Team

JEFF TARPINIAN

Jeff Tarpinian’s inspirational style generates enthusiasm and commitment to the art of Salsa & Latin dancing. He was been dancing  various styles of dance for more than 30 years. At the early age of 13 he excelled in the street dance style of Popping and Locking, as well as Jazz, winning many competitions and touring Europe doing performances, as well as many TV slots/shows. Coming from an Armenian/Brasilian background and brought up in London, Jeff learned to appreciate a wide variety of good music from an early age. Dancing Salsa LA and NY style, On1 and On2, Bachata, Cha cha etc.. for more than 14 years – Jeff has already travelled the world, teaching and dancing in over 90 worldwide congresses, and is set this year for many more. His varied inspirations have lead Jeff to dancing a very unique style of salsa, blending hip hop, jazz and contemporary. As a choreographer, DJ and Salsa instructor, Jeff enjoys every aspect of dancing, from encouraging the novice to working with the advanced, always inspiring the best out of everyone. Focusing on technique, rhythm, correct mind-set and core movement, Jeff manages to teach his classes to a high level, whilst injecting great humour and fun. His company Incognito Dance, runs regular Latin dance nights in London catering for over 400 dancers each week. Also due to his excellent taste in Latin music, Jeff is highly regarded one the best UK Latin DJ’s, and was awarded “UK’s Best Latin DJ” award 2010.

If you want to contact me please click here

 

SAORI COSTER

Saori is one of the most popular dancers in the UK & Europe. Having won the European Salsa Championship for the group division in 2006, Saori has been teaching and performing thoughout the UK and abroad ever since. She is a resident teacher at all our venues and runs excellent performance courses at very high levels. Inspired by top world stars such as Yamulee, Hache Y Machete & Griselle Ponse. Saori has now developed a unique style and charisma which has made her one of the most highly rated dancers in Europe. Her courses and classes are constantly sold out.

She’d like to share with all ladies her knowledge and unique technique, especially clean stable spins and elegant styling but most of all the enjoyment of dancing on the music on a truly spiritual level.

If you want to contact me please click here

 

JANA SLOSAROVA

Jana starting dancing at the age of 3 and became  European Latin Ballroom Champion at youth and adult levels. Now living in London, she teaches Salsa (On1 & On2), Bachata and Cha Cha on both followers and leaders perspective. She teaches salsa at all levels from beginners to advanced regularly for Incognito Dance Company at all their clubs in and around London, as well as ladies styling, shines, musicality. You will find her regularly at Putney Salsa Club andHammersmith Salsa Club

She  has appeared in film and TV and  taught recently at The Moveit Exhibiton in Olympia which had over 35,000 dancers. With experience of different dance styles, Jana believes in encouraging others to develop expression and creativity in all aspects of their salsa dancing. A dynamic dancer with loads of energy and style.

Please contact Jana for private lessons, teaching, performing, zumba classes or choreographing shows – click here

 

 

 

 

 

KERRY BURTENSHAW

Kerry is one of the most experienced salsa / contemporary dance teachers in the UK, teaching for over 24 different companies over the last 15 years. Originally from London, she was exposed to all styles of dance and specialised in salsa at an early age. Known for her grace, fluidity and precision on the dance floor, and a remarkable ability to dance with anyone at any level.

She has taught many people her intricate footwork patterns, body movement, how to spin, feel comfortable and express themselves on the dance floor. Her creativity in styling and shines is enhanced by her sense of musicality and the ease with which she has incorporated other forms of dance. As well as Salsa, Kerry runs over 14 Zumba classes per week in various parts of London and surrounding counties.

If you want to contact me please click here

 

NINELA IVANOVA

Ninela has been dancing almost all her life. She started with ballet, jazz and

contemporary at an early age and has expanded her knowledge to other dances such as salsa, bachata, cha cha cha, NY Style On2, LA Style On1, Cuban, etc. Originally from Bulgaria, she has been dancing salsa for about 6 years now, performing as well as teaching across Europe.

With experience of different dance styles and a warm personality, she believes in encouraging others to develop expression and creativity in all aspects of their salsa dancing. A dynamic dancer with loads of energy and style, Ninela can lead and follow in many styles of dance, which makes her an inspiring teacher for students at all levels.

 

Ninela teaches salsa at all levels from beginners to advanced regularly for Incognito Dance Company at all their clubs in and around London, as well as ladies styling, shines and  musicality. You will find her regularly at Putney Salsa Club, Hammersmith Salsa Club, Wycombe Salsa Club, Twyford Salsa Club & Jazz Cafe Reading

 

JENNIFER BENAVIDEZ

Jennifer Benavidez is a salsa instructor/performer/ choreographer who is the co-owner of Extremos Salsa Dance School based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands for the past 8 years. Dance, especially SALSA has been her passion for over 20 years. Born in San Antonio , Texas , USA , her Mexican heritage has given her dancing rico sabor (good flavour). She discovered ‘partner’ dancing in 1992, and has enjoyed training, teaching, performing and just plain dancing salsa all over the US , Europe and the Middle East .

You can see her in numerous TV/film projects such as VOC, Alleen Nog Een Man, Life and Cooking, I Love the 80´s, Hoe? Zo!, Alternative Love, TMF, So You Think You Can Dance, The Way She Moves, and The Life of David Gayle. She has given workshops and performed for a diverse range of companies (ABN-AMBRO, National Geographic, ING, Martin Air, KLM, Belegger.nl, Unilever, Expatica and Amsterdam Police Department) , organizations (BBC, BNN,RTL5, The Music Factory TV) , and festivals (Amsterdam Gay Pride Canal Parade, UIT Markt, Latin Village, Vondel Park Summer Breeze, Rotterdam Summer Carnival, Roots Festival, ContraBanda, and Dansen Op Het Leidseplein)

In addition, Jennifer co-organized the Amsterdam International Salsa Festival for over 3 years, has judged numerous dance competitions and loves working with student showteams!

If you want to contact me please click here

 

MIA AMORBAILA

Mia starting dancing at the age of 3 and became  European Latin Ballroom Champion at youth and adult levels. Now living in London, she teaches Salsa (On1 & On2), Bachata and Cha Cha on both followers and leaders perspective. She teaches salsa at all levels from beginners to advanced regularly for Incognito Dance Company at all their clubs in and around London, as well as ladies styling, shines, musicality. You will find her regularly at Putney Salsa Club, Wycombe, Twyford, Reading, Hammersmith Salsa Club

She  has appeared in film and TV and  taught recently at The Moveit Exhibiton in Olympia which had over 35,000 dancers. With experience of different dance styles, she believes in encouraging others to develop expression and creativity in all aspects of their salsa dancing. A dynamic dancer with loads of energy and style.

Please contact her for private lessons, teaching, performing, zumba classes or choreographing shows – click here

 

Paula Canton Gonzalez

 

Katia Dipper

 

 

 

MIRIAM OPPEL

Miriam Oppel is a highly sought after teacher and performer and is regarded as one of the best in the UK for ladies’ salsa styling. Her background in dance is eclectic. She has a degree in Dance and Culture from the University of Surrey and has trained in a variety of genres including urban jazz, contemporary, classical Indian dance, African and ballet. She is known for her versatility and charisma, being able to easily switch from elegant to funky styles. Her successful dance partnership with Marchant Birch led to their being awarded Top UK Dance Act at the UK Salsa Congress 2006.

Miriam also performed with Tamambo and has danced for a number of salsa troupes including Rhythm Symbion, the Leon Rose Project and Iris de Brito and the Latin Soul Sisters. Her dancing has featured in several music videos and TV commercials. She is currently working with Colleen Daniels and Inaki Fernandez, performing both internationally and around the UK.   If you want to contact me please click here

 

 

CORINA WURSCH

 

Corina is one of those rare talents to be gifted with style, beauty, flare and an incredible ability to pick up any dance style in ultra quick time. At the tender age of 20, she has already been dancing for more that 16 years.

Currently studying Contemporary Dance at the Contemporary Dance Center Laban in Greenwich, she started with Ballet when she was four years old. In the past 2 years she has learnt and already performed professionally in many Latin dances.

Highly trained in Ballet, Contemporary Dance (Release Technique, Graham, Cunningham), Hip Hop, Jazz, Folkloretanz, Samba, Flamenco and of course Salsa. Corina is one of our regular teachers in Putney and Hammersmith.  In 2014 she became Swiss National Latin Dance Champion.

If you want to contact me please click here

 

KARA OLIVER

Kara burst on top the salsa scene about 7 years ago, and has already hit the highest levels at salsa On1, On2, Cha Cha, Bachata and Kizomba.

A rare and very gifted talent, we are proud to have Kara on our team.

If you want to contact me please click here

 

 

 

 

SYNERGY  – ANITA MAKWANA, AMIE CONNELLY, SOPHIA THEODOSIOU

Synergy are a London based professional performance group. They are inspired by a variety of styles making their performances versatile. Their passion for dance and diverse dancing backgrounds have enabled them to create their own individual style which are both intriguing and unique. They have individually been trained in styles such as ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, street, hip hop, samba and even bollywood. They have also mastered all levels and varieties in the beautiful art of bellydance and use this art form combined with those previously learnt, to fuse energy and elegance into their performances. They have performed at world class events to include the Olympic Opening Ceremony, TV’ shows, theatres, charity events and many many more. To see more of them visit, www.discoverdanceuk.com.

 

 

TREVOR LAYNE

Trevor is quite simply a teacher in super high demand. Trevor has been influenced and learnt from many great talents over the years; including Eddie Torres, Frankie Martinez, Homero Gonzales, Nelson Flores, Cobo Bros, Santo Rico and many more. Trevor has been given the nickname ‘Sweetlead’ born from his unique ability to lead and inspire a distinctive effortless flow. Teaching Salsa / Kizomba / Cha Cha was a natural progression for Trevor. Usually Trevor teaches for us with his very talented and gifted dance partner Heidi Ford.

You will usually find Trevor dancing the night away at many of London’s best salsa clubs. Very popular for his smooth and effortless leading style, hence why he has trademarked the name “Sweetlead”.    If you want to contact me please click here

 

 

 

MAROSH & KRISTINA

 

Professional Salsa dancers, UKA Qualified Salsa Teachers and performers, currently based in London UK.  They have won multiple Latin-Ballroom European Championships in 1996, 2001, 2002, 2004. In 2006 they won The European Salsa team Champions and became UK Open Semi-professional Salsa Champions. At the Professional level they twice achieved runners-up in the UK Open Professional Salsa Champions 2010 and 2011. Additionally, they became IDO (Bachata, Salsa, Merengue) Latino Dance Champions 2010.

They love to add diversity to dancing and are able to excite audiences of all backgrounds with their dynamic appeal.

Since 2004 Kristina and Marosh have performed as a dancers and Latin and ballroom teachers in Cassia Dance Co. where they were trained by qualified and professional teachers of ballet, jazz and scenic dance. These experiences have enhanced their dancing and they use influences from other dance styles in their current dance performances. As a member of Cassia dance group they were often invited to perform in the National Theatre in Slovakia as well as being invited to perform abroad (Greece, Czech, Austria).

www.maroshkristina.com

 

RICO SANTIAGO

“Rico Santiago has been on the Latin Scene in the UK since 2007. Prior to this he DJ’d on the London soul circuit specialising in Jazz Fusion, Latin Jazz, Rare Grove and Club/Party classics. Rico’s breath of knowledge of musical styles is matched by few on the Latin scene. His music styles cover Salsa (in all its shades) Latin Jazz, Bachata, Cha Cha, Merengue, Reggaeton, Kizomba, Afro Beat and more beside.

In recent years, Rico has been wooing Latin music lovers at venues such as, Two Brewers, Scandals, Bar Lenuccia, WKD and All Saints Hall. He currently plays at Hammersmith Salsa Club on rotation and at numerous other events around the UK. His reputation is growing rapidly across the scene as somebody who plays an electric mix of Latin music which includes the classics and latest tracks with his own personal style which is guaranteed to keep the audiences rocking.  Rico’s deejay inspirations included Julian the Duke, DJ Eric, DJ Lubi, DJ Saoko and DJ Mauri. Rico may be a fresh face on the salsa scene, but he is definitely one to watch – and of course listen to!