Dance Instructors

Joel Dominguez has danced, taught, performed, choreographed and competed throughout various parts of the US and Mexico. He has been studying music and dance for more than ten years and boasts expertise in a broad range of latin dances including Salsa, Cha-Cha, Merengue, Bachata, and Casino Rueda.

He has appeared in commercials, music videos, news programs, and has danced professionally as a promotion for the incomparable, Gloria Estefan; but he maintains that his true passion has always remained with his ability to convey to others his enthusiasm for Salsa music and dance.

He contends that these combined entities celebrate an art form that represents, at the same time, both fever and fluidity. Joel has made it his life’s work to share that passion with others.

As a promoter, he, in cooperation with DJ Antonio “La Conga”, founded the La Vieja Guardia Salsa Social Events.

Maria is the one of the main Salsa Instructors at JoelSalsa. She is a very passionate dancer and is known for her sexy and unique style. Maria teaches and performs nationwide with her partner Joel Dominguez. She also specializes in teaching Ladies Styling workshops that help ladies add more confidence, femininity and sexiness to their dancing. She will work the girls to help them bring out their own sexiness and add expression to their dancing. She believes everyone has something unique to add into their dancing……
For more info on Maria and her intensive workshops, please visit her website http://MariaPalmieri.com

“To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak” God has blessed me with the ability to learn, imitate, re-create, blend, invent, and teach. I have been teaching since the first day I learned anything in school, as my mother was one of my first students. Even though I’ve been dancing since my days in the womb, it wasn’t till the age of 12 that I started taking it more seriously. I started with folkloric and traditional music from the Dominican Republic, merengue and bachata. At the start of my High School chapter, I dove into the hip-hop culture and later entered the salsa community. It’s safe to say that I enjoy trying new dance styles and I have no preference for style. In fact, I love fusing them all to create new moves, which I can pass on to others who share my vision.

For many, the world of dance is a creative outlet; one in which people from all walks of life come together and express themselves. I have seen this form of art come alive by transforming the lives of young children, teenagers and adults. I remember being about ten years old. My dad would pull me to dance at parties and I would run and hide, then lock myself in my room and dance in front of the mirror. I overcame my shyness and learned that dance is a freedom of expression that should be shared. It is about having fun and sharing your personal story. So feel free to express yourself no matter how shy you are, and dance as if no one is looking.

I’m Daniela from Argentina. I have lived in Miami for most of my life and been in NY for almost 2 years.

Dancing has been my breath to live. I have a BFA in dance from New World School of the Arts, from Downtown Miami, Florida. As well as being Zumba^® certified in NYC.

In class I love to bring out that Miami style that makes everyone feel CALIENTE!!! which we need some of that in these cold cold winters

I choose to teach Zumba^® because its a party in my heart, which gives me joy to see other people experiencing the same feeling. Zumba^® is a program based on international rhythms. You do not need any dance experience to do zumba^®; all you need is your sneakers and a bottle of water because we willlllll sweat!

Get ready and do not forget you smiles!

Alicia has been a performer her entire life. She started her career as a cheerleader at the tender age of four, cheering for her older brother from the sidelines of his pee-wee football games. That was JUST the beginning—from elementary school right up through college, Alicia made an 18 year run leading crowds, competing and showing her school spirit everywhere from her small Pennsylvania town to performances in Disney World! After college, she knew she needed to find a new way to utilize her love of performing and her extensive training in dance, voice and gymnastics. It didn’t take very long for Alicia to realize her new passion…ZUMBA^®!

After becoming certified by the Zumba^® Organization as a Zumba Fitness Instructor and teaching throughout New York and New Jersey, Alicia took things to the next level and opened her own business – ZumbaNation by Alicia! She has found teaching Zumba^® to be one of the most rewarding things she does on a daily basis and acknowledges that “three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, to love and something to hope for.” Alicia has found her true happiness as an instructor and hopes she too can inspire others to find their own “happiness”!

When I discovered ZUMBA^®, it changed my life! I find it empowering and exhilarating, and I absolutely believe that you will too- Come join the party! Ditch the workout, and come have some fun!

A little about myself as a dancer/actor, I trained all my life classically.

I performed in several musical theater shows in New York city and on tour, had opportunity to work with renowned choreographers such as Ann Reinking and Chita Rivera, and ultimately danced at Radio City as a Radio City Rockette… But now, as a mommy and a part-time photographer, I also enjoy teaching and choreographing and have been doing so in the tri-state area for years… My passion for dance is strong in my heart, and I LOVE adding ZUMBA^® to my palette!

I look forward to seeing you in class!