Ruxanda started dancing when she was 6 years old. She started in ballet, ballroom, and hip-hop. Later on, she dove into the salsa scene. She was a national champion twice back home in Moldova and represented her country in festivals and dance competitions in over 40 countries around the world. In the USA, Ruxanda worked on projects with choreographers from Dancing With the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, and World of Dance.

Open Level Ladies Salsa Styling 8:30pm-9:30pm
Teacher: Ruxanda

Zweli Barton is a Los Angeles based world champion dancer, professional choreographer, dance instructor and dance coach. He specializes in salsa and bachata, is crosstrained in a multitude of other styles and seeks to build a greater sense of community via dance. He eagerly wants to provide opportunities for individual growth both as a dancer and as a person. He can't wait to share his knowledge and learn from each and every student.

Tuesdays
Beginner Salsa 7:30pm-8:30pm
Beginner Bachata 8:30pm-9:30pm

Devon Katrina is a Latin dance star and singer-songwriter. She has studied dance around the world for the past 15 years. Her love of Afro-Latin dance and music exemplified her unique style of dance fusion. She has danced in music videos for esteemed artists such as: CNCO, Jon Z, Pee Wee (from Cumbia Kings) Happy Singh, and Midnight sister. Devon traveled to Toronto, Canada with her partner Orlan Mat to perform their Kizomba/Zouk fusion choreography, and she premiered her debut single Gitana, at the Toronto Bachata, Kizomba, Salsa, festival. As an all-around musician Devon uses her unique ear to write and perform her fusion of Afro-Latin music from around the world.

A forever student of dance and a lover of Latin music & rhythms, Gregory started his journey with LA-style on1 salsa. With his unique methodical approach, he’s able to breakdown techniques & patterns into an easy-to-follow digestible format every Saturday at 1pm.

a professional traveling salsa dancer and the founder of The Artwork Dance Academy. I have been dancing for about 8 years and have been exposed to various dance genres throughout my dancing career. I am currently sponsored by World Dance Apparel and have had the privilege of being a 2x World Latin Dance Cup Salsa Soloist Champion.

Ivan has been dancing Argentine Tango for more than 10 years. Ivan joined Liz Lira Dance Academy first as a student in July 2018. He has taken numerous classes with different Argentine Tango instructors in Los Angeles including Sandor & Parisa. He had participated in 2 Los Angeles Tango Championships and participated in Argentine Tango group performances. Ivan has been teaching Argentine Tango for beginners first assisting Liz Lira at her academy from February 2022 and then alone. He continues to teach Argentine Tango at Liz Lira Dance Academy.

Introduction to Argentine Tango Class

This class introduces you to the basic steps to dance Argentine Tango, one of the most beautiful dances. You will learn the concept of connection, the role of the lead and follow.

1. What is Argentine Tango?
2. Caminada. Walking in tango, forward step, sidestep, rock step.
3. Tango navigation in the dance floor
4. Four and Six count step
5. Eight count step
6. Forward and back ocho (eight)
7. Molinete, also called carrousel
8. Ocho Cortado
9. Parada: The stop step
10. Sandwich step.
11. Dancing in open embrace and close embrace.