ew how to put on a show. Winning dance competitions, trophies, and awards she never forgets listening and dancing with her father to some of the greatest music of all times. Dancing became Melissa's escape from life's struggles. She found comfort and a life long dream in which she later began to accomplish.

In 2001, Melissa joined Fred Astaire Ballroom Dance Studios in Norwalk, CT where she quickly was competing and performing in Latin and Smooth dances. She participated in various competitions and showcases, winning numerous awards and prizes. There she was given the opportunity to become a certified dance instructor, an opportunity she will never forget. In 2003, Melissa quickly realized New York City would be her next challenge. Later on that year, she decided to move and make NYC her home. After moving to NYC, Melissa did not want to stop dancing; from there she continued to learn from some of the most respected salsa/mambo dancers in NYC. Within all these years, Melissa has had the opportunity to train, dance, and share the stage with some of the most talented dancers as well as respected music artists all over the world.

Melissa continues to teach and perform at both national and international events. She has been known to perform at the formally world known Copacabana in NYC, also with Enixe Dance Company from Brooklyn, NY, 2006 ESPN World Salsa Champion Darlin Garcia (Art in Motion) from Philadelphia and Noel Rodriguez (Calle Luna & Jayson Molina, PR) from Philadelphia. Melissa also freelances with MTV Tres as a Dance Director/Choreographer. She has been part of MTV Tres "Tu Pride", ESL (English as a Second Language), Wisin Y Yandel "Artist Speaking Tres", and MTV's Dances from the Hood. In 2008, Melissa along with Nickelodeon/MTV Networks was presented with a Gracie Allen Award at the 34^th Annual Gracie Awards Gala in NYC for Outstanding Commercial-Campaign for "Tu Pride". She has always had a passion for teaching kids as well as adults in all aspects of Salsa/Mambo. She is a well-known and admired instructor/dancer specializing in Ladies Styling & Body Movement. Her classes are full of energy and passion; it is a class not to miss. Her accomplishments have been a dream come true and now she takes pride in keeping them alive.

International performer and instructor, Noel Rodriguez, has quickly become one of Philadelphia's hottest young rising stars in the Salsa community. Former member of renowned dance company Art In Motion Latin Dancers, Noel traveled across the country performing in Salsa Congresses showcasing his unique ability and talent. Noel has also been a featured entertainer with La Luna Entertainment Group performing at Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar at the Tropicana Resort & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ.

Noel is well versed in several forms of Latin dance including New York style Mambo, LA style Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, and Cha Cha making him a versatile dance instructor. His smooth style, fast footwork and outrageous turn patterns attract many students to his classes. Known for his approachable demeanor and never-ending smile, Noel can always be found dancing with students from beginner to advanced until the last song of the night. Noel found his passion for salsa at La Luna Dance Studio several years ago as a student and now has returned as an instructor bringing with him a wealth of experience and knowledge. Noel teaches group and private lessons for all levels.

In addition to being the director of CALLE LUNA, as well as La Luna's Semi-Pro Salsa Team, CALLE SOL, He also travels and performs with world-renowned Jayson Molina.

Ismael Otero is one of the best salsa/mambo dancers in the world, and his group, the Caribbean Soul Dancers, is one of the most exciting and creative dance companies to watch. The company has taught and performed for countless people all over the world. Their performances always leave the audience with the feeling of, "How the hell did they do that"? Ismael has a way of creating dance magic in every performance.

Today Caribbean Soul still do what they do best and thats bring out the best out of their students and create new out of the ordinary shows.

Shani is an energetic and explosive dancer! She is world-renowned for her unique, sensuous styling and body movement on and off the dance floor. Shani has powerful stage presence and a passionate love for teaching.

She began establishing her name in the Latin world in Israel in 2000, as part of the Israeli Salsa Academy "Latino Del Mundo" directed by Lior Petel and Ronen "Paco" Biran. Shani has been teaching and performing at Latin cultural events and TV shows in Israel. She specializes in Cuban style, L.A style, ladies styling and Samba.

At the age of 20, Shani moved to Spain in order to further enhance her dance career and become part of the world-renowned salsa dance company known as "Imperio Azteca" directed by Johnny Vazquez and Ramon Morales.After only one year in the company, Shani became Johnny's permanent dance partner and the group's principal female dancer. She continues to be one of the most memorable former dancers in the company. In 2004, the group and its members were voted "Best Group of the Year: 2004" by the Europe salsa community.

In 2005, the group shifted its functions and activities to Italy and became part of "Academia Latina" located in Caravaggio, Bergamo. Shani taught various dance styles, including ladies styling, Cha Cha Cha, Samba, L.A style and Mambo in the academy. She performed most successfully with Johnny in numerous international salsa congresses, festivals and Latin associations throughout Europe.

After three years in the company, Shani moved to NYC to be part of Caribbean Soul Dance Co. directed by Ismael Otero.

Ismael and Shani have manifested an unique immersion of their individual styles, which also include all aforementioned dance styles (i.e., Cuban salsa, NY mambo, LA style, Hip-Hop and Jazz). Ismael and Shani have been traveling worldwide for approximately three years, performing and teaching, and making their mark wherever they go.

In addition to that, Shani founded and is the director of an All females ladies styling performance team calls "Shani's Girls" which is performing most successfully in the past year and a half in many Latin events over the USA such as Washington DC, Boston, Connecticut, NY, Philadelphia, Puerto Rico, Miami and more.

In addition, Shani has been requested by choreographer, dancer and director, Sekou Mcmiller in September 2008, to join his Latin Jazz project "Proyecto Descarga" and perform most successfully at the NYC Salsa Congress 2008, Chicago salsa congress 2009 and the Puerto Rico Salsa Congress 2009. As well, Shani performed with the project with their Latin Jazz piece at "Sirens After Dark NYC" on February, 2009, directed by Choreographer and a dancer Ms. Rhapsody James.

In May 2009, Shani danced as a backup dancer at Ismael Miranda, A Salsa legend, 40 years anniversary concert in the United Palace in the Bronx, NYC and had the opportunity and honor to take part in such an important and historical event.

Mario has had an interesting start to what is now a MAMBO lifestyle! Mario was very athletic growing up through his grammar and high school years. He always wanted to learn how to dance MAMBO but was very hesitant due to his large athletic body. However, in 1999 a really good friend and High School teammate, Danny Useche (formally with Caribbean Soul) introduced Mario to Ismael Otero, "The Million Move Man." Mario was so inspired by what he had seen, and after having a conversation with Ismael, Mario was convinced that Mambo was for him and immediately signed up for two classes with Ismael Otero.

Because of the schedule conflicts with Ismael's class, Mario had to find another class that was just as good as Ismael's. Mario was then introduced to one of the smoothest and most HUMBLE instructors in the Mambo scene, Greg Taylor. After a few days with Greg Taylor, Mario was in Mambo Heaven. Mario took classes with Greg for approximately 6 months and was eternally grateful to Greg for his time, patience and expertise, however, it was time to go forward and take on more of a challenge! Therefore, once again, he tried Ismael Otero's class. After taking a few classes with Ismael Otero himself, Ismael was so impressed with Mario, that he was asked to join the student group, "Caribbean Soul 2". Now THANKS to Ismael, Mario was introduced to the performing aspect of the Mambo scene! After performing with "Caribbean Soul 2" for approximately a year and a half, Ismael felt that Mario was more than ready to move up to his professional group "Caribbean Soul".

At the same time Mario was asked to join Abbey Plotkins, "The Mambo Mamas & The Papa". Mario was now the Mambo Papa! By joining "The Mambo Mamas & The Papa", Mario was given the opportunity to perform for what would become an instant hit, "Latin Madness" under the direction of Nelson Flores of Descarga Latina and Carlos Mendoza of "The Side Street Kids". Nelson felt that Mario would fit right in with this all-star cast of the Best Mambo Dancers on the East Coast! "Latin Madness" is an off-Broadway Mambo/Musical depicting the history of Mambo from past to present. With the opportunity of performing in "Latin Madness" gave Mario the ability to dance, work and share the stage with top professional groups like Descarga Latina, The Santo Rico Dance Company, Addie-Tude Dance Company, Abakua, Jai & Candi, The Mambo Mamas & The Papa and the Latin Jazz Ensemble. With stage experience and help from an acting coach, enabled Mario to appear in the movies "Empire" and "Kal-ho-naho". Mario also acted for the NY International Independent Film & Video Festival at Madison Square Garden.

In a short amount of time, Mario has come a long way to become a Professional Dancer, Choreographer, Instructor, and Actor. What's most amazing is that he achieved all of these goals with NO background in dance! It's true what they say, "Hard work does pay off!" Who would have thought that Mario would transition from a full time athlete to becoming a future Mambo Legend? The one regret Mario has had is not learning to dance at a younger age. That is why he is teaching and training his beautiful daughter, Diamond, to become a future Salsera!

Mario is very well respected and one of the most loved and adored dancers in the Mambo scene today!

Ozlem SEVIMKAN is one of the glimmer international performers and instructors in Turkey salsa scene. Originally from Istanbul, TURKEY, she is mostly known for her fluidity and precision on the dance floor.

Ozlem has been dancing, traveling, performing, and teaching since 2006.  She began by taking a few lessons from various dance schools in Istanbul and after her first few lessons her dance partner Imu asked her to assist him with his beginner classes. She continued progressing by going out regularly to the salsa clubs and festivals to improve her following and technique. She also has taken strret jazz and balet.

She has performed with great dancers such as Shaka Brown (DC) which is a milestone in her career.  She is giving workshops, choreographing, teaching, dancing and performing in her school which is named as Imu Dance Company in Istanbul and dancing almost all styles in salsa.

She has taught many people her intricate footwork patterns, body movement, technique for proper spins and express themselves on the dance floor. Her creativity in styling is enhanced by her sense of musicality. Her creative and smooth style is a pleasure to watch and experience; her limitless energy ensures her presence on the dance floor all night.

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www.TallahasseeMamboProject.com

Liquid Rhythm Inc (LRI)

When you think of dancing Salsa, the first thing that may come to mind is HOT and SEXY! You may not think of liquids unless you need some water to cool you off! That’s why LRI is here to change and challenge your current mindset of Salsa while keeping it CALIENTE y SEXY!

LRI originally began as a performance base dance company out of New Orleans with 6 core members consisting of local dancers with various dance backgrounds such as Hip-Hop, House, Modern, Jazz, Contemporary, Folkloric, and Ballet to name a few. LRI wanted to set itself apart from other Salsa dance companies by infusing movements each member already knew from previous dance forms into the technical frameworks of the many styles of Salsa they were currently studying. Most importantly, have FUN while doing so!

LRI doesn’t believe that any one style of Salsa or dance is better than the next. They all possess unique qualities that give them such flare and appeal. LRI’s founder, Derik Dollis, dance roots began in Hip-Hop and club styles. He saw that the same rhythmic movements and timing he used to do in “hip-hop” could be expressed in Salsa. So LRI was formed to explore and develop this alternative styling to traditional Salsa movements.
 
Since LRI’s beginnings they’ve managed to Dance, Teach, and Perform their brand of Salsa in New Orleans, Detroit, Miami, Dallas, Houston, Memphis, Chicago and other famed cities in the U.S.