I joined a friend for an introductory salsa lesson in January 2004, and became instantly obsessed. Since then, I have been dancing as much as possible at local clubs and events, and learning from anyone and everyone willing to teach me!
I have trained in salsa with local and international salsa instructors, including Tito and Tamara (Puerto Rico), Jason Molina (Puerto Rico), Victor and Gaby (Mexico), Jon and Liz (Los Angeles), Ahmed and Alejandra Hodelin (Calgary), Marcos Ravelo (Calgary), Kelly and Eric Caty (Calgary), Samantha Likely (Calgary), Maxwell and Damara (Edmonton), Arnold and Leonardo Bolaños (Edmonton), Daiana Moy Sanchez (Edmonton), Jennifer Izquierdo (Edmonton), and Usukuma Ekuere (Edmonton).

My education has also included hip hop, ballet, international latin and standard, west coast swing, and more. I became a teacher assistant in 2005 with The Studio School of Dance (Calgary) and the University of Calgary Student Dance Club, and discovered my love of teaching. I was invited to teach for the U of C Student Dance Club in the fall of 2005, and proceeded to contribute countless volunteer hours promoting, organizing parties, teaching, and developing the current syllabus. I was approached to teach a basic "latin nightclub class"  whichincluded merengue, bachata, salsa, and cha cha basics, as well as an introduction to musicality, body movement, and lead/follow techniques.  This was a hugely fulfilling opportunity for me, as it gave me some valuable teaching experience in a fun, low pressure environment.  As the club grew, we instructors created a syllabus and implemented teacher training for aspiring instructors.  When I started, the club was about 100 members; it now approaches 1000 or more, and the administration model, syllabus, and teaching style we created and fostered are still used to this day. I consider the experience one of the most rewarding ones of my dance life, and I was truly priveleged to be a part of it.

Since moving to Saskatoon in 2008, I have taught workshops and classes for special events, and at nightclubs.  I am currently teaching beginner salsa classes for Saskatoon Salsa.  I have also taught casino rueda, and merengue and bachata basics. Most recently, I am SO EXCITED to be teaching Zumba® fitness classes since April 2011!! I obtained my Basic 1 and 2 certifications in March 2011, and my Zumba Gold® and ZumbAtomic® certifications in July 2011.  I am very pleased to be offering ZumbAtomic® fitness classes for children starting in September 2011.  I invite everyone to come check out my classes and join the party! I believe my positive attitude and energetic personality make me a favorite salsa and Zumba® instructor.  Throughout my years of instructional experience in a variety of environments, I have developed considerable skill at reading my audience/participants and being able to adjust my methods and approaches to suit their unique needs.

Learn more about Alicia!

Alicia also works full time as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) and has a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Environmental Systems Engineering.