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KAYLA FIORE
At an early age Kayla was inspired to discipline her body for performance through her training in Tae Kwon Do where she attained a black belt. While in school Kayla studied ballet and other forms of dance. She then went on to be professionally trained in Ballroom, Latin, Salsa, Swing & Argentine Tango by Professional Dancer Christian Perry.
Her training and passion took her to the World Promotions Texas Star Ball Dance Competition where, together with students that she trained, achieved success. Currently Kayla attends Azusa Pacific University and hopes to use the knowledge she gains as a communications major to further her career and effectiveness as an instructor.
**Available for Private Lessons, Pro-Am Competitions, Showcase Performances & Shows. Performance videos - Salsa
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ARTHUR LEVINE
Arthur did not grow up dancing, but found a new and exciting community within Southern California's Salsa dance scene. Arthur connects with the transformative power of dance to change peoples’ lives. Arthur has trained with fantastic artists from all over the globe in dance styles from Salsa, Mambo, Pachanga, Bachata, Ballroom dance, Hip-hop, Jazz, and many other dances. He started as an instructor at Afeenix Dance Center and a regular instructor for On2ourage Dance company and OC Salsa. Has worked for numerous other studios and dance companies in the greater LA and OC area. He brings a fun and an intellectual approach to teaching dance. He teaches all levels from absolute beginner to advanced dancers and improvers. He has performed across the country with LA-based dance companies including Afeenix Dance Company, Xpensabulz dance troupe, and On2ourage Dance Company as well as in his own shows for which he has choreographed and directed. He has performed for crowds in Tijuana, Reno, Arizona, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and events at the LA County Fair, Downtown Disney House of Blues, Universal Studios, Santa Ana Pride parade, and on Carnival Cruise Lines with Aventura Dance Cruise. Arthur is here to share the love and joy of dance with you. Hopefully you can find something in dance that moves you and makes you grow! Arthur is bilingual in Spanish and English.
Also Available for Private Lessons, Pro-Am Competitions, Showcase Performances & Shows.
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JO QUINONES
Jo has traveled worldwide spreading her wisdom, technique, and love for Latin dance through instruction, choreography, and performance. As a child she trained extensively in ballet, Puerto Rican folk dance and jazz. Growing into a young adult, her focus shifted to the wide variety of competitive, social ballroom and Latin dance styles. She became a member of the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts to further her dramatic arts training. She was then certified by Arthur Murray Dance Studios and ultimately became a competitor and franchise studio manager before moving on to become an independent instructor holding group and private lessons throughout the Inland Empire, Los Angeles and Hollywood areas. Jo’s blend of charisma, sensuality and style through her instruction and performance entertains and inspires; making her a performer and instructor that thrills and educates the audience; leaving them wanting more.
**Available for Private Lessons, Groups, Showcase Performances & Shows.
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HECTOR LLAMAS
Hector started dancing on a Latin & Ballroom dance team when he was in high school he grew to love dance. He also started competing in the Amateur Latin division for several years and also in Pro/am competitions around U.S.
When he became an instructor at The Granada LA and continued competition in Salsa and in 2003 was the Professional Sportsman's lodge salsa champion & finalist in many other competitions around the L.A Salsa & Bachata scene.
He has travelled performing & teaching in shows, congresses and competitions throughout his professional career. He travelled the world performing on major cruise ships in Latin & Ballroom shows & productions.
**Also Available for Private Lessons, Pro-Am Competitions, Showcase Performances & Shows. Performance Videos - Samba, Cha Cha, Paso Doble, Rumba, Salsa Pro Team
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JADE OPAL
Jade Opal began her dance training with styles such as jazz, ballet, contemporary, and hip hop. The competitive dance environment she experienced through organizations like SHARP, Showstoppers, and USA Dance would prepare her for the competitive college salsa division hosted by the College Salsa Congress and Collegiate Salsa Open. Opal trained in both On 2 and On 1 styles of salsa with El Co Salseros at El Camino college and would continue on to become the assistant coach of El Co under the direction of Zweli Barton. During her attendance at El Camino, she had the pleasure of learning multiple jazz vernacular styles such as Lindy hop, jive, swing, and many more from tap legend, Chester Whitmore, with his company, Central Avenue Dance Ensemble. After earning her Associate of Arts in Dance, she attended CSU Long Beach as a dance major to further train in modern and ballet, as well as to develop her choreographic methods, teaching skills, and artistry. She is grateful to have trained with teams such as Alma Latina LA, REM, and WE Dance Academy with whom she received additional training in salsa, bachata, and cha cha cha. Received 1st place title for Inland Empire's Top Bachata Social Dancer and Finalist in other competitions in Bachata & Salsa Scene. Jade looks forward to finishing her degree with the intention of refining her teaching ability so as to more effectively inspire and educate her students.
**Available for Private Lessons, Showcase Performances & Shows.
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ZWELI BARTON
Zweli is a World Champion Bachata Dancer, 2015 Bachata Pro team Champion, 2017 LA's Top Social Salsa Dancer Professional Champion, World Bachata Champion.
Director of Urban Sabor and Coach of El Co Salseros of El Camino College. Zweli is a performer and choreographer in Bachata, Salsa and more.
Is happy to join The Granada LA Latin Social Dance family.**Available for Private Lessons, Showcase Performances & Shows.
Performance Videos: Bachata Performance
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BRENDAN JASON
Trained in street dancing via the battle circle, coached by popping and locking legend Pop ‘N’ Taco, mentored by fitness dance legend MaDonna Grimes; Brendan Jason has danced with and choreographed for pop culture icons (like PiNK, Paulina Rubio and Too $hort), has choreographed film and TV stars (like Regina King, Forest Whitaker, Carlos Mencia, Charlie Murphy), is certified in social dance by Arthur Murray, certified in hip hop, fitness, and aerobics by The MGFT fitness theater, has hosted his own instructional dance shows and home videos for FIT TV and Comcast, has toured multiple countries and continents teaching and performing. Brendan Jason realized his dance dream when working as creative consultant to King of Pop Michael Jackson. Currently Brendan is the co-creative director of the Afeenix Rising Dance Company at the Granada LA with his wife, world renowned talent Jo Quiñones.
Also Available for Private Lessons, Showcase Performances & Shows.
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BRIGITTE RYERSON
(Currently only available for limited private lessons)
Brigitte is Salsa & Rueda specialist with training in Ballroom and Latin. She started as a student working her way through all the levels and starring as an anchor on the Youth Dance Team, Brigitte is well trained in Salsa, Casino Rueda and also some of the Ballroom & Latin dances.
She has also competed as a Amateur latin competitor in U.S competitions with several partners. She has also performed in Salsa Congresses & many other shows in U.S. & around the world as a professional Performer and instructor. Is currently competing and performing in Professional American Rhythm.
Also Available for Private Lessons, Pro-Am Competitions, Showcase Performances & Shows. Performance Videos - Burlesque, Salsa, Salsa Team
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KRISTY RIVERS (General Manager)
(Currently only Available for Coaching or Online Lessons)Kristy was born in Australia, Kristy has been involved in the dance world practically since birth. She comes from a well-known and respected dance family of World Champion Dancers.
Kristy’s competition experience began at age 10 dancing all over the world. She has multiple juvenile and junior titles from Australia, and as an amateur, has placed first in several prominent US Latin championships. She turned pro at 19 and teaches, competed and performed nation-wide and overseas. She has been a Rising Star Latin Champion at many competitions and a finalist 2 years running in the North-American National Championships as seen on TV. She has also performed in the LA Salsa Congress & other performances all over LA and United States. She has extensive teaching experience in Ballroom, Latin, Swing & Salsa
Kristy has also been a performer and choreographer for stage shows, film and cruise ships such as Royal Caribbean, Raddison & Silverseas.
Her highlights include a featured spot in the acclaimed dance film, “Dance With Me” and on ESPN as an instructor for the show “I’d do Anything”.
Kristy loves to teach people of all ages and the joy & inspiration it brings to there lives. “The body says what words cannot”
Video Profile Available for Private Lessons & Shows.
Performance Videos - Showdance, Vienesse Waltz, Samba, Waltz, Burlesque, Waltz , Cha Cha, Paso doble