Menu
- 217 S Claremont St, San Mateo, CA
- +1 (415) 851-6501
Gustavo, an Official 2011 USA Tango Stage Champion, is a dancer, teacher and choreographer from Buenos Aires, Argentina, the world capital of Tango. His teaching style is a lot of fun, creative, easy to follow and perfect for those who want to Learn the 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, an Official 2011 USA Tango Stage Champion, is a professional dancer, teacher and choreographer from Buenos Aires, Argentina, the world capital of Tango. 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 fun, creative and 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.
Shanna has been teaching partner dance since 2006, and she discovered west coast swing in 2009. Since then she has been competing in the dance ever since. She currently competes at an all star level, and even won the Rising Star Division at the US Open Swing Dance Championships in 2014. Her background in musical theatre, music, kinesiology, and aerial arts has led to a unique teaching style that makes learning to dance relatable and fun. She loves teaching all levels, but has a passion for teaching beginners because she loves creating a fun atmosphere in the beginning stages.
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.
Chris Monark is a fun and creative dance instructor who has been dancing & training in lain dances for almost 5 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.
Chris is a fun and creative dance instructor who has been dancing & training in latin dances for almost 5 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/choreographer when he graduated. With over 5 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 Urbano’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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
Olga Vaskovskaia 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.
Marisa Castillo 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.
Erin Yen 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 Peregrino 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/choreographer when he graduated. With over 5 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 Barragan’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 Urbano’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.
Subscribe to my weekly newsletter. I don’t send any spam email ever!