Teachers
Honored and grateful to have great guest teachers.
Anichi Perez
Anichi Perez, a renowned salsa dancer and musician, rose to prominence as the vice world champion in 2009 alongside his dance partner Anne Böhm. From their early days, Perez and Böhm distinguished themselves by blending the traditional Cuban roots of salsa with contemporary elements, creating a dynamic and innovative style. In addition to his career as a dancer, Perez is also a talented musician, leading the project SON CON RON, whose music is available on Spotify. With a deep understanding of musicality, Perez's expertise lies in seamlessly integrating music into his dance performances, captivating audiences worldwide with his rhythmic and expressive movements.
He has become a viral sensation on social media with the musicality videos he generously shares for dancers worldwide. Who could forget his video "I don't like mangos... I like potatos." At Salsa Maya Fest, we are super excited to have this tremendous artist joining us in our inaugural stellar edition. Don't miss it!
Victor Burgos
Víctor Burgos is a distinguished dancer, choreographer, and salsa instructor, widely recognized as the most representative professional dancer and instructor in Mexico. With over two decades of experience, he has earned the title of "Master of Masters" and has gained international recognition as a Salsa Ambassador. He is the creator of the innovative salsa style known as "Salsa con Quebradita," a unique fusion that combines traditional salsa with more dynamic movements, leaving an indelible mark on the dance scene both in Mexico and abroad.
Burgos is the General Director of Salsa Con Clave Dance Co., the Acapulco Salsa Congress, and Mamboteca El Social. He is also the owner and co-producer of the Acapulco Salsa & Bachata Congress and the National Salsa Championship in Mexico, as well as the producer of the SABROSóN Salsa Social.
Throughout his career, he has taught salsa, quebradita, and judged competitions in more than 20 countries, sharing his art and knowledge with a global audience. His charisma and expertise have also led him to participate in several television shows in Mexico, such as VidaTV, Se Vale, Bailando por la boda de mis sueños, and TV de noche, among others.
In his classes, Víctor offers comprehensive instruction where students can learn to dance Salsa On1, Salsa/Mambo On2, Cha Cha Chá, Pachanga, Cuban Rumba, Bachata, and other styles. His personalized approach and ability to convey the love of dance make his classes both fun and educational.
With his unparalleled charisma and dedication to salsa, Víctor Burgos continues to be an inspiration to dancers of all levels and a key figure in the promotion and growth of salsa in Mexico and around the world.
Renzo Catoni & Gabi Madero
We are delighted to introduce two outstanding artists who will be participating in our first edition of Salsa and Bachata Maya Fest as dancers, artists, and bachata instructors.
Gabi Madero:
-
Argentine Champion in Professional Bachata Solo 2022
-
Champion of Bakanísima in Mexico, Professional Bachata Solo 2023
-
World Finalist at Euroson in Professional Bachata Solo in 2022 and 2023
-
Bachata and Salsa Instructor since 2021
Renzo Cattoni:
-
Graduate in Salsa and Afro-Caribbean Rhythms Instruction
-
Bachata and Salsa Instructor since 2021
Gabi and Renzo bring a unique combination of talent, experience, and passion for bachata. Their dedication and success in international competitions, along with their commitment to teaching, ensure an enriching and exciting experience for all festival participants. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from these incredible artists at the Salsa and Bachata Maya Fest!
Gabriel Scott
Born in Mazatlán, Mexico, Gabe has been teaching for over 30 years. It all started in second grade, then he quickly developed an understanding of body mechanics.
At the age of 15, he moved to Mexico City where he began his formal training in dance with the Mexican School of Ballroom Dance, acquiring the title of principal dancer. Tirelessly, he worked his way into many important dance companies such as Latin Tango (Argentine Tango), Tradiciones y Expresiones de Argentina (Malambo), Ballet Folclórico Mexicano (Mexican Folk Dance), Escuela de Danza Cuicoyan (Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theater), and several other independent companies where he had the opportunity to act and dance.
He has taken lessons from the best of the best, including Eddie Torres, Johnny Vazquez, Victor & Gaby, Fernando Sosa, and many others. In 2002 he moved to New York City to continue his Salsa training and in 2006 he moved to the Kentuckiana area where he has been a pillar of the Salsa community. He has not only taught many of the dancers you see today, but many of the instructors as well. Gabe is not only an amazing instructor but he also enjoys golfing, being a nurse and is Dj Dr. G
His favorite food is tacos and his favorite drink is bourbon. He is part of the organizers team of this event Salsa Maya fest first edition!
Pau Canel & Javi Rios
Pau Canel, 30 years old, was born in Argentina and currently lives in Mexico. She began dancing at the age of 17. She started with jazz dance and then focused for several years on urban rhythms such as hip hop, street jazz, reggaetón, break dance, and dancehall. Additionally, she practiced aerial silks for years and explored pole dance, belly dance, contemporary, classical dance, and other styles. However, when she discovered Latin rhythms, she fell completely in love. She immersed herself in salsa, bachata, mambo, Afro-Cuban, rumba, Latin technique, and even became certified as an instructor in Latin rhythms. Her learning is constant and never stops.
In 2016, she began competing at the amateur level, progressing to ProAm, SemiPro, and by 2019, reaching the Professional level. She competes solo, in couples, and in groups. Among her most notable achievements are: second place in Semi Pro bachata couples at Euroson Latino 2019 in Mexico and, at the national level in Argentina, five-time first place in Pro bachata couples, second place as Pro bachata soloist, first place in Pro female style bachata group, first place in ProAm salsa group, third place as amateur salsa soloist, and first place in amateur salsa and bachata couples.
Join us at Salsa Maya Fest and experience the incredible talent and passion for dance of Pau Canel.
Luciano & Alejandra
Luciano and Alejandra are tango dancers and teachers with more than 20 years of international experience. They are proud representatives of Traditional Tango.
They exemplify the Villa Urquiza tango style with their elegance, smoothness and precision in their walk. Their refined dance reflects great tango tradition, strength and dynamism.
Luciano was World Tango Sub-Champion in the Salon Tango style and took third place in the Metropolitan Championship representing the Sunderland Club in Buenos Aires in 2004.
They were choreographers and dancers representing Argentina at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, and are producers and promoters of TANGO CULTURE around the world.
They also created the Tango Brigante teaching method and have been guest conductors at tango schools in Germany, the United States and Mexico. They have appeared in star-studded and main videos directed by multi-award-winning director Mel Gibson, and have been invited to perform exclusively for royalty and presidents in Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Argentina and Mexico.
Their tour to teach the Tango Brigante method includes Canada, Mexico, South and Central America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the United States.
Djs
Salsa & Bachata DJ
Rodrigo Cabrera/ DJ Lobo
Dj Gabe Scott
Special guests
Honored and grateful to have great guests.
Gustavo Piola
Gustavo Piola is a talented artist who has left an indelible mark on the world of tango through his photographic art. With 25 years of experience in the field of photography, he has captured the essence of hundreds of artists, fashion models, and dancers. His passion and dedication have led him to specialize in tango photography, a niche that uniquely combines fashion, sophistication, art, and dance.
His ability to direct people and make them feel comfortable in front of the camera, coupled with his distinctive style of photography characterized by a blend of darkness, contrast, sensuality, and expression, set him apart as an exceptional photographer and have made him the most sought-after among tango dancers.
He has brought his art to prominent cities such as London, Barcelona, Milan, Bali, Singapore, the Canary Islands, and, of course, Buenos Aires. At Maya Fest, Gustavo will not only be present as the stellar photographer to visually document the memories of the event but will also offer private sessions for those who wish to capture special moments exclusively. He hopes that participants will have a unique experience, be surprised, and take away unforgettable memories.
Daniela & Ricardo
Daniela Inglese and Ricardo Albornoz are an iconic couple in the world of Argentine tango, with 25 years of experience in this passionate art form and 15 years of working together as a duo. Throughout this time, they have cultivated a unique connection on the dance floor, combining their extensive experience with unwavering dedication to tango. Their talent has led them to become finalists in the Tango World Championship in the Tango Salon category, and they have been champions in multiple national competitions, including winning first place in the prestigious Buenos Aires City Championship in 2018.
In addition to their skill as dancers, Daniela and Ricardo are also distinguished as choreographers and teachers, guiding new generations of dancers and leaving an indelible mark on every stage they grace. They have not only brought their art to stages around the world but have also ventured into production, organizing events like the "Carnaval Tango Fest" of Sonrisas Milongueras, a festival that celebrates the essence and dissemination of tango, where they also host one of the most prestigious tango championships in the country, attracting the best dancers from Argentina.
Their creativity is not limited to dance; both are designers of tango clothing and shoes, founding the brand Arte Decolibries, where they channel their passion for tango into unique designs. Ricardo, with his background in electronic engineering, brings a technical and detailed vision, while Daniela, with her solid foundation in classical dance and tango, adds elegance and sophistication to each creation.
Together, they have worked with prominent tango figures, participating in renowned theatrical productions and exploring new forms of artistic expression, such as the innovative "Teatro en Auto." Their journey has made them references within and beyond the tango community, and their influence continues to expand as they keep elevating tango to new heights. In addition to their impressive professional trajectory, Daniela and Ricardo are known for their warmth, charisma, and generosity. They are the life of the party, always ready to share their energy and good vibes at milongas, which makes them even more beloved by the community.
We are thrilled to have them as part of the invited artists' team at Maya Fest, where they will undoubtedly continue to inspire and delight everyone with their art and infectious spirit.
We are thrilled to introduce Roxana De Bonis, a truly special person for us. As our energetic and spiritual guide, she has supported us during these times when emotional and energetic support is so essential, offering a holistic perspective.
Given the challenges we face as a community and humanity, we wanted to invite her to join us for this edition of Maya Fest.
She will be coming directly from the south of Argentina, and we are confident that her presence will be a beautiful addition to the event.
“The wisdom of time lies in the ability to savor every moment of life with both intensity and clarity.”