Michael Angelo Mendez

Michael Angelo has learned, trained, and studied Latin dance with his father Miguel Mendez, founder of the Dance Academy of Salsa, since his early teenage years. In 2003, Michael's talent led him to begin an early teaching career at the young age of 19. Since then, Michael's passion for Latin music and dance has taken him on an ongoing journey to develop and expand his own individual style. In 2004, Michael joined one of Chicago's top Mambo dance companies, Descarga Caribe, under the artistic direction of Sekou McMiller, learning the Guaguanco & other unique body movement techniques. In 2005, he spent his summer in New York studying with world renown Latin dancers/instructors/choreographers Eddie Torres, Frankie Martinez and Thomas Guerrero.

Teaching Philosophy

Michael Angelo has developed a highly specialized and very efficient teaching technique proven to turn ordinary people into fine musical instruments on the dance floor. He teaches not only leading and following techniques but also important concepts like understading the rythms of Salsa, dance floor etiquette, gentleman and ladies styling, body isolation, musicality etc. "Too often I come across students taking intermediate and even advanced level classes who cannot even keep their timing on the dance floor. Timing is FUNDAMENTAL," he says. "If you aint got no rhythm, you aint got no timing. If you aint got no timing, you got nothing."- Quote from the motion picture soundtrack "Salsa" by Jerry Masucci. Michael Angelo uses only the best Classic Salsa, Mambo and Cha Cha Cha and even incorporates playing a live Djembe and Clave in class to make sure his students not only understand but FEEL connected to the music. Michael Angelo has also taught at various high schools, universities, social gatherings, including Chicago's annual SummerDance and also at Chicago's longest running salsa nightclub, the Green Dolphin for 2 straight years.

Main Goals for the Dallas Salsa Scene

1) To create a safe and fun dancing experience for everyone when dancing socially by teaching the proper techniques and dance floor etiquette.

2) Help build the Dallas Salsa community by turning ordinary people into passionate dancers and in turn, push the envelope of social dancing to a higher level.

"As a student of the Dance Academy of Salsa, you will not only learn the proper techniques for confident social dancing, but also learn how to explore and incorporate your own individual style." - M.A.

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