Our Teachers
Andy Witt - DancaLatina DirectorDirector of DancaLatina - Dance Company. Latin Dancer, Choreographer and Teacher of: Salsa, Samba, Lambada & Merengue Over 12 years of experience teaching and performing worldwide Andy now runs the largest Salsa classes and clubs in Wales. Bringing the vibrancy and fun of Salsa and Latin America to the Welsh dance floors.
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Kate James - Salsa
TeacherIn 2001 Kate met a group of Cuban salsa dancers whilst living in France. After a year of learning the ropes from Ruben and Miguel, Kate moved back to Wales and started her own classes, first in Cuban style salsa and La Rueda and later moving on to LA style salsa.
Kate set up her first class in Le Caprice in Llanelli and after several months of training formed the group Salsa Caprice. The group toured across Wales, performing at several well know festivals and venues including the National Botanical Gardens and Talgarth Festival.
By 2003, Kate had branched out and was teaching across South Wales, with weekly classes in Cardiff, Swansea and Barry. In 2007 Kate spent a month backpacking and dancing her way across Cuba, meeting fantastic Cuban dancers and learning real Cuban talents. Kate is now based in Cardiff and runs the annual Cubanaloca Wales Salsathon and teaches every Thursday with the Dancalatina team.
Other bits about Kate…..
Kate is also a trained gymnastics teacher, has made TV appearances on Con Passionate and Caerdydd, has been interviewed live for Wales Tonight, models wedding dresses for Wedding World, speaks French and is learning Spanish and Welsh. She also loves to surf, although is not very good at it, and travels at every opportunity.
www.cubanaloca.com
Stellan Jara - Salsa Teacher
www.salsasouls.co.uk
I started dancing Salsa in 2001, dancing Salsa twice a week for the first year and fast built up to three and four times a week, (have now hit a record 8 times in one week!).
From my first few years dancing Salsa to present, I have learnt fantastic moves with teachers such as Rohan Brown, Nicolai and Helena, Mauricio, Moe Flex, Nico Valiente, Gary & Jayne, Andy Witt, Lee Hunter, Marchant Birch and many more.
I started learning and dancing Bachata (Italian style) in 2004 (self taught) also with classes from Tony Lara and now continue to learn the Dominican & Spanish styles of Bachata too.
In 2005 my development as a Salsa dancer and then teacher grew dramatically, concentrating on dance technique with teacher Andy Witt from Cardiff. Thanks to him my Salsa dancing has been taken to a whole new level and has allowed me to become a more confident dancer and teacher. My Salsa dance style is predominantly cross-body (LA style) with a fun enthusiasm injected into every dance with more than enough stamina.
My teaching began on an informal basis in the Salsa clubs I danced in, helping beginners start off on a happy step and encourage them to come back again. I would always dance with anyone and everyone, my motto being 'make each dance fun and special'. I give private classes for those who want one on one teaching (Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha Cha and Merengue). I also teach every Thursday in Cardiff for Andy Witt, where there are big crowds that attend the classes.