APRIL 1 - APRIL 5, 2027
HYATT REGENCY CALGARY
Tentative Performers, Judges and Instructors
Our 2026 show was held on March 26 - March 30.
Stay tuned to hear about our 2027 show, already being planned!
Confirmed performers, please scroll down to the bottom of this page to upload your show music to the provided link at the latest by March 17th
Interested in performing? Contact kelly@calgarysalsacongress.com
Performers
Edwin Rivera
-Los Angeles
-Master of Ceremony
-Instructor
-”Celebrity Guest DJ”
Edwin Rivera was featured in the movie El Cantante with Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, and on the on popular South American television show Let’s dance, Rojo Fama Contrafama.
Edwin has been a producer of the Los Angeles and Salsa Festival and the World Latin Dance Cup.
He is artistic director of many congresses including the New York International Salsa Congress.
Edwin works with Fania Records on their ‘We love to see you dance’ series on youtube, and MONSTER PRODUCTS ‘The monster sound of Latin’ initiative. Edwin is an influential artist in the Latin dance and music community as a dancer, DJ, and music producer.
Billy Fajardo
-Miami
-Performers
-Instructors
-Judges
Billy Fajardo has been in the dance community for over 50 years. He is a World Champion in Salsa, Latin Hustle, and Cabaret. He is also a certified NDCA Championship Judge and Producer of the World Latin Dance Championship known as The Summit Championship.
Alex y Isabel
-Colombia
-Performers
-Instructors
-Judges
Certified international teachers, choreographers and judges.
They have represented Colombia in different competitions and congresses worldwide, with more than 10 years of experience as dancers and 4 years of artistic career as a couple, they are currently consecrated as World Multi-Champions in the Professional Cabaret Salsa Couple category in addition to being finalists in the renowned Mexican reality Show "EL RETADOR".
Jorge y Maria
Jhaime Vega & Valentina Díaz
-Quebec
-Performers
Jhaime Vega & Valentina Díaz are among Canada’s leading Bachata artists, recognized for their unique blend of technical excellence, storytelling, and stage presence.
Based in Québec, their partnership brings together diverse artistic backgrounds and years of professional training. Jhaime, an award-winning choreographer, performer, and Artistic Director of Alliance Dance Company, is known for his innovative productions, leadership within the Canadian Latin dance community, and his commitment to developing the next generation of artists. Valentina, originally from Colombia , brings extensive training in ballet, contemporary dance, ballroom, and Latin dance, having performed and trained with prestigious institutions and companies throughout her career.
Together, they have quickly established themselves as one of Canada’s most recognized Bachata couples, earning top placements at major international competitions and representing the country on some of the world’s most prestigious stages. Their work combines athleticism, musicality, emotional connection, and theatrical storytelling, creating performances that are both technically refined and deeply authentic.
Their mission is simple: to create meaningful artistic experiences, elevate the level of Latin dance in Canada, and inspire others through movement, connection, and storytelling.
Anya Katsevman
-New York
-Performer
-Instructor
-Judge
Anya Katsevman has starred in the touring shows of Dancing with the Stars and Burn the Floor, she has performed for U.S. President Barack Obama and performed with El Gran Combo at Madison Square Gardens. Anya is an undefeated 2 time World Salsa Champion On2. Anya is celebrated around the world for her choreography and coaching.
Adriano y Samantha
-Montréal
-Performers
-Instructors
-Judges
Adriano Ieropoli and Samantha Scali are 6x World Salsa Champions and the first Canadian couple to win a Professional Salsa On2 world title. Together, they hold 14 combined championship titles, with Adriano also earning 6 Men’s World Salsa Champion titles.
Founders of Novaera Productions, they have gained international recognition, headlining major salsa congresses worldwide as performers, instructors, and judges. Beyond competition, they have performed at prestigious events, collaborated with top entertainment companies, and opened for artists like Karl Wolf, Charlie K, Hector Acosta “El Torito,” and Tito “El Bambino.”
Their journey has also taken them to television, where they were finalists on Révolution (2019) and they were part of the All-Star cast in Révolution: Les Étoiles (2024). The couple also competed on America’s Got Talent.
-Mexico
-Performers
-Instructors
-Judges
Jorge Martinez and Maria Catalan are celebrated World Salsa Champions from Mexico.
They are known internationally as Salsa Na’Ma champions for their winning solo competitions, as judges and presenters of the Oaxaca Salsa and Bachata Festival.
Victor et Corinne
-Montréal
-Performers
-Instructors
-Judge
For over two decades, the dynamic duo of Corinne Tardieu and Victor Alexis has illuminated the dance world with their boundless talent, creativity, and infectious warmth. 🌟 As Canadian champions in Salsa on2, Hustle all styles, and Bachata classica, and soloists in Mambo, they've proudly represented Canada on the international stage, consistently finishing as world champions, top finalists, and top placers in their divisions. 💃🕺
Even beyond their championship titles, their impact continues to resonate. Corinne a former champion, now serves as a respected judge in all major congresses, While Victor is honored as the top teacher of 2023, he continues to lead by example, remaining actively engaged with his pro-am students, guiding them to success in competitions worldwide. 🏆
From their renowned dance schools in Montreal and the vibrant capital of Ottawa, Corinne and Victor's studios serve as welcoming havens for dancers of all levels. Their commitment to accessibility and inclusivity shines through in every aspect of their work, from grooming future instructors to mentoring aspiring dancers and providing invaluable business guidance and choreography expertise.
Their legacy isn't just measured in trophies and accolades; it's felt in the lives they touch and the dreams they help bring to fruition. As they continue to spread their magic across Canada and beyond, Corinne & Victor remain true ambassadors of dance, spreading joy, inspiration, and fabulousness wherever they go. ✨🎶
Raphael et Sabrina
-Montréal
-Performers
-Instructors
Raphael and Sabrina have started their partnership in 2019 in Montreal and are now 4 times national Bachata champions in North America. They are the current champions of their category at the Calgary International salsa congress and will be back this year to defend their title with their new routine, you don’t want to miss it!
Best known for their duo bachata routines and their urban dance style, they also participate in several group project in salsa and bachata. Raphael has been teaching salsa and bachata in Montreal since 2016 and has been assisted by Sabrina since 2019. They have also created many duo and group choreographies for competitions and showcases.
Ig: @raphael_and_sabrina
Jennifer Aucoin
-Toronto
-Instructor
-Judge
Jennifer Aucoin is a full-time instructor, adjudicator, master trainer and event organizer. She is the founder and co-director of STEPS Dance Studio in Toronto and has taught workshops in Puerto Rico, Europe, South America, Mexico, the U.S. and across Canada. Jennifer is the founder and producer of the annual Canada Salsa & Bachata Congress now in its 19th year. Jennifer has judged world championships and elite competitions in Puerto Rico, New York, Ecuador, Las Vegas, Mexico, Orlando, Miami, Detroit, and throughout Canada. She has represented Canada on the judging panel at the ESPN World Salsa Championships, the World Salsa Summit and the World Latin Dance Cup.
-Winnipeg
-Performer
-Instructor
-Judge
Ana Karen is a 3x Manitoba Dance Festival Ballet Scholarship Recipient, and has won the highest overall score at the Canadian National Dance Championships for a pointe solo.
She has won several gold medals for Ballet, Pointe and Contemporary at world championships such as Vancouver, Montreal, Niagara Falls and Poland. She also attended the most prestigious ballet competition, Youth American Grand Prix in Chicago. Placing top twelve for both her ballet and contemporary solos.
Ana has won the Pro-Am Canadian Championships in Toronto, placed 1st at the Pro-Am World Salsa Championships in Miami, and placed 1st in the Professional WLDC qualifiers in Toronto for Pro Bachata Cabaret. Silver medalist for Pro Bachata in Miami.
Her primary efforts over the past several years have been focused on creating a Salsa kids dance program. She began Salsa kids with a curriculum focused on the fundamentals of Salsa, teaching teenagers all the way down to 2 year olds. Salsa Explosion Kids have won gold medals in solos, couple and team competitions in the past 3 years, at the Canada Salsa & Bachata Congress.
Ana Lopez
Serena Cuevas
-New York
-Performer
-Instructor
-Judge
Serena Cuevas is a stellar professional dancer, coach, and choreographer from New York. Known in the industry for both her expressive and technical styling in Latin Club dances, specifically Salsa, Mambo, Latin Hustle, and ChaChaCha.
Dancing since 1996 and in the competitive circuit from 2006, Serena has earned four World Championship titles, in addition to being a Triple Threat champion. From 2009 through 2016, she focused on commercial work. Her talent landed her on 'Dancing With The Stars' and a national commercial campaign for being a Gatorade 'G2 Icon'.
Discovering her passion for the business behind the craft, in 2008, she created Deseo Dance Company; an exclusive women's styling company representing USA at top dance congresses both stateside and abroad. In 2018, at the company's ten year anniversary, she opened her first brick and mortar studio location known as Deseo Studios. This broadened the brand and brought the business to the next level. This expansion into new markets (from dance and fitness programs, to socials, venue, and teacher training) allowed her to grow tremendously in 2021 and into her current location as of 2023 in San Diego, California. Overseeing both her Eastlake and Poway locations, she looks forward to continuing to grow the community throughout San Diego.
Today, she's transitioned from on-stage work, to business and team management with her new brand 'Studio1 Consulting'. Currently performing as a soloist, judging internationally, and partnered alongside Shay Dixon, she remains a prominent icon in the dance industry.
Edson Vallon
-Montréal
-Instructor
-Judge
Recognized for his unique and original style and renowned for his complex and creative figures, Edson Vallon trains dancers since 1997. His years of continuous training in Latin, Caribbean, Afro-Cuban and Ballroom Dances defines and influences his style of dance and fuels his passion for choreographic creation.
In 2003, he establishes Saltimambo and manages the dance troop of the same name, as well as Mambo Factory. Requested for his originality, he performed on several stages everywhere in Canada, in the United States, in the Caribbean, in Europe and in Asia.
Brielle Friedman
-Los Angeles
-Performer
-Instructor
Brielle Friedman is a world champion dancer with competitive titles from the World Salsa Summit, World Latin Dance Cup, and Canada Salsa Congress. After graduating from Brown University, her dance career took her to San Francisco, New York City, and finally, Los Angeles, where she founded Siempre Sol Dance to help women find confidence through creative practice and empowered self-expression. Known as one of Southern California’s top Salsa dancers, Brielle has performed in music videos, commercials, and at iconic venues like the Dream Hotel, Public Arts, and Stonewall Inn. Her dance style combines playful femininity with strong dance technique and power. Through Siempre Sol, Brielle invites her students to find their own power on and off the dance floor.
-Saskatoon
-Performer
-Instructor
Kimberly Parent has been teaching, performing, and running her dance studio Saskatoon Salsa Dance Co. for over 20 years. Kimberly's passion for dancing has led her to many places, and in many creative directions. One of her life's purposes is to empower women to feel comfortable, confident, and sensual in their own bodies using salsa and bachata dancing as the medium.
Kimberly also heads up an annual dance excursion to Havana, Cuba, where participants immerse themselves in the culture and experience a life-changing experience through dance. Kimberly dedicates much of her time to the children and youth teams at Saskatoon Salsa, taking them to new heights in their dancing as well as travelling all over North America with them.
Kimberly Parent
Saskatoon Salsa Dance Company (SSDC)
-Performers
Saskatoon Salsa Dance Co.(SSDC) is excited to be back performing and competing at the Calgary International Salsa Congress! SSDC will be bringing 7 different teams to the congress including their ladies, couples and children's teams. Established in 2005, Saskatoon Salsa proudly offers lessons for every demographic from three years old and up. Led by Kimberly Parent and her team of experienced and personable instructors, each of them believe that everyone can and should dance. Saskatoon Salsa is an inclusive and safe space for all and the main goal of the studio is to spread the love and passion for dance!
Temi Ambrose
-Ottawa
-Performer
-Instructor
Founder and owner of Golden Flame Dance Company! A very talented individual versatile in many different styles of dance with ballet and contemporary trained background from various dance school in canada.
Temi started dance as a kid from Nigeria to Canada and has been dancing for over 30years now. Temi has won many accolades of awards as a solo and duo dance. Two times pro world champions and as well as pro national champions as n Latin, ballroom, hip hop, Afrobeat and more.
-Ottawa
-Performer
-Instructor
-Judge
Luc is a professionally trained musician in Jazz and classical music, and got into dancing to expand his musical knowledge. He has over a dozen professional titles in Salsa and Bachata including: The 2016 Hustle World Semi-Professional Champion & Hustle Canadian Champion. He also has several national and international titles in Pro-Am division as a professional with his students. Today, he is now considered one of the most influential dance instructor, performer and choreographer in the National Capital Region.
Luc Poulin
Ricky Damier
-Montréal
-Dancer
-Instructor
-Choreographer
Ricky Damier is a professional dancer, instructor, choreographer, and event organizer specializing in Latin dances. Originally from Haiti and now based in Montreal, he discovered his passion for dance over 14 years ago. His artistic journey has been shaped through intensive training with nationally and internationally renowned coaches.
Mastering multiple styles including bachata, salsa, kizomba, kompa, and afrobeats Ricky has developed a distinctive artistic signature that blends technical precision, musicality, and the deep influence of his Haitian roots.
As a competitive dancer, Ricky has won prestigious titles, notably with his partner Laura Lelièvre.
Advanced Amateur Bachata Champion at the Ultimate Latin Dance Championship (Las Vegas, 2022)
2nd Place at the Canada Salsa Congress (Toronto)
3rd Place Worldwide at the Summit Championship (Miami)
Ricky has also excelled as a solo performer, earning 2nd Place in Salsa in the Man Solo Rising Star category at the Canada Salsa Congress 2024, as well as at the Montreal Bachata Festival in the Open Man Solo category.
Alongside his stage career, Ricky is a passionate and dedicated instructor. He shares his expertise through collaborations with dance schools, major events in Montreal, and workshops and congresses throughout Canada and internationally. Known for his dynamic energy, professionalism, and natural charisma, Ricky Damier continues to influence and elevate the global Latin dance community.
Enzo Vergaray
-Edmonton
-Founder & Director of GEM Dance
Enzo Vergaray is a professional Latin dance instructor, choreographer, and performer based in Edmonton, Alberta.
He is the founder and director of GEM Dance, a dance school and creative community dedicated to empowering dancers through high-quality training, performance teams, and social events.
Through GEM Dance, Enzo focuses on building confidence, artistry, and connection among dancers of all levels.
Known for his expressive style, musicality, and technical precision, his work blends strong Latin dance foundations with emotional storytelling and powerful stage presence. His mission is to create spaces where people can grow, connect, and fully express themselves through movement.
At the heart of his work is the philosophy that guides GEM Dance:
Express. Empower. Elevate.
Live Your Best Dance. Enzo
-Edmonton
-Owner and director of Morada Dance Movement
Brittany Ward is the owner and director of Morada Dance Movement in Edmonton, where she is dedicated to developing passionate, skilled, and expressive dancers. She trains, performs, and teaches across multiple styles of salsa, bachata, and kizomba, bringing a deep respect for the unique culture and music behind each dance. Known for her powerful presence on stage, Brittany is recognized for her strength, refined technique, fluid body movement, and strong performance quality. Her artistic voice is also shaped by a deep appreciation for Caribbean rhythms and movement, which continue to influence her style and musicality. As both an artist and educator, Brittany values lifelong learning and continually seeks opportunities to grow, train, and evolve within the global Latin dance community.
Brittany Ward
Regan Hirose is a 9-time World Bachata Champion, international instructor, performer, judge, and founder of Dance World, based in Canada.
With more than 15 years of experience in the Latin dance industry, Regan has taught, performed, competed, and judged at festivals and congresses around the world, including serving as a World Judge at the World Salsa Summit and Euroson Latino World Salsa Championship. She is known for her dynamic performance style, strong technical foundation, musicality, and ability to combine precision with authentic movement and connection.
As a competitor, Regan earned nine World Championship titles in Bachata Cabaret and has also appeared on America’s Got Talent in Los Angeles. Beyond her own competitive career, she has dedicated years to developing dancers at every level — from social dancers to professional competitors — with students and teams earning national and world-level titles and placements.
Through Dance World, Regan continues to share her passion for Latin dance through live events, workshops, coaching, choreography, and online education. Her teaching draws from extensive experience in Bachata, Salsa On1 and On2, Latin technique, body movement, musicality, and lifts & tricks.
Regan is excited to return to the Calgary International Salsa Congress, bringing the experience and knowledge gained throughout her competitive and professional career.
Regan Hirose
2026 Competition Music Link
Competitors, upload your music to this link and please RENAME your song with the exact name you used for your competition registration. Upload one song for each showcase registration. Upload your music at the latest by March 17th.