Elder Sánchez

Founder, Director and Instructor

He is the founder of SALSATECA. Establishing it in the early 1990s Elder developed SALSATECA into one of the main Salsa teaching schools in London, becoming a recognised figure in the Salsa scene.

Having taught thousands of students, including many of today’s established salsa teachers and performers, Elder has undoubtedly been a major driving force behind developments in the Latin American dance and music world in London. He contributed to Salsa being recognised as a rhythm by one of the main dancing associations in Britain, The United Alliance of Professional Teachers of Dance, on 22 November 1998. This firmly established the Salsa and Merengue dances as Latin American dances in London. The UKA launched a committee of five members, Nelson Batista, Paul Harris, Elder Sanchez, Xihomara Granados and Ansell Chezan, and presented them with the Fellowship Certificate.

In 2002 Elder was awarded the UK Salsa Lifetime Achievement Award by The UK International Salsa Congress in recognition of his ‘outstanding contribution to the growth of Salsa in the UK through his excellent instruction, promotion and inspirational dancing’.

Elder has promoted numerous events and taught at many venues in the UK and Europe. He is renowned for his precise technique of teaching and event organisation.

Elder has been actively promoting both local and international bands of the Latin American music world. These include Tito Gomez, Gran Combo, Lebron Brothers, Canario, Timbaito, Roberto Pla and Palenke as well as Carnival de Cuba.

Elder has featured in a number of articles that focused on the “Salsa phenomenon”. These include articles in The Independent, The Daily Telegraph, The Evening Standard, Punter, Nine to Five, Health and Fitness, Straight No Chaser, The Sunday Mirror and various Latin American publications.

Elder has co-written and presented Dance workshops for radio (Spring 1996) and has taken part in Everybody Salsa and Radio 3.

Elder has made several television appearances both in interviews and performing Salsa including in programmes such as Capital Woman, Super size me-Super Skinny, Man Up, The James Whale Show, The Big Breakfast, Ch4, Granada Television, Sky and Cable TV.

As well as being involved in the production of six of his own DVDs, Elder has also featured in the filming of Salsa scenes in two British films ‘Elephant Juice’ and ‘Janice heard 45 wpm’, released in 1999.

Virginia Timón

Events Manager and Instructor

Virginia was born to dance. In fact, she assures us that she was just a child when she started dancing back in Spain, where she was born and raised. Nowadays you can find her teaching Salsa or Bachata, as Event and Media Manager or simply dancing the night away.

She joined the Salsateca Team back in 2012 and thanks to her instructor and mentor Master Elder Sanchez and other well-known UK and international instructors she has become a beautiful dancer. Her natural and smooth style, and passion for social dancing makes her a good example to follow if you want to learn how to feel the music, make friends and have fun while dancing. She has plenty of energy, and has a bubbly personality, always up for a dance on any style and always up for a joke.

As event organiser and media manager, she is the person you want to talk to if you want to organise your birthday party, hen party, corporate event, or book a table on any of our events, as well as to arrange private hire or book 1-to-1 lessons with her or any member of our team.

Julián Ruiz

Salsa, Bachata, Chachacha, Merengue Instructor and multi-awarded international DJ

Julian is one of London’s top instructors and Djs. He was born in Colombia, and he has been teaching in London for more than 30 years. Many of his students have gone to become performers, choreographers and professional dancers.

In 2003 he was recognised as the Best International DJ, allowing him to appear in big events such as Salsa Congresses all over the world. And ever since, he has won awards year after year in many different international congresses.

He has been part of Salsateca from the beginning and nowadays you can find him teaching Salsa, Bachata and DJing at various of our regular weekly lessons and parties.

Iván Gálvez

Salsa, Bachata, Chachacha, Merengue, Kizomba Instructor, Choreographer, Performer and DJ

Ivan was born in 1990 in Malaga, Spain. At the age of 14, he began to train at the Higher School of Performing Arts in Malaga for 4 years in different disciplines such as classical ballet, contemporary, jazz and hip hop.

He soon discovered his passion for Salsa, Bachata and Chachacha. And attended to different Salsa and Bachata congresses throughout Spain where he learnt from the best instructors and performers in the world latin scene.

Ivan started performing from a very early age and soon moved to Madrid where he performed in different musicals and was part of distinguished dance companies related to jazz and contemporary, such as the dance cast of the famous Spanish singer Daniel Diges representing Spain in Eurovision or Disney Musical performing around Spain. He started teaching Salsa, Bachata and Chachacha at the age of 20 in different schools in Madrid. He was also part of the company Stravadanza, and performed in the most important latin congresses in Spain.

Ivan has travelled around Europe, training and improving his style in Schools like Global Dance Center in Amsterdam or Motion Tanz Dance School in Berlin. He has a very bubbly personality, so people learn and have fun at the same time. He can teach Salsa Cross Body, Cuban Salsa as well as Salsa On2, Bachata, Chachacha or Merengue.

Ivan Galvez, joined the Salsateca Team in 2016 and you can find him teaching at many of our lessons during the week, or Djing at our parties.

Cliff Joseph

Salsa, Bachata, Chachacha, Merengue Instructor, Choreographer and Performer

Cliff is one of the UK’s longest and most respected salsa teachers. He has taught and performed in London, throughout the U.K. and at international dance events throughout Europe and Asia. He has appeared on numerous T.V. and Radio programmes.

He learned salsa from his mentors Elder Sanchez and Julian “The Duke”. In recent years he has studied with Bircan Tulga, the world famous Adolfo Indacochea and Tania Cannarsa.
Cliff is a qualified dance teacher receiving a commendation from the United Kingdom Alliance of Dance Teachers for his teaching ability.

In 2007 Cliff co-founded the Salsateca Student Dance Team and in 2011 he co-founded the Mawu-Lisa Dance Company which he continues to co-direct and choreograph.

He is an experienced salsa competition dance judge, and one of the most sought after teachers in the U.K. You can always expect a class with him to be informative and fun. So if you would like to be a part of a salsa experience with a difference, a class with Cliff could be just what you are looking for.

Miho Mija Shigematsu

Salsa, Bachata, Chachacha and Merengue Instructor Choreographer and Performer

A Salsa Dance Instructor with over 15 years of experience, with a background in various dances such as Ballet, Jazz, Samba and Yoga. Teaching for SALSATECA since 2004.

In her classes, she is a patient and passionate teacher. With her ability to analyze moves and break down techniques, she can make the hardest class engaging and easy to follow.

Miho has a degree in Education and is a highly-trained teacher. She is also certified in Exercise to Music (Aerobics) and Reflexology. Her teaching skills and understanding of body and mind are fully applied in her Salsa classes to maximize students’ progress.

Miho founded THE MAWU-LISA LATIN DANCE COMPANY (formerly known as THE SALSATECA DANCE TEAM) in 2007 with another highly respected Salsa teacher Cliff Joseph. The group performed internationally and nationally at various dance congresses and venues including West End Live. The Salsateca Dance Team became a finalist in the 1st Latin Pulse UK Open in 2011.

She also performs with other dancers and groups. She competed at the World Latin Dance Cup in 2012 as a member of a Japanese group MAMBOCCHA and won the 8th place in the Salsa Team Pro Division. In recent years, she has been training under two of the best Mambo dancers in the world, Adolfo Indacochea (Peru/NY/Italy) and Tania Cannarsa (Italy) and performs in Adolfo & Tania’s Team.

Rasa Pauzaite

Salsa, Bachata, Chachacha, Merengue Instructor, Choreographer, Performer and DJ

She is an absolutely amazing dancer with a beautiful, elegant style, which inspires and captivates all that behold her. She has become an exceptionally accomplished dancer/ performer and was winner of the 2011 freestyle Salsa and Bachata championships in the UK. Rasa has also gained much experience over the last few years as a teacher of both Salsa and Bachata – with a great teaching style that seamlessly blends her passion and enthusiasm for dancing with a fun, friendly, student-centered and accessible approach.

Lately Rasa has been travelling all around the UK, Europe and outside places like Miami and Dominican Republic teaching people in big congresses and also small private gatherings.

She has also featured in the Movie ‘Cuban Fury’.

Now Rasa also stepped in the performers’ world. She has danced with Salsa wizard Phillip Langlais, and even trained with the internationally accomplished dancers African Jet.

Currently she is working on a new show.

Femeto Love

Salsa and Bachata Instructor

Dancing is Femeto’s life passion. He grew up on the African streets dancing all day long, forgetting about hunger or thirst. Dancing was all he had and what he knew best.

He often says that the feeling you have when you dance, can’t even be described in words. Dancing is like a drug that creates addiction, you carry it in your blood, it flows deep through your veins and you want to share with others! Dance is freedom and vibration at high intensity!

15 years ago he discovered salsa and he wouldn’t have thought that there was something so amazing; it was love from the first moment he heard the music!

He was introduced to the art of Salsa dance, and then he found another world that captivated him.

Learning step by step, after a while he became an instructor, and encouraged by a friend, they started their own show.

Not long after he became part of the great Salsateca team, which helped him to assert himself and put him in the right place. Now you can find him teaching at some of our lessons and parties as well as one of the most popular Salsa clubs in London.

Richard Fallon

Cuban Salsa, Instructor and DJ

Cuban music is Rich’s overriding passion. He is a veteran of the UK Cuban scene, a dedicated and skilled specialist Cuban DJ who drives casineros to the dance floor, an inspirational and engaging teacher, and a warm and humorous Master of Ceremonies.

Based in London and married for many years to his Colombian wife, Rich is a Spanish speaker. He’s an instinctive and experienced dancer, his distinctive funky take on contemporary Cuban Casino and Rueda de Casino, on 1 and in contratiempo (Son timing) being what he’s best known for.

Specialising in Cuban music as a DJ since 2002, he is thrilled to have been called on to participate in every major Cuban congress and weekender around the UK, as well as playing abroad in Munich and Ireland. In his time he has run many Cuban classes and party nights, starting in 2005 with the opening night of La Clave Cubana in Brixton, his last weekly project, now sadly closed by Covid, Cuban Hideaway in Streatham, thrilled the folks in South London for 10 years.

As well as being called upon to support numerous Cuban events around the capital, he has been resident on the decks in the Cuban Room at London’s monthly super club, El Grande, at the Scala for many years. He also enjoys a residency upstairs at the world-famous Ronnie Scott’s club for their weekly Cuban night, Viva Cuba.

Additionally, Rich is thrilled to have been called on to support the top Cuban bands who have visited the capital over the years, including Los Van Van, Alexander Abreu y Havana D’Primera, Pupy y Los Que Son Son, Lazarito Valdes y Bamboleo, Maykel Blanco y Su Salsa Mayor, Elito Reve y Su Charangon, Barbaro Fines y Su Mayimbe, Leonal Limonta y Azucar Negra, Pedrito Calvo, Angel Yos, Mixael Cabrera, and Calle Real.

Finally, you can hear Rich’s tasty Cuban selection every week on his Non-Stop Cuban Road Block show on Tuesdays from 6-8pm UK Time on oursalsasoul.com

He is very excited to be part of the Salsateca team.

Bekki

Cuban Salsa Instructor

Having first studied classical music at the Royal College of Music and dipped her toe into the world of ballroom dancing, Bekki has since ‘seen the light’ and become a true devotee of Salsa. She specialises in Cuban salsa, Son, Rumba and is also studying the Afro-Cuban dance pantheon – a rich and endless world of beautiful rhythms and dances which are the roots and essential flavour of all modern Cuban music and dance.

Bekki absolutely loves teaching as you’ll doubtless notice at any of her classes and you’ll likely find her enthusiasm and love of the music contagious! Come ready to sweat and to have a full-on session with lots of moves, styling, technique and bundles of energy! Bekki is also a bit of a salsa geek and has read countless books and travelled the world learning all about the world of Cuban music. Feel free to ask questions about the history and evolution of the music and she’ll do her best to find out for you.

Bekki started with Salsateca as a student many years ago and now is one of our best teachers!

Gabriel Bravo “Happy Feet”

Salsa, Bachata, Merengue Instructor and DJ

He is one of the leading Bachata teachers in the U.K. He is a specialist in traditional Dominican Bachata and believes in continually learning from others to keep improving.

Originally from Bolivia, Gabriel began dancing 15 years ago, learning multiple styles of Latin dance and he has been teaching professionally for eight years. Now based in London, Gabriel teaches for different dance schools and regularly travels across Europe and Latin America teaching and djing at festivals.

As a teacher, Gabriel’s style is warm, fun and friendly, making his classes incredibly popular. Helping his students progress is at the centre of his teaching style. He has a fantastic understanding of technique and the correct way to teach it. This makes his workshops highly accessible and he is always in-demand. Gabriel is also a wonderful social dancer – in both salsa and sensual styles – and he knows how to party! So make sure you ask him for a dance!

Edi Alva

Salsa, Bachata, Merengue Instructor and DJ

Edi, originally from Lima, Peru, found his dance calling at 28 while living in Madrid, Spain. Under the mentorship of esteemed instructors, he mastered Ballet, Latin dances, and Hip Hop. In 2011, he clinched two amateur bachata championships, marking the beginning of his remarkable journey. Edi’s passion led him to teach Latin dances across Spain, eventually establishing his own dance school and organizing events until 2018. Relocating to London, United Kingdom, he continued to share his expertise, forming a dynamic partnership with Debora. Together, they achieved acclaim as international and national dance performers, solidifying Edi’s status in the world of Latin dance. Notably, he co-founded Eclipse Dance, showcasing his creativity as a co-creator and choreographer. In addition to his roles in dance, Edi also thrives as national and international Salsa and Bachata DJ, further enriching the dance community with his musical talents. Their partnership reached new heights in 2022 when they secured the second position at the Bachata Cup France, followed by their achievement as finalists at the 2023 Bachata Cup Spain, cementing their reputation as outstanding dancers in the global Bachata community.

Fran Saez

Salsa, Bachata, Chachacha, Merengue, Reggaeton, Hip-hop, Contemporary and Jazz Instructor

Fran was born in Spain. At the age of 14 he found his passion, which was dancing, and began to train in Latin rhythms such as salsa, bachata, merengue, chachachá, etc.
Two years later he moved to Zaragoza to receive ballet training in one of the most prestigious schools in Spain. A few years later, Fran also began to train in street dance, jazz and ballroom dancing.

At the age of 21 he began his professional career working in productions of ballets, shows, musicals, TV and films around Spain, France, Italy and Portugal, as well as participating in competitions.

Over the years he decided to start studying contemporary dance at Murcia Conservatory for 4 years, and continued to train in Salsa, Bachata, Hip-Hop, Afro-Cuban and Jazz with national and international teachers as well as dancing professionally. At the same time he was teaching in various dance schools and salsa and bachata congresses and was a choreographer in shows and competition groups.

Overall he has been teaching for over 15 years.

Fran joined the Salsateca Team in 2021 and you can find him teaching Salsa and Bachata at several of our locations during the week.