Instructors of the Mambo Room, Latin Dance Studio Dance classes in Ghent, Norfolk, Virginia

Instructors

Sandra Sanchez Originally from “The Bronx”, New York, and of Dominican decent, Sandra was surrounded by many forms of music. Although she enjoyed them all….she fell in love with SALSA . Living in the “Salsa Mecca” Sandra was able to learn from several highly skilled instructors. She eventually developed a unique style of her own and continued to develop her skills as a Salsa dancer. In 2002, Sandra started teaching in the Virginia Beach area, Salsa On1 style. In July 2004 with the help of Cesar Sanchez, she began introducing NY Style Salsa to the Hampton Roads area. From her humble beginnings as the co-director of the Clave Tumbao Dance Co., teaching and performing through the area and region her commitment as co-owner of Mambo Room Latin Dance Studio is a the culmination of 6 years of dedication to salsa and the dance community.
Tracy Holland Born and raised in Hampton Roads, Tracy graduated from ODU and started Thala Graphics, a graphic design business. Her favorite past time is dancing salsa which she turned into a business with the help of long-time friend Sandra Sanchez. Tracy's devotion to bringing the love of social latin dancing has transformed itself into the Mambo Room.
Jon Green Ballroom / Chicago Steppin' Instructor Jon is a professional dancer with an extensive background in music. He has diligently studied, in various parts of the country, different dance forms including waltz, tango, foxtrot, salsa, merengue, cha-cha, swing, hip hop, rumba, Chicago style steppin', and more. Teaching the art of dance in both group and private settings, Jon has developed a reputation for his fun, outgoing personality and ability to teach. Jon loves to perform, his most recent appearances include MTV's My Super Sweet Sixteen television show; in addition to local and regional showcases. www.VirginiaBeachSteppers.com
Brianna Bellydance / Seduce Instructor Brianna is a professional bellydancer with over twenty-five years of dance training and experience. Originally trained in classical ballet, she became captivated by the emotion and excitement of belly dance. An award-winning soloist, choreographer and troupe director, she is a featured instructor and performer across the US. Brianna’s instructional DVD, Ballet for Belly Dancers, helps students add grace, strength and fluidity to their oriental dance practice. www.briannabellydance.com
Leroy Winfield Latin Instructor Originally from Mississippi, Leroy is one of Hampton Roads first home-grown Salsa dancers, now Instructor. After graduating college and serving in the US Navy, Leroy found himself here in Hampton Roads. He competed as a Mixed Martial Artist for 2 ½ years before beginning his salsa training. Leroy began his training with Sandra Escobosa, and eventually continued with Cesar Sanchez, before beginning his own self-development. Leroy has quickly became one of the top dancers in the area capturing two first place and one second place salsa competition titles. He then went on to become an inaugural member of the Mezzlocutis Dance Company under the direction of Psyonmauricio in Washington, DC; a featured dancer in the music video “Mi Debilidad”; and founding his own dance company, LeMa Mambo Productions, teaching and performing in the Hampton Roads area. Leroy now has the honor and distinction of joining Sandra and Cesar Sanchez, aka Clave Tumbao, not only as a member of their Dance Team, but also as a fellow Instructor at The Mambo Room to help promote and establish Hampton Roads as one of the premiere Salsa / Mambo Communities on the East Coast.
Scott Wilson Latin Instructor Scott is one the most highly requested Bachata instructors in the Hampton Roads area and is known for providing fun, personable, stylish, challenging yet beginner friendly dance instruction at the Mambo Room. He is skilled in all social Latin dance styles to include On2 Mambo, LA Style Salsa, and Cuban Casino. Scott is also a skilled Ballroom dancer who has danced competitively and just recently won First Place at the Carolina Classic 2009 in the International Standard and Latin Categories of Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Samba, Rumba, and Cha Cha respectively. Scott has shared his passion for performing and choreography with Mambo Room student teams who have delivered wonderful performances for the Hampton Roads Community. He has also choreographed first dances for couples with impending weddings. Scott brings a smooth blend of energy and fun to the dance floor and his passion for dancing is equaled only by his sincere desire to share the joys of dancing with those seeking beginner friendly dance instruction.
Carolina and Jerome Mester Latin Instructors Carolina and Jerome Mester’s philosophy of dance is founded in the history of the music and dance they enjoy. Salsa and other Latin dances are rooted in the concepts of freedom, elation and expression. Carolina started her journey of dance as a child in her mother’s living room. Learning the basics of salsa from her mother, planted a seed of expression that has blossomed into a passion that she shares with others today. For twenty years Carolina has expressed this passion through competition and performance of Latin dance. Jerome’s love for music has driven him to seek different expressions of the rhythms he enjoys. This nomadic journey not only led him to Latin dance but also to the woman he loves. Together the Mesters share their expansive knowledge, intense love and extreme passion with all who are willing. Fundamentals, musicality, and all out fun are their recipe for a good dance and a good time.
Ife Milligan Afro-Cuban Instructor Originally from St. Croix , Virgin Islands and of Puerto Rican heritage, Ife began studying Afro- Cuban dance in 1997 in New York City. She studied with master teachers, Richard Gonzalez, Ricardo Colon and Xiomara. In 2001, she continued her study of Afro- Cuban/ Orisha Dance in Washington DC, with master teacher, Oscar Rousseaux. She performed with " Ochunmare" in NYC and " Ache- Moyubba Folkloric Ensemble", in Washington DC.
Sara Laurenzi Hip Hop Instructor Sara is originally from North Jersey, where she graduated from Ramapo College of New Jersey with a BA in Psychology. There she was also the President of the Dance Club and the Founder of the Dance Team. She choreographed and performed with both organizations and competed at a National level. Sara is trained in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and hip-hop. Since moving to Virginia Beach in 2008 she works as a Behavioral Counselor in an elementary school and continues to nourish her love for dance by studying at T.R. dance studio in Norfolk and teaching Hip-Hop to kids in Hampton Roads. Sara is currently teaching hip-hop fitness at Esteem Fitness in Virginia Beach as well as the kids classes and Hip-hop fitness at the Mambo Room.
Sam and Denise Miller Two Step Instructor Sam & Denise are movement and body energy analysts. They teach partnering through energy and physical connections, creating efficiency of desired movement by means of energy, body isolation, and imagery. Through action reaction they help you create the motivation which is translated into desire which creates harmony within a partnership. These concepts have taken years of research, development, and testing. Sam and Denise have applied these concepts to their own dancing and have since won numerous championships to include: • 2007 UCWDC Showcase & Classic Master World Championships • 2008 UCWDC Showcase Master World Championship • 2008 UCWDC Classic Master Two Step
Laurie Pillow Delirio Instructor
Savannah Bailey Zumba Instructor Savannah is a graduate athletic training student at Old Dominion University. She teaches Kinesiology and Biomechanics at ODU and works as a certified athletic trainer at Norfolk Christian High School. Her class is high energy and tons of fun.
Sherrie Grant Zumba Instructor