Instructors

Learn Cuban Salsa!

SALSA, RUEDA DE CASINO, and AFRO-CUBAN DANCE

with Ernest Barthelemy and Becky Bliss

SALSA DANCE CLASSES:
Students are guided in hearing the rhythms and
experiencing the movement of an art born at the
crossroads of African and European tradition, with a
specific focus on the contribution of Cuba's African
Heritage.
Each Class covers three areas:
- Afro-Cuban body movement, rhythm, and footwork
variations
- Partnering technique and turn patterns
- Rueda de Casino

AFRO-CUBAN FOLKLORIC DANCE CLASSES:
In the Yoruba-based Cuban religion Regla de Ocha,
practitioners worship and celebrate their guardian
spirits, the Orisha, through music and dance. Orishas
are deities that represent forces of nature and the
complexities of the human experience. Classes
will cover the music, movement and philosophy
of these Afro-Cuban sacred dances.
For class schedules and more information about Ernest
and Becky, CLICK HERE

Karim Noack

Self-proclaimed "Born-Again Cuban", Karim Noack is a renown dancer, choreographer and actress. Star of stage and television, her range includes ballet and modern, but concentrates on all things Latin. Adept in both New York and Cuban style salsa, she specializes in the progressive forms of Casino known as Rueda and Recta. Karim is also an established Flamenco dancer and, with her own company, Flamenco Dream, is innovating a style based heavily on Afro-Cuban rhythms (rhythms she's very familiar with after years of percussion study). Oh yes, and she's studied African, Brazilian and Tango as well.

Karim's professional career has lead her to study and perform in Colombia, Mexico, Paris, Germany, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Cuba and New York. Highlights include touring with the Grupo Contradanza de Mexico, performing with the Oriki Dance Troupe, teaching at Lincoln Center, sharing the stage with such legends as Joaquin Cortes, and writing, directing and starring in her own production, Six Months to Live- the most attended show in the history of LaMama Theater.

This woman, who wants to start a dance revolution and claims "The revolution starts with the hips" offers the following courses:

If you have Latin rhythms pumping throw your veins, but need a
transfusion to your feet, run to the workshop.

Warning: be prepare to spend the rest of your life bursting of joy in the dance floor.
KARIM IS BACK FROM TEACHING IN BRAZIL.
NEW WORKSHOP STARTING UP NEXT TUESDAY!!!.
LA RUEDA FROM CUBA IS TAKING NEW YORK OUT OF THE MAMBO SPELL!!! GET WITH THE TIMES,!!
NY style dancers interested in explore Cuban style are more than welcome.
For more info about private classes and special events call Karim at 212 253 8718 .

Rosa Collantes

A native of Perú now residing in New York City, Rosa Collantes has been performing, choreographing and teaching locally and internationally in an unrivaled explosion of dance excellence. She has worked and studied with some of the most distinguished names of the tango world including Carlos Gavito, Nito and Elba, Héctor Zaraspe and Pedro and Laura Escudero. Audiences throughout the United States, South America and Europe have cheered the intensity and authenticity that are the hallmark of her work as a featured dancer, ensemble member and visionary choreographer. Rosa's choreography success stories include a tribute to Tito Puente at Madison Square Garden and the Walnut Street Theatre's production of Camila. Rosa has danced live at Manhattan's most illustrious venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Felt Form at Madison Square Garden and Town Hall. Rosa has also shared her artistry with an appreciative worldwide audience, making guest appearances on Good Morning America, Regis and Kathy Lee, Best Talk, HBO, Univision, Telemundo, and Canal Sur, among others.

As an instructor she has travelled extensively, teaching workshops in Tango, Salsa and Hustle, and was recently honored in being the only female instructor from New York invited to perform and teach at the First Salsa Congress in Norway. She is an exclusive instructor for the Ballroom Department of the United Nations. Music videos and film are yet another arena she has entered. Rosa has worked with and choreographed for such celebrities as Mira Sorvino and John Leguizamo for the promotion of the movie "Summer of Sam", "My Cousin Vinnie" with Joe Pesci and "Tu Corazón," the chart-topping Vanessa Williams & Chayanne single from the major motion picture "Dance with Me."

Rosa Collantes' unique style in Argentine Tango, Milonga and Vals, and encyclopedic knowledge of the Latin American Folkloric repertoire, plus a lively take on contemporary social dances including Salsa and Merengue, ensure that Rosa is always in step. A most sensual talent, Rosa has proved time and again that she can take any stage, any space, and make it her own.

Contact: collantes@excite.com

Morgan Y. Adzei is a graduate from the College of Mount Saint Vincent, Class of 2000, with a BA in Business. Now choreographing and teaching, a fusion of Afro-Cuban Mambo & American Style Dance (i.e., Gene Kelly form) joined by elements of pop (i.e., Michael Jackson, and a new cha-cha pop) at various performing arts programs in NYC for young & old dancer. Morgan is an up and coming performer looking to broaden his innate talents beyond the dance realm into acting. Morgan was trained and a former member of the Eddie Torres dance company. Now is a member of two dance companies in NYC: Latin Jazz Ensemble and Franklin Diaz Dance Company.

Morgan hopes to bring to the students an innate, rhythmic way to experience and par-take in this explosive dance form. Not just for enjoyment and social gatherings or performing, but for the mind, body and soul, called, "Motion therapy in Mambo."

If you have questions about private session and future dance class schedules call 917.860.2312 or email at surmorganx@msn.com

Hadar & Martin
*** Recently Hadar & Martin came back from the Scandinavian International Salsa Congress, that took place in Norway, where they were the only US instructors chosen to teach the Cuban style***

Classes start with a warm-up combining Afro-Cuban motion and basic Latin dance elements.
Casino/Rueda de Casino Classes: besides learning the rhythms, moves and techniques, students will learn also the special move’s names/calls (both Cuban and Miami versions).

All classes: Special attention is given to leading and following skills which will result in students developing a confident social dance style.
Teaching: Casino (Cuban Style Salsa), Rueda de Casino, Salsa Int’ “On 1”, Cha Cha, Merengue, Bachata and Rumba.For Group and Private

Lessons please call (646) 279-3239 or e-mail @ hhspecial@hotmail.com
NOW – AUDITINING FOR THE CASINO AND RUEDA DANCE TROUP - PREFORMANCES AROUND THE TRI-STATE AREA !!! For Performance Group auditions please call: (646) 279-3239
More about Hadar and Martin here

www.prenticeproductions.com

520 Eighth Avenue, Floor 16
(Day & Time available soon)

NYU Classes

Just Swing/Beginner
Social Latin/Beginner
American Social Ballroom
May 22 - August 2
NYU Coles Sport Center
(Day & Time available soon)

Private Lessons
You can book a lesson for yourself or with a partner.
$60/single;
$75/couple; student rate available.

Wedding
Packages include choreography and rehearsal time in a
private studio.
$400/Six hours: Single lessons available.

Djonibal Dance & Drums Center:
37E 18th. St.
7th. Floor

• Saturdays: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
• Sundays: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Rod Roger Studio:
62 E 4th. St. (between 2nd. & 3rd. Ave)

• Fridays: 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM

For private lessons or performances please call 212-983-2760 or email obbalubbe@aol.com

Noemi Segarra has enjoyed dancing ever since she can remember. Trained in diverse forms of dance - ranging from classical to Post-Modern: Release Technique and Contact Improvisation Ð Noemi truly enjoys the grounded sensuality of Afro-Cuban music and dance especially La Timba Cubana! This born and raised Puerto Rican has toured Europe, Central and South America while a member of DanzaHoy, a contemporary dance company in Caracas, Venezuela.

Noemi is also very drawn into the healing aspects of movement. She has studied diverse body-mind-spirit centering practices such as Alexander Technique, Kinetic Awareness, Iyengar, Kundalini & Hatha Yoga. She finds the fusion of overlapping dance styles in the improvisatory aspect of Salsa extremely liberating. At present she teaches Hatha Yoga, Healing through Movement & Chakra workshops and she performs professionally with Merian Soto Dance and Performance since 1995. You can contact her by email: LBoricuita@hotmail.com

Choreographer and performer, has a B.A. in dance from Rutgers University, has been featured in motion pictures, national commercials and has worked with Broadway Choreographers for musical and film productions. She specializes in Latin dancing, Salsa, Mambo, Tango, and Latin American Folk.

Mariana just completed a successful two month run as principal dancer and supervising choreographer in "Todo Tango" at the Thalia Theatre in Queens, NY. She is about to debut in "Swango" which opens at Swing 46 in NYC on July 11th. This Tango/Swing cabaret show is being co-produced by Mariana, Mariela Franganillo, and Robert Royston.

Mariana currently teaches:

• Intermediate Salsa (on2) - Monday, 8pm
• Intermediate Salsa Styling & Shines - Tuesday, 6pm
• Advanced Salsa Styling & Shines - Tuesday, 7pm
• Intermediate Palladium Style Salsa/Mambo (on 2) - Friday, 6pm

Rodney López is an accomplished Latin dance instructor and a fresh face in the New York Salsa scene. He is a staff instructor at Dance Manhattan, one of New York City's leading dance schools and praised by colleagues and students alike for his entertaining and thoughtful teaching style. Rodney has taught and performed at major venues such as New York City's First Night Ð including the Museum of the City of New York and the U.S.S. Intrepid; the Children's Aid Society Annual Spring Gala; Club Getaway; and Baruch College. He has appeared on the WB11 Morning News, Fox's Good Day New York and The Queen Latifah Show. He has directed and choreographed several salsa performance teams and is currently a member of the Addie-Tude Dance company, one of New YorkÕs most popular Salsa performance groups. Rodney has also broadened his dance roots to perform and compete with New York-area West Coast Swing and Carolina Shag teams. He is a favorite at various private, corporate and non-profit events around the city for his ability to move a crowd. A devoted student of the history of Latin music and dance, Rodney has written about salsa history for various print and Internet news outlets.

He currently teaches Latin music history and dance for the Bank Street College of Education's I-LEAD program. He began teaching in 1996 with Sanando Through the Arts, an arts non-profit organization based in New York City's Lower East Side.

Rodney currently teaches:

• Basic Club Salsa/Mambo (on 2) & Merengue - Monday, 6pm
• Pre-Intermediate Club Salsa/Mambo (on 2) & Merengue - Monday, 7pm
• Pre-Advanced Club Salsa/Mambo (on2) - Monday, 8pm
• Advanced Club Salsa/Mambo (on 2) - Monday, 9pm
• Pre-Advanced Palladium Style Salsa/Mambo (on 2) - Friday, 7pm

Audrey Martinez began dancing ballet, tap, jazz and folk at the tender age of 4. Her interest in Argentine Tango was sparked when she began studying with masters such as Juan Carlos Copes, Carlos Gavito, Pupi Castello and Michael Domke. Other trainers have been Bobby Petri and Mambo legend Freddie Rios. Audrey was a featured dancer on MTV's The Grind in 1993/94 and did a tango "dance shot" commercial for Kodak-Alizé along with a promo tour. She sometimes performs with a folk dance troupe ranging from Flamenco to Afro, Cuban and South American dances. She also has extensive knowledge in the Latin/Club dances including Cumbia and Bachata. Audrey has been on staff at Stepping Out for two years.

Johnny Martinez began his dance career studying ballet, jazz, and theater. He has toured internationally and in the US in productions of West Side Story and Damn Yankees. Regionally he also appeared in Fiddler on the Roof and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Local television appearances include the Sci-Fi channel and Tango performances on the Gayle King Show and Good Morning America. Johnny has danced with the Nanette Bearden Contemporary Dance Theatre and the Annabella Gonzalez Dance Theatre. Currently he teaches at Stepping Out Dance Studios and performs with his partner co-owner Diane Lachtrupp.

Chris Martin began teaching ballroom dancing in 1987 and has worked for both major chain studios, two highly acclaimed and respected studios in London, and was coach and instructor of the University of Maryland's ballroom dance program for two years. He has a background in musical theater, with a degree from Catholic University, and is a member of Actors Equity. We are excited about welcoming Chris back to Stepping Out.

Having a fascination with music for years, I finally made my feet catch up with all the fun my ears have been having a little over three years ago. I dance as well as teach salsa, argentine tango, lindy hop, and west coast swing, not to mention standard ballroom dances as well. With any dance I teach, the most important thing I try to convey to people is the fact that we're all out to have fun.

GROUP CLASSES: at Stepping Out Studios. Registration can be done through Stepping Out Studios at (646) 742-9400 or Stepping Out Studios.

PRIVATE LESSONS: for singles, couples, soon-to-be-wed please please call 917-640-1451 or e-mail me at am223@hotmail.com.

Personal Motto: "Breathe in with the LOVE and out with the JIVE!"

Stephanie "Nixdiva" Nix is an Afro-Cuban dance extraordinaire. Known for her versatility as a dancer, brilliance as an artist, humility, and spiritual magnetism as an individual, Stephanie won the hearts of many New York fanatics of Afro-Cuban and Afro-Caribbean culture for her stellar performance as principal dancer of the production Obini Ashe: Celebrating the Feminine in the Afro-Cuban Music and Dance Traditions.

A 20-year veteran of dance, Stephanie has trained in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, Salsa, and the African dance traditions of Djembe, Kongolese, and the Ivory Coast. A protégé of Afro-Cuban Dance Master Obbalubbe, a.k.a. "Pupi", she is a skilled dancer of Yoruba, Palo, Comparsa, Son, Cha-cha-cha, Cuban Mambo, Casino, and the complete complex of Cuban Rumba. Her other mentors have included Idalberto Bandera of Ballet Folklorico Cutumba, Rey Gonzalez of Afro-Cuba de Matanzas, Kathy Marino, Mamadou Dahoue, Felix DeJesus, Erica Bowen, Awilda Sterling, and Fumilayo.

A founding member and Vice President of the SUNY Cortlandt Adowe Ensemble from 1992-1994, Stephanie's performing experience includes past membership in the Fusha Dance Ensemble, the Ancestral Messengers Dance Co., and presently the Oriki Afro-Cuban Dance Troupe. While dance is clearly Nixdiva's first love, she brought smiles and laughter into the lives of many as an improvisational comedian in the Improv Comedy Newmyn's Nose Limitless Theatre Ltd. from 1994-1996.

For private lessons with Stephanie, e-mail nixdiva@aol.com

Latin dance instructor from Puerto Rico. Teaches: Salsa (on 1 and on 2), Merengue, Bachata, Cha Cha Cha, and the American Rhumba. Group Salsa classes: every night of the week, except Saturday's. At Sandra Cameron Dance Center. 199 Lafayette 2nd Fl. 212-431-1825.

For Private classes or special events contact Sandy at (718) 809-7244.