Meet Rodchata's Friends
Jorge Elizondo
Jorge Elizondo is recognized as one of the pioneers of Bachata worldwide. Long before Bachata became globally popular, he was among the first instructors teaching the dance internationally when very few dared to promote an unknown genre at the time. Today, he is widely known as the organizer of the highly respected and well-established Dallas Bachata Festival. Prior to that, alongside Rodchata, he co-founded two of the very first Bachata festivals in the United States — the Reno Bachata Festival and the San Francisco Bachata Festival. As an educator, Jorge is loved for his dynamic workshops and innovative teaching style, particularly his signature “Bachata Fusion,” a term he coined early on by blending Traditional Bachata with elements of Tango and Salsa.
Hector Reyes
Hector Reyes is the producer of Nova Dance Fest, one of the prominent Latin dance events in Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area. Before becoming an organizer and studio owner, Hector built a strong reputation as a talented dancer and performer, including his time as a member of the renowned Mambo Romero Dance Company, as well as other respected Bay Area dance teams.
Today, Hector is recognized as a dedicated instructor, accomplished performer, and owner of a dance studio serving the Silicon Valley community. A skilled Salsa teacher with a passion for sharing Latin dance, he has also trained in Dominican Bachata under Rodchata.
Through his teaching, performances, events, and commitment to the dance community, Hector Reyes continues to be a valuable contributor to the growth and success of the Bay Area Latin dance scene.
Kathy Reyes
Kathy Reyes has been performing and competing in Bachata and Salsa since the early rise of Bachata in the United States. A multiple dance champion, she is widely respected for her talent, passion, and dedication to her craft, which helped establish her as a recognized figure in the Los Angeles Latin dance scene.
After moving to the San Francisco Bay Area, Kathy continued her success and became one of the premier instructor, director, and promoter of Latin dancing in the region.
Through years of teaching, performing, competing, and community involvement, she has earned the admiration and respect of dancers throughout California and beyond.
DJ Basico
DJ Basico has been involved in the Bachata and Salsa dance scene for many years, first as a passionate dancer and eventually becoming one of the prominent Latin dance DJs in California. Known for his musicality, energy, and ability to keep dancers on the floor, he has built a strong reputation within the Salsa and Bachata community both locally and internationally.
Beyond California, DJ Basico has been featured at numerous Rodchata festival events and has brought his music to dance communities around the world, including Hawai‘i, Las Vegas, Fresno, Japan, the Philippines, and Australia, just to name a few.
Through the years, he has become a respected figure in the international Bachata scene, helping create memorable dance experiences wherever he performs.
Corey & Mirreile
Corey and Mireille have been at the forefront of promoting, teaching, and performing Bachata since the early days of Bachata’s growth in California. As pioneers in the scene, they were among the first instructors to form a Bachata dance performance team, helping introduce Bachata choreography and stage performances to a wider audience during a time when the dance was still emerging in the United States.
Over the years, they have also competed, performed, and taught extensively, earning the respect and admiration of dancers throughout the community. A longtime part of the Rodchata Bachata movement, Corey and Mireille have consistently been featured on the lineup of Rodchata’s festivals, socials, and events through the years. Their passion, professionalism, and dedication to the dance have made them beloved figures among Bachateros both in California and beyond.
DJ Ron
Ron Palma is widely recognized as one of the most in-demand and respected DJs in the Bay Area dance scene. With a busy weekly schedule and appearances at numerous dance festivals across California and beyond, he has become a staple in the Latin dance community.
Known for his ability to read the dance floor and deliver music sets perfectly suited for social dancing, Ron has earned the admiration of dancers for keeping the energy flowing all night long. His passion for music, connection with the crowd, and deep understanding of dancers’ needs continue to make him a favorite among the Bachata and Salsa community.
Orlando Valle
Orlando Valle has been a respected figure in the West Coast Latin dance community for over 30 years. Originally known as a Salsa dancer and instructor, Orlando has spent more than 25 years teaching Salsa and Bachata throughout the Bay Area and beyond, including Hawai‘i and Nevada.
Today, he is also recognized as a respected DJ and promoter, known for his strong musicality, connection to dancers, and ability to create unforgettable dance experiences. Whether teaching, DJing, or promoting events, Orlando continues to play an important role in the growth and evolution of Latin dance.
DJ Super Chino
Jairo Aguilar, also known as DJ Super Chino, has been a well-known DJ in the Bay Area Latin dance scene for decades. Before becoming recognized behind the DJ booth, he was also respected as a talented Salsa dancer with the legendary Salsamania Dance Company alongside his dance champion brother, Luis Aguilar.
Because of his strong background as a dancer himself, DJ Super Chino became especially loved by dancers throughout the Bay Area. His musical sets are known for understanding the energy and needs of the dance floor, creating an experience that truly connects with social dancers.
Seaon Stylist
When it comes to Mambo, there are certain dancers and instructors you simply never forget — and Seaon Stylist is one of them.
Widely respected as an icon in the Salsa and Mambo world, Seaon made a lasting impact through his style, musicality, and unforgettable presence on the dance floor.
Even after stepping away from the spotlight, his name continues to carry great respect throughout the dance community.
Now, fans and dancers alike are excited as Seaon Stylist comes out of retirement to teach and celebrate at Rodchata’s 60th Birthday Celebration Weekend.
Meet The Artists
Ava & Rodolfo
Rodolfo and Ava are recognized as pioneers of Salsa dancing in the San Francisco Bay Area. Known for their exciting cabaret-style performances and signature acrobatic movements, they helped elevate the level of Latin dance entertainment and competition in the region for many years.
Ava herself is a multi-time world dance champion in both Salsa and Hustle, earning international recognition for her talent and accomplishments.
Together, Rodolfo and Ava have coached and mentored many dancers who later became well-known figures in the dance industry, including Junior and Emily, just to name a few.
Beyond her competitive success, Ava also holds a special place in Rodchata’s dance journey, as she was one of his very first Salsa instructors.
Jo Quinones
If you were part of the Bachata scene during the rise of Bachata competitions and performances, then you probably remember the dynamic duo Vince and Jo — pioneers of what became known as “Urban Bachata.”
Their unique style blended Traditional Bachata with Hip Hop and other forms of Latin dance, helping create a fresh and exciting movement that influenced dancers around the world.
Known for their energetic workshops and memorable performances, Vince and Jo became internationally recognized figures during the early evolution of modern Bachata performance culture.
Today, Jo Quinones continues to be highly respected as a veteran coach, instructor, and choreographer, actively teaching and mentoring dancers throughout Southern California.
Million Moves Man
Ismael Otero, also known as the “Million Moves Man,” has been teaching and coaching Latin dance for decades. Beyond being a highly respected instructor, his performance group Caribbean Soul gained worldwide recognition at Salsa congresses for their unique choreography, creativity, and dynamic stage presence.
As a dance director and mentor, Ismael has also trained and developed many dancers who later became well-known artists themselves, including Griselle Ponce, Shanti Talmor, and Alex Morel, just to name a few. Today, he continues to travel internationally, teaching, choreographing, and helping shape the next generation of dancers around the world.
Rodchata also credits Ismael Otero for introducing him to Traditional Bachata — the way it was originally meant to be danced.
Meet The Team
Luis Aguilar
Luis Aguilar is a multi-time dance champion and is widely regarded as one of the finest dancers in the Latin dance world. Known for his exceptional technique, performance ability, and competitive success, Luis has earned the respect of dancers worldwide throughout his distinguished career.
Many remember his legendary partnership with Anya Katsevman, where together they competed, performed, and taught Salsa around the globe, inspiring countless dancers along the way.
While now retired from competition, Luis remains active in the dance community as an instructor and mentor. He regularly teaches at Revive Dance Studio in Millbrae, continuing to share his knowledge and passion with the next generation of dancers in the San Francisco Bay Area.
EldelaclaveSF
Felipe Martinez, also known as EldelaclaveSF, is an accomplished dancer, performer, and internationally recognized DJ. Known for his musical knowledge, energy, and professionalism, he has become one of the most sought-after DJs in the Latin dance industry.
Each year, Felipe travels extensively around the world, DJing at major Salsa and Bachata congresses, festivals, and special events. Whether on the dance floor as a performer or behind the DJ booth, he is respected for creating unforgettable experiences for dancers everywhere.
Felipe is also the founder of World Salsa Radio, a popular online platform enjoyed by thousands of Latin music enthusiasts worldwide. Through World Salsa Radio, he continues to help promote Salsa, Bachata, and Latin music culture to a global audience, further cementing his influence within the international dance and music community.
James Regis
Camille Yannantuono
Camille Yannantuono is one of the early pioneers of Bachata dancing in the United States. Before making her mark in Bachata, she was already well known as a Tango instructor and performer, as well as an accomplished Salsa dancer. Alongside her former partner, Michael J. Saltus, she co-founded Positive Dance Company in San Diego, helping shape the Southern California Latin dance scene.
When Camille entered the world of Bachata, she partnered with fellow pioneer Jorge Elizondo of Texas, one of the very few instructors teaching Bachata internationally at a time when the dance had yet to gain mainstream popularity. Later, she partnered with the birthday celebrant, Rodchata, and together they traveled the world for three years, teaching and promoting Bachata to growing dance communities across the globe.
A talented performer, instructor, studio owner, producer, dance director, and choreographer, Camille has worn many hats throughout her remarkable career. Her contributions to the growth of Bachata and Latin dance have left a lasting impact on the community. Simply put, Camille Yannantuono is one of the legends of the dance world, and we are honored and excited to welcome her to Rodchata's 60th Birthday Celebration.
Jhon Freddie
Michael & Anjali
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Michael Saltus has carved a remarkable legacy as a seasoned dance coach and performer, leaving an indelible mark in the industry. His expertise spans across an array of dance styles, including Tango, Salsa, Bachata, and Zouk. As the co-founder of the influential Positive Energy Dance Company, Michael has been instrumental in shaping and influencing the dance community over the years.
Throughout his career, Michael has had the privilege of partnering and collaborating with renowned dancers such as Camille Yannnatuono, Serena Cuevas, Liz Lira, and other luminaries, enriching the dance world with his artistry and shared experiences. Presently, Michael is partnered with the exceptional talents of Anjali and Sinai, together presenting inspiring dance lessons that captivate audiences all over the globe.
Through his dedication and artistry, Michael Saltus continues to inspire and uplift dancers worldwide, perpetuating his legacy as a respected figure in the dance community. His collaborations and contributions have not only enhanced the vibrancy of the dance world, but have also touched the lives of countless individuals, instilling a passion for dance and creativity.
Joe Gabel
Philippines
Joe Gabel began his dance journey with a strong foundation in Salsa and Bachata before dedicating himself to Kizomba. Through extensive training in both the United States and Europe, he developed into one of Asia's respected Kizomba and Konpa instructors and DJs.
Now based in the Philippines, Joe is regularly invited to teach and DJ at festivals, congresses, and special events throughout Asia. Known for his smooth teaching style, musicality, and passion for Afro-Latin partner dances, he continues to help grow the Kizomba and Konpa communities across the region.
Orlan Mat
Los Angeles
Orlan Mat is the creator of Zoukchata, a fusion he developed before the style became widely recognized. For years, Orlan was highly sought after for his Zouk instruction, but his dance foundation goes far beyond one genre, with roots in Salsa, Bachata, and Ballroom.
With his diverse background, Orlan naturally transitioned into the modern evolution of Bachata, including Sensual, Modern, and Urban styles. He has traveled and taught around the world, sharing his unique movement, creativity, and fusion-based approach with dancers everywhere.