About Us
Relax – you’re in safe hands. Meet the Salsa Esperienza teaching team.
Renato De Fazio
DIRECTOR
Having trained with some of the foremost Salsa teachers from around the world while Salsa was still in it’s infancy in the UK, Renato established Salsa Esperienza in 1999.
Of Italian and English parentage, it was in Italy that Renato first encountered Salsa and was immediately hooked. He is passionate about teaching and sharing his knowledge and love of Salsa & Bachata.
Renato is also a professional actor (RenatoDeFazio.com) and as a result endeavours to bring a touch of drama and humour to every class!
Joanna West
TEACHER
After learning from many of the UK’s leading proponents of authentic Cuban and cross-body salsa Joanna has been teaching at Salsa Esperienza since its inception in 1999.
Of Burmese/English & Spanish extraction Joanna had always enjoyed dancing from a young age. But with no formal dance training she decided to make up for it in her twenties.
“Salsa is so much fun and great exercise too – everything I was looking for. With latin dance you get the best of both worlds – partner dancing, yet still with the freedom for personal expression. Try it – you’ll be hooked too!”
Coral Ramsden
TEACHER
Coral has been dancing Salsa since 2003 having initially attended classes with Salsa Esperienza.
Continuing her training with the finest teachers in London and beyond, Coral has firmly established her credentials, with students lauding her fun approach and thorough teaching methods.
‘Salsa was just what I had been looking for and really opened up a whole new social scene to me. I can’t say enough positive things about it. Not only is it fantastic exercise and great for coordination and balance but it’s uplifting too. It’s a pleasure for me to now be able to pass on to others the things I’ve learned and to see students progress week-on-week is incredibly satisfying.
Muhenda Bagenda
TEACHER
Having started Salsa in London back in 2001, Muhenda brings his enthusiastic and fun approach to teaching. His aim is to inspire and share his passion whilst keeping a smile on his students’ faces. He says: “Dance in general and its many styles have always been a big part of me, but academics forced me to miss my calling as a street dancer on tour with the R&B elite!
My Salsa adventure started on a trip to Madrid and a night out at an R&B club, doing what I did best. All it took was a walk past a Salsa club and a glance inside and I was hooked! I said to myself ‘I HAVE to learn that’ and I’ve never looked back.”
Marosh & Kristina
TEACHERS
Marosh & Kristina are the UK’s most charming Salsa & Bachata teachers, performers and competitors. Their friendly manner and unique style has made them an inspiration to both beginners and professional dancers alike. In 2006, they moved to the UK from their native Slovakia, bringing with them 10 years’ teaching experience.
Since their arrival, their rise has been stratospheric, achieving the titles of European Salsa & Bachata Champions, European Team Salsa Champions and UK Open Salsa Champions. At international salsa congresses they have been wowing audiences and sharing their extensive technical experience and passion for Salsa and Bachata.
Shane Paderanga
TEACHER
Shane’s rise on the UK and international Bachata scene has been explosive. Hailing from the local area and originally attending classes at Salsa Esperienza Shane has been teaching and performing at congresses throughout the UK and Europe in recent years. Her performances are electric and captivating.
As a popular Bachata and Reggaeton teacher in London Shane brings a wealth of experience, boundless energy and dynamic styling to her teaching with Salsa Esperienza. Catch her soon on one of her regular guest teacher appearances at Lakeside.
Harri Mead
TEACHER
As the newest member of the Salsa Esperienza team Harri – who always has a smile on her face – brings youth, energy, enthusiasm, and a calm, reassuring manner to help beginner dancers to feel relaxed and learn rapidly.