Instructors

JO QUINONES - Dance Instructor & Studio Manager

Jo has traveled worldwide sharing her knowledge, technique, and passion for Latin dance through instruction, choreography, and performance.

Her dance journey began as a child with extensive training in Ballet, Puerto Rican Folk Dance, and Jazz. As a young adult, she expanded her training to include a wide variety of competitive and social Ballroom and Latin dance styles.

Jo further developed her performance skills through training at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She later became certified through Arthur Murray Dance Studios, where she went on to become a competitor and franchise studio manager.

Building upon her professional experience, Jo became an independent instructor, teaching group classes and private lessons throughout the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, and Hollywood areas.

As an instructor, choreographer, and performer, Jo brings together technique, musicality, charisma, sensuality, and style. Her dynamic approach to Latin dance allows her to both educate and inspire, helping students develop their skills, confidence, expression, and individual style on the dance floor.

Specialties: Salsa • Bachata • Ladies Styling • Cha cha • Social Ballroom • Social Dancing • Choreography • Coaching

Available for: Private Lessons • Group Classes • Showcase Performances • Shows • Choreography & Coaching

Contact: Jogranadala@gmail.com
Instagram Direct Message: @JoQuinones5678
Facebook: facebook.com/joafeenix
Jo's Performance Videos:

ARTHUR LEVINE 

Arthur discovered dance as an adult when he found an exciting new community within Southern California’s Salsa scene. His experience showed him firsthand the transformative power of dance and its ability to bring people together, build confidence, and positively impact lives.

Throughout his career, Arthur has trained with accomplished artists from around the world in Salsa, Mambo, Pachanga, Bachata, Ballroom, Hip-Hop, Jazz, and many other dance styles. He has also developed extensive training in Rueda de Casino and Cuban Salsa, with Afro-Cuban influences, which have become an important part of his teaching and dance background.

Arthur began teaching at Afeenix Dance Center and became a regular instructor for On2ourage Dance Company and OC Salsa. He has since taught and worked with numerous studios and dance companies throughout the greater Los Angeles and Orange County areas.

Known for his fun, thoughtful, and intellectual approach to teaching, Arthur works with dancers of all levels—from absolute beginners taking their first steps to experienced and advanced dancers looking to strengthen their technique, musicality, partnering, and overall understanding of dance.

As a performer, choreographer, and director, Arthur has performed across the country with LA-based companies including Afeenix Dance Company, Xpensabulz Dance Troupe, and On2ourage Dance Company, in addition to choreographing and directing his own productions.

His performance experience has taken him to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Reno, Arizona, Salt Lake City, and Tijuana, with appearances at the LA County Fair, Downtown Disney House of Blues, Universal Studios, Santa Ana Pride Parade, and aboard Carnival Cruise Lines with Aventura Dance Cruise.

Arthur continues to travel, teach, and perform at Salsa and Bachata festivals throughout the country, sharing his knowledge and passion for dance with communities wherever he goes.

Arthur has extensive training in and specializes in Rueda de Casino, a dynamic style of Cuban Salsa, incorporating Afro-Cuban movement, rhythms, and influences into his dancing and instruction.

Bilingual in English and Spanish, Arthur’s goal is to help every student discover something in dance that inspires them, challenges them, builds confidence, and helps them grow.

SPECIALTIES
Salsa • Bachata • Rueda de Casino • Cuban Salsa • Afro-Cuban • Social Dancing • Choreography • Coaching

ALSO AVAILABLE FOR
Private Lessons • Pro-Am Competitions • Showcase Performances • Shows

Contact:  (949) 870-9212
Instagram Direct Message: @artmaxlev
Facebook: facebook.com/arthur.levine.716
Arthur's Performance Videos: 

HECTOR LLAMAS - Dance Instructor

Hector’s passion for dance began in high school when he joined a Latin & Ballroom dance team and quickly developed a love for Latin dance.

He went on to compete for several years in the Amateur Latin division of DanceSport, as well as in Pro/Am competitions throughout the United States.

In 2003, Hector joined The Granada LA as an instructor and has been a resident teacher ever since. That same year, he was crowned the Professional Sportsmen’s Lodge Salsa Champion and went on to become a finalist in numerous Salsa and Bachata competitions throughout the Los Angeles dance scene.

Throughout his professional career, Hector has traveled extensively, performing and teaching at shows, dance congresses, and competitions. His career also took him around the world aboard major cruise ships, where he performed in Latin and Ballroom shows and productions.

With decades of experience as a competitor, performer, and instructor, Hector brings a wealth of knowledge and a lifelong passion for Salsa, Bachata, Latin and Ballroom dance to his students at The Granada LA.

Specialties: Salsa • Bachata • Ladies Styling • Social Dancing • Choreography • Coaching• Quincenearas• Wedding dances

Available for: Private Lessons • Group Classes • Showcase Performances • Shows • Choreography & Coaching

Contact:
Instagram Direct Message: @hector.llamas.1000
Facebook: facebook.com/hector.llamas.7543
Hector's Performance Videos: Samba • Cha Cha • Paso Doble• Rumba• Salsa Pro Team• Bachata social competition • Salsa competition • Rumba

MAYA RICON-BECKER - Dance Instructor

Maya began dancing at the age of 5, training in a variety of styles including Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, and Hip-Hop. At 18, she discovered the vibrant world of social Salsa dancing and quickly found her passion for Latin dance.

Since 2010, Maya has been teaching Salsa in dance studios and Salsa clubs, sharing her love of dance with students of all ages and experience levels.

Maya teaches both group classes and private lessons and specializes in helping students with little to no dance experience feel comfortable and confident on the dance floor. Her welcoming approach makes learning to dance fun and approachable, while helping students build a strong foundation and develop confidence.

For Maya, Latin dancing is about more than learning steps she especially enjoys the connection, community, and joy that dancing brings to people.

Specialties: Salsa • Bachata • Ladies Styling • Heels • Social Dancing • Choreography • Coaching

Available for: Private Lessons • Group Classes • Showcase Performances • Shows • Choreography & Coaching

Contact:
Instagram Direct Message: @crossbody.bymaya
Facebook: facebook.com/maya.becker.98

ZWELI BARTON - Dance Instructor

Zweli is an accomplished World Champion Bachata dancer, performer, choreographer, and instructor with extensive experience in both social and competitive Latin dance.

His achievements include becoming a 2015 Bachata Pro Team Champion and the 2017 LA’s Top Social Salsa Dancer Professional Champion, along with earning recognition as a World Bachata Champion.

Throughout his dance career, Zweli has taught and performed in Salsa, Bachata, and other Latin dance styles, working with dancers in social, competitive, performance, and team environments.

Zweli is the Director of Urban Sabor and has served as Coach of El Co Salseros at El Camino College, sharing his experience in performance, choreography, technique, and team development.

As part of The Granada LA Latin Social Dance family, Zweli brings his years of experience, competitive accomplishments, and passion for Latin dance to his students, helping them grow in confidence, technique, musicality, and connection on the dance floor.

Specialties: Salsa • Bachata • Social Dancing • Choreography • Coaching

Available for: Private Lessons • Group Classes • Showcase Performances • Shows • Choreography & Coaching

Contact: zrabton@gmail.com or (323) 346-8355

Instagram DM: @zwelibarton
Facebook: facebook.com/zweli.barton
Performance Videos:

OMAR GUTTIE 

Omar Guttie is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and dance professional widely respected in the Los Angeles dance community. With over two decades of experience, Omar is known for his versatility, musicality, and innovative approach to Salsa, Bachata, and Latin dance.
Formally trained since 2004, Omar specializes in Salsa, Bachata, Ladies Styling, Social Dancing, Choreography, and Coaching. As both a strong leader and follower, his teaching focuses on technique, musicality, body movement, confidence, and practical skills that dancers can take directly to the social dance floor.

Omar is the Founder and Director of Ritmo y Magia Latina, where he mentors amateur and semi-professional dancers and prepares them for performances at Congresses, community events, private events, showcases, and shows. His teaching and choreography combine his New School Salsa approach with LA-style On1 technique, the musical depth of On2, and his experience in Bachata and Cha Cha.

Beyond dance, Omar is a fashion designer and creative director with degrees in Fashion Design, as well as a gymnastics coach dedicated to serving underserved communities through city parks. His work across dance, movement, education, and design reflects a lifelong commitment to creativity, mentorship, and community.

Specialties: Salsa • Bachata • Ladies Styling • Social Dancing • Choreography • Coaching

Available for: Private Lessons • Group Classes • Showcase Performances • Shows • Choreography & Coaching

Contact: omarguttie@gmail.com

Instagram Direct Message: @omarguttie
Facebook: facebook.com/omarmorganguttie
Performance Videos:

NICK VICENTE 

Nick’s dance journey began in high school when he was introduced to Latin dance through a social dance club. It was there that he discovered his passion for dance and the unique way it creates connection, self-expression, and community.
For the past two decades, Nick has continued developing his skills as both a social dancer and performer, with experience primarily in LA-Style Salsa, Cuban/Casino Salsa, Traditional Bachata, and Urban Bachata.
As an instructor, Nick emphasizes strong foundational movements, partner connection, and the communication skills that make social dancing enjoyable. His goal is to help students understand not only the steps, but how to comfortably connect and communicate with their partners on the social dance floor.
For Nick, Latin dance is just as much about community and connection as it is about individual expression. His teaching style creates a fun, welcoming, and supportive environment where dancers can build confidence while developing their own personal style.

Nick is available for private lessons for dancers looking to learn, improve their technique, and become more confident social dancers.

SPECIALTIES  Cuban/Casino Salsa • Salsa • Bachata • Social Dancing • Partner Connection • Fundamentals

AVAILABLE FOR  Private Lessons • Group Classes

Contact: nickv.booking@gmail.com

Instagram DM: @nv1nick
Facebook: facebook.com/nv.nicolas

BRENDAN 'BJ' BRASIER

Brendan Jason began his dance journey in street dance and the battle circle, where he developed his foundation in Hip-Hop. He was coached by legendary popping and locking artist Pop ‘N’ Taco and mentored by fitness dance pioneer MaDonna Grimes.

Throughout his professional career, Brendan has danced with and choreographed for major music artists including P!NK, Paulina Rubio, and Too $hort, and has choreographed for film and television stars including Regina King, Forest Whitaker, Carlos Mencia, and Charlie Murphy.

His extensive training includes certification in social dance through Arthur Murray, as well as certifications in Hip-Hop, fitness, and aerobics through MGFT Fitness Theater. Brendan has also hosted his own instructional dance programs and home videos for FIT TV and Comcast.

His career has taken him around the world, touring across multiple countries and continents as a teacher, choreographer, and performer. One of the highlights of his career was fulfilling a lifelong dance dream by working as a creative consultant to Michael Jackson.

Brendan specializes in Hip-Hop and also teaches Salsa and Bachata, bringing his extensive background in street, social, and performance dance into his instruction.

Today, Brendan serves as Co-Creative Director of Afeenix Rising Dance Company at The Granada LA alongside his wife, accomplished dancer and instructor Jo Quiñones. His diverse professional experience and energetic approach help students develop confidence, individuality, musicality, and freedom of expression through dance.

Specialties: HipHop

Available for: Private Lessons • Group Classes • Showcase Performances • Shows • Choreography & Coaching
Contact:

Contact: BjBrasierdance@gmail.com

Instagram Direct Message: @L.l.beejay
BJ's Performance Videos: