FUKUOKA SALSA FESTIVAL 2019

Professional dancers and choreographers since 2000.
Directors of the Dance School Alma Brava- Cordoba, Argentina. (2007-2019).
They realize tours for different events or Salsa and Bachata Congresses like USA (NYC, Las Vegas, Miami, Milweaukee), PUERTO RICO, MEXICO, BRAZIL, CHILE, URUGUAY, ITALY, JAPAN AND CHINA.
Directors of professorate of Afro-Caribbean Rhythms Alma Brava in Argentina (2017 - 2019).
Representatives of the World Salsa SUMMIT in Argentina since 2017.
Official judges of various current competitions such as (World Salsa Open, World Latin Dance Cup, World Salsa SUMMIT and World Salsa Championship Euroson Latino)

- 3rd Place in Cha Cha Cha category - World Salsa SUMMIT 2019 - Miami.
- Champions in Cha Cha Cha category - World Salsa SUMMIT 2016/17 - Miami.
- 3rd place in Cha Cha Cha category - Latin World Dance Cup 2015 - Miami.
- 2nd place in Cha Cha Cha category - World Latin Dance Cup 2011 - Las Vegas

Cuban dancer graduated from the National School of Art (ENA) in the specialty of Contemporary Dance and Cuban Folk Dance.
One of the most complete dancers at this time in Cuba, has traveled to different parts of the world teaching not only Cuban folklore, but also Salsa, Son, Rueda de Casino, Reggaeton among other rhythms.
Former solo dancer of the Tropicana Cabaret in Cuba.
Former dancer of Conjunto Folclórico Nacional de Cuba.
Finalist of the prestigious television contest "Dancing in Cuba" in 2017 and choreographer of the 2018 edition.

He is the one of the most important representatives of the Afro dance in the world. He has danced for 21 years in the national folklore of Cuba, becoming first dancer from the year 2005. He has not only danced in the best stages of the world, but also given his knowledge to the professionals who dance today, teacher of teachers...
He is a percussionist and multifunctional dancer, not only dances Afro Cuban, manages all Cuban popular rhythms. He knows the history of the dances, including in his classes or his dances the history of the Black Dance, in the other word, He is the living culture of Cuba.

Although he has been lived in New York long time, Jayson was born in Puerto Rico. He's been in the salsa world for over 25 years. He began dancing from 8 years old under the direction of the "King of the Mambo", Mr. Eddie Torres. He is the dancer who is one of the biggest dance stars in salsa all over the world. He is one of the reasons why thousands of people travel to different salsa events all over the world such as: The Puerto Rico Salsa Congress, Australia, Japan, Italy, USA, etc, attracting over 30.000 people annually.

A semi-finalist at the Salsa World Competition in Miami FL in 2013.
A dance performer belongs to apop circus around Japan from 2016 to 2018.
Has an instructor license of classic and contemporary dance.

He is well known as International dancer in his country, Argentina, but also in Latin America.
He has also participated several national and international competitions, achieving the first place in Argentina and the World Championship of the 2011 in Puerto Rico.
He has extensive experience in the different rhythms of salsa on 1, salsa on 2 style Los Angeles and New York as well as a Casino. Cha Cha cha, Boogaloo, Pachanga, Bachata and Reggaeton. He also teaches dancing salsa.

Director: Jayson Molina
Although he has been lived in New York long time, Jayson was born in Puerto Rico. He's been in the salsa world for over 25 years. He began dancing from 8 years old under the direction of the "King of the Mambo", Mr. Eddie Torres. He is the dancer who is one of the biggest dance stars in salsa all over the world. He is one of the reasons why thousands of people travel to different salsa events all over the world such as: The Puerto Rico Salsa Congress, Australia, Japan, Italy, USA, etc, attracting over 30.000 people annually.

Members
Idalines Medina
She is born in Puerto Rico, who is theone of the youngestand most famousSalsa dancer. She has learned from famous choreographer and dancer Jayson Molina from 6 years old. She has been world Champion twice "professional female soloist" of the World Salsa Open.
In addition, she got world Champion five times"free steps" in the World Salsa Open, world Champion 3 times "free steps women" from the world Salsa Summit in Miami and world champion "salsa-pair" Professional category of the world Salsa Open.
All these achievements have been achieved in the last five years, currently, one of the exponents of the most promising Salsa dance in recent years.
She is the best salsa dancer in the world.

Anthony Cruz Matos
One of the young promises dancers of Puerto Rico by the teacher Jayson Molina. Dancer of Salsa, ballet, jazz and basic aerobatics.
2 times champion of "Soloist" category at Mundial de Salsa and world champion of "Group" category with his group Rompecabezas.
Apart from dancing Salsa, he is a instructor and professional dancer of Hip Hop performing in different parts of Puerto Rico.

Alondra Santiago
She has an extensive salsa world tour experience at the age of only 14 and became a world champion of Salsa Kids twice, as well as a youth champion of the World Salsa Open in the “Soloist” category twice. Then, she won in the “Women's Duo" category of the World Cup in 2018.
Her passion for dancing has given her the opportunity to participate in different contests and competitions at national and international level such as Orlando and Miami in Florida, Panama, Seattle WA, Monterrey Mexico, Montreal Canada and of course in her home country Puerto Rico.

A Salsa dance performer, instructor and choreographer.Japan Dance Sports Federation certified instructor (National Public Safety Commission approved / A Japan Salsa Association certified instructor/ A director of performance team Salsa Star-letto / A president of ABIKA
PerformedattheWorld Salsa Championships as representing Japan for 3 years since 2007. Performed at Black Soul Dancers led by Tania Cannarsa.
Performed around the world such as Japan, Los Angeles, New York, Hawaii, Florida, Las Vegas, Sydney, Argentine, Siberia, Beijing, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Pusan, Italy.
Featured in a TV commercial, other TV programs and music videos, interviewed at the U.S. program, Univision. Conducts Salsa classes mainly in Tokyo and Kyoto now.

Roman:
- 2011 Bachata international festival Performance LDA Team.
- 2013 K.S.F(Korea) Bachata 1st.(Couple)
- 2013 Shanghai Bachata festival performance.
- 2014 Korea TV Drama Yuna's street
- 2015 Qingdao(China) W.S
- 2017 FuKuoka Prime Party Performance.
- 2018 FukuoKa Roman Party Bootcamp team & WS
- 2018 Taiwan W.S - 2018 Fukuoka salsa festival
- 2019 Fukuoka Roman party
- 2019 Fomosa Festival W.S & Performance in Taiwan.
- 2013 ~ Now a lot of Bachata lesson & event performance.

Started Jazz dance since the age of 4. Came across to the Jazz funk from 12 years old and worked for showcases and contests. Later, learned street dance such as Rock and Pop, and started Waack since the age of 15. Learning various styles such as Salsa and Flamenco and its historyin Japan and abroad to take inWaack. Working in Fukuoka as a team of Waacking, called “First Ladies.”

Jorge Zubieta (Argentina) and Satsuki Amano (Japan) are the 3 times Champions of ASIA BACHATA OPEN (2015-2017) and represent Japanin the WORLD BACHATA MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIP BACHATEA (2016-2018).
Performing shows of Sensual-Dominican-Bachata, Kizomba-Afro-Tango and Contact-Bachata as their signature style.
Also represent Japan giving workshops in different international events such as in Istanbul International Dance Festival, Bachatamemucho in China, Singapore International Latin Festival, Osaka Latin Dance Festival and Japan Kizomba Festival.

Jorge Zubieta as known as Maestro of Latin Rhythm came to Japan in 2012.
He established and is directing Japan Latin Dance Association (JLDA) since 2015 and holding the signature event INTERNATIONAL TOKYO LATIN DANCE CONGRESS annually.
He is not only succeeding as a performer but also as judge, organizer, choreographer, and instructor in various field of Latin Dances such as Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Zouk and more.
The activities extend worldwide such as to Istanbul (Turkey), Madrid (Spain), Sydney (Australia), Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Shanghai (China), Beijin (China), Tokyo (Japan), Osaka (Japan), Fukuoka (Japan) and Nagoya (Japan).

A multinational Salsa band from Nagoya, with Peruvian, Bolivian and Japanese musicians. They have performed at Opening act of “Vivela! Salsa Tour”for 4 years since 2012. The famous artists, El Gran Combo, Havana D’Primera and Maykel Blanco admitted their dynamic sounds and stage performances.

Coming soon.

Known as the world’s top Latin music DJ, with over 30 years experience in the music and entertainment industry. Henry’s passion for Latin music together with his versatile music library in various music genres (not only Latin music) and ability to read his audience, translates in his work, making this very special disc jockey's mixing abilities unmatched and respected worldwide.

Most notably known for working in the most famous nightclubs and venues in NYC as far back as the early 1980’s, such as the World Famous Copacabana, which averaged between 2500-4000 people on Tuesday nights. Henry has appeared as DJ for audiences as large as 25,000 people and opening for some of the biggest names in Latin music history, such as;Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Hector Lavoe, Willie Colon, Eddie Palmieri, Oscar D’Leon, Marc Anthony, Jose Feliciano, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Aventura, Elvis Crespo, Gal Costa, Victor Manuel, Jerry Rivera and many others. Henry Knowles, is also recognized for creating and hosting some of NYC’s biggest Latin dance parties with featured live Salsa music, as far back as the start of his career, including the famous “Salsa Mondays” for over 12 years, which was recognized as New York City’s hottest Salsa dance Party by Time Out NY. For several years in Latin Quarter nightclub (NYC), Henry was featured weekly mixing for live radio broadcast of “Fiesta Con Polito” on the most important Latin radio station“La Mega-WSKQ-FM 97.9’ which reached millions of listeners. La Mega radio station also featured many of Henry’s mixes during lunchtime show of Paco’sSuperMix.

In beginning of 1990’s, due to Henry’spopularity in the major NYC nightclubs, opened a new career as promotional director for some major recording labels such as WEA Latina, BMG US Latin and RMM Records. In between his work with the recording labels, he also had the opportunity to work with DME (David Maldonado Entertainment) artist management & bookings, which represented some big Salsa names such as Ruben Bladesand Marc Anthony, which took Henry on the road traveling with many artists. This amazing opportunity is what built personal relationships and much respectfor Henry Knowles with major recording artists, DJ’s, television, radio and print media.

In 1994, Henry’s requests for DJ appearances abroad, began to take more frequency and is the very first Latin music DJ to appear on a global scale and known for setting higher standards for DJ’s in major Salsa events. He has appeared in over 60 countries and 750 cities, regions& islands throughout the United States, Canada, Caribbean, European Regions, Mediterranean, Middle East, Mexico, Central and South America and Asia. Also recognized worldwide for his work as official disc jockey, for the very first Salsa congresses held around the world; most notably official Bacardi DJ for the Bacardi World Salsa Congress, which began in 1997.

Remixes and compilations by Henry Knowles include; Jose Alberto “El Canario” Remix for Hot Street Salsa Salsa Remixes Vol. 1 (1995); The 20th Anniversary of the NY Salsa Festival Double CD Compilation (1996); ConjuntoClasico Remix CD (1998); Bacardi Salsa Congress CD Compilation (2000) & El Pregon Del Chocolate Remix – Issac Delgado (2003)

In 2001, Henry began personally managing and representingSpanish Harlem Orchestra and is given credit for being the first to introduce them to the world.The combination of their great sound and Henry’s hard work helped SHO receive their first Grammy Nomination in 2002, and two Grammy wins in 2004 & 2010. In 2003, began managing and representing the group New Swing Sextet, which Henry also introduced and booked worldwide. In 2009 the CD by New Swing Sextet titled “Back On The Streets… Taste of Spanish Harlem Vol. 2”, for which Henry Knowles is Executive Producer, was nominated for a Grammy Award. In 2013, Executive Producer for New Swing Sextet CD “Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow” Other projects include; Willy Torres “Lo QueTraigoYo” (2008) & “Hardcore” (2011) Henry Knowles Co-Producer and Orlando Ortiz “ At Full Swing” (2012) Henry Knowles Executive Producer.

Henry Knowles worked as official DJ for all movie premieres, held in Toronto, Los Angeles, NYC and Puerto Rico, for the film “El Cantante” with Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony (2006), fund raisers & corporate events for organizations such as Goya Foods, UNISYS, Bloomberg, Aspira, Cielo Latino, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Roberto Cavalli, Latin Grammys, Latina Magazine, Bacardi and NY Lincoln Center… just to name a few.

Numerous awards and recognitions, have been presented to Henry Knowles in the USA, Puerto Rico, Canada, Europe, Asia, Middle East, etc… and he has also appeared, been featured and interviewed in countless articles, television, radio, magazines and newspapers worldwide. In October 2015, Henry surprised his long-time dear friend, actress & singer Vanessa Williams during her bridal shower taped and televised for DAVID TUTETRA’S CELEBRATIONS on WEtv in the USA.

JORGE Chocano (Dj COLA) is one of the top club and lounge Dj in Asia . He spin all kind of music from Club to lounge music depends the event.
His influence and enthusiasm in Latin Music became one of the main driving forces behind the rapid rise of Salsa dancing in Asia as he was invited at all major Latin Clubs, festivals, congresses and other international events.
His reputation for his uncanny ability to dance and play with the dancers and his extensive collection of steps triks and some of the best salsa music to dance quickly spread around the world.
His music style is a mix of Latin, Afro & Funk. Also a mix of electro swing and lounge pop.

In taiwan He spins as resident dj at Brown Sugar, and periodically rotate at Brass Monkey Halo , Barcode , Room 18, Triangle, Roxy , carnegies, The beat.
He also been invited to dj on international events and parties.
Paris Afro Mambo, Sydney salsa congress, Beijing Salsa Festival, Hong Kong Salsa Festival, Philippines salsa congress. Malaysia Salsa Festival, Korea Latin Congress, bangkok fiesta, boracay dance festival, salsamemucho shanghai, Singapore Salsa Festival, , Royal Caribbean Salsa Cruises, Union square, Orgo in Singapore, Club 97 in Hong Kong, Brickyard in Kaohsiung, TAJ lounge Bar in New York, Yucca Lounge in Miami, Café Rumbita in Japan.

He has various experience of performing dance performances at the opening of the Salsa World Congress and many other shows. He has contributed greatly to the spread of salsa and casino in Fukuoka as a dancer and lecturer since he visited to Japan in 2000.
Currently he lives in Fukuoka. He is not only an experienced dancer and lecturer, but he has also worked as an event producer, director, DJ and choreographer.

Coming soon...