Karelia Despaigne

Professional dancer, teacher and choreographer. Founder and director of the independent dance project Tierra Kaliente. Graduated from the Professional Dance Academy “José María Heredia” in Santiago de Cuba. As a teacher, she began her career teaching the subjects of choreographic composition, folklore and methodology at the EVA José María Heredia, training intermediate level and elementary level dancers. She has worked for companies such as Ballet Folklórico de Oriente, where she served as 1st soloist; in the company Sabor DKY Shows, also as a solo dancer and choreographer; in the Legendarios del Guajirito project and is currently part of the Ban Rarrá folkloric company and of course Tierra Kaliente. She has accompanied on stage musical groups such as El Niño y la Verdad, Septeto Santiaguero, Orquesta Aragón, Adalberto Álvarez y su Son, Orquesta Anacaona, Grupo Sierra Maestra, Pupy y los que Son Son. She has also shared the scene with the singers Teté García Caturla and Félix Baloy, and with the actor Alden Knight. She danced at a private reception for the famous artist Maddona and her family during a visit to Havana. He has participated in the filming of videos of musicians such as Alain Pérez, Haila, Septeto Santiaguero and others. She has also performed on local TV shows in Santiago de Cuba and also on national TV shows like La Banda Gigante. She has been invited to festivals and other dance events in countries such as France, the Netherlands, the United States of America, Colombia, Russia, Israel, Tunisia, Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark, Spain, Guadeloupe, Belgium, Iceland, Chile and others. She has participated in festivals such as The Salsa Rueda Festival (San Francisco, USA), Festival Agua (Medellín, Colombia), A lo Cubano (Stockholm, Sweden), Balagan (Eilat, Israel), Viva Cuba (Biezenmortel, Netherlands) , Nordic SalsaCamp (Brandjberg, Denmark). In Cuba, she has performed at events such as the Caribbean Festival, the Cahoba Mask Festival, the Son Festival, the “Pepe Sánchez” Trova Festival, the Santiago de Cuba Salsa Festival and Ritmo Cuba

Roberto Borrell

Roberto Borrell learned traditional and popular Afro-Cuban dance, percussion, and song from master musicians and dancers while growing up in la Havana Vieja, Havana, Cuba. He is a respected dancer and percussionist of Afro-Cuban Yoruba, Abakua (Calabar), Rumba, Arará (Dahony), and Palo (Congo). He is also a master dancer and teacher of Cuban popular dance styles such as son montuno, danzón, and cha cha cha. Mr. Borrell led the Afro-Cuban folkloric group Kubata in Cuba for 10 years before coming to the United States in 1980, where he founded a new company under the same name. Kubata, then based in New York City, performed Roberto’s productions for 10 years in many major East Coast venues, such as the Smithsonian, Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall.

Borrell danced in the front line of the Folklorico Nacional de Cuba for several years and, in major United States venues, has performed and recorded both as a dancer and percussionist, with legends such as Tito Puente, the Machete Ensemble, Chocolate Armenteros, “Cachao” Lopez, and Richard Egües. Mr. Borrell was the co-founder, percussionist and musical co-director of the 11-member Orquesta la Moderna Tradición, one of the only ensembles in the United States that is dedicated to the performance of classic Cuban dance music: son, guaracha, cha cha cha, and especially the lilting grooves of the danzón.

Kati Hernandez

Kati Hernandez was born and raised in Cuba where she began her dance training at the age of nine. Kati received her masters in modern dance from the prestigious Artes school in Havana. She is trained in many different forms of Cuban, modern and International styles of dance with an exceptional knowledge of dance history and experience in choreographing many dance forms. Kati began her performance career in Havana while still attending the arts school, sharing the stage with master Cuban jazz musicians such as Bobby Carcases and Chucho Valdes. Kati performed with the legendary Afro-Cuban singer Mercedita Valdez. She was also privileged to dance with the renowned choreographer Santiago Alfonso from Tropicana and perform in the International Bienal of Habana with the visual artist Manuel Mendive. These early unique experiences revealed her intricate and versatile style.

Beginning her international career, Kati Hernandez was chosen as a representative of Cuban dance, touring Spain for six months with Manolito Sibonet y Su Trabuco. She also toured with Cuban productions in Portugal, the Bahamas, and Costa Rica. 

Kati is currently dedicated to spreading the treasures of her Afro-Cuban roots in the US. She most recently performed with master percussionists Francisco Aguabella and Lazaro Galarraga. She also performed in an extraordinary unification of Cuban music and dance in Los Angeles at the Cuban Festival, "El Padre de la Patria," with the great musician Luis Eric Gonzalez. As a performer, choreographer, and teacher Kati is truly an illustrative vision of her heritage in an endless high-energy celebration of Cuban dance and music.

Duane Wrenn

Duane Wrenn was born to dance. Learning salsa at 26 years young, Duane quickly excelled to be considered one of the top dancers and instructors of Afro-Cuban Salsa in the Midwest. His dance background ranges from Cuban Rumba, Son, Capoeira to break dancing and hip hop.

He is a fitness consultant and instructor of dancing to Cuban rhythms. Duane founded the company Energetic Soul in 2000 and since then has developed three programs that focus on the art of dancing as a conversation. He has also co-developed two other unique programs -  AFRO-tImBa with Kati Hernandez and SoulChiSa with Dr. Jeya Aerenson. Each of the five programs are designed to teach general and specialized audiences salsa dancing and how to utilize what they are learning as a vehicle to add spice to their daily life on and off of the dance floor.

Born in New Orleans, Duane currently resides in the Detroit, Michigan, where he hosts workshops and teaches group classes. His hobbies are writing, foot massage and looking for top destinations to listen and dance to Cuban music.

Adriel MArtinez and Malena Mieri

Adriel, originally from Cuba, and Malena, from Argentina, are professional salsa dancers who have each dedicated more than a decade perfecting their art individually. In 2020, they joined forces to create a unique synergy, a symphony of synchronized movements and artistic connections. The pair has taken their expertise to various parts of the Americas (Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, Mexico), conducting workshops and masterclasses at different events, training sessions, congresses, and festivals. They have shared their knowledge and love for Cuban culture, leaving an indelible mark in every place they visit.

After touring in New York, Boston, San Diego, and Los Angeles, they find themselves in Miami, solidifying their artistic career marked by the fusion of styles and the authenticity of their expression. Adriel and Malena continue to captivate audiences with their infectious energy, technical prowess, and overflowing passion for the richness of Afro-Cuban rhythms.

Royland Lobato

Royland Lobato is a professional dancer with an expertise in Afro-Cuban folkloric and Cuban popular dance. A graduate of the Escuela de Instructors de Arte de la Ciudad de La Habana (School of Arts Instructors in Havana) with a degree in Dance Education, Royland has participated as a principal instructor and performer in dance festivals all over the US, Cuba, and Mexico.

Originally from Guantanamo, Cuba, Royland is a founding member of the Havana-based dance company, 7 Potencias, an Afro-Cuban Folkloric dance and music ensemble that is considered one of the most creative and acclaimed Cuban folkloric ensembles both in Cuba and internationally. 

Presently, Royland is proud to call the Bay Area his home as he teaches his Cuban heritage to students through his weekly classes, workshops and demonstrations. He is also one of the few instructors to incorporate live music into his teachings.  

Denmis Bain Savigne

Denmis Bain Savigne was born in Santiago de Cuba. Denmis was taught at a young age that happiness comes from within and that the importance of life is to live it to the fullest. He embraced this concept and has spent his career showcasing his love of life through dance.

Denmis received the majority of his formal training in Cuba. He attended Regino Eladio Voti en Guantanamo, Escuela Nacional de Arte in Havana and was a part of Conjuncto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba. He has expertise in Afro-cuban dance, folklore, ballet, jazz, modern dance, contemporary ballet, tap dance, hip hop, choreography and singing. Denmis has choreographed for such people as Kenny Ortega, Siegfried & Roy, Emilio Estefan, Manuel Mendive, Havana Nights Dance Company and the Latin Grammys. He has performed on "Don Francisco Presenta", "Cosa Nostra" and with groups as varied as Orichas, Calle 13, Los Van Van, Bamboleo, Pacho Alonso and Issac Delgado. Denmis is probably most known for his work with the Havana Nights Dance Company. He toured and performed in more than 16 countries and was a lead dancer in about 450 performances of "Havana Nightclub - The Show". The performances received rave reviews from critics and audiences all around the world.

Denmis has resided in the US since 2004 and he has continued to fulfill his original goal of performing and touching the hearts of dancers and hobbyists alike through his many classes and workshops. Denmis would be honored to bring Cuban dance into your life. 

Nicholas Van Eyck and Serena Wong

With over 15 years of extensive experience as a martial arts and movement instructor, Nick seamlessly transitioned into partner dancing and salsa. Over the past decade and a half, Nick has dedicated himself to teaching the vibrant art of Cuban-style salsa, infusing it with his core philosophies of connection, balance, and fluidity. His teaching approach harmoniously blends decades of Cuban tradition with contemporary movement concepts such as space, timing, and flow.

Currently, Nick is at the forefront of instructing club-style salsa, Rueda de Casino, cha cha cha, son, and various martial arts disciplines. His expertise spans across the United States, with teaching stints in Miami, New York, Texas, and Hawaii. Recently, Nick completed an intensive study with renowned instructor Yanek Revilla in Santiago, further enhancing his skills and knowledge.

Nick has left an indelible mark on the salsa scene, having conducted classes at numerous salsa congresses, festivals, and cruises. He is also recognized as the co-star of the world renowned Dance Papi videos. As the co-director of Salsa Vale Todo and co-producer of the San Francisco Salsa Rueda Festival, Nick continues to play a pivotal role in shaping and elevating the salsa community.

Serena has been dancing professionally since 2000. She has been trained in many styles of dance including ballet, tap, jazz and samba. While in college, Serena discovered Cuban salsa and fell in love with the dance and music. Her new found love of Cuban salsa led her to seek out Cuban dance masters as she trained and travelled to New York, Brazil, Los Angeles, Miami and San Francisco. Serena recently returned from intensive study with Yanek Revilla of Santiago, Cuba. Currently she performs in local samba and salsa dance companies and teaches dance at the YMCA. Serena is the co-director of Salsa Vale Todo and the co-producer of the San Francisco Salsa Rueda Festival.

Yeni Lucero

Yeni Lucero was born in the small town of Chalchuapa. Coming to the Bay Area later in life, she began her training in West African dance at the age of 15 and soon pursued a more versatile training at San Francisco State University, in which she obtained a BA in Dance and Choreography. Yeni also had the opportunity to extend her training at the Alvin Ailey School during the summer of 2006. She has performed work by Diamanou Coura/West African Dance Company, Paco Gomes, Annie Rosenthal, Jacinta Vlach, Robert Moses'Kin and Ron K. Brown.

Yeni has taught at Lines Ballet/SFDC, Dance Mission, Sonoma State University, Juvenile Detention Center in the East Bay, High Schools in Oakland including Head Royce, Fremont, McClymond, Elementary School Berkeley Arts Magnet, SF Fitness and Bay Functional Fitness.

This is Yeni's 8th year teaching at Flying-Yoga & 7th year at Head Royce ASP teaching kindergarten, 1st - 5th and middle school Hip-Hop. In May of 2013, Lucero was invited to teach contemporary technique and choreography to local Dance professionals and Choreographers in Mozambique Africa, with the honor to have trained and put work on the National Dance Company. In addition Ms. Lucero is also a Teaching Artist Specialist for the Alameda County Office Of Education, and a proud full time dance teacher for OUSD at middle school Elmhurst Community Prep School. This is her 5th year there.  Yeni embraces her talents and gifts and humbly gives thanks to all her master teachers, family and community. 

Yismari Ramos Tellez

In 2009, Cuban dancer, teacher, and choreographer Yismari Ramos Tellez assumed the role of artist director of LQSS. As choreographer and principal dancer of LQSS, Ramos brings rigorous training, stellar professional experience, and inspired creative vision to the company. Her original choreography draws heavily on her Cuban roots, but also cites movement from other genres such as tango and flamenco.

Ramos is a graduate of the National School of Art in Havana with a degree in modern and Afro-Cuban folkloric dance. For six years, Ramos danced with the Tony Melendez Dance Company in Cuba and later for the Ballet de la Televisión Cubana in Havana. She regularly performed on television, in video, and in live shows for the top bands in Cuba. Ramos also performed son, mambo, cha-cha-cha and salsa with the renowned Lady Salsa, a group she toured with in Italy, Russia, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Ecuador, Canada and Panama.

Chris Rogicki

Christopher Rogicki was born in New Jersey and it was during college that he was first exposed to Cuban Salsa, Son, Rueda de Casino, nd Timba. He has studied at prominent Casino schools and with teachers throughout the US, Miami, Havana, Santiago, México, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland. Chris is the former director of MEZCLA, the Latino Performing Arts group at Brown University, where he taught and performed at various expos and televised events throughout New England. Upon returning to NYC, Chris implemented a progressive Casino and Rueda curriculum and founded Fuákata. Fuákata strives to showcase the beauty of Cuban Salsa, its evolution, and the diversity of styles it embodies. Co-directed by Evelyn Ramirez, the group is comprised of both a student and pro Casino and Rueda team, with notable performances including the San Francisco Salsa Rueda Festival, Latino Heritage month events at Columbia University and NYU, NBC4 in Providence, RI, and SALSAtlanta 10. Fuákata currently offers five progressive levels of classes in Rueda de Casino, Casino partner work, Son, and Salsa Suelta on a weekly basis in midtown Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Reinier Valdes

Reinier Valdes was born in Habana, Cuba. He first started dancing to the Afro Cuban rhythms at a young age of 13. Reinier was immediately discovered by a professional Afro Cuban dance team who recruited his talent and showcased him all over Cuba. At age 18, he graduated from La Casa de la Cultura de Arroyo Naranjo (Cuban School of Dance) as a dance instructor specializing in Cuban dances and Latin rhythms.

In February of 2009, Reinier relocated to Brazil where he continued his work as a dancer, performer, and choreographer. He started his own performance group touring and performing in Brazil.

Reinier now lives in Seattle, WA where he continues to dance and share his talent and passion for the Salsa, and Afro Cuban rhythms through dance classes, workshops, and performances.

Ciro and Liz Anaya

Anaya Latin Dance (Ciro and Liz Anaya) is a duo based in Anchorage, Alaska since 2018.

Ciro Anaya is from Santiago de Cuba, the birthplace of Cuban son. Before moving to Alaska, he danced in Yanek Revilla’s company, Sabor DKY, performing choreographies of various Cuban popular dances and teaching groups of students from all around the world. Ciro brings infectious positive energy, embodied knowledge, and authentic Cuban style to this partnership.

Liz Anaya is from Alaska. She is both a casinera and a scholar of dance, holding a master’s degree (2017) in Dance Knowledge, Practice, and Heritage. She wrote her dissertation on casino and other Cuban dances in a globalized world. In 2016, she served as a judge at Salsanor’s annual “Rueda Congress” in Norway. Liz brings historical, comparative, and technical knowledge to this teaching duo.

Together, they strive to create a Cuban dance community in Alaska.

Reinier Fernandez Armesto

Reinier Fernandez Armesto nació en Cuba y actualmente reside en la ciudad de México. Reiner es el fundador y director general de la compañía de baile CMV con Ritmo y co-fundador/organizador de la salsa casino Mayan Congress desde el 2010. Como profesor, bailarín y coreógrafo, ha participado en diferentes congresos de diferentes países como en Alemania, Canada, Estados Unidos, Venezuela, México y Cuba.

CMV con Ritmo fue fundada a finales del año 2014 y ha ganado diversos premios y primeros lugares en competencias tanto nacionales como internacionales logrando colocarse y afianzarse como la compañía de baile de rueda de casino y bailes populares cubanos más reconocida y exitosa en México.