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.
Rodchata
Rodchata — the birthday celebrant, the pioneer, the trailblazer. Widely recognized as one of the first individuals to organize a Bachata festival in the United States, he also played a major role in helping popularize Bachata throughout California during a time when very few people embraced the dance. Known to many from his infamous SalsaGang days as “The BlueLizard,” Rodchata has spent over 35 years helping shape the Bachata dance community worldwide.
As one of the earliest proponents of Bachata in the United States and the world, he helped open doors for countless up-and-coming artists, promoters, DJs, instructors, and performers in the industry. Many consider him a foundational figure in Bachata promotion and education — often comparing his influence in Bachata to what Albert Torres was to Salsa.
Throughout his career, Rodchata was once voted among the Top 2 Most Influential Bachateros in the World. Beyond the accolades, however, he is best known as a world-renowned dance educator and trainer, having taught in more than 355 cities worldwide — and counting.
In 2025, Rodchata was diagnosed with Stage 2 liver cancer and has been courageously battling the disease ever since. That journey has given even deeper meaning to his 60th birthday celebration — a true celebration of life, friendship, music, dance, and the community he helped build through decades of passion and dedication.
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
Rodolfo & Ava
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.
