Instructors
Friday
Elder Sanchez
As a pivotal figure on the Salsa scene in the early 90's, Elder Sanchez established one of the major salsa teaching schools in London. Responsible for teaching literally thousands of students, including many of today's established salsa teachers and performers, he is undoubtedly one of the major catalysts for UK Salsa as it is today. 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 is currently teaching at Firefly Bar, Wessex House & Latin Palace to ensure the level of teaching provided by Salsateca Dance School is the highest.
Alain Felicite
Alain was born in French Guyana. He has taken part in salsa congresses all over the world (Puerto Rico, Cuba, New York, LA, Miami, Toronto, London, Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Oslo, Brussels ) learning and exchanging the various techniques and styles of salsa.
During his career, he has organised numerous major salsa events including the 1st salsa congress at Casa 128 in Paris, salsa on the quays of the River Seine attracting more than 4000 dancers and salsa cruises on the Seine.
Alain has performed with some of the greatest salsa artists and musicians in the world and produced his own extremely successful dvds.
With more than 10 years as in instructor, Alain teaches Cuban (Rueda de Casino), On2/mambo and On1 (cross-body, LA). Now based in the UK, he is one of the most popular and experienced teachers on the London salsa scence today. Alain's teaching style is inspirational and the atmosphere in his classes fun and friendly.
Alex Velez
Alex, from Colombia, is our youngest Instructor and also one of the newest talents in London. He doesn't only has the ability to teach people to dance but also to make them dance as he is also one of the hottest new Djs in the Salsa scene.
Back in Colombia, he was brought up with the sounds of all Latin rythms including Salsa, Merengue, Cha Cha Cha & others but it wasn't until he came to london in 2004 that he started to learn to dance technically under the supervision of two of the grestest teachers in London, JulianThe Duke & Elder Sanchez.
Alex likes to make his classes enjoyable and he's always keen on making it challenging. He has a beautifull aproach with everyone that join his classes and apart from considering a class a class he considers it an opportunity to share with friends.
Alex is currently teaching on Mondays at Firefly Bar (Intermediate class) on Tuesdays at The Rise (High Improvers) & on Wednesdays at The Cuban (Beginners). He djs at Firefly Bar, Latin Palace & Corks Bar.
Saturday
Robert Charlemagne
Robert Charlemagne Started teaching in 1992, combining his knowledge from a professional contemporary, jazz background with a mix of New York, Cuban and L.A. style to create a funky fresh new look to Salsa. Starting out with a class of five pupils at the University College of London as a paid teacher working one day a week, classes soon grew and word spread’ In 1993, Robert entered the UK Salsa competition and came second two years in a row.
He then went on to enter the European Salsa Competition in Copenhagen, representing the UK. This is where he realized there is more to Salsa dancing then just moves, and that the way moves were executed was far more impartant. Returning to London a complete Salsa addict, armed with new moves picked up from experienced dancers and dance teachers from all over the world, Robert became a unique Salsa teacher. Robert has traveled to Greece, Hong Kong, Oslo, France, Gambia, Washington, Bangkok, Holland, Italy and Sweden, (to name a few), teaching workshops around the world.
Nicolas
One of the most experienced teachers in London, He thanks Elder Sanchez & Robert Charlemagne for their personal influence.
Nicolas has been with Salsateca for many years now following his previous salsa projects and teaching at most of the major salsa venues in London.
Nicolas is a popular and inspiring teacher with an astounding depth of knowledge. His students and their progress are direct result of his genuine interest and encouragement. Classes with Nicolas involve learning with a lot of laughter! He is a "master of technique" and teaches instruction with amazing clarity!
Newton 'Bomb' To say Newton is 'popular' with his students, would be a huge understatement. Newton is an 'old pro' at the salsa game who oozes charm, charisma and generosity in his teaching and can always be found with a crowd of admirers around the bar at the end of a class, entertaining with his boundless optimism, wit and flexed muscles (Yes, Newton is also a qualified Fitness Coach and Sports Massuer!) Newton has performed and competed several times (UKA Finals 2001, Bacardi Finals 2002 and Pontin's Championships 2002). He has worked as a resident teacher with Mambo City, I Love Salsa, Salsa On Sundays (SOS) and Salsateca as well as many years with London-Salsa and numerous other salsa schools. As well as his Salsa teaching, Newton has a successful career as a singer and will be found cruising the Caribbean entertaining the passengers when he's not teaching at Two Brewers. His superb biog is testimony to his quality and teaching excellence. Newton's motto is "Dance is simply 90% confidence. Confidence will grow with the correct guidance and encouragement."Newton 'Bomb'
To say Newton is 'popular' with his students, would be a huge understatement. Newton is an 'old pro' at the salsa game who oozes charm, charisma and generosity in his teaching and can always be found with a crowd of admirers around the bar at the end of a class, entertaining with his boundless optimism, wit and flexed muscles (Yes, Newton is also a qualified Fitness Coach and Sports Massuer!)
Newton has performed and competed several times (UKA Finals 2001, Bacardi Finals 2002 and Pontin's Championships 2002). He has worked as a resident teacher with Mambo City, I Love Salsa, Salsa On Sundays (SOS) and Salsateca as well as many years with London-Salsa and numerous other salsa schools.
As well as his Salsa teaching, Newton has a successful career as a singer and will be found cruising the Caribbean entertaining the passengers when he's not teaching at Two Brewers.
His superb biog is testimony to his quality and teaching excellence. Newton's motto is "Dance is simply 90% confidence. Confidence will grow with the correct guidance and encouragement."
