JACQUELYN ALVARADO
SALSA/LATIN DANCE INSTRUCTOR
DANCE TEAM MEMBER 2007 & 2009

As a young child Jacquelyn dance background included tap, ballet, jazz and hip hop. As a youth her father introduced her to Merengue, Bachata, and Salsa. Although her salsa training began as a teenager, Jacquelyn’s natural talent blossomed quickly in Salsa and Latin dances.  Her formal training began in 2005 and Jacquelyn was soon to become one of Salsa Storm’s first instructors.  With Salsa and other Latin dances under her belt, in 2008 Jacquelyn also became a Zumba® fitness certified instructor. Jacquelyn was a dance team member in 2007 and is currently a team member for the 2009 dance team.

Testimony…
…I was never really a good Salsa dancer so I took classes and I fell in love with the dance and don't plan to stop anytime soon.   Dancing Salsa is a feeling I can't really describe in one word. It’s a dance that allows me to feel sexy and beautiful while having fun.  I want others to feel the same way about dancing Salsa. This is why I became an Instructor, and I hope I can help as many people as possible learn to love the dance of Salsa as much as I do!

ARIANYS DEJESUS
SALSA/LATIN DANCE ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
DANCE TEAM MEMBER 2009

Since the young age of 6 years old, Arianys has been training in ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap and hip hop.  In July 2008 with her dancing legs and the rhythm in her heart she decided to venture into different dance styles.  This was when she found Salsa and it stole her heart.

Testimony…
…I found myself mesmerized by the multiple spins, shines and styles that were displayed in Salsa. I felt my heart beating to the rhythm, even in my sleep; I was dreaming and breathing Salsa.... Needless to say, I was bitten by the salsa bug and became a Salsaholic! I was so addicted and eager to learn everything I could; I started taking lessons from top instructors and was ready to take it to the next level. A year later I auditioned for a salsa dance company and I MADE IT! Dance has been such a positive influence in my life, and I hope to pass that onto others. So, if you're ready to have some fun while developing solid dance skills, I would like to welcome you to the dance floor to learn some salsa.

MELISSA SOTO
SALSA/LATIN DANCE INSTRUCTOR
DANCE TEAM MEMBER 2007

As a child, Melissa’s dance background included ballet, tap, and jazz.  Her love of dance allowed her the opportunity to learn different dance styles. In college Melissa was introduced to modern dance.  Her love for dance did not stop there.  Melissa has been an instructor since 2005 with her husband and dance partner Luis at her side.

Testimony…
…My love for salsa came about in my college years, but is deeply rooted in my childhood, culture, and Latin heritage.  My mother is from Bogotá, Colombia, and I grew up listening to a variety of latin music (in particular cumbia, vallenato, baladas, and anything from latin pop, rock, salsa, merengue, bachata, etc.).   I witnessed the energy, passion, liveliness, and beauty of latin music.  As part of my college social life, I began going dancing and attending latin concerts and salsa quickly became my music and dance of choice!  I began taking salsa dance classes and have been hooked ever since.

DANIEL NARCISSE
SALSA/LATIN DANCE INSTRUCTOR
DANCE TEAM MEMBER 2007

Daniel Narcisse was born and raised in Haiti. As a young child he was exposed to diverse types of dance and music such as Konpa, Zouk, Soca, Reggae, and of course the music from the other side of the island (Merengue, Salsa and Bachata).  Daniel has been an instructor since 2007.

Testimony…
…I was always passionate about dancing and wishing to take lessons so I could be as good of a dancer as my friends. However my introverted nature and lack of confidence kept me from pursuing this magical reverie. But as we know life has it owns plans and destiny or should I say Salsa Storm would offer me another shot at conquering my inhibition and rekindle my never-ending obsession. In 2005 I was introduced to salsa and knew then I would have to add salsa dancing to my list of quests to conquer.  Since 2007, I have enjoyed teaching new students how to develop and hone in on their dancing skills and have had the opportunity and great pleasure of sharing my sense of humor and passion for dancing with others.

LYNNETTE RIVERA
SALSA/LATIN DANCE INSTRUCTOR
DANCE TEAM MEMBER 2007

At the age of 21, Lynnette started dancing Salsa.  Her salsa experience began in DC before she moved to MA, where she continued her dancing.  Lynnette has been a member of two dance team companies in New England and has been an instructor since 2007.

Testimony…
…In 2001 when I returned from DC, I decided to return to the world of salsa and improve my skills. I was only going to take one session but my ever-growing love for the dance and wanting to share my talents with others converted my hobby into a passion.  I have danced along side Ray and Annette for the last 8 years. I love to teach! Sharing my experience and love for Salsa with others is why I continue to dance.

KANDIDA GARCIA
SALSA/LATIN DANCE INSTRUCTOR
DANCE TEAM MEMBER 2009

Her love affair with Salsa began in 2002, from looking for something fun to do, to sharing her love and passion of dancing with others.  Kandida has been a member of two dance companies in New England and has been an instructor since 2008.

Testimony…
…I started taking salsa lessons and before I knew it, it became a big part of my life.  I would catch myself doing the “1-2-3, 5-6-7” in the elevator, hallways, grocery store, you name it!  After a couple of years, I took a break to obtain my Masters Degree.  I became consumed in my studies and had to sacrifice a lot of my social life.  All of a sudden, I felt like something was missing.  So I decided to start taking Salsa lessons again with my dear friends Ray and Annette as they had just opened up their very own dance studio.  It was then I realized my love for Salsa was more than “just for fun” it was a stress reliever, a chance to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones, a chance to have fun and relax all at the same time.  Since completing graduate school I have returned to dancing Salsa and now have the opportunity to share my love affair with others.

EDMY ORTIZ
FLAMENCO INSTRUCTOR

Edmy Ortiz was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic surrounded by a family full of artists (musicians, painters, photographers, etc) and is the oldest daughter of the prestigious musician Eduardo Ortiz

Two years before finalizing her Architectural studies (2001) Edmy decided to join the Academy of Spaniard Dance "El Patio Andaluz" where she learned the basics of Flamenco "Sevillanas, Castanuelas y Tecnicas de Clasico Espanol" under the great training of Paquita Acosta (Spaniard dancer, bailaora). In 2003 she moved to Massachusetts where she decided to continue perusing dance; now under the training of the admired and talented Maestro Ramon de los Reyes. Mrs. Ortiz has also integrated herself into worshops from Issac and Nino De Los Reyes, Malena Del Mar y Sabrina Aviles.

Testimony…
…Thanks to the wide Spaniard community in Santo Domingo, Flamenco is an art very well known and respected by many. Although Flamenco could be often considered an informal dance, it carries a lot of discipline and unique characteristics that are not often seen in other dances.  I decided to bring Flamenco to Worcester to introduce this beautiful dance and share its unique influences that have been so important to shape several of its musical forms.  Let’s escape to the inner beauty of Flamenco.

BAYDA ASBRIDGE
BELLY INSTRUCTOR

Amaya is from Syria in the Middle East.  Immersed in Belly Dancing from an early age as part of her culture, she developed a passion for dance, which later drove her to train under master performers all over the world, including Egypt, Europe, the United Kingdom and the US. These popular artists include names such as: Wendy Buenaventura ,  Hassan Zaza, Raqia Hassan, Heather Burbie, Helene & Hilary Thacker to mention a few. 

Amaya got additional training and experience in alternative dance genres working as a dance coordinator for Lincolnshire Dance promoting dance and qualifying dancers in the UK Midlands. During this time, she earned national qualifications in teaching, performing, safe exercising, and running her own dance organization. This later included becoming qualified in training dance teachers in teaching dance methodology.

For the last 12 years, she has been running her own business: Middle Eastern Dance Studio working with schools, councils, national institutions and the general public. Her work has been recognized by Arts Council England, who granted her business scholarships to promote dance in the community.

Amaya worked for Lincoln Council as Dance and Events Coordinator for the City of Lincoln (UK) promoting all styles of dance. Recently, after having returned to US, she has been performing at local venues and teaches Belly dancing for adults at Salsa Storm.

EDLIN ORTIZ
HIP HOP INSTRUCTOR

A lover and fan of music of all genres, Edlin Ortiz enjoys teaching and choreography and brings to her Hip-Hop class a fusion of Hip-Hop and dancehall. "Back to basics" will be a class where teenagers will learn the basics of Hip Hop also, how to pair their inner grooves style with precision and emotion while exploring the rhythms and sounds of the music.