Web site designed and managed by Zeanie Yoon

Star Instructors

Below is just past year's information, 2007 Summer for you to see how much fun we had!

PARTIAL LIST - This List is Never Up-To-Date.
Please Visit Back for Updates.

Abel Pena
Abel Pena and Sulmara Torres
Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

Multi-times winner of World Salsa Championship

Alfredo "El Sonero" Figueroa
Riverside, California, U.S.A.

Director of Salsaneros

Amelia Zacarias
Amelia Zacarias and Jorge Rivas-Plata
Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

Director of Los Originales de Ritmo y Sabor.

Angie Quiroz
Pasadena, California, U.S.A.

Director of Danzanna Productions. Angie was co-director of Salsoneros Dance Company based in Riverside and now formed a new company. The same members of Salsoneros are the members of this new dynamic dance company.

Quiroz has been a dance instructor for 11 years in Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Hip-Hop, Salsa, Cha-Cha, Merengue, and Bachata. She was 3rd place Champion in the Mayan Salsa Competition 2003.

Quiroz has been attending Salsa Extravaganza last 4 years, and we are proud to feature her as one of the main instructors of the event this year.

Arlene Santos
Arlene Santos and Francisco Bugarin
Pasadena, California, U.S.A.

Co-director of Salsa Feroz

Brandy Richey
Salvaje Dance Company
Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A.

Co-director of Salvaje Dance Company.

Zeanie, Jay, Salsa Extravaganza, and everyone at People Who Dance is proud to feature Brandy Richey and her group every year!

Camile Yannantuono
"Michael & Camille" of "Positive Energy"
San Diego, California, U.S.A.

Co-Director of Positive Energy.

Camille Yannantuono started training in gymnastic when she was 9 years old, competing for the Girls Club in Santa Barbara Ca. It wasn't until her last year in high school when she joined a Lindy Hop team, called the Swing Kids. After graduating high school she spent 1 year as a college cheerleader and than headed out to join the Marine Corps, it wasn't until her last year in the Marines in 2001 that Camille was introduced to Salsa. Her first night out dancing at the La Jolla Marriot in San Diego, Camille meet her partner Michael Saltus, the very next day they decided to start practicing. After 3 months they entered their first amateur competition and won 1st place. Camille and Michael premiered in the show "Soul Train", dancing Salsa to hip hop. After 4 years of dancing together, they started their team "Positive Energy" in Jan of 2005. They decided to make it a dance company to allow for their love of fusion dancing- Currently they have a Salsa/Argentine Tango, Salsa/Waltz and currently they are working on a Salsa/West Coast swing routine.

Carmen Bambaren
Rancho Cucamonga, California, U.S.A.

Director of Ritmo y Sabor.

Christina Haggerty
"Christina & Mike" - Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
"Dashee" - Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

Mike has been dancing in the Los Angeles salsa scene since 1992. Christina's love for salsa brought her to Los Angeles in the year 2000. Mike and Christina met each other in Salsa In The Mix dance group where they traveled and performed for 5 years. They also performed diverse dance styles such as Persian, Israeli, Brazilian Samba, jazz, and hip hop for 3 years with the professional company; Sunflower Dancers. Dancing together now, Mike and Christina have toured to Thailand, Australia, The Philippines and US cities on the East and West Coast. Their hard work and dedication has paid off with performances in television, films, festivals, and professional competitions. Currently, they keep busy performing and teaching workshops to share their knowledge and spread their passion for the music and dance.

Salsa Extravaganza is proud to present Christina and Mike every year at both Summer and New Year's Salsa Extravaganza.

Çigdem Gündogan
Istanbul, Turkey

A professional Latin dancer who successfully encourages Latin dancing in Istanbul, Turkey, Cigdem Gundogan (Chee-daam Yun-do-gan) is the owner of one of the leading dance schools of Turkey, DANSORIUM. With her background of Turkish Belly Dancing, Gundogan has been on the dance scene as an inspiring instructor and performer since 1996. With her championship in Turkish Salsa Competition and achievements and experiences, Gundogan is climbing the stairs of success with her numerous students worldwide.

Gundogan has been a part of Salsa Extravaganza for years and highly recommended by her students. In addition to her Salsa group class, She will be available for special private lessons for belly dancing and Turkish Salsa. She will also introduce unique Turkish product at the event. Don't miss them!

Cindy Roberts
Steppin' Out Dance Studio
Riverside, California, U.S.A.

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Conrad Diaz
Thousand Oaks, California, U.S.A.

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Cristian Oviedo
Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

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Damon Webber
Rueda4Fun
Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

Founder of Rueda4fun.com

Dashee
Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

DASHEE is an edgy dance duo made up of two dancers: Myriam Soavinzara and Christina Haggerty. These two choreograph the dynamic dance numbers that combine many music and dance styles with the lively salsa music and dance steps. Their shows have been performed on stages such as the Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco International Salsa Congress’s, and Utah’s “La Clave”, grand Opening, and local festivals here in Los Angeles. They have been featured in Films, TV, Commercials, and even Music Videos. Don’t miss their Upcoming shows and classes this year at the Palm Springs Salsa Extravaganza. For more information, visit www.Dashee.com.

David Nieto
Long Beach, California, U.S.A. / International

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Duane Wrenn
Energetic Soul
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.

New Orleans, LA native Duane Wrenn was born to dance. Learning Salsa at 26 years young, duane excelled quickly and now dances as if he has always known Cuban blood flowed in his veins. President of the successful Energetic Soul Studios in Clawson, MI. Duane has a B.S. degree in Exercise Science and is a highly accredited Fitness Consultant. After working as a Personal Trainer to the stars duane has focused mainly on developing his unique dancing style. He now resides in Detroit, Michigan. Over the last six years Duane has put his knowledge and experience to use developing several unique classes from dance to aerobic and strength. With over 500 special appearances both locally and abroad his experience and track record speaks for itself.

Duane created a Salsa aerobic class with an accompanying video aptly named Energetic Salsa™. This basic video teaches its viewers 7 main variations of the basic salsa steps. Duane is also the creator of Energetic Soul°sa™ where he combines linear and circular styles of Salsa dancing. This is what duane refers to as "Mi receta y Mi Sazon."

Since the Energetic Salsa Video Duane has produced three more instructional DVD's. Soul*sa Adapt-Ability part I and II, and Con Alma I. For more information click on any DVD title in products section. Duane is considered one of the top instructors of Afro-Cuban Salsa (Casino) style dancing in the Midwest . His background ranges from Cuban Rumba, Son, Capoeira, and Break dancing. Duane specializes in Casino style dancing with an Energetic Soul*sa Twist.

Espie Hernandez
"Espie & Esteban"
Orange County, California, U.S.A.

Instructors, choreographers and performers of Social Latin dance, Esteban Conde and Espie Hernandez have taken the Orange County, in California by storm, combining many different dance styles, going from Cuban Rumba, to the Argentine Tango. Focusing their dance “On 1” and “On 2”, Esteban and Espie have developed an incredible dance style, recognized for its speed, variety of footwork and blasting spins..

Espie Hernandez is nationally and internationally recognized as one of the best female dancers and instructors in California. She was the Director and Choreographer of Rumba Rica and Royalty Dance Academy. In her 6 years experience, Espie has performed all over the world, and has shared the stage with many artists including Eddie Santiago and The Buena Vista Social Club.

Esteban Conde, former director and Choreographer of Rumbavana Entertainment, is a brand new professional talent that has been dancing since the year 2000. Previously based in Utah, he taught and performed in many cities throughout the state and the nation. He has competed and placed top 3 in many dance competitions winning first place in the Mambo 2004 professional Division and the Jack and Gill Invitational (Pro) at Palms Springs Salsa Congress (SX) 2006.

Both Espie and Esteban dance classes are characterized for combining technical facts in a very fun environment. To this date, they continue to perform throughout the United States, teaching classes at international and national events. Currently Espie and Esteban teach at Promenade located in the city of Irvine, California. Their classes range from Salsa on 1 and on 2, Cumbia, Merengue, Cha-Cha, Bachata, Argentine Tango, American and Cuban Rumba, Waltz, Swing among others. As Salsa continues to grow in Orange County and the world, we are bound to see Esteban and Espie accomplish.

Esteban Conde
"Espie & Esteban"
Orange County, California, U.S.A.

See Espie Hernandez

Francisco Bugarin
Arlene Santos and Francisco Bugarin
Pasadena, California, U.S.A.

Co-director of Salsa Feroz

Jay Byam
Ventura, California, U.S.A.

Owner and founder of People Who Dance.

Studied music and dance at CSUH, Jay is a GSTA certified dance instructor and a UCWDC certified judge. He has been in music and dance for 20 years.

Jay teaches classes from San Diego to Atlanta, Georgia and to Calgary, Canada. He also enjoys teaching special workshops in Swing, Two-Step, Salsa, West Coast Swing, Lindy, and Jitter Bug. He is also well known for his classes that are essential to dancers: Timing, Rhythm & Phrasing, Teachers Training, and Lead & Follow Technique classes.

In 1992 Jay created New Year's Swing Dance Championships Dance Camp & Summer Dance Camp. Jay is currently the director and owner of both the Summer Dance Camp & New Years Dance Camp and New Years Salsa Extravaganza. In October of 2000 Jay was the Coordinator for the Northwest Regional Swing Dance Championships and in Oct 2002 & 2003 in Spokane. In May 2003 Jay co-hosted the Instructors Training Seminars at the Los Angeles Salsa Congress.

Jay is the director and choreographer for the “SWINGMEISTERS” Swing & Salsa dance team. Through his school of dance, Jay has been teaching Swing and Salsa in Ventura County and supported dancers around the world.

In his spare time Jay enjoys tuna and marlin fishing and free diving off his small boat just off shore from his home in Ventura and in Baja. So if ya wanna catch some great fish or just fun in the sun, call Jay.

Jerry Gabaldon
Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

Master of Cermony for New Year's Salsa Extravaganza 2007. Director of Phayz Dance Company.

Jesus Morales
Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

Owner and director of Sky Dance Studio.

John Narvaez
"Liz Rojas & John Narvaez" of Salsa Mania
San Francisco, California, U.S.A.

Co-Director and Co-Founder of Salsa Mania. Co-Director of Son Mania.

Born and raised in Colombia, Narvaez and Rojas have been dancing all their lives at social and family gatherings. Now they are full time dance instructors and dancers who travel all over the world sharing their passion, love, and knowledge for salsa. In 1998 they competed for the first time, where they placed 1st. In 1999 they competed in different bay area salsa competitions where they were placed either 1st or 2nd. Through their dance company and competitions, they proved their creditbility as dancers and teachers in the San Francisco Salsa community. One of the local contests were the MTV Telemundo Salsa competition, where they bagged the first prize. In 2001, John and Liz took along with them the top spot at one of the popular local professional Salsa competitions at Alberto's Night Club.

One of their accompanishment is the Salsa Mania Dance Company. "We can express ourselves on the dance floor," said John and Liz. "Salsa is a way that we actually have a sense of peace."

Jorge Rivas-Plata
Amelia Zacarias and Jorge Rivas-Plata
Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

See Amelia Zacarias

Laura Canellias
"Salsa Diva"
Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

Laura Canellias, also known as the "First Lady of Salsa," is one of the foremost salsa instructors on the west coast. Originally from Texas , Laura started dancing jazz, ballet & tap at an early age and continued on into musical theater where she developed her skills as an actress & stage performer. After moving to Los Angeles 19 years ago, Laura has made a name for herself in the world of salsa, affectionately referred to by some of her students & friends as The Salsa Queen, The First Lady of Salsa, or L.A.'s Salsa Diva. She has been teaching as well as choreographing for television & stage while also appearing as a featured dancer in films such as The Mambo Kings, Out To Sea & Dance With Me. One of the high points in her career was choreographing & performing Oye Como Va & Ran Kan Kan with the late, great Tito Puente at the 1998 4th Annual Achievement in Arts Award Show sponsored by The Whitney Houston Foundation. She was one of the first to be honored with the Anibal Vasquez Award, one of the most prestigious awards in the salsa community, in San Juan, Puerto Rico at the 2000 Bacardi World Salsa Congress. She was also recognized for her contributions to this industry at the 1999 & 2003 West Coast Salsa Congress in Los Angeles & will be honored once again at this year's 10th Annual World Salsa Congress in Puerto Rico in July 2006.

Laura also produced & created the original Cardio Salsa™, an aerobic workout video using the basic steps & turns in Salsa, Cha-Cha & Merengue, which has been featured on the cable fitness program, Power Living By Jake, on the Warner Brothers hit sitcom, The Gilmore Girls as well as Smart Solutions on the Home & Garden Network. Her reputation & teaching skill places her in high demand & has taken her all over the world to places like Japan , Europe , Canada & Puerto Rico. Laura was one of the pioneers of the "L.A. style" but is also well versed in other styles ie: "classic" & NY "2" However, she feels "we need to create unity through salsa by appreciating the differences in all the styles!"

She was artistic director & choreographer for the group, Salsa ConFunkshon for 7 years. Although she decided to retire the group in 2005, she continues to teach & perform with her partner, Craig Morris. She stays busy as an adjunct faculty member at Santa Monica College as well as at various studios but is based out of LA Dance Experience in West Los Angeles, California.

Liz Rojas
Liz Rojas & John Narvaez
San Francisco, California, U.S.A.

Co-Director and Co-Founder of Salsa Mania. Co-Director of Son Mania.

SEE JOHN NARVAEZ

Luis Garcia and Lori Mullen
Palm Springs, California, U.S.A.

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Marcelo Rivero
Tustin, California, U.S.A.

Web Site

Michael Saltus
"Michael & Camille" of "Positive Energy"
San Diego, California, U.S.A.

Co-director of Positive Energy.

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Mike Eskeldon
"Mike & Simona"
Chavallier, Oregon, U.S.A.

Directors of Rumbanana Salsa Group.

From Portland to Philadelphia, to Honolulu to Houston - Mike and Simona are spreading their love of Casino Salsa.

They started Rumbanana Salsa Group in January 2000 as a way to promote Cuban Salsa dancing in the Pacific Northwest. Both have been dancing, performing, choreographing and teaching Salsa for more than 12 years. Their focus for the past 8 years has been Casino Style Salsa. By carefully studying Cuban dancers, as well as key dancers from Miami, Mike and Simona have brought true Casino Salsa to hundreds of people around the world.

Their teaching ranges from small classes to 100+ people workshops. Not only are their workshops and classes filled with meaningful information, but they also make it fun and exciting to learn.

Teaching venues have included their own classes in the Northwest, as well as workshops at national events, such as the Houston Salsa Congress, Palm Springs Salsa Congress, Chicago International Salsa Congress, Salsa Rueda Competition in Vancouver, BC, Philadelphia Salsa Congress, Honolulu Salsathon and many others.

Salsa Extravaganza is proud to have Mike and Simona as our Rueda Congress advisor, instructors, and performers!

Mike Ticas
"Christina & Mike"
Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

See Christina Haggerty

Sergio "El Flako" Rojas
Suavecito Moves
Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.

Director of Suavecito Moves.

"Suavecito Moves" Dance Company was founded in Los Angeles by Sergio "El Flako" who continues to perform and teach at different events throughout the US and Europe, showcasing his highly sought-after and unique "suave" style. Dancers just begun joining forces with a different people who come from different backgrounds, cultures and nationalities, a united in their love and passion for dance, music and art. Suavecito Moves Dance Co. has been invited to perform at numerous events and established venues.

Shawn Sallee
Salvaje Dance Company
Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A.

Director of Salvaje Dance Company.

Shawn Sallee is by far one of the most talented and passionate dancers ever known. As an instructor, choreographer, performer, musician, and dance enthusiast, he has been spreading his love of dance and music all over the continent. Along with his partyer, Brandy Richey, his influence in greater Phoenix and beyond has been proved by his teams, classes, and prolific production.

Zeanie, Jay, Salsa Extravaganza, and everyone at People Who Dance is proud to feature Shawn Sallee and his group every year!

Simona Boucek
"Mike & Simona"
Chavallier, Oregon, U.S.A.

Directors of Rumbanana Salsa Group.

SEE MIKE ESKELDSON

Tania De La Pena
"Rueda in the Park"
Greater Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

Organizer of Rueda in the Park

Tony "El Pana" Welch
Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

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Zeanie Yoon
San Fernando Valley, U.S.A. / Korea

Formally and classically trained in dancesports and theatrical performance, Yoon has known for her graceful and elegant style of dance. In 1987, Yoon founded non-profit dance club, Dance Xchange, now Dancer's Digest, dedicated to sharing information and resources, and to promotion of partner-dance in the community. She was a choreographer and co-director of the dance companies, Burn the Floor, Dance Disciples, and Girl Power Inc.

Yoon was introduced to "Street dance" community through Salsa in 1992 when she placed 2nd with 92 consecutive spins at the local spinning contest held by a club in San Francisco, California. Since then, her support of Salsa has continued through various means, including email newsletter, StreetSalsa.org.

Her additional study in education contributed to her teaching method and curriculum development. By day she is a professional and by night, a dance and wellness enthusiast. This year, Yoon once again joins Salsa Extravaganza as Salsa Event Manager and continues her support of the partner-dance.

Currently teaching dancing at various colleges and local venues, Yoon returns to Salsa Extravaganza this summer with her smooth and sensual Ladies styling for both Swing and Salsa. She will also team up with Jay Byam this year to teach classes that they have designed.

Zulmara Torres
Abel Pena and Sulmara Torres
Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

Multi-times winner of World Salsa Championship