REINIER &
DANIELA VALDEZ
Reinier Valdes was born in Havana, Cuba and began dancing
Afro-Cuban rhythms at age 13. At 18, he graduated from La Casa
de la Cultura de Arroyo Naranjo as a certified dance instructor
specializing in Cuban dances and Latin rhythms. He later worked
as a dancer, performer, and choreographer in Brazil before
moving to Seattle. Daniela Gallardo, a native of Mexico, has
been dancing salsa for over a decade. Together they founded La
Clave Cubana—Seattle's premiere Cuban dance studio teaching
Salsa/Casino, Rueda de Casino, and Afro-Cuban dance. They also
created the Seattle Cuban Dance Fest.
GISELLE
SOTO
Raised in Havana, Cuba, Giselle Soto earned her Bachelor's in
Afro-Cuban Folkloric Dance from Havana's Superior Institute of
Art. In 2016 she joined Obini Batá—the first all-female
Afro-Cuban folkloric group—performing and teaching in New York
City, Nicaragua, Morocco, and Mexico. Her credits include
dancing with MSC Cruises and Cuban orchestras, plus performances
at Mexico City's National Auditorium. She has since served as
lead dancer and choreographer for the Reno Jazz Orchestra and
held residencies at the University of Nevada, Reno.
PABLO
DINAMICO
Pablo Dinámico brings electrifying energy to Cuban dance in the
San Francisco Bay Area. He teaches Rumba, Timba, and Reparto at
popular events including "Salsa in the Square" at Union Square,
working alongside DJ JuanLove to share authentic Cuban dance
culture throughout the region.
CUBA SWIFT
Cuba Swift is a dancer and fitness instructor based in Los
Angeles. Through Cuba Swift Productions, she created "Salsa Hip
Hop Dance & Fitness"—a unique workout combining Afro-Cuban music
and dance with hip-hop rhythms. Her mission is promoting a
healthy lifestyle through dance, bringing Cuban-inspired
movement to dancers throughout Los Angeles.
