Malaysian Salsa Festival 2007 - The Instructors

Malaysian Salsa Festivall 2007 is approaching fast .... and I am counting the days (too excited!). Anyway .. just a little teaser .. here's some information on the local and international instructors you are about to meet in MSF 2007 .....

Magna Gopal (New York / New Jersey)

Magna Gopal is one of the top international performers and instructors in the salsa scene. Originally from Toronto, Canada she is now based in New York/New Jersey, USA and is internationally known for her grace, fluidity and precision on the dance floor.

Her creative interpretation of the music, ability to effortlessly follow any lead and spin with speed and accuracy has made her extremely popular in places such as Madrid, Italy, Bermuda, Holland, Germany, France, UK, Poland, Peru, Colombia, China, Korea, Japan, India, Israel, Canada, across the US and many others. Her smooth style is a pleasure to watch and experience; her limitless energy ensures her presence on the dance floor all night.


Nestor Manuelian & Lidia McMahon

Two of Australia’s best dancers have come together to create a new flavour not yet seen, collectively they have represented Australia on the world stage for the past 4 years. They’ve taught workshops and performed at major salsa congresses and events in Australia, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Uk, Milan, Rome, Puerto Rico, Auckland and Hong Kong. Known for their thrilling and energetic performances, they draw audiences in and leave them eager for more. They have competed nationally and internationally winning 4 National Titles in the past 4 years. Their team Modus Vivendi are current Australian Salsa Champions, and have represented Australia at the ‘ESPN World Salsa Championships’ 2 years in row and have been finalist twice. In 2007, Nestor and Lidia have already won the Asian Salsa Open In Hong Kong and have been booked in to teach at several Major congress around the world!


Susana Montero

Susana Montero is, by far one of the most sought-after female Salsa instructors in Europe. She has been teaching and performing in London for the past decade and is now one of the premier Salsa instructors in all of Europe. A popular instructor/performer at many Congresses, Susana has a very dedicated following of both men and women. Women love her styling techniques, and the men love the way she teaches partnering. She is able to convey to the men what a woman wants in the lead and how to execute it properly and comfortably for the woman. For the women, she teaches when and how to style, without ever interrupting his lead.

Not many people know that Susana is educated above and beyond that of the average Salsera. She has her PhD. in Psychology from Complutense Madrid University in Spain. Susana doesn't flaunt her experience, talent, nor education. She is the most down-to-earth woman on the face of this planet. She is just as beautiful inside as she is outside.



Leon Rose is one of the freshest innovators in the international Salsa scene. His inspirational style generates enthusiasm and commitment to the art of Salsa dancing as demonstrated when he won the 2000 UK Bacardi Salsa, 2001 Salsa Club championship and 2003 Aji con mango competitions. He was born and educated in London and comes from a Caribbean background where he learnt to appreciate a wide variety of good music from an early age. During these years, Leon attended The Anna Scher Theatre School, which led to many appearances on stage, popular children's shows, including 'Grange Hill' to several televised dramas, one alongside Dame Judy Dench. He has performed on television and stage, from appearances with Enrique Iglesias on Top of the Pops (BBC), The Des O'Connor Show to The Royal Albert Hall in aid of Princess Diana Landmine Fund, Hackney Empire and various prestigious venues around the UK and the rest of the world.


Francisco Vazquez

Originally from Guadalajara Mexico, Francisco moved to the Los Angeles in 1988. Francisco's introduction to Salsa occurred when he accompanied his girlfriend to a nightclub. Motivated what he saw, he immediately set about teaching himself the basics by watching the best L.A. salseros of the day: Albert Torres, Laura Canelias and Joe Casini. Soon the steps came and he discovered that he had a natural ability for dance, a gift for rhythm and a deep understanding of the music. This, paired with the inspiration and influence of the Nicholas Brothers, Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, led Francisco to create his own innovative style. Years later, it was clear that Francisco had found his niche in Salsa. He had been chosen to dance on stage before thousands alongside Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Charo and many other revered Latin artists.


Santo Rico Dance Company

Back for the SECOND TIME, bigger and better! This year SIX PERFORMERS from the Santo Rico Dance Company are coming with us to Damai! Joining us this year are Tomas Guerrero, Carmen Taveras, Benjamin Recio, Elizabeth Chavieri, Julio E. Heredia, & Diana Nunez! If you missed them last year, make it a PRIORITY to catch them this year at the MSF 2007!!

Santo Rico Dance Company, currently under the direction of Thomas Guerrero, has become one of New York's premier dance companies with their dazzling choreographies and unique style dancing, and has performed and taught at major events such as the legendary off-Broadway Comedy Dancical "Latin Madness," in Madison Square Garden, and at several Salsa Congresses throughout the country and the world. Santo Rico has traveled to 3 continents and over 11 countries, which include Canada, England, Norway, Switzerland, Italy/Rome, Sweden, Amsterdam, Belgium, Spain, Japan, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and of course MALAYSIA!!!


Kaytee Namgyal (India)

Kaytee is the Founder and President of Salsa India.

In the earlier years he has trained as a Jazz and Hip Hop dancer. He got exposed to Salsa during a stay in Japan where he met a leading Salsa teacher from Los Angeles. After his return to India, he set up a small dancing school which has now grown into Salsa India Dance Company (SIDC), the biggest Salsa-only school in India.

Kaytee has studied with some of the best teachers of the world and is now a certified teacher by Salsa Brava, arguably the best dancing school in the world, and by Edie-The Salsa Freak and Al Liquid Silver Espinoza. He has had the opportunity to learn the Cuban, New York and L.A. styles of Salsa and see different other styles of Salsa and likes to merge all of it in his way of Dancing. "Different Music, Different Styles", says Kaytee.

Mika Takenaga started social dance at the age of eight. In 1994, she won the “Japan Amateur Latin Championship” as the youngest finalist ever in the history of the competition. She went on to win that competition three years in a row before turning professional. Ever since then, her career has taken off as an artist with numerous dance performances, TV appearances and choreography assignments. In May 2005, Mika Takenaga released her very own multimedia Salsa DVD learning kit titled “Perfect Salsa”. The set of 6 DVDs is sold exclusively by avex entertainment. Lessons based on the Perfect Salsa DVD series are being taught at Mika Takenaga’s studio - Dance Studio Casino - located in the renowned Roppongi district in Tokyo. Mika Takenaga has also established herself outside of Japan as an esteemed salsa dancer through frequent overseas dance performances and workshops. In July 2006, Mika Takenaga released the CD “We love Salsa”, a compilation of individually selected Salsa songs, once again through Avex entertainment.

Alberto Romay (Cuba)

Born in Havana City, Cuba, 1965.
-1985: He starts his career as a Professional Dancer and Choreographer performing in various countries. (Cuba, Europe, Africa, Asia).
-1992: First visit to Japan as member of the Musical Preview "Noche Tropical"
-1993: Member of the musical band "Paulo FG y su Elite" as a choreographer and dancer.
-1994: Incorpórate into "Conjunto Folklórico Nacional de Cuba". : Dance participation in Murakami Ryu' film "KYOKO"

Alberto Romay came to Japan in 1995 and after 10 years, he is now the number one Salsa Dance Instructor in Japan known for his grace, artistic ability, high quality work and professionalism. He has shared stage with famous artists and bands such as: The Orchestra de la Luz, DLG, Issac Delgado, Charanga Habanera, Josie Neglia, Narciso Medina, Smap, Aya Sugimoto, Marusia, Tokyo Cuban Boy, Jaila Mompier, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Tangin Fong Matos, Janette Valenzuela, and many others.

Fi & Anasri (Singapore)

Fi & Anasri are no strangers to the Singapore Salsa scene. Indeed, they have been the first points of introduction for many strangers to Salsa for over 6 years. Their fun-frenzied and easy-to-grasp teaching style have made them popular favourites as dance instructors The duo have taken many of Singapore's prominent salsa dancers today from their basic steps to advanced and beyond. They have performed and taught in Salsa Congresses, Festivals and events worldwide. Their frequent appearances in the media promoting this previously fringe activity has contributed greatly to the scene in Singapore as it is today.

Having crossed the causeway many a time, to provide dance workshops and performances, they welcome this opportunity to be part of yet another Malayasian event. You may find information about their courses and the dance-related events they organise at http://www.groove.com.sg

Gupson Pierre (Singapore)

Gupson Pierre is the proud owner, renowned dancer, performer, creative director and principal instructor of Attitude Dance Studio. Hailing from Montreal, Canada, Gupson has more than 10 years of formal training in Ballet and Jazz, and has performed extensively in Canada, USA, Asia and South America he also has more than 10 years of experience as a dancer, performer and choreographer with Howard Gillick Productions and several months as a dancer in Alvin Ailey Dance company. Gupsons qualifications are just as impressive to match his years of experience in all aspects of dance. His extensive dance qualification include:

Bachelor in Latin Dance History Bachelor of Dance and Physical Education Bachelor of Dance Technique

Gupson has been teaching in Singapore for over 4 years in Singapore and is known for his utmost professionalism in conducting classes. He provides a conducive environment with his patience and encouragement, adding his signature and style and attitude to the whole experience of learning salsa at Attitude Dance Studio.

Suman (Singapore)

Suman is a talented instructor, choreographer and performer. He started dancing fours years ago and gained popularity in a very short time.

8 months after he first set foot in a Salsa class, Suman managed to sweep the Championship title for the 'Singapore Salsa Competition 2002'.

In 2003, he extended his winning streak to clinch the much coveted Champion's trophy in the 'Malaysia Open Salsa Competition'. He has gained exposure by representing Singapore in performing at the prestigious Annual West Coast Los Angeles Salsa Congress 2003, after undergoing only 3 months of performance training!

In 2004, Suman set up his own Salsa school with the objective of taking the Singapore Salsa scene to greater heights. In a short span of 8 months of instructing, he has trained students who have gone on to top the 'Singapore Amateur Salsa Competition 2004'.

Gavin Chan (Malaysia)

A native Malaysian, Gavin Chan has been dancing and teaching dance for over 8 and 6 years respectively. Although formerly Jazz trained, his main area of expertise lies in New York style Salsa, Hip-hop, House and Poppin & Lockin.

Gavin’s dance career has taken him to numerous parts of the world to either instruct, perform or to train with some of the world’s best dancers and faculties. Some of these places include New York (Santo Rico Studios, Abakua Dance Company, Fogarate Dance Project, Broadway Dance Centre), Los Angeles (The Edge Performing Arts, Salsa Brava), Miami (Salsa Lovers), London (Pineapple Dance Studios), Sydney (Sydney Dance Company), Germany, Zurich and Japan.

As a choreographer, he is well known for his witty and innovative routines. He choreographed and performed Sydney’s first comedy routine, themed ‘X-Men’. This routine was performed at Sydney Latin Fiesta and won 2 awards, including the People’s Choice Award.

He was also the first to choreograph and perform Sydney’s first Salsa/Hip-Hop fusion routine. This routine was featured at events held for visiting international dancers. Gavin has recently returned from New York where he performed with Fogarate Dance Project and trained with some of the world’s best urban dancers.

Pat Calzadilla (Malaysia)

Pat Calzadilla is a true Latin American professional instructor, dancer and choreographer with more than 12 years of teaching experience in Malaysia alone. Fired with the passion of Salsa from a very young age, Venezuelan-born Pat came to Malaysia and co-founded the country’s first Salsa school back in 1998.

Since then she has moved on, opening her own Ritmo Latino Dance School in the heart of Kuala Lumpur in 2000. To date, Pat has taught more than 2000 students, some of whom have become instructors themselves! She has also taken part in various international events in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore.

Apart from running a full-time schedule at Ritmo Latino, Pat actively spends time keeping the Salsa spirit alive through weekly parties at various clubs in Kuala Lumpur since 2000.

Fasilito (Malaysia)

The first and most well-known Malaysian Salsa Choreographer and Instructor, having taught and performed Salsa for more than 10 years, both locally and internationally. Represented the country in various parts of the world in Dance Folklores Festivals from 1988-1992.

Famous for his unique dance style and wonderful show moves, Fasilito is the choreographer of “Bailanismo Dance Group” which represented Malaysia in the 1st Hong Kong Salsa Congress and in the 1st Thailand Salsa Festival. He was also responsible for choreographing the visiting famous Cuban band, Cubanismo. Fasilito has also been interviewed and performed for local & satellite television programs.

Co-founder of the first Salsa school back in 1998, Fasilito opened his own dance school - Dance Spirit Co. - two years ago. The school made a tremendous impact when his students won the most titles in Salsa competitions in 2005.