Brigade (Tribe’s youth team) and has helped make sets for competitions such as Prelude Norcal, Collaboration, World of Dance Bay Area, World of Dance Championships, and Bodyrock. He also performs as leading roles for theater shows such as Hip Hip Halloween: The Monster Mashup, and Stuck Sander’s Hip Hop Nutcracker.
Leandro, originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina began his dance journey in different latin styles back in his native country. This is where he felt a deep connection to Salsa and it’s social atmosphere.
He continued dancing when he moved to the SF Bay Area and has recently started teaching at MAC. He enjoys making the classes fun and detailed but also accessible so that everyone can have a great time learning salsa!
Amihan (Mimi) has been passionate about dancing and performing since childhood, training in Ballet, Hip Hop, and Jazz. She began her Heels Dance journey in 2018 and has been dedicated to mastering this style ever since. As a true creative person at heart, Mimi aims to create dance movement that has the potential to liberate those around her. In her heels classes, she strives to provide a safe space for students to empower themselves through dance and embody their inner confidence!
Chloe’s passion for dance started in her early years, leading her through diverse training in various forms. However, it’s the pulsating beats of hip-hop, K-pop, and dancehall that truly make her heart pump. Chloe finds joy in moving to the trendiest K-pop dances, effortlessly channeling her inner K-Pop Idol through captivating dance videos showcased on YouTube and Instagram. In her high energy and fun classes, Chloe strives to bring the optimum potential within each student. Join Chloe on a dance journey where enthusiasm meets expertise, and discover your best dance self in her dynamic and uplifting classes!
Thariny is trained in South Indian classical dances and has experience with other Indian dance styles which include Indian Cinematic dance, semi-classical, and folk. Dance has always been a part of her life, she participated in various school and college dance performances and competitions which also included Choreographing & teaching. To Thariny, dance is joy, and dancing together with others makes it more joyous. She is currently a certified BollyX instructor and teaches BollyX at the San Mateo College District.
Ruby is a kind and welcoming instructor who has been dancing bachata and salsa on1 as a follow since 2014. She picked up salsa on2 in 2021 and then started learning how to lead in both bachata and salsa on2 in 2022. Ruby’s list of dance mentors includes instructors from the Bay Area to San Diego to New York so her style results in a fusion of traditional and urban with hip hop influences. While Ruby has trained, performed, and competed with multiple dance companies, she loves mentoring others far more than being on the stage. Her priority is to create a safe and inclusive space where anyone can lead or follow. Both require their own set of skills and makes for a more comprehensive dancer if you learn both! Ruby’s goal is to create classes that will teach the basics of fun and safe solo and partner dancing. She currently teaches bachata for beginners.
Jacinda began dancing at the age of 9, discovering her passion for hip hop through training with competitive hip hop teams. She later expanded her dance repertoire to include lyrical, contemporary, and ballet at Melodic Remedy. Despite her diverse training, hip hop and jazz remain her favorite styles to perform and learn.
Jacinda loves teaching and sharing her passion for dance with her students, inspiring them to find their own joy in movement. Outside of dance, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, baking, and listening to music. She is deeply grateful to her dance teachers and family for their unwavering support and encouragement, always pushing her to achieve her best!
Adi’s has a passion for dancing to Bollywood music! After years of immersing herself in the vibrant rhythms and exciting energy of BollyX classes, she took the leap to become certified and share her love with others just over a year ago. For Adi, dancing is more than just movement; it’s a soulful journey where the world fades away, leaving only the pulsating beat of the music and the exhilaration of expression. In her classes, she encourages her students to dance with their whole being and allow their spirits to soar freely. Join Adi in her BollyX classes and experience the magic of Bollywood dance, where every step is infused with passion, every beat is a celebration, and every moment is a chance to connect with your heart, soul, and community.
Ki To is a dynamic dancer, choreographer, and model, working across the Bay Area and SoCal. He’s performed for major brands like Gap, Waymo, and Genentech, showcasing his versatility in K-pop, Jazz Funk, Choreo, and Waacking. In his classes, Ki To creates a fun and supportive environment, helping students feel confident while pushing their skills to the next level with the latest trends and covers. When he’s not teaching, Ki To can be found working in beauty, commercials, or backup dancing for artists and top corporations.
Sydney is a seasoned dancer with over twelve years of training spanning a diverse spectrum of styles, including hip hop, modern, jazz, ballet, West African, and Turkish belly dance. While her dance journey has been rich and varied, it was in the past seven years that she discovered her true love and passion for Latin dance. With a primary focus on salsa and bachata, Sydney brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to her teaching. Drawing from her background in multiple dance forms, she combines together elements from each style, creating a fusion that ignites creativity and inspires her students to explore new realms of expression. Sydney’s classes go beyond just steps and technique; they are a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Through dance, she encourages her students to reconnect with their bodies and unleash their innermost emotions, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and their artistry. Join Sydney on the dance floor and embark on a transformative experience that will not only elevate your dance skills but also nourish your soul.
Michael has been training and performing in Latin dances for over 17 years. He started his dance journey studying Salsa On1 “LA style” then moved to New York where he learned Salsa On2 “NY style”. He also studied Latin jaz, Afro-Cuban Salsa and Folkloric dances. His passion is to give back to the dance community and share the knowledge he has learned over his dance career with all his students!
Growing up in a family of artists, Alee was introduced to the world of dance by her older sister at a young age. She began training in musical theatre at 14, which ignited her love for the performing arts. During high school, she started dancing and continued to refine her skills with Sacramento dancers in college. After moving to the Bay Area, Alee’s passion for dance blossomed into teaching. She loves merging community and dance, along with other forms of art, as a powerful tool for healing and activism.
Alee’s hip hop classes are welcoming to all students, she creates an inclusive environment where everyone can learn, grow, and express themselves through movement. Her classes are designed to build confidence and foster a sense of community among dancers.
Heather is well known for her ability to creatively fuse her classical ballet training with her love of partner dancing. She won the Nova Star Category in the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, she is a two-time US Open Sophisticated Swing Champion, and a retired professional ballet dancer who cross-trains in Zouk, Argentine Tango, American Smooth, Country, Salsa, Blues, Hustle, Lindy Hop, and Balboa. She has performed, competed, judged and taught across the country and abroad. Locally, Heather has been teaching ballet and jazz in the Bay Area since 2001, and West Coast Swing since 2012. She is a founding instructor of the West Coast Swing Program at OmniDance where she teaches weekly classes, and she is a faculty member at Fusion Academy in San Francisco. She is a regular guest west coast swing instructor as well as in the Fusion Community in the Bay Area and around the country. Heather loves teaching people from all dance backgrounds and abilities. She cultivates a learning environment where laughter lightens the mood, and moments of true beauty are created regardless of the students’ dance background or ability when they begin.
Samara’s journey with Zumba began in 2014 when she discovered the joy of dance fitness in her hometown of Montreal, Canada. Her passion for movement soon became a way of life. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Education, specializing in teaching ESL, Samara took her love for teaching abroad, moving to Italy in 2016 and 2017 to teach English. To brighten her students’ days, she incorporated Zumba routines into her lessons, infusing energy and fun into the classroom. Upon returning to teach high school, Samara introduced a popular after school Zumba program. In 2022, she relocated to California and became a certified Zumba instructor, determined to spread the joy she had found in dance. Samara is passionate about teaching in all its forms—whether it’s languages, emotional wellness, or dance. However, it’s through dance that she truly comes alive. Her classes are a lively blend of Latin-inspired rhythms, Afrobeat, and Caribbean influences, designed to make every participant feel the joy and freedom that dance brings!
Jayden aka “Oche”, is an energetic and versatile dancer specializing in K-Pop and Jazz Funk. His dynamic choreography blends precision and performance, drawing from his solid cheerleading background, which has honed his technique and discipline. Known for his clean movements and sharp execution, Oche’s classes focus on building strong foundations while encouraging students to express their unique style. Whether you’re looking to master the latest K-Pop routines or dive into the high-energy world of Jazz Funk, Oche’s classes are the perfect place to grow as a dancer and performer.
Olga is a seasoned professional in the world of dance. With a bachelor’s degree in Choreography, Olga brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the dance floor. With nine years of teaching under her belt, she’s renowned for her mastery of Contemporary, Jazz, and Heels dance styles. Olga is more than just a dancer and instructor; she’s a purveyor of technique and artistry. With a meticulous approach to movement, Olga blends precision with expression, creating a unique style. Her passion for dance radiates through every class and she loves to share her expertise with enthusiasm and dedication. Olga’s commitment to nurturing talent and instilling confidence in her students shines through in her teaching. After every class get ready to feel inspired and empowered!
Kerri began studying Salsa in Shanghai in 2015. In 2017, fueled by her passion for Salsa, she made a determined decision to embark on long-term, systematic learning in New York. Additionally, she attended classes by famous dancers such as Eddie Torres, Frankie Martinez, and Franklin Diaz. In 2018, Kerri officially became a member of Yamulee. As part of the troupe, she engaged in high-intensity training and performances alongside top Salsa dancers from around the world on a daily basis. After a year with Yamulee, Kerri sought to deepen her understanding of dance and body awareness. In 2018, she applied for a program at the Broadway Dance Center in New York. During the day, she studied ballet, Latin dance, stretching, jazz, and more at Broadway Dance Center. Kerri has also choreographed original pieces like “Ave Maria Lola,” “Ricky Te Llama,” and “No Queria Enganarte.” Since moving to the SF Bay Area, she has now been dancing in guest teaching in the area.
Shea’s passion for hip-hop began at just 6 years old, and it’s been fueling her creativity ever since. With competitive experience on teams across the Bay Area, she has trained dance styles like popping, locking, housing, waacking, and more! Shea loves spending hours crafting choreography and sharing her love for dance with others. In her classes, she focuses on keeping it fun and helping students connect with themselves and each other through movement and rhythm.
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