ANNETTE MONTANEZ
CO-FOUNDER
SALSA & LATIN DANCE INSTRUCTOR

Annette began her dancing career in 2001, when she found a passion for dancing after taking her first Salsa lesson. While continuing to learn and sharpen her skills in Salsa and other Latin dances, Annette received many requests for her to teach private and group lessons. As the demand for Annette to teach grew, the idea to open a dance studio emerged. In 2007 she co-founded Salsa Storm Dance Instructors Inc. and opened a dance studio. Annette’s passion for teaching started in the classroom. With a degree in Early Childhood Education, Annette began to turn her love of teachinginto another extraordinary experience.Understanding the benefits of music and dancing, Annette created and implemented developmentally-appropriate music/dance programs for children and teens. She now teaches music and dance programs to children throughout New England and New York. As a native New Yorker, Annette has returned to her hometown to share her passion of teaching dance to both adults and children. Annette also possesses a degree in Business Administration and is co-owner of an elite event production company.

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.

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.

Bradley Hack

A true late bloomer, he hadn't ever been shown or even attempted his first salsa step until his mid-thirties! With no formal training of any dance techniques, Brad's sole experience came as an avid hip hop dancer at local clubs as a teenager. Once he found salsa, and embraced it with his own passion for people and teaching, the rest as they say is history.

Testimony…
I know I could have taken classes anywhere, but I am confident I wouldn't have enjoyed the successes I've experienced anywhere else but at Salsa Storm. Now as a Salsa Storm Instructor, I can share my skill and source of contentment with others, and for that I am forever grateful. SALSA!