Just because someone is an excellent dancer or performer does not necessarily make them a good instructor. It is our opinion that the best instructor is someone who is a teacher first and a dancer/performer second. When an instructor is a teacher that person is aware of the needs of the students, adjusts to their needs, is approachable, and is very skilled in breaking down the nuances of what they are teaching. 

Below are some individuals that I feel capture the beauty of Latin Dance and can then share that beauty effectively with others.

I first met Anana through a mutual friend. My initial impression of her was radiance. She radiated joy and confidence when she danced. A smile never left her face. Then she danced with me and she was one of the best leads I have ever danced with. A year or so later she was the headline instructor at the first two Latin Dance conferences I organized in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She was openly exuberant while teaching. Her laughter could be heard across the building in other dance classes. With years of dance training and performing under her belt, Anana's classes were creative and innovative.

Check out Anana:
Anana in Action!!!
AfriSalsa
Niara Soap - Handmade Soap With a Twist  

I met Magna while attending the 1st Oman Salsa Festival. I had heard of her over the years as I got more involved in the salsa scene. I saw her in the line up of teachers and I was interested to see what her class would be like. I attended two classes that were taught by her and was not only impressed by her methods of teaching but her warm personality. She was very approachable and adjusted her classes for a more beginner crowd. Her ability to assess the needs of the students and be flexible in the moment made her stand out from many of the instructors at the festival. I will be looking for Magna's name for any Latin Dance event I may attend in the future.

Check out Magna:
Magna in Action!!! 
Magna Gopal.com 

I met Meher at the 1st Oman Salsa Festival also. I had not heard of her before but she was giving a ladies styling class in the first time slot on the first day. I am so happy that I walked into her class and took part in her lesson. It was one of the best dance classes I had taken in a long time. Her attention to moving at the pace of the students while adding just enough of a challenge was an indication of just how excellent an instructor she is. My positive impression of her was further enhanced when I ran into her between breaks and she greeted me warmly and we chatted for a moment. We also happened to be in the same coffee shop in the departures area of the airport where we said very warm good-byes. I just may hop on a plane to India to take more classes with her.

Check out Meher:
Meher in Action!!! 
Banjara School of Dance