Stephanie “SalsaSteph” Gurnon

Considered one of the most influential instructors promoting Afro-Cuban roots and New York-style mambo on the Toronto salsa scene, Stephanie has created a wave of technical and stylistic development in the Latin dance community. Her specialties include teaching body awareness,music appreciation and musicality, leading and following skills, turn patterns, spins and turns, as well as creative movement.

Since 1989, Stephanie has studied dance in several countries, training extensively with prominent dance instructors in a variety of styles, including ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop and Latin. Having placed first in many high-profile Toronto salsa competitions in the professional category, she is now sought out as a judge. Stephanie has performed and taught salsa workshops around the world, including Canada, the U.S., the Caribbean, Western Europe and Japan. In addition, she has produced instructional videos and DVDs for worldwide distribution.

In 2003, she co-created the Mambo Tribe Salsa Dance Co. and the popular Sunday Salsa Social, annual Winter Salsa Carnival and now has her own annual Chocolate Salsa Pleasure Party. Now you know why she’s known as “SalsaSteph”!

Melanie James

Melanie’s enthusiastic energy and salsa skills make her a great addition to the team. A member of MAS Mambo Dance Company, she teaches and performs all over the world. Students love her style and find her energetic approach infectious!

 

Assistant Instructors

 Ariana Lopes

Ariana has been taking classes with Salsa Steph since 2004, and had been a volunteer since 2007. Having  taught at the Joy of Dance Studio, she is now teaching her own classes with Bowie. Ariana has been in many GDM's performance troupes and is always there to help! 

Bowie Romero

Bowie has been with Salsa Steph since 2006. Having finished the GDM program, including the on2 performance group and the 6-monthTraining Program, he is GDM's first original volunteer! Bowie is now in the GoDanceMambo Semi-Pro team and has been teaching since early 2008. He is now getting ready to perform an on2 mambo at the NYC Salsa Congress on Labour Day weekend 2008! 

Michelle Blaikie

Michelle has taught for Dance for Charity as well as the Covenant House. Michelle adds a lot of metaphors, humour and fun to her teaching! She has performed in both SalsaSteph's Burlesque Salsa performance groups and is a hardcore social dancer!

Anna Abaimova

Anna has been through the entire GoDanceMambo program and is now in the GDM Semi-pro Dance Team and assisting Level 1. She's getting ready to perform an on2 mambo at the NYC Salsa Congress on Labour Day weekend 2008!

Guest Instructors

Sasha Tahiliani

With an extensive dance background in various styles, Sasha teaches salsa, cha cha, tango and casino rueda all over Toronto. His experience includes competing and choreographing, making him a great instructor with a lot to offer. Sasha’s excellent technique and patient instruction will have you asking for more.

 

Rafael Steyner

Ex-Tropicana dancer, Cuban-born Rafael has been dancing all his life. He is currently dancing with MamboDreamTeam in Toronto and internationally. Charming and dynamic, Rafa is known for his authentic Cuban Rumba styles, as well as salsa, cha cha, rueda, ballet, jazz and lyrical. He is technical however lets you experience the dance more through your body than your mind.

Sarita Leyva

Originally from Cuba, Sarita is known for her expertise in Cuban dance. She also has a background in contemporary and classical genres, as well as folkloric dance. She currently teaches at York University and performs at major events in Toronto. With such a diverse set of dance skills, Sarita has something for everyone.