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.
