“Dance is the hidden language of the soul.”
We’re thrilled to announce our newest initiative at Latispánica Cultural Association—our very own Dance School, where the vibrant spirit of Latin culture comes to life through movement! With over a decade of experience in showcasing cultural dances and teaching various genres, we’re excited to expand our outreach and fulfill our mission of promoting the richness of Latin heritage.
We’re excited to offer four different class types featuring a variety of Latin American rhythms, all open to participants of all ages and skill levels! Over the course of 8 weeks, you’ll immerse yourself in a rich blend of dance styles, with a total of 8 classes designed to cater to different interests.
Join us for this vibrant journey through Latin dance, where you’ll not only learn new skills but also connect with others in a fun and welcoming environment. Let’s celebrate the joy of Latin America together!
Classes
Merengue- Partner Dancing
Step into the vibrant world of Merengue, a dance that captures the heart and soul of Latin culture! In our partner dancing classes, you’ll learn the lively steps and rhythms that make Merengue so exhilarating. Perfect for couples and friends, this dance encourages connection and celebration.
Reggaeton- Latin Rhythms
Latin rhythms class for adults and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Reggaeton! This dynamic genre, rooted in Caribbean and Latin culture, combines infectious beats with expressive movements. Perfect for all skill levels, this class fosters community and connection among fellow dance enthusiasts.
Salsa Choque- Latin Rhythms for KIDS
Introduce your child to the exciting world of Latin dance with our Salsa Choque class for kids ages 8-12! This energetic style blends traditional salsa with lively, modern influences, making it perfect for young dancers.
mexican Folklore Dance
We are excited to introduce a new and vibrant opportunity for our community: Traditional Mexican Folklore Dance Classes! These classes offer a fun way to explore the rich traditions of Mexican dance. Open to all skill levels, they’re a great way to connect with Mexico’s vibrant folklore.
Meet Our Instructors
Conny Ureta
A talented dancer and choreographer from Santiago, Chile, Constanza brings over 15 years of experience in Latin rhythms like Salsa and Reggaeton. Her passion for dance has led her to perform for Chile’s Telethon and be part of the prestigious Rodrigo Diaz Academy. Since moving to Canada, she has volunteered as a choreographer with Latispánica, taught at our Zumba Fiestas, and instructed at House of Eights and other dance schools throughout the city.
alex Caballero
Born and Raised in Mexico City, Mexico, Alex has always had Latin Dance as a core part of his life. He has studied a variety of dance styles including ballet, tap, hip hop and contemporary, but always had the most interest and passion for partner dancing like Salsa and Bachata. He performed several times during his college years in Mexico, and has built over 4 years of teaching experience since moving to Canada.
He was one of the main instructors from the University of Ottawa Salsa club (UOsalsa) and was also a guest instructor at Ottawa’s #1 Latin Social “Vibe Salsa”. In Halifax, he has volunteered for the past 2 years during the Latinfax performing cha cha, salsa choque, salsa casino and merengue!
Ruth Pérez
Ruth began her journey in the dance world way back in Perú with local folklore and different Latin rhythms . Her passion and energy brought her to be part of Latispánica’s choreographers and became a Zumba instructor for adults and kids.
Since she moved to Canada in 2006 she has participated in creating and performing different Latin styles for various events with Latispánica Cultural Association. Ruth brings fun and confidence to her students and she is thrilled to have the opportunity to share her experience, passion for dance and choreography with everybody. She cannot wait to see everyone do what they love.
María José Marteli Medina
A talented dancer and choreographer from Yucatan, Mexico. Maria Jose brings over 20 years of experience in Latin Folk dance and Rhythms.
María José started dancing during her formative school years as part of the school curriculum. Her love for dance and natural ability to understand movement help her land a job as a professional dancer.
In 2008, María José had the opportunity to teach and perform Latin Folk dances for the Latin Community, that is today the Latispánica Cultural Association. Since then, Maria José has choreographed and performed in dozens of dances and continues to do so.
María José loves sharing her culture trough dance and believes everyone can dance.
Jean Fraser
Jean has been an active volunteer with Latispánica for over a decade, first as a dancer, then choreographer, and now as the Arts and Performances Officer. With 5 years of teaching experience, Jean believes everyone should feel the joy of dance and the thrill of performing!
She currently teaches Salsa and Bachata classes through Halifax Recreation and the Canada Games Centre and prides herself on creating a fun and inclusive learning environment.