JOSE CRUZ
Jose Cruz, born and raised in El Salvador, has been dancing to different style of Latin music since he was a little child. He came to US at the age of 18 and performed with a dance group in Eugene Oregon. After performing for a year, he decided to move on to the next level starting his own dance group "Salsa y Sabor" in 1999. He gained knowledge on how to run a dance group and few years later, he renamed the group to "Salseros dance co" as he debuted his own website Salseros.com.
His teaching career also started in 1999 along with directing his dance group. He started out teaching Casino Rueda (Cuban style) then LA style on1. Now his teaching style is a mix of on1 (LA style) and on2 (NY style) always Keeping the elegant street style. His dance background includes salsa, merengue, cumbia, Bachata, cha cha, hip hop, and ballroom, He has taken Workshops and Classes with top dance instructors from around the world.
Now he is a dedicated full time instructor, Choreographer, DJ and promoter and is excited to continue to challenge himself both mentally and physically in music and dance.
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ASKA RAMIREZ
Originally from Japan, Aska Ramirez is now based in Eugene Oregon and has been dancing since 2003. She attended classes taught by Jose Cruz and soon was invited to assist his classes. She started teaching and performing in 2005 wanting to spread the beauty of Salsa music and dancing.
Aska performs with Salseros dance group directed by Jose Cruz and now directs Ladies styling team. Her piano training over 10 years has helped her tremendously understand the Salsa music, rhythm and instruments, and also made her a unique choreographer with creative music interpretation.
She enjoys social dancing in different styles such as on 1, on 2, Cuban and more! Her dancing is known for her elegance, playfulness and ability to follow but most of all, her smile on the dance floor.
She attends Salsa Congress and Workshops taught by internationally recognized instructors to continue to grow as a teacher, performer and dancer. When she is not at dance studio, she is a care provider at child care facility.