Konstantin Pinaev

Konstantin's journey through the world of dance began at the age of four when his parents enrolled him in a dance academy in Russia. For a decade, he trained in classical and folk dance, honing his skills and nurturing his passion.

In 2003, Konstantin made a pivotal move to Sweden, where he continued his dance education in Stockholm, embarking on a three-year program. Here, he expanded his repertoire by training in diverse styles, such as jazz, modern, and ballet, among others. Although he initially delved into the world of Latin dance through tango in 2005, it was in the subsequent years that he discovered his passion for salsa and mambo.

For over a decade, he has been an essential collaborator with Arcadia. Together, they have traversed the globe, teaching, performing, and inspiring students in various corners of the world. Their dynamic partnership has not only left an indelible mark on the international dance scene but has also ignited the mambo and salsa community in Scandinavia. Through their captivating performances and exceptional teaching, they've shared the rhythm, culture, and joy of Latin dance with countless enthusiasts.

Arcadia Astorga

Arcadia is born in Chile, where her journey through the world of dance began at the age of seven. Her path to dance excellence was marked by determination and continuous learning. At the age of 15, she embarked on a three-year dance education program that exposed her to a diverse range of styles. This comprehensive training included jazz, funk, modern, ballet and more. Simultaneously, Arcadia was an active participant in various Afro-Caribbean dance groups, further broadening her horizons in the world of dance. She made appearances on Swedish television shows and music videos, captivating audiences.

Arcadia's passion for dance extended to teaching, and she became an instructor at prominent institutions in Sweden. Her commitment to nurturing the next generation of dancers was evident in her ability to guide her students toward growth and self-discovery. Teaming up with Konstantin, she embarked on a journey to share their passion for Latin dance globally, with a unique blend of body movement and a fusion of Afro-Caribbean styles with mambo and salsa. Arcadia's legacy as a mambo & salsa ambassador continues to inspire dancers and enthusiasts around the world.

Jennifer Fojaco

Jennifer Fojaco was born in Cienfuegos, Cuba. Since the age of eleven she started her career as a professional dancer in the school of Arts Benny More, in Cienfuegos. In 2003 she graduated as a professional dancer in Musical Shows National Art School (ENA) in Havana. After some years working in different dance groups in Havana, she moved to Spain and joined the company of Adrian and Anita in Barcelona. Here she obtained the third place in the Championship of Spain by groups. After moving to Salamanca she teamed up with the company Fusion Latina. This group has twice won the title Bachata Team Master of Spain and runners-up in the world bachata group championship.

In addition to the performing, Jennifer is running the biggest dance school in Salamanca, together with her partner Javier. There she is theaching classes such as salsa, bachata, ballet, jazz and modern dance. When taking her classes you will notice the quality in here teaching and the way she manage to transmit this to here students.

Javier Jiménez

Javier Jimenez was born in Havana, Cuba. He started his dance career at the age of twelve at the art school in the city of Cienfuegos, Cuba. In 2003 he graduated as a professional dancer of contemporary dance and folklore at The National Art School (ENA) in Havana. Once finished his studies he joined the dance group Yoldance, this company made several tours in Germany with the musical Viva Cuba! After some years dancing in Cuba he packed his luggage and moved to Salamanca, Spain. Here he is working as an instructor of Latin dances. Javier is also choreographer and a dancer in the famous dance group Fusion Latina. This group has twice won the Spanish Bachata Master Team and runners-up in the World Bachata Masters Teams. Javier is well known to bring joy and energy into his classes, but at the same time making it easy for the student to understand the techniques and moves.

Alex Alberola

Alex Alberola was born in Barcelona, Spain. He is the founder and director of Ballroom Salsa Dance Company since late 2010. In the beginning it was originated as a salsa on1 dance company mixed with ballroom dance, later specializing in bachatango and sensual bachata. Alex has previously dance background as a dancer, trainer and instructor of ballroom dance for many years. During his training as dancer, Alex has received lessons from the most prestigious dancers all around Europe and he has been dancer of the Adrian and Anita Amateur Dance Company and Acento Latino. Today He is travelling around the world at different bachata festival, teaching and giving shows. Alex is know to create a nice atmosphere in his classes, but at the same time keeping the quality of the teaching.

Jazzy Ruiz

Jazzy started his dance career at the age of 5 at his parents’ dance school in Antigua, Guatemala. He received a broad dance education in jazz, contemporary dance, ballet, break dance, hip hop, Latin jazz, flamenco and other Latin dances such as salsa, mambo, Afro-Cuban and show dance.

Inspired by his artistic heritage, he began his work as an instructor at the age of 15 at his family’s dance school, and also at cultural centers and events. After leaving Guatemala, Jazzy continued his education at Den Norske Ballethøyskolen and graduated with a Bachelor degree in Performing Arts and Pedagogy. During his studies he went to Cuba where he studied ballet, contemporary and Afro Cuban dances at Ballet Nacional de Cuba of Alicia Alonso.

He started his international career as a professional dancer and instructor in 2001, when he was touring Europe, among other places,as a representative for Norway. He started his own dance school in 2002, Salsakompaniet, that is now the biggest Latin dance school in Norway. Jazzy has participated in various TV shows like «So you think you can dance ?» and as a choreographer in «Skal vi danse?» on TV2.

Alexisstyle Ruiz

Alexis Ruiz started dancing and playing instruments almost before he could walk. Growing up in Antigua, Guatemala, his mother taught him to dance and teach together with her at her school Ritmo Latino. At the age of 12 he started teaching salsa/mambo and a diverse variety of latin dances and latin percussion. He has since then been teaching for over 25 years.

At the age of 17, he moved to Japan where he opened his own dance school and created his own Latin jazz sextet "Foribale".  After 8 years in Japan, he moved to Norway. Here he introduced the musicality of mambo to the salsa community and his concept of mambo masterclass was born. He is world famous for his lectures about "Salsa roots" where he dives into the history of both the music and the dance, and also the different musical influences in salsa. 

In Norway he is known for playing with some of the best salsa bands like Sonora Cimarron and La Descarga.

He is currently running his own school together with his wife and dance partner Iselin. A-custica Performing Arts teaches mambo and tap dance.

Nasti Bachata

Anastasija  Semašo aka Nasti Bachata knew since she was born she had to become a dancer. At the age of 3 she entered a highly competitive M.K Čiurlionis school of Arts in the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, and successfully graduated as a Professional Ballet artist-creator in 2020. Learning harsh discipline made Nasti’s character strong like stone and her dreams look easily approachable. Her first dream was dancing in Germany, but it didn’t seem enough, her young soul didn’t wish to stay in one theatre for a long time, she wanted to travel and explore the world.

In parallel to becoming a ballet artist she started to study Latin Dances, which were the complete opposite of her classical nature. In 2021 she met an extraordinary artist Marcelo Alcaraz and together they had found a way to connect these styles by adding elegance to one of the most popular latin dances - Bachata, made it unique by including professionalism and grace which Nasti has taken from Ballet.

Now, thanks to her hard work and Marcelo's creativity she is a worldwide travelling artist, teacher and a walking inspiration with her iron character and endless ambitions. 

Marcelo Alcaraz

Marcelo’s story is quite inspiring as not only he’s from a small city in Argentina, San Luis, but also his career started uniquely late. He was always mesmerised by dance competitions on TV, and decided that he wants to become World Bachata Champion. However, he was over 20y/o and knew nothing about dance, it got everybody laughing at his dream.

After kicking all his previous life away and dedicating himself to dance, competing against strongest couples in South America and then against selected winners all around the world in 2018 he won the Finals of “World Bachata Masters” in Europe, and became the desired World Bachata Champion. As it wasn’t enough, he won the competition twice!

After getting the titles the doors had opened wide for him worldwide. Now he's already taught in over 300 different schools, his 20 years of experience in teaching lets him find the best approach to every single dancer, fix the appearing issues and highlight the talent. Till this day he is considered the most creative Bachata choreographer. Respected teacher along with being a performer. And his rule for life is “Don’t give up”.

Fabian Vallejos

Fabian was born in Argentina and grow up in Bolivia and from 2002 he lives in Sweden. He is the director and creator of Dance Vida company. He has been dancing professional since 2004 and his first passion was Salsa. Fabian started his carrier winning the Scandinavian Salsa Championship, the Swedish Championship, third place in the European salsa championship and competed also in the World Salsa Championship in Orlando USA he finished 11 of 56 couples. He started dancing Bachata since 2010 and competed in the Bachata World Championship in 2012, and now he is opening his love to other dance styles like Kizomba, Tango and WCS. He is traveling most weekends of the year for the biggest dance events in the world, to teach, perform and be a jury in dance competitions.

Kamelia Javadi

Kamelia Javadi is a dance artist with background from Hiphop, Dancehall and Afrobeats. Gradually she developed a strong passion for Cuban Salsa. In February 2024 Kamelia performed in the concert theatre Hope Road 56 Revisited, produced by Nordic Black Theatre, about the legend Bob Marley at The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet. Kamelia has danced in Tabanka Dance Ensemble where they dance African and Caribbean contemporary dance. With Tabanka, she has performed in, among other things, Limbo (2017) at The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet, I:OBJECT (2018) and Jazz ain`t Nothing but Soul (2021) at Dansens Hus. 

In 2023 Kamelia was on tour with Impure Company/Hooman Sharifi in Norway and Europe with the piece Sacrifice While Lost in Salted Earth. Kamelia has taught at a number of dance schools and teaches Hip Hop, Afrobeats, Cuban Salsa and Dominican Bachata.

Aliochy Aragon

Aliochy is the owner and founder of RHYTHM Dance School - where he is the General Manager and head instructor. He has many years of experience in the industry, both as a dancer and instructor. He has a bachelor's degree in dance and pedagogy from the Norwegian Dance Academy, and is a former soloist in the Cuban cabaret company Wilfredo Figueredo. He was also a soloist in the tabanka crew, which is Scandinavia's largest company focusing on African and Caribbean dance. Today he works for the company Show de Vida, both as Artistic Director and lead dancer. They tour around Norway and Europe and do performances. Aliochy has previously danced on major stages such as Den Norske Opera, Dansens Hus and Riksscenen, as well as participated in TV Programs such as MGP, Stjernekamp, ​​Skal Vi Danse, God Morgen Norge, Allsang etc. He has also worked with some of the best dancers in the world, such as Yoel Carreno and Osiel Gouneo. Aliochy has a unique way of teaching, with lots of energy, dancing joy and endurance training. He creates a fantastic atmosphere where he brings his Cuban culture and charisma with him. He has previously taught at Latin room and dancecity, and started up Cuban salsa at the salsa company.

Miguel Carrazana

Miguel is the owner and main instructor of RHYTHM Dance School. He has many years of experience as both a dancer and an instructor. He has a bachelor's degree in dance and pedagogy from the Norwegian Dance Academy, and is a former soloist in the Cuban cabaret company Wilfredo Figueredo. He was also part of the Tabanka Crew for several years, which is the largest company in Scandinavia that focuses on African and Caribbean dance. Today he works for the company Show de Vida as Performance Manager and main dancer, where he tours around Norway and Europe and holds performances. Miguel has previously danced on big stages such as Den Norske Opera, Dansens Hus and Riksscenen, as well as participated in TV Programs such as MGP, Stjernekamp, ​​Skal Vi Danse, God Morgen Norge, Allsang etc. Miguel uses his fantastic technique and special style in teaching, and is guaranteed to give you a good mood, desire to dance and quality of movement.

Dixie Kletten

Dixie is a dancer, performer and teacher. She danced ballet for 6 years in her childhood, and has always loved trying new dance styles. She has been dancing styles such as jazzballett, tango, hip hop, reggaeton, heels and more. She startd dancing salsa in 2002 in Kristiansand and fell in love with the dance. She was a teacher at Kristiansand Salsaklubb, and later at SalsaSi Dance School in Kristiansand. She then moved to Oslo in 2015, and is now a part of Royal Tumbao Mambo Dancers, Vyara Dance Project and Las Despeinadas. She teaches salsa at Salsakompaniet.

Alex Trapaga

Alex was born in Cuba and has been dancing since childhood. His focus was on traditional Cuban folk dances. Later he moved to Sweden where he started to teach at Stockholm Salsa Dance, the biggest dance school in Sweden. The combination of his roots and what he has learned from other famous teachers has shaped his dance style. In his classes, he focuses on technique but even more on the joy and positive energy you get from dancing. You will for sure be a more happy person after doing his classes.

Vilde Fauchald

Vilde has danced since 2004 and has a background in jazz, ballet and contemporary. In 2010 she started dancing salsa and other latin american dance styles. She has been teachinig at Salsakompaniet for many years and travlled to many internation festivals both teaching and performing with different dance groups. Vilde has also choreographed for small and big show teams and is especially known for her contribution to Las Despeinadas.

At the festival she will be teaching together with Alex. The couple is well now in Norway, for several bachata weekenders.

Iris Reder

Iris Reder is a professional dancer who graduated from The Norwegian College of Dance in 2014, with a bachelor degree in dance and pedagogy. She majored in jazz dance, but also studied other techniques such as ballet and modern dance. Iris has experience from teaching ballet, musical, show jazz, lyrical jazz, latin jazz, street dance, salsa all levels, lady styling and bachata. She started working, teaching and performing with Jazzy Ruiz in March 2014. She had her international debut show at Hamburg Salsa festival 2014. In her profession as a dancer, Iris values musicality, a strong technical base and an artistic expression that reflects her sharpness, elegance and versatility. Today Iris is working at Salsa Kompaniet in Oslo teaching lady styling and show dancing at Show de Vida.

Geovanni Rangel

Geovanni Rangel, originally from Guatemala and is now based in Malmö, Sweden. He is a professional latin dancer with over 10 years of experience teaching, performing and choreographing across the world. For most of his dance life Geovannni has been a salsa-enthusiast and mambo ambassador. He loves the world of On2 dancing and his teaching is focused on bringing this passion to his student. Giovanni will give you a lot of useful tips and hints on how to improve your social skills. You can enjoy his classes at the festival and for sure it will be a blast.

Jennie Hartnor

Jennie Hartnor is born in Sweden. She has been dancing since she was a child and soon found a love for Latin music and dance. She started moving around to get more experience and has been based and trained in Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, and NYC. She is now based in Malmø, where she teaches together with her partner Giovanni. She specializes in salsa On2 and its musical interpretations. Her energy and dedication during the classes, together with years of experience make her students enjoy every minute of her teaching. Do not miss her excellent workshops, if you are a On2 lover.

Mariano Neris II

Mariano Neris and Bella Malekian, known together as Marbella, are world Latin dance champions, choreographers and artistic directors known for their energetic and captivating stage presence. Their Latin dance accolades include winning salsa championships at numerous dance festivals/congresses, qualifiers for world Latin dance cup, and they are 2018 IHSC world cha-cha champions to mention a few. They have had the privilege to choreograph and perform for Latin legends like Gilberto Santa Rosa, Víctor Manuelle, La India, Elvis Crespo, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Oscar D Leon, Ritchie Ray & Bobby Cruz, Andy Montañez, Tito Nieves, Alexander Abreu, Los Van Van, Tito Allen, Havana D’primera and more. Mariano and Bella train dancers worldwide to compete at prestigious dance events all year long. Their coaching and choreographies have garnered over 130 championships accumulated over the years. Their students have won in most Latin dance genres: Salsa, bachata, chachacha and team divisions. Mariano and Bella encourage their dancers to be well rounded and educated in more than one dance style. With that vision intact, they advocate to aspiring dancers under their tutelage to learn an array of dance styles, so they too can be versatile. Mariano and Bella spend a considerable portion of the year on tour; marking their presence at Latin congresses and festivals teaching lessons, showcasing, choreographing routines for groups and couples, and training dancers all over the world, sharing their passion in the Latin dance industry and beyond. While on tour, Mariano and Bella offer a wide variety of workshop styles. Their workshops include: Shines and body movement, salsa partnerwork on2 and on1, Dominican bachata, lead & follow techniques, men/ladies styling, chachacha shines/partnerwork, Latin funk and Pachanga just to mention a few. ABOUT MARIANO & BELLA CONTACT ACCOMPLISHMENTS - Marbella performed for 2017/18/19/20 National Day of

Bella Malekian

Mariano Neris and Bella Malekian, known together as Marbella, are world Latin dance champions, choreographers and artistic directors known for their energetic and captivating stage presence. Their Latin dance accolades include winning salsa championships at numerous dance festivals/congresses, qualifiers for world Latin dance cup, and they are 2018 IHSC world cha-cha champions to mention a few. They have had the privilege to choreograph and perform for Latin legends like Gilberto Santa Rosa, Víctor Manuelle, La India, Elvis Crespo, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Oscar D Leon, Ritchie Ray & Bobby Cruz, Andy Montañez, Tito Nieves, Alexander Abreu, Los Van Van, Tito Allen, Havana D’primera and more. Mariano and Bella train dancers worldwide to compete at prestigious dance events all year long. Their coaching and choreographies have garnered over 130 championships accumulated over the years. Their students have won in most Latin dance genres: Salsa, bachata, chachacha and team divisions. Mariano and Bella encourage their dancers to be well rounded and educated in more than one dance style. With that vision intact, they advocate to aspiring dancers under their tutelage to learn an array of dance styles, so they too can be versatile. Mariano and Bella spend a considerable portion of the year on tour; marking their presence at Latin congresses and festivals teaching lessons, showcasing, choreographing routines for groups and couples, and training dancers all over the world, sharing their passion in the Latin dance industry and beyond. While on tour, Mariano and Bella offer a wide variety of workshop styles. Their workshops include: Shines and body movement, salsa partnerwork on2 and on1, Dominican bachata, lead & follow techniques, men/ladies styling, chachacha shines/partnerwork, Latin funk and Pachanga just to mention a few. ABOUT MARIANO & BELLA CONTACT ACCOMPLISHMENTS - Marbella performed for 2017/18/19/20 National Day of

Nalini Løver

Nalini fell in love with salsa dancing when she was living in Ecuador and has never stopped since she took her first basic steps in 2009. She has experience from different styles within the latin american dances but her heart is with mambo. She works at Salsakompaniet as an Instructor and dancer, she is a member of Royal Tumbao Mambo Dancer and Royal Tumbao Bachata Dancers as well as leading her own ladies group Las Despeinadas.