Meet The Team
Patricia Robertson
Patricia Robertson serves as a house teacher at the prestigious Pete and Carmen Dance Academy, where she has established herself as a dedicated and passionate instructor. As a serious student of the art form, she has committed herself to comprehensive learning—beyond training extensively with Pete and Carmen, Patricia has sought education from every expert she could find in the field of Latin dancing, constantly expanding her knowledge and skill set. Her commitment to sharing this expertise shines through in her monthly classes, and she can frequently be found assisting and teaching at Latin dance events throughout the community. With a genuine passion for continuous learning and teaching, Patricia brings a wealth of knowledge and an encouraging approach to every class she leads.
Skyler
Based in Santa Barbara, Skyler Metcalf is a versatile instructor specializing in a dynamic fusion of Bachata, Salsa, Ballroom, and Swing. A familiar face at dance festivals throughout California, Skyler is known for blending these diverse disciplines into a unique and fluid experience on the dance floor.
Adding to that expertise, Skyler will be collaborating with Orlan Mat to teach Zoukchata at the Fresno Dance Fiesta—a high-energy, can’t-miss event for the dance community.
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DJ Ron
Ron Palma has earned widespread recognition as one of the most in-demand and prolific DJs in the lively Bay Area dance scene. With a bustling weekly schedule in the region and captivating performances at a multitude of dance festivals across California, Ron's talents behind the turntables have solidified his standing as an indispensable force in the dance community.
Renowned for his exceptional ability to curate music sets that are finely tuned to the energy and rhythm of social dancing, Ron has mastered the art of reading and responding to the crowd, a hallmark trait of an outstanding DJ. His intuitive understanding of the needs and preferences of dancers has further elevated his reputation, earning him unwavering appreciation and admiration from the dedicated dance community.
Moreover, within the inner circle of devoted dancers, Ron is celebrated as a DJ who effortlessly tunes into the pulse of the dance floor, seamlessly blending music that resonates with the diverse and discerning tastes of the dance community. His enduring commitment to delivering captivating and well-timed music sets has established him as a pivotal figure whose contributions enrich every dance experience.
Ron Palma's remarkable skill set, characterized by his innate ability to connect with dancers through music, cements his position as a dynamic DJ set maestro, elevating the vibrancy and spirit of social dancing across the Bay Area and beyond.
Corey Raynor
Corey Raynor is a pioneering figure in the Bay Area bachata dance community. Having visited the Dominican Republic , he learned bachata at its source—immersing himself in the authentic style and culture of the dance long before it gained widespread popularity in the United States.
As one of the first to bring bachata to the Bay Area, Corey has built an impressive career as both a performer and competitor on the international bachata stage. His deep understanding of the dance's roots, combined with years of professional experience, has established him as a respected voice in the bachata world.
Today, Corey dedicates himself to growing the Latin dance community in the Bay Area. Known for his exceptional teaching ability, he shares his passion and expertise with students of all levels, helping to cultivate the next generation of bachata dancers while honoring the authentic traditions he learned in the Dominican Republic.
Michael & Anjali
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.
Pete & Carmen
Pete and Carmen have achieved iconic status in the San Joaquin Valley area, their names becoming synonymous with excellence in Latin dance instruction. Through their respected training of countless students, they have built a reputation that transcends the ordinary—their name itself has become a trusted brand in dance education. At the helm of the legendary Pete and Carmen Salsa Academy, they offer comprehensive instruction in salsa, bachata, and a wide variety of Latin dance styles. What sets them apart is their unique teaching methodology: originally martial arts studio owners and instructors, they apply the extensive, disciplined methods of martial arts to dance training, breaking down body mechanics and movements with precision and clarity. Join us to experience their systematic approach that transforms dancers of all levels through expert body mechanics and proven martial arts principles.
Ismael Otero
New Jersey
Founded by the talented duo Vanessa and Guillermo in the vibrant Bay Area, Como El Agua is a trailblazing dance company known for their pioneering role as one of the first Bachata Sensual couples in the region. Their journey in dance took a significant leap as they acquired their teaching certification from none other than Korke & Judith, the influential creators of Sensual Bachata. Their commitment to honing their craft has propelled them to travel extensively, sharing their expertise through teaching and captivating performances nationwide.
In addition to their remarkable teaching and performance endeavors, Vanessa and Guillermo remain deeply rooted in their local community, devoting themselves to training and instructing students in the Bay Area. Their proficiency extends beyond Sensual Bachata, encompassing a wealth of knowledge in other dance disciplines such as salsa and ballroom.
Join Vanessa and Guillermo on a captivating dance journey as they impart their rich expertise and unwavering passion for dance, leaving an indelible mark on all those who have the privilege of learning from Como El Agua Dance Company.
Brielle Friedman
Los Ángeles
Based in Los Angeles by way of New York City, Brielle is a World Champion dancer, instructor, and choreographer whose artistry is defined by elegant lines, technical precision, and a signature playful femininity.
A graduate of Brown University and recognized as one of Southern California’s premier social dancers, Brielle founded Siempre Sol Dance in 2023. Her mission is to empower individuals to unlock their confidence through creative practice and authentic self-expression.
Competitive Excellence & Artistry
Brielle’s competitive pedigree is marked by prestigious titles from the world’s most elite stages, including:
World Salsa Summit
World Latin Dance Cup
Canada Salsa Congress
Beyond the competition circuit, she has graced the stages of iconic New York City venues such as the Dream Hotel, Public Arts, and the Stonewall Inn. Her versatile talent has led to collaborations with acclaimed recording artists, including JC Suavé, Crystal Starr, and Zebulon.
Sade Montoya
San Diego
Sade Montoya is widely respected in the dance community for her contributions to Urban-Kiz. Currently, her workshops focus on Ladies Kizomba Styling, where she helps dancers refine their movement and expression. However, her background spans a variety of rhythms and disciplines.
A Versatile Career
Sade’s journey in dance is rooted in a deep foundation of Latin styles:
Global Expertise: Alongside her partner Beto, she is a sought-after competitor and performer, invited to stages across the globe to teach and share their craft.
Championship Background: She is a decorated Salsa and Bachata teacher and dancer with several titles and honors.
Professional Roots: Her experience includes performing with the world-renowned Alma Latina dance company.
onored to have her share that knowledge with our attendees.
Whether you are looking to improve your styling or dive into her Latin roots, Sade offers a wealth of experience that every dancer can learn from.
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DJ Basico
San Diego
Based in San Diego, DJ Basico brings a unique, movement-first philosophy to the booth. With years of experience soundtracking the Southern California dance scene, his approach is rooted in a fundamental belief: to play the music, you must first feel the floor.
Like many of the industry’s most respected figures, Basico’s journey began as a social dancer. This background as a dancer is his "secret sauce"—it allows him to anticipate the energy of the room and select tracks that aren't just heard, but are deeply danceable.
His reputation for keeping the floor packed has taken him far beyond the West Coast. From major festivals in California to international stages in Hawai'i, Nevada and the Philippines, DJ Basico has become a staple at dance congresses worldwide. Whether he's playing for a local social or a global festival, his mission remains the same: delivering the perfect beat for those who live to dance.
Orlan Mat
Based in Los Angeles, Orlan Mat (widely known as DJ Cal Z) is a powerhouse of the modern Latin and Afro-Latin dance scenes. Since being discovered by the legendary Albert Torres in 2010, Orlan has evolved into a world-class instructor, performer, and DJ, leaving an indelible mark on over 60 major festivals across North America, Europe, and the Caribbean.
A Pioneer of Movement
Orlan is celebrated as the visionary behind Zouk LA and ZoukChata, and is recognized globally as a pioneer of R&B Zouk Flow. His expertise spans a vast technical spectrum, including:
Zouk & Fusion: BachaZouk, KiZouk, and Bachata Fusion.
Classic Latin: Salsa (On1/On2) and traditional Bachata.
Philosophy: A high-energy approach centered on deep musicality and seamless connection.
Community & Education
A resident talent in the LA scene, Orlan previously served as a key instructor and DJ at the Liz Lira Dance Academy. Today, he continues to shape the local community through his weekly instruction at Westside Salsa Bachata events, where he blends his years of international experience with a passion for grassroots growth.
Whether he is behind the decks as DJ Cal Z or leading a workshop on the floor, Orlan’s influence continues to bridge the gap between traditional technique and the evolving world of Fusion.
Orlando Valle
With a career spanning over 30 years, Orlando Valle is a cornerstone of the West Coast dance community. A multifaceted talent, Orlando has transitioned seamlessly from the competitive stage to the DJ booth, always keeping the heart of the dancer at the center of his work.
Decades of Mastery
Orlando’s deep roots in the scene began as a salsa dancer, a background that informs his sharp musicality and understanding of the floor. For more than 25 years, he has been a dedicated educator, sharing his passion for Salsa and Bachata across the Bay Area.
His influence as an instructor and promoter extends well beyond Northern California, with successful workshops and residencies in:
Hawai'i, Nevada, California (Bay Area)
Today, Orlando is as well-known for his ear as he is for his footwork. As a respected DJ and promoter, he creates the very environments where the next generation of dancers can thrive. Whether he is teaching a technical foundation or curate the perfect set, Orlando Valle continues to be a driving force in the preservation and evolution of Latin dance.