From Taiwan: Cynthia Hung

About CynthiaOn a cold and gloomy night in London, England, Cynthia found herself inside the warmth and exuberance of Bar Salsa. This was her first exposure to Salsa, and it instantly changed her entire career path. In the brief years that followed, she successfully created the Salsa Taiwan Association and a Dance Dimensions Inc., handling multiple dance studios nationwide to help spread her love for Salsa. Simply, Cynthia dances for the joy and effervescent sensations of Salsa; never inhibited nor hindered by binding to strict "rules", she dances for pure contentment rather than sport, performance, or competition. Thus, this is the ideology and way that she hopes to introduce Salsa to the Taiwanese public. Her continuing efforts, travels, and visits to the World's most prestigious Salsa Congresses and instructors will no doubt benefit the ever growing Salsa community in Taiwan.
Experience Taiwan SALSA Association, Founder
Taiwan SALSA Association, CEO
Taiwan SALSA Association, Choreographer
Taoyuen Far East 21, Cultural Center, Salsa Instructor
Taiwan SALSA Association, Salsa Instructor
Taichung Wen-Shan Community College, Salsa Consultant
Taichong Art and Dance, Salsa Instructor
Taichong Zhong-Ming Elementary, Salsa Instructor
Taichong Evergreen College, Salsa Instructor
Taipei Core Pacific Plaza, Cultural Center, Salsa Instructor
Hsin-Zhu Far East Dept. Store, Cultural Center, Salsa Instructor
Chief Executive and Instructor of Dance Dimensions LTD. , Taichung, Taiwan

2005 Attended Cuban Salsa congress. Munich GermanyStudied under Roly Madden, Verona, Italy
2004 Attended Thailand Salsa Festival as the only invited instructor to teach and perform from Taiwan
Attended Salsa Congress, Innsbrook, Austria
Studied under Janita, Hong Kong
2003 Attended Salsa Congress, Vancouver, Canada
Studied under Al and Edie, LA, USA
Attended Salsa seminar in San Francisco, USA
Cuban Salsa studies, under Tomas and Yaday of the Cuban National Dance and Performing Group, Cuba Havana, Cuba
2002 Attended Hong Kong Salsa CongressStudied under Andy Witt, London, UK.

Media2005/02 Next Magazine Interview
2005/02 Apple Daily Interview
2004/11 Taichung 365 Magazine Interview
2004/11 CTV- Variety Show
2004/09 TTV- Interview
2004/08 Times Weekly, Taiwan?Intervew
2004/03 San-Li TV- Interview
2004/02 CTV—Special Report on Salsa
2003/10 San Li TV- News Interview
2003/09 TVBS NEWS- news reporting
2003/08 TTV- NEWS Latin Dance SALSA Hot and Energetic.
2003/08 TVBS- special news report
2003/08 TVBS- special news report
2003/08 TVBS NEWS-Valentines’ news report
2002/08 TVBS NEWS- special news report

Brent

Canada

From New Zealand: Giancarlo
In October 2003 Giancarlo became the Australian IDO Salsa Champion, shortly after he founded Latinissimo Dance Company in Melbourne. In 2004 he was a finalist in Best of the Best Salsa competition in Sydney and got invited to perform at the renowned West Coast Salsa Congress in Los Angeles. He then taught and performed at the inaugural Sydney Salsa Congress 2005 where he and his partner brought down the house and received a standing ovation for the ever popular "Matrix Reloaded” choreography.

Giancarlo arrived in NZ in August 2005 and teamed up with new dance partner Masha. They performed for the first time together at the NZ Salsa Competition in October leaving the crowd gasping for more with their "Fever" routine. That same month they taught and performed an exhilirating and energetic "Wild Wild West" choreography at the 1rst Auckland Salsa Slam.

From New York: Mario B.

Mario has had an interesting start to what is now a MAMBO lifestyle! Mario was very athletic growing up through his grammar and high school years. He always wanted to learn how to dance MAMBO but was very hesitant due to his large athletic body. However, in 1999 a really good friend and High School teammate, Danny Useche (formally with Caribbean Soul) introduced Mario to Ismael Otero, "The Million Move Man." Mario was so inspired by what he had seen, and after having a conversation with Ismael, Mario was convinced that Mambo was for him and immediately signed up for two classes with Ismael Otero. Unfortunately, Ismael wasn't teaching those two days instead, there was a substitute. We've all heard about "Love at First Sight, well, Mario's first Mambo Lesson was "The Date from Hell". It didn't work out due to the fact that the class was slightly more advanced than Mario had predicted plus Mario and the substitute clashed on many levels! This left Mario even more determined to prove his point that size, shape, and color does not matter when it comes to MAMBO! Mario was down but definitely not out.
Now Mario had to find a class that was just as good as Ismael's but not as advanced. Mario was then introduced to one of the smoothest and most HUMBLE instructors in the Mambo scene, Greg Taylor. After a few days with Greg Taylor, Mario was in Mambo Heaven. Mario took classes with Greg for approximately 6 months and was eternally grateful to Greg for his time, patience and expertise, however, it was time to go forward and take on more of a challenge! Therefore, once again, he tried Ismael Otero's class. After taking a few classes with Ismael Otero himself, Ismael was so impressed with Mario, that he was asked to join the student group, "Caribbean Soul 2". Now THANKS to Ismael, Mario was introduced to the performing aspect of the Mambo scene! After performing with "Caribbean Soul 2" for approximately a year and a half, Ismael felt that Mario was more than ready to move up to his professional group "Caribbean Soul".
At the same time Mario was asked to join Abbey Plotkins, "The Mambo Mamas & The Papa". Mario was now the Mambo Papa! By joining "The Mambo Mamas & The Papa", Mario was given the opportunity to perform for what would become an instant hit, "Latin Madness" under the direction of Nelson Flores of Descarga Latina and Carlos Mendoza of "The Side Street Kids". Nelson felt that Mario would fit right in with this all-star cast of the Best Mambo Dancers on the East Coast! "Latin Madness" is an off-Broadway Mambo/Musical depicting the history of Mambo from past to present. With the opportunity of performing in "Latin Madness" gave Mario the ability to dance, work and share the stage with top professional groups like Descarga Latina, The Santo Rico Dance Company, Addie-Tude Dance Company, Abakua, Jai & Candi, The Mambo Mamas & The Papa and the Latin Jazz Ensemble. With stage experience and help from an acting coach, enabled Mario to appear in the movies "Empire" and "Kal-ho-naho". Mario also acted for the NY International Independent Film & Video Festival at Madison Square Garden.
In a short amount of time, Mario has come a long way to become a Professional Dancer, Choreographer, Instructor, and Actor. What's most amazing is that he achieved all of these goals with NO background in dance! It's true what they say, "Hard work does pay off!" Who would have thought that Mario would transition from a full time athlete to becoming a future Mambo Legend? The one regret Mario has had is not learning to dance at a younger age. That is why he is teaching and training his beautiful daughter, Diamond, to become a future Salsera!
Mario is very well respected and one of the most loved and adored dancers in the Mambo scene today!

From New York: Ivona Bochinska
Ladies' Director of Salsa Fever On2 Dance Academy, Professional Dancer, Instructor, Choreographer
Date of Birth: January 2, 1977
Birthplace: Szczecin, Poland
Ethnic Background: Polish
Height: 5'3"
She was born on January 2, 1977 to Maria and Zenon Bochinski. After graduating Union High School as the second female Battalion Commander she joined the ranks of US Army Reserves in 1996. There she trained to become a heavy equipment operator participating in humanitarian missions to countries such as Panama, Guatemala, Mexico among others. Promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in November 2001, she served as a senior instructor at the Liberty Academy for new Non-Commissioned Officers in Fort Dix, NJ, but ended her service in 2004. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University and currently works as a litigation paralegal.

Ivona began dancing in late fall of 1999 after being exposed to local dancers in the New York/New Jersey Mambo scene. Without any formal classes, she began frequenting the dance scene and through trial and error started to develop as a dancer. Her style embodies emotion, playfulness, intrigue, and at times even a challenge to a rhythmic duel. She views dance as a bridge between separate islands of personality, a source of identity and hope, and most of all a narcotic that can provide a temporary relief from everyday monotony and stress. Ivona has worked both locally and abroad with some of Mambo’s best instructors and musical legends such as Tito Allen, Adalberto Santiago, Ray de la Paz, Dave Valentin, Giovanni Hidalgo, Frankie Vazquez, Ray Santos, The Tito Puente Orchestra and many others. She plans to continue evolving as a salsera and exploring other forms of dance.

DANCEOGRAPHY
Estilo Clasico, 2001
Caribbean Soul, 2003
Mmboson, 2003
Santo Rico, 2003
Plan B 2005
" Ladies' Director of Salsa Fever On2 Dance Academy"

Theatre, Television & Film

Diamante TV Show, Telemundo, 2001
Maza Theater, NYC, 2001

U.S. Tours/Concerts

Mambo Nites at Starlite Caterers, NYC, 2001
East Coast Salsa Congress, Nevele Resort, NY, 2001
Jersey Gardens Mall Dance-a-thon, 2001
Gov. McGreevy inauguration, 2002
Club Cache, Elizabeth, NJ, 2002
Salsa Etc, Newark, NJ, 2002
Bernard's Mambo Caliente, NYC, 2002
West Coast Salsa Congress, LA, CA, 2002 - 2003 - 2004
Bernard's Mambo Caliente, NYC, 2003
NY Salsa Congress, 2003
Miami Salsa Congress, 2003 - 2004
Boston, MA, 2003
San Francisco, CA, 2004
Hostos College, NYC Tite Curet Alonso tribute, 2004
Lehman College, NYC Tito Puente tribute, 2005
Puerto Rico Salsa Congress, 2005
New York Salsa Congress, 2005
North Bergen Cuban Parade, 2005
Boston Congress, 2005
Hudson County Hispanic Heritage Parade, 2005
Rumbero’s Salsa Dura 3rd Anniversary, 2005
Con Sazon Christmas Bash, 2005

International Tours

Zurich, Switzerland, 2003
London, England, 2003
Brussels, Belgium, 2004
London, England Salsa, 2004
Toronto Canada Salsa Congress, 2004

James

From Singapore

JOSEPH ENNIN (Hong Kong):

Joseph Ennin, European Amateur Salsa Dance Champion of 1998, has traveled around the world spreading his passion for Salsa in the last 10 years. He has performed and DJ in various places including UK, India, Beijing, Shanghai, LA, New York, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Korea, Japan, and HK.

Joseph has a great love for music and dance, whether he is teaching a salsa class, performing, enjoying himself on the dance floor, or spinning the best of salsa in the DJ booth you'll never see him without a smile on his face!

Joseph currently teaches and DJ in Hong Kong, he is also the organizer of the Annual Hong Kong Salsa Festival and various salsa events in HK.

From Singapore: Yanqing

From France: Anton Berchenko
Anton Berchenko is an experienced and accomplished dancer from France. At a very young age he mastered ballet and continued to learn various dance forms such as tap, Argentin tango, samba, jazz, hip-hop, and of course Salsa. He has created his own dance company "A Doble" followed by "Cachimbo" and opened his own dance studio named "Studio Cachimbo" in Paris.
Anton teaches On1 & On2 but his special specialty is footwork or "shines" On2. He is currently residing in Manila teaching classes and spreading his passion for Salsa in the Philippines.

Natalie Tan From Singapore

From Korea: Nari-Shin
The Korean are amazing dancers. Yanqing first meet Nari in August 2004 in Thailand Salsa Cruise, seeing
Nari again in Hong Kong 2006 Salsa Festival confirm that their dancing was out of this world.

Graduated Woosunck Univ.
2001 the First & Second rank at Dance Spots Competition
2002 The 6th rank at World Aerobics Competition
2003 performed in LA Salsa Congress
2003 performed in Korea Salsa Congress
2003 performed in Japan Salsa Congress
2004 performed with Latin Orchestra Cobanna
2005 competed in the World Salsa Competition in Las Vegas

Manfred Goh

From Singapore

From Korea: Mijung
Mi Jung started dancing when she was in middle school. The first dance she learned (and performed) was flamenco.and . It is when doing flamenco that Mi Jung knew she loved dancing. after Argentin tango, samba, jazz, hip-hop, and of course Salsa.
When she discovered salsa she fell in love with it right away.
Mi Jung began teaching salsa korea and one of her favorite teaching projects evolves around a Korean internet community. She also loves conducting workshops and has taught as well as performed in Korea's major cities, Hong Kong, and Mainland China.

Mi jung has team soul sisters. Soul Sisters is a new hot sensational all-gals HK-based performance team formed by MiJung of Korea.

Wai Huang

From Singapore

From Singapore:
Anasri Onn & Fi Alsagoff

Bianca

From Singapore

From France (& Chilli):
Sebastien Chouillet

Grace

From Singapore

From Australia: Jason Gauci
Since the age of 11, Jason has developed an admired style of latin dancing drawing on his background of various dance training. Competing in all three styles of Dancesport (Latin American, Ballroom and New Vogue), Jason excelled across all categories winning State and National Grade competitions and being a finalist in State and National Open competitions.Some of Jason's major highlights were representing NSW at the Australasian Championships and ranking 3rd in the Australian Open Titles. Jason learnt primarily from respected Dancesport coaches of Adele Hyland and Tony Gauci (Tony is Jason's uncle who himself was 14 times Australian Champion and British Open winner).Jason has also enjoyed dancing roles in the movies, Strictly Ballroom and Lantana and also performed in the Sydney 2000 Olympics Closing Ceremony.Apart from his competitive Dancesport experience, Jason over recent years, has turned his energies to salsa dancing.
Dancing salsa since 2000 Jason quickly became one of the best known faces on the Sydney salsa scene entertaining crowds with his dynamic personality. He discovered a whole new style of dancing which he very quickly adapted to and found a passion for.Jason danced with Latin Motion Dance Academy under the teachings of Oliver Pineda. Oliver was 2001 IDO World Salsa Champion which he won at the prestigious event held in Miami . Latin Motion Dance Academy was selected as the performing group to represent Australia at the 2002 West Coast Salsa Congress held in Los Angeles . Jason was very honoured to be a part of the team and danced to a standing ovation crowd.In 2003 Jason also became involved with Latin Dance Australia which is Australia 's largest salsa dance school. This was working along side Jaime Jesus who is one of Australia 's most regarded male salsa dancers.
While dancing most nights of the week, Jason has always maintained a full time reputable position within the banking industry and accepted an offer to work in Hong Kong in early 2004. Jason happily accepted and has been able to continue his love for dancing in the heart of Asia . In the short time Jason has been present in Hong Kong he has become a well known and popular face in the dance scene. His love and energy for dance has led him to be one of Hong Kong 's current top male latin performers.
Jason has travelled to the Japan Salsa Congress in October to represent Hong Kong and visited Salsa Congresses in both Miami and San Francisco , USA in November 2004. He was fortunate to learn from some of the world's top salsa dancer's on this trip. Jason has been involved in the 2004 Latin American Festival in Hong Kong and performs in many festivals and shows around Lan Kwai Fong and Causeway Bay. Jason has recently performed in the 2005 HK Salsa Festival with Janita and entertained the crowds with their very dynamic routine. JJ Salsa were the only HK couple to perform at this event.

Jason was honoured to be a guest performer and instructor at the 1st Beijing Salsa Festival. He was also asked to be adjudicator for the 1st Amateur Beijing Salsa Championship. He also appeared on China CCTV through interview on the Festival. In December 2005, Jason was selected to perform at the 1st Salsa Congress in Manila, Philippines. This was a great event with many other international guests attending.

Ivy

From Singapore

From Hong Kong: Janita Tsang
Janita is an accomplished Salsa and aerobics instructor and dancer. Specializing in Salsa instruction, Salsa performance training and aerobic training, she is one of the most sought-after female Salsa instructors in Hong Kong.
D. ASLAS’ Major Achievements and Activities
- IFPHK Annual Gala Dinner (Oct 26, 04)
- Mexican Festival Annual Ball at Football Club (Sep, 2004)
- Hong Kong Salsa Festival (Feb 28, 2004)
- “Orchid” Debut Performance Asiaxpat Special Programme at the Edge (Feb 19, 2004)
- UBS Annual Ball at HK Convention Centre (Dec 13, 2003)
- Opening Dance for Macau 50th Anniversary Grand Prix (Nov 17, 2003)
- Johnny Polanco Salsa Band International Tour (Nov 15 and 16, 2003)
- Stanley Ho’s Company Annual Dinner at Conrad Hotel (Oct 14, 2003)
- Mexican Festival Annual Ball at Renaissance Hotel (Sep 23, 2003)
- Grand Stage Salsa Night Opening (Sep 10, 2003)
- AMS (Direct Selling Health Products) Annual Ball (July 19, 2003)
- Jockey Club Tea Party (June 22, 2003)
- Opening Dance for Yahoo! CHEER UP HONG KONG! Programme (May 22, 2003)
- Hong Kong Design Centre DBM Party (March 22, 2003)
- “Genie” Debut Performance was the opening dance for the 2nd Hong Kong Salsa Congress (Feb 15, 2003)
l 17 years of experience in teaching aerobics
l Champion of Hong Kong Aerobic Open in 1987
l 2nd runner-up in 1st Hong Kong Salsa Competition in 1999
l 1st runner-up in Hong Kong Salsa Street Dance Competition in 2000
l Studied under the original 'Salsaerobics' founder, Ms. Laura Cannelias "Cardio Salsa" in Los Angeles 2000
l Teaching 'Salsaerobics' in various high-end health clubs in HK
l Appeared in the TV show 'Salsa Karate' in 2001
l Performed in HK Salsa Congress in 2002 with World Salsa Congress organizer Mr. Albert Torres
l Exclusive salsa performer for Andes Art Company (Latin American Musical
l Entertainment Company in HK)
l 'The Best Salsa Performer' of Hong Kong in 2002
l The first Chinese female Salsa instructor in Hong Kong
l Founder of ASLAS Gals in 2003 (the only female Salsa dance troupe in Hong Kong)
l Choreographer of ASLAS’s performance in Hong Kong Salsa Congress 2003/2004
l Leader of ASLAS Gals performance team in 2003 Yahoo “Cheer Up HK Program”
l HK representative to perform in 6th Japan Salsa Congress in Oct, 2004.
l HK representative to perform in 1st Thailand Salsa Congress in Aug, 2004
l Invited to teach Salsa ‘Ladies Styling’ course in Taichung, Taiwan.
l TV show with Canto-pop artist Mr. Orlando To for Annual Best Jockey Award held by HK Jockey Club & ATV in Sep 2004.

Kyo

From Singapore

Sohel

From Salsa Republic Sydney Australia

From Venezuela: Pat Calzadilla

Patricia a true Latin American origin (Venezuelan) professional instructor, dancer and choreographer, with teaching experience expanding for more than 12 years. Together with her dance partners she will lead the way-gaining students trust with natural and easy style, combining fancy moves, which lift student’s confidence.

Fasilito Y.

From Malaysia

From Pittsburgh: Amit Gilboa
Amit Gilboa performs Middle Eastern percussion on the doumbek (Arabic drum), riq (Arabic tambourine), bendir (Arabic frame drum) and sagat (finger cymbals). He has performed on large stages at numerous public events and private functions either providing accompaniment for Middle Eastern dancers, other musicians, or doing percussion on its own. Amit's background includes over a decade of experience as a drummer. His articles on the history and musical signatures of Middle Eastern rhythms have appeared in magazines and websites both in Singapore and abroad. Some of the public venues at which Amit has performed include WOMAD Singapore, Holistic Living Festival 2003, the Chinese Garden Summer Festival 2003, Punggol Raintree RC Opening Ceremony, and the PAS Day of Percussion 2002. Other events include the Singapore Turkey Friendship Association Gala Dinner 2003, Drum Clinic at Library@Orchard, Metta Welfare Association Charity Banquet 2003, and the Standard Chartered 150th Anniversary Dinner and Dance. This are just some of the many events that he has perform in.

Justin Ong

From Singapore

Zie

Singapore

For instructors whose profile and picture are not updated please email us your details.

More instructors to be announced soon


Disclaimer
All prices, events, activities, venues and dates are subject to changes without prior notice