SalsaCD is run by Christina Dianellou who is a Professional Salsa Instructor with over 13 years experience. Christina found Salsa at University and was invited to teach for 'Louis the Salsa King Lettman'. After university Christina decided to set up her own Salsa Company - SalsaCD. Christina started salsa at Bickley School Dancing 7 years ago, and it was here she was introduced to David Roberts, who at that time was the President of the UKA. Christina qualified as a UKA teacher, and then began training salsa students to take UKA medal examinations. Christina also trains dancers who wish to obtain a professional UKA professional qualification as teachers. It is thought that Bickley School of Dancing was one of the first schools to offer the UKA medal system for Salsa. Over the years SalsaCD has expanded and continues to do so. Christina has choreographed yearly shows for the Glades in Bromley to raise money for Great Ormond Street.

Raphael also known as Rupert joined SalsaCD 5 years ago, and was trained by Christina, he achieved the highest level with the UKA Gold Medal and is a UKA Professional Instructor. Since joining SalsaCD Raphael has brought a new flare to SalsaCD, in bringing a multitude of guests, including Orville Small, Super Mario, Susana Montero, Leon Rose, Osbanis & Iris, Janet Fuentes Torres, Inaki Fernandez, and Moe Flex. 

Raphael has given Salsa dancers in the Kent areas opportunities they otherwise may not have had.  Raphael aims to continue bringing in special guests, and brought to Bickley 3 times world open champion Janet Fuentes Torres to teach for us for 6 weeks, this is followed with Iris and Osbanis continuing to guest teach at Bickley. Raphael has been opening new venues around the area, and is preparing for SalsaCD's latest events including bringing back our very special guests Orville Small and  Los Hermanos.

Sarah started Salsa 6 years ago as a student, and has progressed through the UKA medal system to achieve her Gold Star medal with Distinction as well as qualifying as a UKA teacher. Sarah has progressed through all the levels of teaching from beginners right through to advanced levels, and also assists in the training for UKA Medals. Since starting Salsa Sarah's passion for dance has also extended to the Latin and Ballroom as well.

Joanna has always been extremely passionate about all forms of dance, starting  her first lesson at the age of 3! She gained honours at every grade of both the Royal ACADEMY OF DANCE (RAD) and International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) in balled, tap, jazz and modern dance. She went on to wualify as a ballet teacher and is equally proud of her students success.

Joanna was accepted at London Urdang College of Dance and Drama and went on to choreograph many west end acts. She has also starred in many music videos and was a support dancer for various groups on Top of the Pops as well as dancing with Hot Gossip.

Alongside her dancing, Jo was a successful model with Samantha Bond Agency in London, Whilst Jo loves al forms of dancing, since discovering salsa 9 years ago, it has become her passion. Joanna  is a UKA Gold Star Medallist and gained the highest level - Distinction, as well qualifying as a UKA teacher. Since qualifying as a salsa teacher she has danced at various functions, corporate events and she remains a SALSA ADDICT.

Christian is an original and creative dancer who has been part of the salsa scene for the last seven years.  His roots are in the urban music world where he has worked and toured with the greatest and the best.  Salseros will be familiar with his salsa music label ‘The Latin Quarter’, Christian’s ongoing collaboration with top salsa teachers, DJs, and artists.  His label also released the top salsa anthem ‘Llego Candela’ by Luis Haseth.

Christian’s deep understanding of salsa music makes him an innovative and exciting dancer.  His aim is to teach people to feel the music - counting the beat is only the beginning.

Christian is a UKA Teacher & UKA Gold Star Medallist and is a successful competitive dancer with his partner Sarah B, runner up in the South East Salsa Competition 2005 (amateur category) and in 2006 was third in the ‘King and Queen of Salsa’ competition.

Details coming soon.

Richard joined SalsaCD in January 2007 and was trained by Christian Jean-Francois. Considering that Richard has no background in dance, he has achieved the highest level with the UKA Bronze, Silver and Gold medal and is now part of the SalsaCD dance group. His style has continued to grow, and has now agreed to become an Assistant Teacher with SalsaCD. His aims are to look forward to taking his UKA professional qualification on his first steps of becoming a fully qualified Teacher.

Richard has told SalsaCD that he has always had a love of music and rhythm, and joined SalsaCD to meet new people, keep fit and learn new skills. Richard's favourite styles of Salsa include Cuban, Rueda, Latin American and Bachata.
 

SalsaJester has developed a reputation for quality teaching and creating fantastic Salsa nights. Well respected in the Salsa world, SalsaJester has been able to build strong relationships with other promoters to develop and grow the Salsa Scene in Kent and the South East. SalsaJester continues to work independently and in partnership to bring more people into the world of Salsa and provide fantastic nights of dancing.

Taking my first Salsa lesson in 1998, I (Mike a.k.a. SalsaJester) was fortunate enough to find myself being taught by the inspiring Irene Miguel (who shortly after became European Salsa Champion). Irene brought a great technical expertise, understanding and passion to her teaching as well as generously giving up her free-time to train a group of us as the “Ahori-Si Amateur Dance Group” thus giving a remarkable insight into the performance aspects of Salsa.

Past Guest Teachers

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