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MEET THE
INSTRUCTORS
Jean Franco
"Don't think about it."
JEAN FRANCO
Founder + Lead Instructor
Jean Franco grew up in Peru until he was 13 and then moved to Queens. Dance studios quickly became his escape in the big city. He opened Salsa In Queens in 2017 with the vision of creating a welcoming environment where people could fall in love with dance the same way he did. Performing professionally for 10 plus years, he uses his experience to build a safe, fun, and challenging class centered around empowering coaching. Students will leave class loving dance more than when they walked in.
Guilty Pleasure
Watching Hell’s Kitchen every chance I get
Why Queens
Diversity, Community and Character
Upcoming Classes
"Dance BECAUSE
everyone’s watching!"
DABRALI
Office Manager + Instructor
Somewhere in the middle of performing for Sigma Lambda Upsilon, being featured on Pix11, ABC, BronxNet, and dancing in the movie “In the Heights”, Dabrali realized teaching dance was exactly what she wanted to do. Imperfection is encouraged in her classes. If you’re going to make a mistake, make it big! She hopes that students learn to accept themselves flaws and all, while having fun because that is what makes us beautiful.
Guilty Pleasure
naps on naps on naps; my favorite animal is a Koala and they sleep 22 hours a day. It’s only right I act accordingly.
Why Queens
Colorful, Accepting, Exciting
"Ojos que no ven, Corazon que no siente"
STEVE
Salsa Instructor
Steve is a longtime veteran of the NYC salsa scene. His inspiring and creative nature keep his classes in high demand. Performing at NY Salsa Congress and Bangkok Salsa Fiesta have been his fondest performance memories. He hopes students have fun in his class and feel a sense of accomplishment.
Guilty Pleasure
Smoking a cigar, drinking rum and watching a movie on a sunny Sunday morning when I should be doing something "responsible"
Why Queens
So much food!
Dabrali
Steve
"Train like a BEAST, look like a BEAUTY"
OMAR
Salsa Instructor
A native New Yorker, Omar brings crazy energy and love for life into the studio! After performing for ten years, in Lisboa, the Lincoln Center + Avery Fisher Hall, he discovered his passion for teaching. He encourages every student to find their light in the studio and to venture outside for social dancing.
Guilty Pleasure
Watching YouTube
Why Queens
Confusing. Street. Names.
Upcoming Classes
Omar
“Life is like dancing. it’s not about getting from one place to another. It’s about enjoying each step”
ALEXANDRA
Salsa + Bachata Instructor
Alexandra has an extensive background in dance, and a lifelong appreciation for music of all genres. She creates an upbeat, high-energy class where you feel comfortable to learn. She hopes to give students a feeling of accomplishment, that no matter the background or experience they may have, you can learn any style of dance you wish to learn.
Guilty Pleasure
Obsessed with anything + everything PINEAPPLE
Why Queens
Feeling of excitement
Upcoming Classes
Alexandra
"You have to be uncomfortable to be comfortable"
CRIS
Bachata Instructor
Cris brings his outgoing and enthusiastic moves all the way from Uptown. His contagious energy will keep you smiling, laughing, and feeling the music more than you knew you could! He's a three time World Bachata Champion! Between performances and teaching classes, you'll always find him dancing. Cris wants his students to just be themselves, and to help build their confidence level to 100%!
Guilty Pleasure
I am Spider-Man!!
Why Queens
It [Queens/Salsa in Queens] always feels like home
Upcoming Classes
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"Doubting yourself is normal, letting it stop you is a choice! You got this!"
VICTORIA
Bachata + Salsa Instructor
Victoria’s class will inspire you to connect with a stronger version of yourself. Her energy is infectious and her class will leave you feeling lighter, yet more powerful. Victoria grew up in Argentina, performing internationally on a two time world champion Salsa + Bachata Team and as a solo champion in her home country. She's been teaching for the past 7 years joining the SIQ team in 2019.
Guilty Pleasure
I can eat a whole family pack of Oreos by myself
Why Queens
Always a fun time with family and friends
Upcoming Classes
Salsa Instructor
Andrew has been dancing on 2 for over 15 years! He's been training in different styles: casino, on 1 and afro-cuban. His talent has led him to dance with semi-pro performance companies Iroko and Zaoko de Zafire. You might catch him dancing in the subway with his headphones popped in. He loves to move in and out of the studio. Join his class for an unforgettable experience!
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Guilty Pleasure
I'm a huge gamer and proud nerd!
Why Queens
LETS GO, METS!
Upcoming Classes
"To define is to limit"
TYRONE
Salsa Instructor
Tyrone is our newest instructor to the SIQ Studio. At a young age he was exposed to ballroom dancing: waltz, tango, foxtrot, swing, hustle, cha-cha, merengue, rumba, samba, salsa and bachata. At a spirit day competition he won first place for his routine, and this win sparked an excitement towards dance that has kept him moving and grooving ever since. He has been a student in Salsa In Queens for 5 years and is beyond excited to begin his journey as a Salsa Instructor. His jokes will keep you smiling all class long.
Guilty Pleasure
I enjoy cooking, especially recreating some of Gordon Ramsay's recipes. I also genuinely love dad jokes. Hit me with a good one and we'll be friends!
Why Queens
It has everything!
Upcoming Classes
Anchor 1
Victoria
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