Dancers & Instructors:

We proudly present:

Tropical Gem

Juan Rafael Cajides Gonzalez
Sandy Ramos
Massimiliano Tripicchio
Daniela Marrella

Rafael Muñoz

Born in Mexico 1962, Rafael found Munichs first Salsa Dance Academy in 1988. With a total of 6 teacher and a hugh variety of styles this Salsa School is unique in Germany.

Luis Vazquez

Luis Vazquez, a pioneer in LA style salsa began dancing in 1992. He is one of the Salsa pioneers and co-director of the first dance company in Los Angeles. He co-created Salsa Brava Productions, the first ever dance company in Los Angeles and one of the most well known dance companies in the world.

Ivana Petrovic

Ivana Petrovic is born 1978 in Munich, Germany. She has started dancing in the year 2000 with Rafael Munoz and after one year she danced in his group ‘Latin Dancers’. She is a firm component of the Salsabor Dance Academy in Munich and teaches different levels of Ladies Styling. Being decided of the NY style “Mambo on 2" and mix elements of Belly dance, Jazz,Hip Hop, etc.. Ivana is one of the innovators in the technique of Salsa Ladies Styling scene and her style gave her the chance to participate in diverse international salsa congresses and made her one of europes most wanted newcomers.

Melissa Fernandez

Melissa began taking classes in February of 1999. She was so inspired by the drive and energy of the Vazquez brothers that she began studying intensely and in August 1999 she auditioned and landed a spot on the Salsa Brava Dance team out of 75 applicants. Undoubtedly, Melissa's style, sensuality, passion, on the dance floor has led to become one of the best recognized dancers in Los Angeles. Her positivity and vibrant energy are reflective both on and off the dance floor.

Nelson Flores

You can say Nelson has learned to dance Mambo from a variety of people. His first basic steps were taught to him by Angel Rodriguez of "Razz M'Tazz", he learned a few floor shines from Evelyn Leon and also picked up some partnerwork techniques from Mario Diaz as well as Wilton Beltre. Nelson has worked with several dance companies such as: "Fuerza Latina", "Mario Diaz Dance Revue" and "Santo Rico Dance Co."

Maribel Maldonado

Maribel Maldonado is a protege of Eddie and Maria Torres. As an Eddie Torres dancer, she received the best training and was also given the opportunity to dance with many top Salsa performers. She collaborated with Mario Diaz and Luis Zegarra's Fuerza Latina Dancers, while working as a freelance dancer. Later she joined the Santo Rico Dance Company.

Felipe Polanco

Felipe Polanco considered between the best dancers and choreographers of the world, started to dance professionally in the year 1991 in the Jala Jala Dancers group where he was the first dancer and choreographer. For the year 1996 he forms his group called "Felipe Polanco and his Dancers D'AKI". His participation in the diverse salsa congress celebrated around the world have given him a big exposition that has taken him to visit practically the entire world. He has danced on stage with the best musicians of salsa like: El Gran Combo, Roberto Roena, Andy Montañez, Sonora Ponceña, Cheo Feliciano, Tito Puente and others.

Tania Santiago

Leon Rose

Leon Rose is one of the freshest innovators in the international Salsa scene. His inspirational style generates enthusiasm and commitment to the art of Salsa dancing as demonstrated when he won the 2000 UK Bacardi Salsa, 2001 Salsa Club championship and 2003 Aji con mango competitions. He was born and educated in London and comes from a Caribbean background where he learnt to appreciate a wide variety of good music from an early age.

Susana Montero

Susana, born and raised in Madrid, Spain, started dancing at the age of five. Twice British Champion, and one of the leading teachers in the new U.K. style Salsa, which is sweeping across the U.K. Europe and even America.

Seaon Bristol

Seaon Bristol was born and raised in the Country of Georgetown Guyana. Growing up in his local Church Choir, Seaon was already convinced that singing was where he intended to invest his life. At the tender age of 5, he was already singing with several choirs all over Guyana and music was where his heart was. Soon after, Seaon turned to dancing as another means of exhalation and a fight for self-expression. He commenced heavy training in Ballet, Jazz and Modern Dancing; a spirit he carries with him to this day.

Manuel Mascarell y Barbara Cano

Manuel Mañuco

Born 1980 in Munich, he started Dancing in the year 2000 by Rafael Muñoz. After a short time he became member of the "Latin Dancers". His Dancing Style is a mix of New Yorks mambo and afro Cuban body moves, such as Rumba. This unice style made him one of europes most wanted newcomers.

Daniel & Danay

Daniel Smilcevski was born in Munich, Germany. At the age of 17 years he began to be interested in Salsa, integrating himself then to "The Latin Dancers", Company of Rafael Muñoz. Being decided of the Puerto Rican and NY style “Mambo on 2" he continued growing in Salsa teaching and travelling with the group representing Germany in several congresses.

Danay Bustamante was born in Guantánamo, Cuba. At the age of 12 years she started to be interesting in the Cuban Folklor, Rumba, Guaguancó, Conga, Rueda de Casino, etc. In Mexico she was 3 years. During that time she was working together with the Salsa Radio Station "Sabrosita 100,9 FM", for which she was dancing and promoting this musical rhythm. Familiarized with the style “On 1“, she has decided to participate in the First Amateur Salsa Competition in Mexico City, winning the 1st place, going now to the category of professionals dancer “On 2“.

Joel Hernandez -"EL SONERITO"

He born in mexico, has been in the L.A. salsa scene for the past 18 yrs! He has been able to travel around the world tea performing, competing, choreographing and directing dance teams! He has been in movies like "Dance with me",Ice Cream Suit", and countless commercials and TV shows. He is currently directing a new group of young dancers by the name of "LATINOXPLOSION" & "LATINOXPLOSION KIDS"

Gerardo Ramirez

Gerardo born in México City, Gerardo is one of the firts teachers to salsa LA Stily in Mexico. He is Director and Chorographer to Salsa Caliente.

Carlos Carmona

Carlos Vargas

Manuel Arau

Miguel & Alicia

Gabriel Chavez

Marco Cordero