Search Results for: Latin Music

DF Dance Studio A Place To Learn To Dance In Utah

North America / USA /

Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, this Dance studio offers you a wild variety of dance styles with qualified instructors than make you enjoy and learn more technique, posture and movements than you think you can do it without injuries you and bring you fun. Do you know more about DF Dance Studio? Beginning…

DF Dance Studio has grown from humble to become one of the largest Ballroom, Salsa, Tango, Swing and Hip Hop dance studio in Salt Lake City. Ever since being founded in 2008, DF Dance Studio has brought cutting edge dance instruction and competitive and social dancing to Wasatch Front region. Their key to success since the beginning has been offering: a wide variety of dance styles + only employing top notch professionals in the field.

Their mission is provide comfortable social dance experience for complete beginners looking to learn a new skill and stay fit, and world class dance training for competitive students with dance career aspirations. Furthermore, their vision is connect, empower and inspire through Latin, Ballroom and Hip Hop Dance, and grow talent through cutting edge programs challenging the status quo. Df Dance Studio believe in vital physical, emotional, social, cultural and community benefits provided by dance and are dedicated to help every student regardless of previous dance experience, age or natural ability to achieve their greatest potential.

Chelsie Hightower Ballrom dancer Dancing with the Stars (Df Dance Studio Ladies Workshop)

“We believe that dance is essential to personal happiness, and we are glad to offer so many chances for people be happy”, Df Dance Studio.

For this philosophy they offer home to 13 professional dance instructors in Salsa, Ballroom, Latin, West Coast Swing, Argentine Tango, Country, Hip Hop, Ballet and Jazz for who want focused and detailed learning and get private lessons. For those who also want to learn in a group setting, they offer 24 group classes a week. In addition, for those who are dancing to meet people, they offer student mixers, studio parties, dance socials, and a great community to be in. Wow! There’s definitely something for everyone!

Private Dance Lessons

Taking a private lesson you get several benefits for your date night:

More intimate setting – just you, your date, and an instructor.
Choose exactly what you want to learn – lesson is customized to you!
One-on-one instruction – ask any question, the teacher is all yours.
Fit your personal schedule – Book morning, afternoon, or evening – Mon – Sat.

The prices are per lesson for one or two people. All lessons are 50 minutes long. Packages cannot be shared between more than two people. All appointments must be pre-paid. If you’re interested in a semi-private lesson (with 3-10 people), DF Dance Studio offers the prices follows: $100 for 3-4 people, or $150 for 5-10 people.

If you want a single private lesson and packages here below the information: SINGLE CLASS: $75 (Per Lesson for 1 or 2 people) 4 CLASS PACKAGE: $70 (Per Lesson for 1 or 2 people) 8 CLASS PACKAGE: $65 (Per Lesson for 1 or 2 people). $80 Savings + Includes 2 group class drop-ins & 2 studio parties. 16 CLASS PACKAGE: $60 (Per Lesson for 1 or 2 people) $240 savings + Includes 4 group drop-ins & 4 parties

You can Reinvent Yourself Taking the first step into exciting world of dance! Spice up your days with Salsa dancing.

Salsa Dancing Lessons

Salsa is one of the most popular dancing styles in Utah nowadays. There are lots of Salsa socials and clubs to dance at! Df Dance Studio offers group and private dance lessons from Utah’s top Salsa Dance professionals, plus performance-focused Salsa Dance Teams!
Their Salsa program consists of several different levels of group classes, private lessons and bi-weekly salsa dance socials. No partner is required. Beginner courses are 12 wks. – enroll in 1st or 2nd wk. Students are required to get instructors approval for Beginner Level 2 and Intermediate Levels.
Every Mon at 7pm – By the end of Ÿ 12 wks.
You’ll have a great Salsa foundation. No partner or experience required to join this course. $10/class for 12 wks = $120 – includes FREE extra lessons on Wednesdays at 8pm for 12 wks!
In Social Dance Classes complete Beginners are Welcome & No partner required. Don’t wait to start dancing.

Salsa`s Instructors

Lindsay (Salsa, Bachata, Argentine Tango):

Lindsay started out dancing Jazz at an early age, but ultimately found her passion in Latin dances. She placed 3rd in 2010 and 1st in 2011 in a statewide Salsa Competition in Utah and 3rd in 2010 in a statewide Bachata Competition. She specializes in Salsa, Bachata and Kizomba and she is available for private lessons.

Julio (Salsa, Bachata, Kids):

Julio specializes in Salsa, Bachata and Social Ballroom. He currently competes at the highest level in Salsa and Bachata and he is the 2016 king of Bachata in Utah. In 2015 he took first place in the SDSBK (San Diego Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba) international Salsa competition. Julio also has some Ballroom background completing the Bronze Latin Ballroom medals exam and competing in Dance Sport BYU.

Frida (Salsa, Bachata, Hip Hop):

Frida has won 3rd place in the 2015 Las Vegas Salsa On2 Amateur couples division Competition, 1st place in the 2016 Utah Bachata competition, 1st place in the 2015 San Diego Salsa On2 couples division Competition, and she is Utah Bachata Queen 2016. She’s had extensive training in several multi-cultural styles of dance, including Tahitian, samba, and Argentine tango, and she is also certified in Zumba.

Salsa Socials

DF Dance Studio every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month give you a great social with great music variety. Meet all the local salseros, dance to best local DJs, watch salsa dance shows, have real salsa dancing and gets fun dancing! 9:30pm – Beginner Salsa (2nd Fri) or Bachata (4th Fri) Class Dancing till 1:30am with DJ Corwin in the Salsa room + DJ Nexar in the Bachata room! Cost: $10/pp all night long THREE dance floors.

Add some fun…with dance! Do you want to enjoy your life? Perhaps meet some people? Try the intriguing Salsa, sensual Bachata, and more…

DF Dance Studio also offers Kids Dance Lessons; there is a variety of dance styles for kids, including ballroom, salsa, hip hop, performance & break dancing. They have three ways to get FUN with their kids program:

First, CLASSES!

There is a fun and easy-tolearn atmosphere. They love to play dance games with the kids while exploring the movements their bodies can do! Expect the child to start dancing everywhere – at school, at the grocery store, at home – dancing is addictive and healthy for their growing bodies & minds. They offer a variety of styles so kids can experience different moves and rhythms: Hip Hop, Break Dancing, Salsa, Ballroom, & Technique.

Second, PARTIES!

They have monthly event parties for KIDS ONLY. Okay, so we may need an adult or two as chaperones but the event itself is for their youth.

Third, PERFORMANCES!

What kid doesn’t like showing off for their parents? It’s a great time for families and friends to come enjoy supporting the little ones as they show off all they have learned that semester. Each class will have at least one routine in the show.

Wedding Dance Lessons

This Dance Studio is specialized in making you look and feel good on the dance floor on your big day creating lifelong cherished memories as you dance as a newlywed couple for that they bring you Wedding Dance Lessons. Private lessons are the way to go for wedding couples. A professional instructor working to make your first dance exactly what you want it to be!

You must start your wedding dance lessons 2-5 months before your wedding date.
Your wedding is in one week. They can help you! Contact them immediately so they can get you in!
They have plenty of song suggestions for different occasions and can help you pick a song that reflects your personality, style and love for each other!
You can learn an easy choreography if you want it! You don’t have to memorize a routine to look fantastic on the dance floor, and they can help you learn the best lead-follow steps, besides, this dance studio guarantees your private lessons will be held at a time that’s convenient for you.

In addition to all these, DF Dance Studio does an Annual Salt Lake Salsa Fest where you get ready for exciting workshops, inspiring shows and lots of awesome salsa and bachata social dancing that will sweep you off your feet!

DF Dance Studio

Gain Confidence Perform & Compete Get Healthy Progressive Course for Beginners Anytime drop-in class Higher Level Courses – Instructor Approval Required

Address: DF Dance Studio. 2978 S State St Salt Lake City, Utah. For additional information about DF DANCE STUDIO call to (801) 466-0490 or visit their site https://www.dfdancestudio.com/

David Atanacio Percussionist, Composer and Singer Unveils a New Sound

David Atanacio, grounded in the values of honesty, integrity, loyalty, responsibility, and respect, appears to be an individual of strong moral and ethical character. He is someone who can be fully trusted, a faithful and committed friend and colleague who always tells the truth and acts with righteousness.

His sense of responsibility ensures he fulfills his commitments, while his respect makes him a considerate, open person capable of building harmonious relationships. Together, these values suggest a dependable, upright, and kind personality, making him a positive and admired presence.

Born in New York City and raised in Puerto Rico, specifically in the municipalities of Bayamón and Cataño, David Atanacio has cultivated a unique musical identity rooted in a powerful fusion of Cuban rumba, flamenco rumba, and Afro-Caribbean influences.

David Atanacio Percussionist, Composer and Singer

In 1993, he began his musical journey as a bongo player for his uncle’s “Grupo Típico,” later joining a local orchestra as a conguero in 1996. In 1997, he was presented with the opportunity to become a singer, marking a turning point in his musical destiny.

Recruited to co-found “Grupo Folclórico Yuba Iré,” it was with this group that he began to perfect his mastery of rhythms like La Bomba, La Plena, El Guaguancó, El Yambú, and more. During this same period, David Atanacio discovered his talent for composing and began writing his first songs, including one titled “Lo que dice el Tambor” (What the Drum Says).

He was recommended to work with the “Orquesta Abran Paso” from Puerto Rico, with whom he accompanied luminaries such as Ismael Miranda, Adalberto Santiago, Junior “Hommy” González (RIP), Larry Harlow (RIP), among others.

He then received a call from the Puerto Rican Maestro “Paoli Mejías,” percussionist for “Carlos Santana’s” group, who invited him to be part of his first musical project, “Mi Tambor.” On this album, David’s song “Lo Que Dice el Tambor” was recorded, appearing as Track No. 7. The album was nominated for “Best Latin Jazz Album” at the Latin Grammys in 2004.

David Atanacio: Percussionist, Composer, and Singer Unveils a New Sound

In 2003, the King of Rhythm, Mr. Afinque “Don Willie Rosario,” invited David to join the front line of his orchestra, where he remained until 2005. After leaving Willie Rosario’s Orchestra, David decided to move with his family to Tampa, Florida.

Even in his new home, David never lost touch with his roots. One day, he received a call to contribute background vocals to the production “Sobrevolando” by the acclaimed Puerto Rican group “Cultura Profética” (2019). This production earned them the Latin Grammy for “Best Alternative Album” in 2020 and a nomination for “Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album” at the 2020 Grammy Awards.

David Atanacio is a “Sonero de Calle” (Street Sonero), with ample talent and ability to succeed. He is a percussionist, composer, and possesses the added artistry of the “Soneo del Guaguancó” (Guaguancó vocal improvisation).

Atanacio is now releasing his musical proposal, “David Atanacio & Champán D’ Barrio,” featuring aged salsa and plenty of flavor.

The album contains ten tracks, eight of which are his original compositions. The production features special guest Herman Olivera, who performs a duet with David on a meticulously crafted song titled “De la Vieja Escuela” (From the Old School). The first single from this project, “Lo que dice el Tambor,” is hitting the airwaves, now presented under his orchestrated concept, “David Atanacio & Champán D’ Barrio.”

The Puerto Rican sonero recently released his latest single, “No Me Llores Más” (Don’t Cry For Me Anymore), a masterfully interwoven piece that pays homage to the musical genres that have shaped his artistic journey. The song perfectly fuses Cuban rumba, guaguancó, Spanish flamenco rumba, and son.

More than just a song, “No Me Llores Más” is a deeply personal sonic exploration that honors the genres that have influenced David Atanacio since his beginnings. Rhythms such as trova, décimas, aguinaldo, bomba, and plena have profoundly impacted his musical development, adding unique nuances to his artistic expression and reaffirming his commitment to the cultural heritage of his homeland and the Caribbean.

“No Me Llores Más” Credits:

Lyrics, Music, and Lead Vocals: David Atanacio
Background Vocals: Herman Olivera Jr. & Adriel González
Musical Arrangement: Carlos García
Piano: Yassel Puppo
Bass: Kevin Pagan
Trombone Solo: Carloscar Cepero
Percussion: Diego Centeno
Spanish Guitar: Alex García Potia

With an exquisite arrangement by Carlos García and impeccable execution by top-tier musicians, “No Me Llores Más” marks a new chapter in David Atanacio’s career. It’s where tradition and vanguard embrace to the rhythm of the drum, the guitar, and pure emotion.

This track will be available on all digital platforms starting June 14, 2025.

The rumba lives, the son renews, and David Atanacio’s voice celebrates it!

Press Contact: David Atanacio [email protected] 813-569-9581

Reference: Luis Rojas

Also Read: Herman Olivera the sonero of the 21st century

Asia / August 2025

Directory of Asian nightclubs
HONG KONG
Graffiti LKF G/F, 17-18 Lan Kwai Fong, Central Central, Hong Kong	SOLAR LKF Central 2nd Floor, Ho Lee Commercial Building, 38-44 D’Aguilqr Street, Lang Kwai Fong Central HKI Hong Kong	Sole Mio Upper Ground Floor, 51 Elgin Street, Soho Central Hong Kong, Hong Kong
ISRAEL
	Havana Music Club Yigal Alon St 126 Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel +972 3-562-3456
JAPAN
Egoland Bar Akihabara Chiyoda City, Kanda Sakumacho, 4 7－3 2F Tokyo, Japan	Bar Mirage 5F VORT Roppongi Briller, 3-14-14 Roppongi, Minato-ku Tokyo 106-0032, Japan +03-5860-6946	Fiesta Latin Spot Bar 3F, 1 Chome-14-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City Tokyo 160-0021, Japan +81 90-1086-2878
El Cafe Latino 3 Chome-15-24 Roppongi, Minato City Tokyo 106-0032, Japan +81 3-3402-8989	Latin Club Leon 5-17-6 B1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 160-0022, Japan	La Tropi Azabu 3F Roppongi Azelea Bldf. 1-3-6 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku Tokyo1060031, Japan
THAILAND
Bafros Sugar Club Complex Sukhumvit Soi 11 Bangkok 10110, Thailand +66 63 039 8700	Havana Social 1/1 Sukhumvit Rd. Soi 11 Bangkok, Thailand +66 2 821 6111
VIETNAM
Apocalypse Now Sai Gon 2F Thi Sach Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 70000 +84 799 741 261	La Habanera Basement 81 xuân diệu Tay Ho Hanoi 100000, Vietnam +84 35 320 7220	La Pachanga Club Saigon 3rd Floor, 39A Co Bac Street, Cau Ong Lanh Ward, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam +84 93 855 79 21

French flamenco dancer Fanny Ara lets us know the most important details of her career

There are countless artists from all over the world who have fallen in love with Latin and Spanish-speaking rhythms due to their colors and richness, so we cannot fail to talk about cases like that of dancer, choreographer and dance teacher Fanny Ara, with whom we had the opportunity to talk for a few pleasant minutes about her beginnings in her native French Basque Country and her current career.

This talented woman, who we met through her work with Javi Jiménez and his group Barrio Manouche, has a lot of interesting things to say, so we invite our readers to enjoy this story from start to finish.

Dancer Fanny Ara posing — The beautiful Fanny Ara posing for the camera. Photo taken by Tony Abello

Fanny Ara’s beginnings in dance

With respect to how Fanny first became interested in dancing, Fanny explained that her aunt was a Spanish classical dancer and convinced her parents to sign her up for dance classes when she was about six or seven years old, to which they agreed and so they did. The little girl was so pleased with this discipline that she knew at once that she wanted to be devoted to this for the rest of her life.

She studied piano, although nowadays he does not play it, and obtained a degree in music at the Bayonne School of Art and, once he had finished all her studies, she wanted to try his luck in Spain. Been there, she had the opportunity to work side by side with some of the best exponents of flamenco dancing such as Isabel Quintero and Antonio Najarro, sparking her curiosity for looking further into it and specializing in it.

In the end, she stayed in Spain for a few more years and had no incentive to return to her country of origin. She had already started a new life in a completely different place and a profession that kept her there for the time being.

Moving to the United States

While still living in Spain, Fanny fell in love with an American and went to live with him in San Francisco, where her partner had always lived. She was fortunate enough to move to what was no other than the city with the largest flamenco music scene in the country, so it was not at all difficult for her to adapt to the new world that was opening up before her.

In fact, it did not take long for her to join dance companies, teach classes and perform just like she had been doing in Europe. The only difference is that San Francisco was a big city, while her hometown was very small and Seville, where she lived in Spain, was not a big village either, so this was a big change for her.

San Francisco opened her mind tremendously in many ways that she had not considered, so she decided that this would be her new home indefinitely.

Maria Elena and Fanny — Flamenco dancer Marina Elena Scannell and Fanny Ara. Photo taken by Timo Nuñez

Differences between the American and European market in terms of dance

Given that San Francisco had a much wider variety of cultures and music, Fanny was able to experiment with many other art forms like she had not done before, so she was able to dance different genres from flamenco such as jazz and even salsa, especially at social events.

The fact that her new home did not have the same traditional barriers the dancer encountered in Spain helped her to expand her horizons and try new genres and dances. In addition, being able to work in Canada and Latin America has also allowed her to expand her knowledge to unimaginable levels.

Awards and nominations

This entire career has also led Fanny to be recognized for her talent. The artist received six Isadora Duncan Dance Award nominations for important categories such as Most Outstanding Individual Dancer and Most Outstanding Musical Performance. In addition, she earned a recognition from New York’s Vilcek Foundation as “Creative Promise in Dance.”

She feels absolutely happy and lucky to be awarded and recognized for her achievements in several of her greatest works, including “Magia Flamenca,” “A Través de Tus Ojos,” “Tattooed,” “Lilith,” among others.

Biggest challenges of being a dancer and choreographer

According to Fanny, one of the biggest challenges facing an event producer and choreographer like her is the obtaining of economic resources needed to carry out her ideas, which makes it difficult to get financing for her projects, especially after the pandemic.

In addition, many venues and restaurants are not interested in paying what corresponds to a flamenco show, which greatly reduces the chances of making some labour agreements.

Another disadvantage encountered by the artist and her team is the refusal of some theaters to allow them to use their premises, as the flamenco tablao requires a certain footwear and tap, which can be a little damaging to the floor of these establishments.

However, these problems have not been an impediment for her to continue her work, although she has had to adapt to certain conditions.

Fanny and Barrio Manouche — Fanny Ara dancing with the group Barrio Manouche

What motivates Fanny to create her choreographies

One of the things that move Fanny to create a choreography is to give a voice to those who cannot speak. In the last two productions the choreographer has made, she has sought to address the abuse suffered by human beings, especially women. The plot of the play is about three dancers who have suffered some form of abuse throughout their lives, showing how important it was for Fanny to show what many people suffer today with no one to listen.

What the artist wanted was to bring a message of hope to her audience and give a voice to those who have remained silent in the face of any form abuse to them. Best of all, words were not required to give the message, as the dancers expressed their emotions through their movements and gestures, which was more than enough.

In the case of “Lilith,” Fanny was the lead dancer together with two other musicians who accompanied her to offer a simple but powerful performance about the hard life’s way of a woman, something the artist wanted to illustrate through her work.

Ara sought to raise awareness among the audience during the hour or two her show lasted, so that attendees would go home with a different view of what they had believed until now.

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