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Performers

Andy Cruz & Griselle Ponce

Andy Cruz: Andy is a World Salsa Congress Instructor and Artistic Director of Los Soneros del Swing dance company. He has instructed and performed throughout Mexico, Puerto Rico, New York, Florida, California, Texas, Detroit & Europe. His unique style and energy has made him one of the most sought out dancer/choreographers in Chicago and the midwest.

Griselle Ponce : An award winning dancer and instructor, known to many as “ The Mambo Diva “ and rightly so…Women around the world base their dance style on this women. ( known for her sexy movement, amazing beauty, electric smile, and “ insane “ stage presence ). She carries her sexiness on the dance floor like a second skin, and projects an energy that is captivating to watch.

Los Soneros Del Swing Dance Company

Los Jovenes Del Swing Dance Company

Angel Ortiz

"On1 or On2, It's Up to You"

Angel Ortiz specializes in teaching Salsa "On1" and "On2". He travels world-wide as an International guest instructor. Quality instruction, style with technique and precision footwork define his career in Salsa. With two major motion pictures (as an extra), several salsa music videos (beginning in 1992), traveling the globe (Asia, Europe, U.S.) and introducing innovative salsa courses, Angel has solidified himself as an International guest Salsa Instructor. Angel has been consistently teaching at International Salsa Congresses and Festivals since 1997; his first being the original World Salsa Congress in August 1997, San Juan, Puerto Rico. For five consecutive years (1997-2001), Angel served as a featured Instructor at this event.

Angel began his Salsa/Mambo training "On2" in New York City with Eddie Torres in 1989. He then served six years (1990-1996) as a principle dancer with the Eddie Torres Dance Company. Eddie and Maria Torres continue to be Angel's primary influence in salsa/mambo dancing. Even today, Angel continues to study with Eddie Torres in New York City. Angel is proud to share this "direct" link as he travels internationally. Angel Ortiz is a featured dancer in the 2 Volume DVD "Eddie Torres teaches NightClub Style", produced in 1995 and distributed in 1996. Originally done in VHS format, it is now available on DVD. To date, it's the only DVD Eddie Torres has published.....a collectors edition!

Formerly trained in Jazz dance 1979-81 (Lynn Simonson) and ballet (received a ballet scholarship in 1981), Angel has incorporated these elements of dance to create his style of dancing Salsa with the New York influence. He continues his growth in salsa by studying other styles while traveling. He's also very much inspired and influenced by all instructors and friends he meets along his travels.

It was In 1992, that Angel first went on tour for Salsa where he visited South America and Puerto Rico to perform alongside major salsa recording artists formerly of the Ralph Mercado Management record label. This tour was in celebration of Tito Puente's 100th Album (buy video "100th LP" at Prodland.com). Traveling with the Eddie Torres Dance Company and performing on stage during Tito Puente's "100th Album" tour was a privilege and the beginning of Angel's career in Salsa now in its 19th year.

Atsuko Murakami

Metamovements Dance Company

MetaMovements is a new dance company comprised of experienced salsa dancers who wanted to share their passion for Latin dance. They have extensive experience teaching and performing on 1, on 2, rueda, and other specialties including spinning, styling, stunts, and conditioning for dancers. MetaMovements recently performed at the Boston Salsa Congress, the Connecticut Salsa Congress, and is proud to be included in the first annual Cincinnati Salsa Festival. Their company members have been guest artists around the world including Taiwan, Dubai, Hawaii, Cuba, and St. Maarten.

Doreen Beatrice

Doreen has been Director of the Step-N-Out Dance Studio for 12years. She has been teaching Ballroom Dancing (all levels) for 16 years. The styles include International Standard and Latin, American Rhythm and Smooth, Country and Western and Social Dance. She has competed nationally and internationally in the Professional International Standard Division.. She also competes nationally in all styles with her students in the Pro-Am Divisions. Her favorite dance is Waltz!

Piotr Witecki

Piotr has been teaching for more than 14 years. He was born and grew up in Warsaw, Poland where he trained and danced competitively. He competed with great success and in 1996 became Warsaw Champion. Peter teaches American and International Styles of Ballroom.

Shezronne Zaccardi

Is a Minneapolis native, currently residing in Columbus, Ohio. She has become known for her bold style, sensuality and great flair when dancing salsa. She is a national and international name teaching and performing at countless dances festivals, salsa congresses and workshops: International Poland Dance Festival, Illadelph Legends Philadelphia PA, Columbus Salsa Congress, Cincinnati Tri State Salsa Congress, Festival Latino Ohio and workshops in Minneapolis. Now with her own dance company and studio on the way she has become a strong fixture in the salsa community with an "on 2" style of salsa that is smooth and full of passion.

Owner of Baila World Dance Institute and Salsa Chezotic in Columbus, OH that caters to the young professionals of Columbus, her studio offers several classes including Salsa, Flamenco, Exotic Dance for Women, Hip Hop Cardio, Belly Dancing and others.

Salsa Underground Dance Team

Director / concept: Herman Recalde

Choreography: Angel Ortiz

Assistant Choreography: Andy Cruz / Ivana Adler