2017

Somaly Zapata

Latin America / Puerto Rican / Puerto Rican

Somaly Zapata She Shows Us Her Musical History

Somaly Zapata Santana is a Puerto Rican who was born on July 24, 1988 in the town of Bani, Dominican Republic. From a very young age, she showed inclinations for musical art, getting to participate in different social events. Her first song was a Mother’s Day gift to her grandmother when she was 13 years old. As the years passed, its melody and lyrics developed in the genres of Salsa, Merengue, Balada, Bachata or a fusion of them, giving it a characteristic that other songs do not have.

She was influenced by great tropical artists such as Milly Quezada, Olga Tañon, Celia Cruz, La India, among others; However, he did not show his voice to the public at that time because he was a very shy person, but always with a musical spirit deep inside.

She began to perform in different activities, imitating only the movements of Milly Quezada and mimicking her great themes almost perfectly. In her adolescence she began to discover herself as an artist on a vocal level through her lyrics, taking classes on topics related to this art, writing situations with no personal experience, but which were interesting for a composer hungry to express her most intimate feelings.

In 2011 he decides to go to work in the US (Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts) as a cultural exchange, which allows him to acquire knowledge and in turn save money to be able to professionally record his first song. From that moment on, he began his artistic career at the hands of the prominent Dominican musician/arranger Juan Valdez Ybet, who fusing ideas, supported by the great career of Mr. Valdez and the magic of the singer’s lyrics, launched from gradually the different singles of the artist; Not to mention, he is a member of ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers).

These are the themes and/or songs that they present to us: Author: Somaly Zapata Arrangement: Juan Valdez Ybet Regalame – (Merengue) For someone like you – (Salsa) When the sun goes out – (Salsa) Doesn’t it hurt? – (Salsa) promotional theme.

For more information:

Email: [email protected]
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somalymusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SomalyZapata/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/somaly_zapata
GooglePlus: https://plus.google.com/116832184355913365324

Cache Orchestra in United Kingdom

Europe / United Kingdom / Holanda

Cache Orchestra in United Kingdom. The Best Mix for Salsa!

Cache Orchestra it’s known for its Salsa sound and is considered to be one of the finest bands of its kind in the UK. Their passion for the music is infectious and gets both Salsa enthusiasts and those new to the sensuous Latin American rhythms straight on the dance floor.

Cache Orchestra has thrilled audiences throughout the UK and internationally, playing authentic Latino rhythms that come straight from the streets of San Juan and Havana. The band is a lively and accessible mix that brings a vibrant spark to all the different rhythms that make up Salsa – mambo, rumba, chacha, bomba, merengue, bolero.

Cache Orchestra in United Kingdom- Integrans

“UK’s very own Buena Vista band….absolutely tremendous…. music like that and we’re all feeling terrific. If you don’t start to move to this there is no hope for you. Extraordinary music.” Sean Rafferty, BBC Radio 3

“Most of the band members hail from Santiago De Cuba, the birthplace of Cuban son…. and have the effortless musicianship that comes from being to the manor born…..a set infused with rhythm changes and infectious melodies and grooves. ….the best band playing Cuban son.” Jane Cornwell, Songlines (Homegrown)

“Band were great, intoxicating music and a great crowd – all of which made for a fabulous vibe. Thank you!”Cecile Jackson “Please pass on my thanks to the band who were brilliant at our event and were just what was needed to get the party going. My only regret was that I did not have more time to enjoy the band myself!” Anne Davis, Asylum Productions

“….the acoustic septet with the real sound of Santiago De Cuba.” Simon Broughton, CD of the week, Evening Standard.

“A big thank you to the band for an exceptional wedding party. Everyone was very impressed with the sound and impeccable musicianship and is still talking about the band.” Jessica Garland Communications & Events Manager .

“Thank you to you, the band and dancers for a fantastic evening at the Chanel Conference. Everyone had a great time and they were still talking about it when they left the next day!” Emma Stoker – World Event Management Ltd

“I just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the band on Saturday. The music was superb and everyone was so complimentary about the group. So, thank you for helping to make our day so memorable.” Linda Marks – Harrison Parrott Ltd, Project Management.

“Please pass on my thanks to the whole band who were great on Friday and really got everyone going in the Vodafone Village. I look forward to working with you again.” Dee Goldstraw – Business Development Manager, Liz Hobbs Group

For tours and more stay tuned with us and check their website

https://www.facebook.com/OrquestaCach%C3%A9-320982197917226/

Kaem and Marina. The Dynamic Duo in France

Europe / Francia

Kaem and Marina are most known as choreographers, international instructors & performers. They are the creators of the AsOne style in kizomba, and the founders of the KizAcademy Studios and the KizAcademy TEAMS worldwide.

They owe their international success to the stunning emotional power of their improvisations, the huge diversity, creativity and complexity of their moves and the artistic depth of their performances.

Their workshops became among the most praised in the world thanks to their groundbreaking methods of training inspired by hip-hop, contemporary, martial arts, athletics, acting, but also Tao, zen meditation, mindfulness therapy and spiritual practice.

Their 10 hours programs aim to make the student able to connect to himself, free himself from fears and judgement, dive in his creative world, learn to see his own technical flaws, master the movements in a very deep way, fully connect to his partner emotionally, master the energy flow between the partners, and the most important: learn to train by himself and build his own tools to become independent, and therefore free.

In June 2017, after 21 months of dedicated research and preparation, they created the KizAcademy Instructors School: the world’s finest and most complete program for instructors. Kaem & Marina’s career probably had one of the fastest growths the afro-Latin dance world has ever witnessed.

Only 10 months after they started learning kizomba, they made ” THE PIANO SOLO” a kizomba video that hit 1 million views within 4 days, and got them teaching and performing in festivals and events all over the world. After only one year of international career, they decided to stop working with festivals, to work with their teams and to launch their own schools worldwide.

They created the AsOne style, and reached their goal within 4 months and been able to welcome around 70 students in every class they taught. That allowed them to be totally independant from any other institution and to focus full time and with total freedom on their pedagogy, their technical mastery, and most importantly:

Their creative journey. But why is this path relevant?

Such a fast and rare evolution was only possible thanks to 9 pillars every artist has: o Vulnerability, self-acceptance, self-discovery and self-mastery.

Inspiration and exploration of what touches one’s heart
Developing one’s own style ,with sincerity and overcome the fear
Creating a program of training for oneself
Training on the deepest layer of movement : the natural motion and the biomechanics
Creating a program of workshop
Public speaking ,pedagogy and psychology of learning
Choreography drafting and cinematic video making
Expansion strategy, marketing and management

Anyone with an open and curious mind can learn all those things, The issue is that no one, so far, was teaching them.

Most of the masterclasses only focus on succeeding at making fancy moves. They totally disregard the development of the creative universe of the students, and they ignore all the other skills that make a complete creative dancer and a successful artistic entrepreneur.

During their carrier, Kaem & Marina became more and more aware of this mismatch between the existing concept of masterclass and what is really important to grow as an artist and have an international career. Therefore, they decided to create a full program for instructors that would prepare for the most important journey a dancer could ever experience: Self Discovery, Technical and creative Mastery and full self-expression.

For further information and courses https://www.facebook.com/KaemMarineAsone/

Ottawa Salsa Convention Join Ottawa’s 2nd Annual Salsa Convention 2017

North America /  Canada / Ottawa

What does a 3-day Salsa Convention entail? It means bringing together 50 of the most nationally & internationally renowned Latin dance stars from all of over Canada, USA & Mexico to perform right here in the Nation’s Capital. With over 30 Latin dance workshops taught by award-winning performers, there will be something for all levels of dancers.

Each day of the convention is then followed by social dancing to the sounds of some of the world’s best Salsa DJs across Canada and the United States. This 3-day convention is like no other, showcasing the best of Latin dance, right in the heart of the Nation’s Capital at Aberdeen Pavilion in Lansdowne Park. Let’s celebrate Canada’s 150th together through the best of Latin dance.

Ottawa Salsa Convention - Schedule part 1 — Ottawa Salsa Convention – Schedule part 1

Ottawa Salsa Convention - Schedule part 2 — Ottawa Salsa Convention – Schedule part 2

Ottawa Salsa Convention - Schedule part 3 — Ottawa Salsa Convention – Schedule part 3

Some of the performers are…

Mario Acosta Cevallos (Edmonton):

Mario Acosta - Ottawa Salsa Convention — Mario Acosta – Ottawa Salsa Convention

Mario Acosta-Cevallos is a four time World Salsa Champion, a Canadian LatinAmerican Ballroom Finalist, and Director of the Edmonton area based SalsaVitus Dance Company. He is known for his hypnotic performances marked by high levels of grace, speed, and technical difficulty. Mario’s current projects include travelling to teach and perform, developing his dance teams and pro-ams, and creating new and exciting routines for the upcoming next year.

Ana López (Winnipeg):

For many years, Ana Karen has excelled in dance in Manitoba, nationally and internationally. She is a three-time Manitoba Dance Festival Ballet scholarship recipient, and was the featured ballet soloist at a M.D.F.

Gala showcase. She most recently placed in the “top twelve” out of 145 dancers at the international ballet competition, the Youth American Grand Prix (Y.A.G.P.), at the semi- finals in Chicago, U.S.A. for both her Contemporary solo and her Pointe solo.

Ana also won the highest overall score for all senior solos at the Canadian National Dance Championships (C.N.D.C.), for another Pointe solo, which was to be the first time the highest overall score was awarded to a ballet number in Winnipeg. Most of Ana Karen’s dance training has been done at Marquis Dance Academy after having trained for two years in the R.W.B.’s professional division.

Ana Lopez - Ottawa Salsa Convention — Ana Lopez – Ottawa Salsa Convention

During her training at Marquis, Ana Karen has won multiple Elite Gold and Gold with Honours awards for her solos, trios and group numbers for Ballet, Pointe, Modern Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz and Lyrical.

She has also captured both gold and silver medals at several Dance World Cups in Montreal, Vancouver and Niagara Falls. She has continued her professional development as a teacher of ballet by studying at the worldfamous American Ballet Theatre (A.B.T.) in New York, N.Y., Ana Karen most recently won the Pro-Am World Salsa Championships in Miami, Florida and placed 2nd for Bachata Cabaret at the World Latin Dance Cup in Miami, Florida.

Harold Rancano and Regan Hirose (Winnipeg):

Harold Rancano and Regan Hirose, are a Latin dance couple best known for their energetic, and acrobatic flair on stage. Based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba, the flavorful couple has achieved plenty of success on a national and international level. Most notably they are the current World Champions for Bachata Cabaret having won gold at the World Latin Dance Cup in Miami, Florida; and are also the current Canadian Bachata Champions having won gold at the Canada Salsa Congress in Toronto, Ontario.

Harol y Regan - Ottawa Salsa Convention — Harol y Regan – Ottawa Salsa Convention

The couple has also competed and won various competitions in Salsa and Bachata in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Calgary, and Saskatoon. Aside from competition, the duo also directs Cubanisimo Dance Company in their hometown, where they train and coach their teams and students, 3 of which won gold at the 2015 World Latin Dance cup. They also coach and mentor various teams outside of the city by both teaching and creating choreography.

Also known for their connection and unique choreography, the couple has travelled to several festivals and congresses to share their vast knowledge of styles and various latin rhythms such as; Salsa on 1, Salsa on 2, Bachata, Pachanga, Cuban Salsa, Cha cha cha and Lifts & Tricks. Whether it’s privates, group classes or to coach teams, the couple has the experience to adapt to any teaching environment.

Lenin A Guerrero Maldonado & Roselyne Gonzalez (Cleveland , Ohio):

Lenin is proficient in rhythms such as: Salsa, Cuban Rumba, Pachanga, Bachata, Chacha, Boogaloo and Mambo. He is the director of Salcity of Angels Dance Company, one of the best and strongest dance companies in Mexico. His unique style is loved and enjoyed by audiences everywhere. It is full of energy flavor and charisma. It is not only elegant and technical but also dynamic and passionate. Lenin has been trained by several instructors including: Abel Peña (L.A.), Machito Ruiz (L.A.), Jose Aguilar (N.Y.), Jorge Martinez (Oaxaca, Mexico), Jose Chavarria (L.A.), Ernesto and Maritza (Chiapas, Mexico).

Awards:

Second place in the Euroson Latino Competition 2010 Professional Couples Category. (Mexico),
National Champion 2010 – National Competition Salsa Con Clave Professional Couples Category. (Mexico)
Second Place 2010 National Competition Salsa Con Clave Groups Category. (Mexico)
International Champion 2011 in Costa Rica Salsa Fest Professional Couples Category. (Costa Rica)
Third place in the National SalsaBachata Competition 2011(Mexico)

Lenin y Roselyne - Ottawa Salsa Convention — Lenin y Roselyne – Ottawa Salsa Convention

Experiences: Lenin has had many opportunities to travel to different countries through dancing. He is recognized internationally. He has performed at the most recognized congresses in all of Mexico and the USA. In March and April of 2014, he went on a dancing tour of 27 cities in France and 5 cities in Germany.

Most recently he traveled to Panama in 2014 and the United States in 2013 and 2014 in various cities. He now resides in the United States (Cleveland, Ohio) and travels to the principal salsa congresses in the country as well as those in Mexico. Current Projects: Team and individual training, Traveling to the major congresses in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Continue traveling all over the world through dancing.

Roberto Quaresma & Daria Novoselova (Toronto):

Dedicated and passionate duo from Toronto, Canada, Daria Novoselova and Roberto Quaresma, started dancing together about 3 years ago.

Only 3 months into their partnership, they entered their first competition at the World Latin Dance Cup in Miami in December/14 and became amateur Salsa On1 world champions. Shortly after, Daria suffered a devastating neck injury during a dance practice and had to undergo surgery not knowing if she would ever be able to dance again.

After months of recovery and wearing a neck brace, she gradually returned to the dancefloor just in time to go back to Miami to defend the couple’s championship title. Despite a very challenging year for both dancers, in December/15 Roberto and Daria became 2x amateur world salsa champions.

The comeback story inspired many and was covered by numerous newspapers, such as the Toronto Star, as well as the CBC News. Since then the couple have traveled and performed in many congresses around the world such as Los Angeles Salsa Fest, Dubai Latin Festival and Japan Salsa Congress.

They have recently returned from the World Salsa Summit competition held in Miami in January/17 with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place medals in various salsa and bachata divisions. Known for their flare, playfulness and charisma on stage, Roberto and Daria are part of the Latin Energy Dance Company led by Vanesa Stay.

Angelo De Torres & Kathy Dondish (Toronto):

Angelo and Kathy began dancing together since 2009. Their passion for Latin dancing has led them to start competing and performing together. They are the 2011 Chim Pum Callao Congress and the Canada Salsa Congress Bachata Champions and were finalist at the Toronto Bachata Festival.

They enjoy travelling and sharing their passion for dance and have performed at international events such as the All Star Salsa European Cruise and the Israel Salsa Congress. Together they have developed a unique style of bachata, have taught hundreds of classes and workshops, and have choreographed numerous routines for both professionals and amateurs alike. Angelo De Torres is a professional dancer and choreographer and has had a love and appreciation for music since a very young age.

The diverse forms of expression inherent in Salsa, Bachata, Pachanga and Latin Hustle are what captivated him to learn and share his passion.

Angelo y Kathy - Ottawa Salsa Convention — Angelo y Kathy – Ottawa Salsa Convention

He has extensive training with respected international instructors such as Billy Fajardo, Katie Marlow, Nelson Flores, Tito Ortoz, Tamara Livolsi, Francesco Scalvenzi and Milko Succi.

Angelo has been teaching and dancing since 2008 for Steps dance studio under the direction of Jennifer Aucoin and is now a co-owner/director of Steps Dance Studio Inc.

Kathy Dondish has had the passion for dance at an early age, when she took her first ballet class at the age of 6 and trained in gymnastics at age 11. Her love for Latin dancing only grew stronger as of 2007 and hasn’t stopped since. Today, she is a performer, teacher and competitor. Having trained with top Toronto dancers as well as internationally has increased her drive to share her love on stage and in the studio.

Hiram and Briia (Toronto):

Hiram and Briia have been dancing together for about a year in a half! In 2012 they joined Cadence Dance Academy and they been traveling and performing with them all across North America ever since. They have been traveling together in North America for showcases and teaching workshops.

Briia comilang started dancing at the age of 4 since then she had traveled for showcases around the world. Train in ballroom, ballet, hip hop, contemporary! She strives to become an all-around dancer.

Hiram y Briia - Ottawa Salsa Convention — Hiram y Briia – Ottawa Salsa Convention

Now Briia is a professional salsa dancer and a Canadian representative amateur ballroom dancer who’s traveled to China, Spain, and Italy for many competitions! Now she continues to strive to the top by teaching, choreographing and sharing her passion with others! Hiram’s love of dance has been evident in Mexico since he was a young child.

He began training Modern Jazz and Contemporary before he decided to migrate to Canada where he trained in Jazz, Ballet, Acrobatics and Hip Hop. He later partnered and competed with, 4x Salsa World Champion, Paulina Posadas. The dynamic duo went on to win 1st Place in different national competitions

Adriano Ieropoli and Samantha Scali (Montreal):

Adriano Ieropoli and Samantha Scali are professional dancers based out of Montreal, Canada.

In 2009, at age fourteen they began their partnership by teaching locally and performing for various stage productions, concerts, festivals and salsa congresses. In 2015, they started competing internationally and founded Novaera Productions their very own dance studio in Montreal. That year, Adriano won his first world title in the same gender division and he is now the current world champion in the men solo division.

Adriano y Samantha - Ottawa Salsa Convention — Adriano y Samantha – Ottawa Salsa Convention

Adriano and Samantha are the first Canadian couple to have won a world title in the Professional Salsa On2 division, having placed first at the 2017 World Salsa Summit.

Team Same Gender México

You can see know all of the performers in their official website http://www.ottawasalsaconvention.ca and all the information you need to know.

Dance Papi

North America / USA / New York

Dance Papi is the best place on the web to learn Salsa, Cuban salsa, Conga drums and Hand percussion online for free. You could find all their Dance and Music Video Lessons http://dancepapi.com/about/

Ariel Ceja Founder

Ariel Ceja founded Dance Papi after becoming frustrated by the lack of online dance resources. Dance Papi aims to fill this void by becoming the best place on the web to learn social dances and Latin percussion by featuring instructive videos.

Prior to launching Dance Papi, Ariel studied film at Occidental College, worked as general manager for Ceja Vineyards and opened Bistro Sabor, a small eatery in Napa that served contemporary expressions of Latin America’s favorite street food and snacks.

He currently attempts to go out social dancing two to three times per week, is obsessed with the band Punch Brothers and sometimes posts cooking videos on salud! napa, enjoys sipping all styles of Pinot Noir and relishes a good hug so give him one if you see him.

Nicole Lazo Salsa On1 Instructor

Nicole Lazo is one of Sacramento’s top salsa instructors. She is an elegant and graceful dancer who is known for her unique, sexy styling and body movement on and off the dance floor, and a true love for teaching. In addition, her humble attitude and approachable personality make her popular amongst the Sacramento dance community today.

Nicole Lazo - Dance Papi — Nicole Lazo – Dance Papi

She has an ability to effortlessly follow any lead and break down complicated patterns and moves into simple steps anyone can learn. Nicole Lazo fell in love with salsa dancing sight unseen.

Even before her very first lesson began she bought tights (which she quickly learned she did not need) and dance shoes (a half size too large because no one told her ladies’ shoes should be bought in a smaller size).

Throughout her childhood, she took dance classes, as little girls are apt to do, and quickly realized that she would fearlessly dance anywhere, anytime! Ultimately, it was her experience teaching swing dancing in the piazzas of Rome, combined with her innate love of Latin rhythm that brought her to a local dance studio.

Having traveled throughout California, Mexico, and El Salvador to be trained in salsa, Nicole still continues to seek opportunities to further broaden and diversify her knowledge of Latin dance. Nicole brings fresh movement and style straight from her travels right into the dance studio!

Ariel Ceja and Nicole Lazo - Dance Papi — Ariel Ceja and Nicole Lazo – Dance Papi