2026 Tentative Performers, Judges and Instructors

• 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

Live Musicians and Artists

Performers

Edwin Rivera

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

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

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

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. 

Anya Katsevman

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 et Samantha

Adriano Ieropoli and Samantha Scali are professional dancers based out of Montreal, Canada. In 2009, at age fourteen they began their partnership by teaching locally and performing for various stage productions, concerts, festivals and salsa congresses.

In 2015, they started competing internationally and founded Novaera Productions their very own dance studio in Montreal. That year, Adriano won his first world title in the same gender division and he is now the current and 3x consecutive world champion in the men solo division . Adriano and Samantha are the first Canadian couple to have won a world title in the Professional Salsa On2 division, having placed first at the 2017 World Salsa Summit. They defended that title in 2018 and 2019, winning the Summit for a third consecutive season.
In 2019 they were also grand finalists in the second season of “Révolution”, representing Salsa in the biggest televised dance competition in Québec.
This year they were invited for a second time to be a part of the cast of “Révolution en tournée” as choreographers and performers.

The couple continues to travel the world, sharing their passion as competitors, performers, instructors and choreographers.

Erika Saucillo Rivera

Erika Saucillo Rivera is “Fania Records” instructor for their dance series “We Love To See You Dance” on Youtube with Edwin Rivera. Erica is director of one of Los Angeles's largest Salsa and Bachata teams "Quest Salchata Crew" and the creator of Fiercechata. A company with a mission to make women see their true beauty, shine their light, and embody the confidence they were meant to have through dance.
Erika trained with Ballet Folklorico for 15 years, and with Alma Latina Dance Company.
She has studied Jazz, Heels, Contemporary, Hip hop, Salsa, Bachata, Afro, and Latin Ballroom. Erika has been crowned LA's Top Female Social Salsa Dancer, has placed 3rd in the world in Cha Cha Cha and 2nd in the world in Bachata Solo at the World Latin Dance Cup.

Victor et Corrine

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. ✨🎶

Harold Rancano & Schaeffer Murphy are a professional Latin dance couple and the 2025 Canadian National Salsa Champions. Having danced together for several years, they officially formed their professional partnership within the last year, uniting strong chemistry, musicality, and a shared artistic vision.

Harold Rancano is a 9-time Bachata Champion, widely recognized for his precision, musicality, and dynamic performance quality. His deep understanding of partner connection and rhythm has made him a respected competitor, performer, and instructor within the Latin dance scene.

Schaeffer Murphy is a well-rounded dancer with years of classical training, bringing strength, control, and artistry to her movement. She is also the 2025 Canadian National Bachata Champion, known for her versatility, expressive styling, and refined technique across multiple dance styles.

Raphael et Sabrina

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

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.

Ana Lopez

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.

Serena Cuevas

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

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

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.

Kimberly Parent

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.

Brittany

Brittany is a professional Dancer and Instructor based in Vancouver as well as the Director of Las Melodías Dance Team. She has trained professionally in Ballet & Ballroom, and for the past 20 years has specialized in Salsa and Flamenco Fusion. Her style is described as sensual and feminine while incorporating rhythmic body movement. 

Movement therapy is also critical to her practice to guide energy and emotions through the body and unlock movement barriers. This has proven to be a core element to support her students in connecting with the body in order to best express their own movement.

Saskatoon Salsa Dance Co. (SSDC)

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

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.

Luc Poulin

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.

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 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

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.

Julian Calderón is a Colombian dancer currently based in Montréal. He began his artistic formation in theatre, where he developed a strong stage presence, expressive depth, and a refined understanding of performance.

Originally trained in Salsa Caleña style, Julian built a technical foundation defined by speed, precision, and dynamic footwork. Over the years, he expanded his expertise into Salsa On2 and Bachata, developing versatility across styles while maintaining his distinctive energy and musicality.

His transition into the competitive Latin dance scene quickly established him as a standout performer. He earned the title of Canadian Bachata Champion at the Canada Salsa & Bachata Congress.

Sacha Fomina trained in rhythmic gymnastics for 10 years, competing internationally as a member of Team Canada from the ages of 12 to 15. Her artistic development was further shaped through an intensive high-school arts program where she studied ballet, jazz, flamenco, and modern dance.

After transitioning into the Latin dance world, Sacha quickly distinguished herself on the competitive stage. She earned the title of World Champion in the Salsa Cabaret Division at The Summit international dance competition in the United States.

She was also crowned Canadian Bachata and Salsa Champion at the Canada Salsa & Bachata Congress and placed Top 5 at the Euroson Latino World Salsa Championship.

Today, Sacha Fomina is excited to collaborate and train with the talented artist Julian Calderon, with whom she developed a strong connection during few years of training. Their chemistry stands out through its fire, quality, and passion, bringing a dynamic and expressive energy to their work.

As a judge in Dance Competitions, meet Rania Greiche. Rania  is the founder and director of "Salsa Fever Dance Competition" in Montreal where she began her competition background. Already in her first decade, this event put together people from many cities in the Latin dance community to expand and challenge themselves by showcasing their talents and abilities. Rania had a vision to unite and create an atmosphere of engaging yet friendly dance competition and she succeeded. For so many years, she has invested her time, talent and knowledge in the dance community where now after so many years, obtained that distinguished reputation in the industry, she is often solicited to run dance competitions and major dance events and festivals

She is now one of the most sought after event organizers, emcee, coach, choreographer, performer and teacher at both national and international level.

Of Egyptian background, Rania has been a huge passionate person of dance since her childhood with ballet, jazz & Belly Dance, latin dance was the one that inspired her the most. She continues to grow each day to share her joy of dance and show her dedicated passion for Salsa & Cha Cha.

On top of all the above accomplishments, Rania is also the owner and co-director of R&R Dance Studio in Montreal, Canada.

More Performers Coming Soon…

Please see our initial nightly performers schedule!
Missing a performance? Email kelly@calgarysalsacongress.com

THURSDAY EVENING SHOW
Catalina Sosa And Adeline Stenhouse Salsa Duet
Catalina Sosa Salsa Solo
Dani & Santi Amateur Salsa Showcase
Hayley Csada And Aimee Lissel Salsa Duet
Kaylah Acevedo Amateur Bachata Showcase
Lia and Bella - Amateur Ladies Same Gender Bachata Showcase 17 and Under
Markelle Mann Alvarez Salsa Solo
Mohamed And Victoria Amateur Salsa Performance
Rafaella Grana Amateur Salsa Showcase
Ritmo Caliente Dance Group Meredith Mc Lean Salsa Solo Amateur Over 40
Salsa Calena Sonora Latin Dance
Sonora Latin Dance Bachata Couples Team
Steven Sivad Flores - Amateur Men’s Salsa Solo

FRIDAY EVENING SHOW
Adriano and Samantha
Alex y Isabel
Bachatakiz contemporary sensual bachata team
Burlesquercise - Disco Fever (Choreographed by Miss Annick)
Burlesquercise - Gypsy Steampunk (Choreographed by Miss Di)
Burlesquercise - Runway Crew (Choreographed by Miss Jessie)
DVS Ladies Team - Salsa Ladies Team
DVS Mambros - Salsa Men's Team
DVS Student Team - Salsa Team
EDC Salsa Shines Team
Fuego Dance Company - Salsa Viva Team
Harold and Schaeffer Salsa
Havana Cuban Dance Studio Beginner Bachata - Volar
Havana Cuban Dance Studio Intermediate Salsa - Saka Laka Tiki Taka
Havana Cuban Dance Studio Ladies Team
Lambada Nordestina Dance Fusion Calgary Team
Lucy's Angels Salsa team- Las Sonrisas
Los Tango
Mambo Productions Bachata team - Los Feroces
Mambo Productions Bachata team - Los Toritos
Montuno Dance Company - Morena Ladies Team
Montuno Dance Company - Roraima Pro-Am Salsa Team
Montuno Dance Company - Warao Men Team
Morada Dance Movement Lavender
Morada Dance Movement Sangria
Morada Dance Movement Violet
Natalia and Luis - Dilema
Rapunzel - Dance Fusion Calgary Team
Ritmo Caliente Dance Group - Bachata Amateur Team
Salsa Rica Dance Company - Cha Cha Team
Salsa Rica Dance Company - Student Team
Siempre Sol Open Ladies Team
SSDC Diamond Team (pro am with Schaeffer)
SSDC Emerald Team
SSDC Las Mamacitas
SSDC Opal Team
SSDC Sapphire Team
Vernon Salsa - Salsa Vida Ladies Styling Team

SATURDAY EVENING SHOW
Adriano and Samantha
Alex y Isabel
Andrew Nguyen & Alexandra Shanko
Billy and Ana Cabaret Bootcamp
Burlesquercise - Roxanne (Pro Team) (Choreographed by Miss Annick)
David and Elena
DVS Puro Sabor Team - Salsa Team
Edwin Rivera featuring Alfredo De La Fé
Ères Salsa Team
Fabian Pasten
Harold and Schaeffer Bachata
Indhira Castillo’s Ladies Team
Lucy's Angels Salsa team - the Mambo Divas
Montuno Dance Company - Guajira Pro-Am Ladies Team
Morada Angels
Morada Dance Movement Lilac
Morada movement and Mambo Productions presents: the Morada Angels (Lucy & Britney)
Proyecto Bachata
Proyecto Bachata in collaboration with Mambo Productions
Robin and Kateryna from Salchatakiz
Sabrina and Ricky Bachata Fusion
Sacha & Julián
Salsa Rica Dance Company
Salsa Rica Dance Company Salsa Shine
Salsabrositas- Ban Con Tim
SSDC Diamond Team
SSDC Emerald Team
SSDC Lioness Soul (pro am with Erika)
Vernon Salsa - Salsa Nova Ladies Styling Team
Victor and Corinne (Bachata)

SUNDAY EVENING SHOW
Burlesquercise - Cha Cha Tease (Choreographed by Miss Leslie)
Burlesquercise - I See Red (Performance Team) (Choreographed by Miss Lindsey)
Caribbean Touch Dance Team (salsa team)
CISC Tribute Show
Citrine GEMs
EDC Salsa Team
Emerald GEMs
Estilo Urbano - Dance Fusion Calgary Team
FDMT DANCE Inc- Chacha Team
Havana Cuban Dance Studio and Peach Plum Academy Collaboration Bachata - Kiss Me
Montuno Dance Company - Mandie & Lianabel
Montuno Dance Company - Moré Cha Cha Cha Team
Montuno Dance Company - Orinoco Student Team
Morada Dance Movement Indigo
Morada Dance Movement Magenta
Natalia and Luis- No Vuelvo Más
Obsidian GEMs
Punta Garifuna - Dance Fusion Calgary Team
Quartz GEMs
SSDC Diamond Team
SSDC Latin Team
SSDC Los Locos
SSDC Sapphire Team
Tambores Espirituales - Afro Venezuelan - Dance Fusion Calgary Students Team
Topaz GEMs

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.