Search Results for: Music Awards

Argentine tango bassist and Latin Grammy winner Pedro Giraudo returned to his roots

Latin Grammy winner Pedro Giraudo spoke exclusively to us for International Salsa Magazine, so we are very pleased to bring you the best of our conversation with the Argentinian bassist and composer. Next, these are the highlights of his beginnings and his exciting career in his native country and in the United States, where he currently resides.

Argentine bassist Pedro Giraudo posing for the camera

Pedro’s beginnings in music

Pedro comes from a family of musicians. In fact, his father was a bandleader and his mother sang in a choir, so he was surrounded by music practically since he was born. He has memories of him watching his parents rehearse and play instruments when he was very young, so he was always very familiar with this kind of thing.

During his adolescence, he performed recitals with various ensembles, some of which played classical music, jazz, and tango. His professional advancement was very gradual, but he was doing some activities that prepared him for what was to come years later.

His love for this world grew so big that, once he turned 19, he moved to the United States precisely to study music and learn everything he could about what can be expressed through it. His musical interests initially focused on jazz, but that changed over time.

Already at the end of his last year in college in New York, he was working regularly with various groups of different genres.

Interest in tango

Although, as we have said, Pedro comes from Argentina, he had not been particularly interested in tango at first, but his numerous trips around the world made him feel a little uprooted and detached from his beginnings. For this reason, nostalgia made him reconnect with the traditional music of his homeland. In addition, the fact that he was Argentinean encouraged many groups to call him, even though his knowledge of tango was not yet very deep at that time.

After giving himself the opportunity to play tango more formally, he also set to work to study it much more to learn about its most famous composers, its various styles, its ways to write music in the genre, among other things. In addition to that, he started to transcribe a lot of music to know what it sounded like in different styles and to gain practice.

This path eventually led the artist to become part of many tango bands and even to lead some ensembles.

Pedro and friends — Pedro Giraudo, pianist Ahmed Alom, symphonic director Sergio Alessandro Bušlje, violinist Sami Merdinian, and accordionist Javier Sanchez

Groups Pedro was in

Pedro’s main goal in arriving in the United States was to become a double bassist, and after finally achieving it, he graduated from college and started to explore his role as a composer and leader of his own ensemble. From there, the band varied for characteristics and changed members and in size over the next 15 years. The last thing was a 17-piece big band.

Then, in the year 2014, due to the death of a great friend, Argentine pianist Octavio Brunetti, the Lincoln Center for The Performing Arts asked him to lead an event to celebrate his life and music. Therefore, in 2015, the musician started his tango project, which he would name Pedro Giraudo Tango Quartet, taking this request as a starting point.

Today, he focuses all his efforts on tango ensembles, although he does recognize that he is increasingly angling for the classical side. For example, for his latest album, Pedro used a symphony orchestra, and since the last few months, he has been conceiving his next project with a chamber orchestra.

Great collaborations in his career

Throughout his career, Pedro has been able to work with great music glories such as Paquito D’ D’Rivera, Rubén Blades, Pablo Ziegler, William Cepeda, and many others. One of the nicest things about this work for the Argentine is that he is always surrounded by very talented people from whom he can learn a lot.

One of them was bandoneonist Hector Del Curto, who was one of the first people Pedro started playing tango with in New York. Del Curto, in turn, had the great honor of playing with the greats of the golden age of Argentine music, such as Osvaldo Pugliese.

It was through Hector that Pedro was able to meet and play with Pablo Ziegler, who was the principal pianist of Astor Piazzolla’s Second Quintet and greatly influenced the way tango is played on the piano. In fact, playing along with him on the double bass was an experience of which he learned so much, which he appreciated.

Pedro and his Grammy — Pedro Giraudo holding his Latin Grammy in Las Vegas

In the case of William Cepeda, the artist made some arrangements for him and he received many valuable lessons from him, such as the importance of keeping musicians engaged with sheet music to prevent them from getting too lax. It was also with Zepeda that he made his first arrangements for a symphony orchestra.

On the other hand, Paquito taught him how to be a practical musician and to make perfect, well done arrangements for any occasion.

Latin Grammy winner

Pedro is fortunate to be a Latin Grammy winner thanks to his album “Vigor Tanguero” in the category Best Tango Album in 2018. When we asked him about his experience, the double bassist said that there are some details he does not fully understand, such as the elements taken into consideration when voting for an artist in a category. However, that did not overshadow the joy of winning such an important award.

He says his victory was a surprise. At the time, he remembers being on tour with Pablo Ziegler, and after a four-hour rehearsal, his phone had about 40 missed calls congratulating him, while he did not even know that the nominations were being announced that day. To his amazement, he was included.

The final event was in Las Vegas, where Pedro finally heard his name and felt a total joy and pride for all he had achieved. In this respect, he said, “I’m not a person who collects awards, but this is a recognition I’m very proud of, to be honest.”

Eduardo Tancredi is a renowned Uruguayan pianist and composer specializing in Latin Jazz

Eduardo was a distinguished student at Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Eduardo was an outstanding student at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Musical Style: His music fuses a wide variety of Afro-Latin rhythms (such as Uruguayan candombe, Brazilian samba, Cuban son, Peruvian landó, and Venezuelan joropo) with the harmonies and melodies of modern jazz.

Accolades: He has recorded several CDs with his own compositions and has received awards for his outstanding performance in the Latin jazz scene. His album “Ongoing Dreams” was chosen as the best album in its category in 2002 by “The Boston Globe.”

Teaching Experience: During his time in the United States, he was a piano and harmony professor at Berklee College of Music. Since 2003, he has resided in Barcelona and teaches at ESMUC (Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya).

Collaborations: He has collaborated with numerous musical groups as a pianist and is a significant figure in the jazz scene in Spain.

Eduardo Tancredi is a prominent figure in Latin Jazz, known for his ability to integrate diverse Latin American rhythmic influences with the harmonic sophistication of modern jazz.

Latin accents took some time to establish themselves in jazz music. Very few composers ventured into that genre in the early decades of the last century, to the point that their timid attempts were considered exotic and trivial.

Initially, one recalls passages from William C. Handy’s “St. Louis Blues,” some Scott Joplin ragtimes, Jelly Roll Morton’s references to the “Spanish tinge,” or, shortly after, the themes performed by Duke Ellington’s orchestra.

It was in the 1940s that the Latin touch gained relevance. Cuban Mario Bauzá, who had played trumpet in Chick Webb’s and Cab Calloway’s orchestras, propelled the success of Machito’s band and convinced Dizzy Gillespie to hire conga player Chano Pozo.

Afro-Cuban influence became powerful in the following decades through sones, charangas, rumba, mambo, and salsa. Names like Chico O’Farrill, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaría, Ray Barretto, and Chucho Valdés became highly regarded, and their works inspired a legion of jazz musicians.

Eduardo Tancredi es un reconocido pianista y compositor uruguayo, especializado en Jazz Latino

Latin jazz today has a strong presence in popular music, and Uruguayan Eduardo “Edú” Tancredi is a brilliant exponent of that style. He was an outstanding student at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he won awards such as the Quincy Jones Award and the Outstanding Latin Act Award.

After his acclaimed “Ongoing Dreams” from 2002, this CD, “Venimos Tumbando,” recorded in 2007, now arrives with ten formidable compositions and his own arrangements. His background in Latin American folklore plus his jazz studies have achieved a splendid confluence that is enjoyed from beginning to end on this album.

His versatility as a composer is evident in candombes (“La mama vieja” and “Montevideo”), a baião (“Baialona”), a chorinho (“El germen”), a zamba (“Zamba del aire”), and the obvious references to Afro-Caribbean rhythms that unite their exciting cadences with jazz elements. Edú’s works are incisive, stimulating, possess an overflowing swing, and it’s easy to imagine the musicians’ pleasure during their performance.

The arrangements contrast the different orchestral sections, highlighting their diverse sound textures, suggestive harmonizations, and enhancing the dynamics and fiery percussion instruments. Three saxophones, piano, guitar, bass, and drums alternate with ten other guest musicians (vocals, sax, harmonica, two basses, two drum sets, and three percussionists), generating a sonic turbine that captivates the listener from the first note.

This doesn’t mean that all tracks propose an overwhelming rhythm. There are passages of beautiful lyricism, as in the two versions sung by Ana Finger, or the pleasant harmonica of Antonio Serrano, or the director’s piano in “Como un blues.”

The soloists perform at a high level, with special mention of Miguel Zenón’s alto sax, an improviser of fresh ideas, clean musicality, and great inspiration and fervor. The interventions of guitarist Alejandro Luzardo, trumpeter Matthew Simon, tenor saxophonist Eladio Reinón, and baritone saxophonist Xavi Figuerola are also noteworthy.

“Venimos Tumbando” confirms Tancredi’s talent as a composer and pianist and his skill as an orchestra conductor. Abilities he generously demonstrated during his acclaimed performance at the Teatro Solís last December. Thomas Werner

Edu Tancredi & Bandon 33 – Venimos Tumbando (2007)

Tracks:

El Subibaja
Hocus Pocus
Montevideo
El Germen
La Mama Vieja
Baialona
Mapa Del Mundo
Venimos Tumbando
Como Un Blues
Zamba Del Aire

Musicians: Edu Tancredi (Piano) Ana Finger (Vocals) Antonio Serrano (Harmonica) Mathew Simón (Trumpet) Pere Grau (Soprano sax, alto sax) Miguel Zenón (Alto sax) Eladio Reinón (Tenor sax) Juajo Arrom (Trombone) Xavi Figuerola (Baritone sax) Alejandro Luzardo (Guitar) Matías Migues, Paco Weht, Javier Gómez (Double Bass) Santiago Blanco, Salvador Toscano (Drums) Carlos Reyes “Compota”, Alejandro Luzardo, Santiago Blanco, Alexis Liden, Sandro Lustosa, Salvador Toscano (Percussion)

Edu Tancredi & Bandon 33 - Venimos Tumbando (2007) — Edu Tancredi & Bandon 33 – Venimos Tumbando (2007)

Information By:

Ostia Latin Jazz

DJ, Augusto Felibertt

Also Read: Arturo “Chico” O’Farrill. “The Architect of Afro-Cuban Jazz”

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

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.

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.