Search Results for: Latin

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/

North America – July 2017

DF Dance Studio thubnails - North America - July 2017

Bachata Festival 2017 in San Francisco, California

North America / USA / California

The Ultimate Bachata, Salsa, Kizomba and Zouk Experience… A Dance Convention for Beginners, Intermediate & for all levels of dancing! The 9th Annual SF International Bachata Festival

Date: JULY 21st – 24th, 2017
Bachata | Kizomba | Zouk | Salsa (4-Party Rooms)
3 days and 3 nights of dancing
Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 10am until 6am!

Photos from the 2017 Bachata Festival in San Francisco

Transform your dance skills in one weekend with these world renowned dance instructors plus a dance experience of a lifetime!

Live Band
Dance Workshops from 10am to 5pm
Performances Every Night Ÿ Social Dancing until 6am
Jack and Jill Contest prize Giveaways

SFIBF, (San Francisco International Bachata Festival) is the largest and hottest Bachata festival in the world, located in one of the greatest city in the world – San Francisco. Created by Rodney Rodchata Aquino, along with its sister event Reno Bachata Festival, they are the first Bachata festivals in the USA. It celebrates the music and dance of Bachata, preserving its roots and accepting its evolution, as well as Salsa, Zouk and Kizomba.

Festival Line-Up

More than 20 instructors, DJs and Live Band for this year’s festival!

Adam Taub (Colorado)/ Bachata:

Adam Taub is one of the few ones who have seriously studied authentic bachata (the way Dominicans dance). SFIBF is extremely proud to present him with his special music, history and dance workshops at the San Francisco International Bachata Festival – July 21-23, 2017.

Adam Taub is a documentary film director from Colorado whose films include La Quinceañera, Don Angelo, and El Duque de la Bachata. His film La Quinceañera won the 2007 award for Best Documentary at the Angelus Student Film Festival in Hollywood, California and Best Documentary at the San Diego Latino Film Festival.

Alberto & Nola (Australia) / Bachata:

Nola Komis is the Founder, Director and Principal Instructor of A Touch of Salsa Latin Dance Studios in Sydney, Australia. A Touch of Salsa runs classes in Salsa, Bachata, Zouk and Kizomba. They also offer competition courses, workshops, performance courses and more and will this year will be celebrating 11 years.

Nola Komis and Alberto Torres-Perez have been teaching together for the past five years and they are both passionate and love sharing their passion for dance. Nola and Alberto have both travelled to Athens, Geneva, New Zealand, Hawaii and all over Australia where they have taught workshops at Festivals/Congresses to packed participants and have received many great reviews for their classes.

Nola and Alberto are looking forward to being part of the San Francisco Bachata Festival in July 2017.

Emelie Andagan (Sacramento) / Salsa:

The Yemaya Salsa Dance Company was founded by Emelie Andagan & Heather Wong-Xoquic in October, 2000. Emelie learned to dance salsa after only a few years due to her extensive dance background of over 20 years and many years of experience as a ballet and jazz student, and later a teacher at the Ballet Theatre of Dover Dance Conservatory.

The troupe started as a small group of only four couples that rehearsed twice a week in various garages and practically anywhere with a smooth surface. She owns and manages Yemaya Dance Studio in Sacramento, and is the main director of Yemaya dance Company.

Luis Aguilar (San Francisco) / Salsa:

Luis Aguilar debuted in 2000 with the Salsa Mania Dance Company in San Francisco. Since then, he performed with such giants in the Latin music industry as El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, the Tito Puente Orquestra, Celia Cruz, Ray Barretto, Jose “El Canario” Alberto, Oscar de Leon, Eddie Palmieri, the Spanish Harlem Orquestra and Sonora Carruseles. In addition to his impressive performance credits, Luis has taken 1st place in many Latin dance competitions and Congresses such as The San Francisco International Salsa Congress and the Bay Area Salsa Dance Competition.

Since joining forces in 2007, Luis and Anya have become the ON 2 WORLD SALSA CHAMPIONS for the second year in a row, along with having become two time undefeated San Francisco Congress Salsa champions in ’09 and ’10, undefeated two time New York Congress champions in ’09, ’10, Puerto Rico Hustle and Salsa champions ’09, and are currently the North American Salsa Champions and two time winners of the NY/NJ salsa open. With their combined backgrounds, Luis and Anya make a dynamic duo that brings a fresh new element to the salsa dance floor.

Benga Da Beatz (Ohio) / Kizomba:

Benga is a Nigeria born international dancing sensation, with backgrounds in several African dances, ballroom dances, American dances, and latin dances. From Waltz to Tango, Makoussa to Kizomba, hip hop to west coast swing, and Irish dance to Bollywood. Benga has intensive dancing experiences all across the globe.

An Afro Beats and Afro-cuban solo performer, and a latin dance instructor well known to many now as the Da Beatz. With 26 years of African Dancing and 6 years of professional latin dancing, Benga is teaching and promoting at every Latin events possible with his own vibrant style of Fun Swagness.

Cymeone Mopao (France) / Kizomba:

Cymeone Mopao is a well-known kizomba instructor based in Paris. He is one of the first instructors to have taught kizomba in France beginning in 2009. Born into a family of musicians, he was accustomed to lots of music and quickly adapted to the dance lifestyle. As he immersed himself into dance, he became proficient in African style dances such as ndombolo and coupé décalé.

When he was 18, he joined a group of dancers called “les coeurs brisés “. From there he became interested in other Afro style dances like Zouk, Kompa and Kizomba. He gave his first Kizomba class in 2009 and became one of the most wanted instructors in international festivals. In 2010, he was the first French instructor to teach Kizomba in the United States (New York).

Bruno & Olga (Los Angeles) / Zouk:

Bruno and Olga started dancing together in November 2015 and have since taught and performed at numerous events around the country from local workshops to large international congresses.}

In 2016 they took second place in the semi-pro division of the Zouk US Open with their now well-known choreography piece “Worth It” and shortly after got featured in the “Fences” movie, that’s currently in production stage. Olga has a rich dance background in classical ballet, modern, contemporary and commercial jazz, as well as hip hop and heels choreographies. She is also an All-Star west coast swing dancer. Bruno is trained in hip hop, salsa, kizomba, tarraxinha, semba, and of course brazilian zouk.

He has been on the social dance scene of his hometown Braga, Portugal since he was 14 years old. Since his move to the US he’s been mainly focusing on zouk and kizomba, training and teaching around the country with his partner, performing in ISDC dance company for a while, and currently codirecting the Zouk team at Ivo Vieira’s Dance company and learning from the best dance professionals in the world.

Sandro (Brazil) / Zouk:

Sandro Soncini is a dancer, choreographer and dance instructor from Florianopolis, Brazil. He has studied and trained in dance for over 10 years. Sandro is experienced in many partner dance styles, and has intensively studied the concepts of body movement driven by his training in tango.

In 2010 Sandro moved to Argentina to continue to develop his dance skills and education at DNI tango school. Sandro has participated in various congresses and competitions, including BAILA FLORIPA DUO, where in 2012 together with his partner he placed 3rd.

Sandro has taught in zouk throughout Canada, United States and Brazil. Currently Sandro is living in Vancouver, Canada with a focus on promoting zouk in the Pacific North West.

Bachata Festival 2017, Tickets / Passes:

Tickets: Full Passes $200.00 Unlimited. (EXP July 15th)
Tickets at Doors: $250 Buy Your Passes in mybachatafestival.com

Location: The SF Marriott Hotel 1800 Old Bayshore Hwy, Burlingame, CA 94010 Discounted Nightly rate of $141 a night (you must use the site – www.sfibf.com) Free Shuttle 24 hours a day.

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

Multi-instrumentalist Ian Dobson talks about his trips and academic background

American artist Ian Dobson, like many of his compatriots, could not resist the charms of Latin music and its huge diversity of rhythms, so today he talked with us about the way he walked to become the talented multi-instrumentalist he is today.

Enjoy Ian’s incredible story in the following lines and learn everything he has to share.

Ian with his drum — Ian Dobson posing for the camera with his steel drum and ukulele

How Ian became interested in music

With just five years old, Ian already took a genuine interest in playing the drums and did not have any other family members who also liked music, except his aunt, who was a violinist. Although he does not have a very special motivation to love this instrument, he remembers that when he was 12, someone showed him a samba rhythm on his own drums, and he liked it so much that he continued playing it himself until perfectioning it. As a teenager, he was very involved in jazz, which also led him to Latin jazz and other genres derived from it.

On reaching majority, he had already discovered a little more of Latin music, so he began studying Spanish in order to understand it better, which of course helped him a lot for the following years. His curiosity about this colorful culture was such that he embarked on a series of trips to many Latin American countries, one of which was Venezuela, more specifically Margarita Island, in 1988. Ian wanted to practice his Spanish and see what rhythms he could find in that country, the most popular being salsa and merengue.

Genres and countries that most influenced Ian

Among the Latin American countries we can name are Venezuela, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Cuba. He also had the opportunity to play on several cruise ships and visit many Caribbean islands.

Each and every one of these countries had things that caught his attention musically. In the case of Venezuela, Ian was able to study the maracas during his master’s degree in percussion in Washington. One of his teachers was Euclides Aparicio, with whom he was able to learn much more about the music of this nation.

Ian playing the marimba — Ian Dobson playing the marimba in Mexico

The artist points out that the country that most aroused his attention was Cuba, but he assures us that he liked all of them due to the musical and cultural diversity he found on all his trips, and he hopes to return to the same destinations someday.

Mexico was the country where he spent more time, staying there for a total of six months.

Academic background

Ian has a very interesting academic background that has provided him with a huge amount of knowledge applicable to his career. We can mention the University of Lisbon, where he was studying Portuguese and found it fascinating because there were many people from the African colonies, resulting in this music permeating Portugal and mixing with local music. One of its most renowned composers was Fernando Lopez-Graça, whom Ian had the opportunity to meet during his stay in the European country.

He became so interested in this subject that he wrote essays on how Brazilian music influenced Portuguese music and what role Africa played in all of this. Ian had already earned his bachelor’s degree from Pomona College, so he found all these topics very interesting and took them into account when it comes to studying music.

He also studied jazz at the Oberlin Conservatory, and although he did not complete his classes there, everything he learned obviously helped him a lot later on. At the University of Washington, he earned a bachelor’s degree in percussion and learned much more about music from a purely academic point of view.

Ian with a child — Ian giving classes to a little child some years ago

Ian the multi-instrumentalist

Ian studied timpani, marimba, vibraphone, piano, drums, percussion, and many other instruments throughout his career, so he can be considered a multi-instrumentalist who has sought to specialize in as many areas of music as possible.

During our conversation, Ian showed us through video call some of the instruments he was going to play that same day, such as steel drums, an electronic marimba, a drum set, a ukulele, DJ equipment, and so on.

He assures us that he is capable of playing these instruments and others during his performances, but he loves steel drums and the ukulele, which are a fundamental part of his repertoire.

Ian the teacher

While it is true that Ian has no private students right now, he previously offered music lessons for some time, gave workshops and created online spaces for his students and followers to learn from his experience.

Today, he only offers concerts, but he always tries to make them as educational as possible. In fact, he always has a few extra pairs of drumsticks that he offers to some of his concertgoers so they can play themselves while Ian explains what to do. This makes the performance much more interactive and dynamic thanks to audience participation.

The most satisfying aspect of being a teacher was to see his students gain much more self-confidence, which led them to pursue their goals with greater intensity. No matter how bad his mood may be at any given moment, he is always happy to see others learn and enjoy what they do.