151807675

Originally from Texas, I now call Los Angeles my home of almost 20 years now, dancing mostly & teaching Salsa, thus the nicknames "Salsa Diva" or "Salsa Queen." My website www.salsadivaprod.com if you're looking for classes. I grew up in San Antonio, TX dancing my way thru school doing musical theater & later trained as a ballroom dance instructor. Moved to Houston for 10 years & continued teaching ballroom & doing musical theater before making the big move to LA in '87. I established myself as an salsa instructor, choreographer, performer & that's what I've been doing ever since. I did hold a day job for a while at Rhino Records (loved it there!) where I produced 5 cds for the label. The first 2 were "Mambo Mania: The Kings & Queens of Mambo" & "Mondo Mambo: The Best of Perez Prado." These 2 were followed by "Salsa Fresca: Dance Hits of the 90's" that I co-produced with Super DJ Robby & 2 volumes of "Let's Dance Ballroom Favorites." I left the day job in '95 to pursue dance full time. Since then have traveled around the world teaching salsa...whod've thought? Got to dance with both Tito Puente, the King, as well as Celia Cruz, the real Queen, before they passed on to play with the cosmic all stars. The Montreal Jazz Festival in 2004 was also a great hi-light of my career. Dancing with my friend Caroline Pare', Raul Santiago & several other fabulous dancers from Montreal in front of 50,000 people! It was televised around the world! Holy Shit! I felt like a rock star! It was a blast & one I'll never forget! I've also been fortunate to have danced in a few movies: Mambo Kings, Dance With Me & Out To Sea (where I got to dance with the great Donald O'Connor.) I was artistic director for the eclectic salsa performance group: "Salsa Confunkshon" for 7 years but retired the group in 2005...just too much work! Not only did I choregraph the numbers, but I made all of the costumes for the group, edited the music, etc. I've also choreographed numerous commercials & projects for TV over the years. I currently teach out of LA Dance Experience in W.LA, Santa Monica College & a few other studios around town. It's all been a great adventure so far & I know there's lots more to come!