Jeff Tarpinian, aka DJ Jazzy J.
Jeff Tarpinian's inspirational style generates enthusiasm and commitment to the art of Salsa & Latin dancing. He was been dancing various styles of dance for more than 30 years. At the early age of 13 he excelled in the street dance style of Popping and Locking, as well as Jazz, winning many competitions and touring Europe doing performances, as well as many TV slots/shows. Coming from an Armenian/Brasilian background and brought up in London, Jeff learned to appreciate a wide variety of good music from an early age. Dancing Salsa LA and NY style, On1 and On2, Bachata, Cha cha etc.. for more than 14 years - Jeff has already travelled the world, teaching and dancing in over 60 worldwide congresses, and is set this year for many more. His varied inspirations have lead Jeff to dancing a very unique style of salsa, blending hip hop, jazz and contemporary. As a choreographer, DJ and Salsa instructor, Jeff enjoys every aspect of dancing, from encouraging the novice to working with the advanced, always inspiring the best out of everyone. Focusing on technique, rhythm, correct mind-set and core movement, Jeff manages to teach his classes to a high level, whilst injecting great humour and fun. His company Incognito Dance, runs regular Latin dance nights in London catering for over 400 dancers each week. Also due to his excellent taste in Latin music, Jeff is highly regarded one the best UK Latin DJ's, and was awarded "UK's Best Latin DJ" award 2010.
I want to give special thanks to all my friends and family who have supported me in the past, and most are still inspiring and encouraging me all the time. In particular, Mum /Dad, Kerry Burtenshaw (my love and soul partner - DJ Granit), Adam Burtenshaw, Gary Nurse, Gabriel Cameron, Chris Frith, Patsy Harper,Shaka Brown, Alison Roberts, Colleen Daniels, Helen Gibson, Martina Mungai, Nicola Szuprowicz, Leon Rose, Glenn Seddington, Roberta Cuppari, Siwar and Ness, Shelley Cook, Lydia Maurer, Miriam Oppel, Lisa Page, Paul Harris, Rowan, Marianna, Mauro, Mouni, and Katriona Taylor. Just a very special thanks to my belated friend Lee Wright, RIP
Shelley Cook
Shelley runs several courses for the Incognito Dance team at various locations. Shelley is the UK's hottest salsa talent. UK Professional Champion and 2006 European Silver Medallists and World Semi-Finalists.
Currently working on performance courses, and regular classes across London.
With her belated partner Lee Wright they were voted the "Top UK Dance Act" 2007 and presented with this prestigious award at the UK Congress. Just an excellent Dancer, Teacher, Performer, Choreographer & lover of life. Nuff said......
Miriam Oppel
Miriam Oppel is a highly sought after teacher and performer and is regarded as one of the best in the UK for ladies’ salsa styling. Her background in dance is eclectic. She has a degree in Dance and Culture from the University of Surrey and has trained in a variety of genres including urban jazz, contemporary, classical Indian dance, African and ballet. She is known for her versatility and charisma, being able to easily switch from elegant to funky styles. Her successful dance partnership with Marchant Birch led to their being awarded Top UK Dance Act at the UK Salsa Congress 2006.
Miriam also performed with Tamambo and has danced for a number of salsa troupes including Rhythm Symbion, the Leon Rose Project and Iris de Brito and the Latin Soul Sisters. Her dancing has featured in several music videos and TV commercials. She is currently working with Colleen Daniels and Inaki Fernandez, performing both internationally and around the UK.
Roberta Cuppari
Roberta Cuppari was born and raised in Milan, Italy and started ballet at the age of 5. At the age of 17 she turned to Street Dance and Jazz, winning a summer scholarship for Vignale Danza in 2002. With the influence of her two sisters (a ballet/contemporary teacher and a tango instructor) she was introduced to different kind of music and dances.
In 2005 she moved to London where she developed a passion for Salsa. She trained in Cuban and Porto Rican styles first and then she fell in love with New York style and attended numerous workshops with the best NY dancers. Alongside her salsa training, she continued her jazz and contemporary dance studies.
In 2007 she joined Irene Miguel’s group Danza Lifestyle and performed with them for a year. Roberta is currently attending a Performing Arts Course in Contemporary Dance at the Birkbeck University. She now teaches salsa in a number of venue and is a very passionate and versatile instructor.
Kerry Burtenshaw ( aka DJ Granit )
Kerry is one of the most experienced salsa / contemporary dance teachers in the UK, teaching for over 24 different companies over the last 15 years. Originally from London, she was exposed to all styles of dance and specialised in salsa at an early age. Known for her grace, fluidity and precision on the dance floor, and a remarkable ability to dance with anyone at any level.
She has taught many people her intricate footwork patterns, body movement, how to spin, feel comfortable and express themselves on the dance floor. Her creativity in styling and shines is enhanced by her sense of musicality and the ease with which she has incorporated other forms of dance.
As well as Salsa, Kerry runs over 14 Zumba classes per week in various parts of London and surrounding counties.
Alison Roberts - DJ Queenie
Alison has been dancing from a young age. Trained in classical ballet, she attended stage school and learnt to dance jazz in east coast USA. As well as teaching adults and children, she has choreographed and performed in various shows over the course of her dancing career. With a passion for dance and experience of different styles, Alison believes in encouraging others to develop expression and creativity in all aspects of their salsa dancing. A dynamic dancer with loads of energy and style. Alison can lead and follow in many styles of dance, which makes her a very popular teacher across the UK.
Saori Coster
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Saori is one of the most popular dancers in the UK & Europe. Having won the European Salsa Championship for the group division in 2006, Saori has been teaching and performing thoughout the UK and abroad ever since. She is a resident teacher at all our venues and runs excellent performance courses at very high levels. Inspired by top world stars such as Yamulee, Hache Y Machete & Griselle Ponse. Saori has now developed a unique style and charisma which has made her one of the most highly rated dancers in Europe. Her courses and classes are constantly sold out.
She'd like to share with all ladies her knowledge and unique technique, especially clean stable spins and elegent styling but most of all the enjoyment of dancing on the music on a truly spiritual level.
Lydia Maurer
“Lydia was former UK Modern Jive Champion, touring the world performing and teaching. Luckily for the salsa world she has transferred her skills to teaching the salsa world for the past 8 years. She has taught many of the stars of salsa today. Living in Geneva now, she is still very active in the salsa world. She is still available for workshops and bookings anywhere in UK and Europe.
If you need to get in touch with her: bikergirl66@hotmail.com”
Tulimar - DJ and performer
Born in Venezuela, DJ Tuli started listening and dancing to Salsa from an early age, developing a love for all Latin rhythms, its origins and interpretation. This passion has only grown stronger since coming to the UK in 1993, where after a few years she then joined The Mambolifestyle Dance Company directed by Irene Miguel, which led to performances around the UK & abroad. Indeed as a natural Spanish speaker she has a great understanding and awareness of the nuances of the dance style which will most definitely develop her into a well accomplished and knowledgeable DJ.
Currently performing with Duende. She also regularly teaches and DJ's at our Loudwater club.
Gabriella Warren
Fresh from dancing across Europe and USA, Gabriella has taught Latin dance alongside "Strictly Come Dancing" professionals. She's performed in West End shows, touring theatre productions and several TV commercials.
A classically trained ballerina and gymnast from the age of 3, Latin dance was a revelation to her. "It's fun, social and makes you feel alive!" She believes that everyone has the ability to dance and the key is to feel the music from within. Gabriella is known for her fun exciting classes, elegant style and innate ability to make people feel good.
Based in West London, she is in demand by organisations for her exhilarating Latin dance events, and has worked with leading fashion brands and advertising agencies. To find out more, contact Gabriella on +44 (0)7828 114426 or email gabriellawarren25@gmail.com.
Colleen Daniels
Colleen..... simply put "one of the best dancers in Europe, her unique style makes her one of the hottest stars of the salsa scene". Colleen has performed & taught in over 60 countries.
Colleen runs 2 dance groups Protrait Dance Co. and Shuga Dance Co. www.colleendaniels.co.uk
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George’s eclectic tastes in music lead him to discover Salsa & Latin Jazz, long before he ever took a step on the dance floor. Once bitten by the bug, he started regular classes with Nelson Batista, followed by such luminaries as Robert Charlemagne and Susana Montero. Through this exposure he has developed a keen ear on what the best like to dance to.