Meet Our Team
Meet the dedicated and passionate instructors who bring the rhythm and artistry of dance to life at our esteemed dance school. Our team of skilled professionals is not only committed to sharing their expertise but also to inspiring and empowering adults on their dance journey. Each instructor brings a unique blend of experience, creativity, and enthusiasm to our classes, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to explore their love for dance in a nurturing and encouraging environment. Get to know the individuals who will guide you through the joy of dance and help you discover your own grace, confidence, and style.
Andy Mata
Instructor for Salsa, Intermediate and Advanced Brooklyn born and raised, Andy Mata has been teaching salsa for over 16 years. His vibrant personality and non-stop work ethic continues to gain him respect amongst his peers. As an understudy of Jose Rivera, Marcus Gonzalez, and Ray Colon, he quickly picked up material and applied it into his own style. Whether you are a beginner or advanced dancer, Andy’s attention to detail and intensity will surely bring out the best in you. He brings a fiery passion, strong voice, and a unique teaching method to the Dance Central family. |
ederlinda paraiso
Instructor, Salsa Fundamentals |
MASAYO RICHARDSON
Instructor for Adults and Kids Classes, Contemporary, Ballet, and Hip-Hop Masayo T. Richardson embarked on her dance journey in Japan, training with the Sapporo Buyokai Ballet, Atsuko Shibaki Dance Center, and Japanese Traditional Dance from a young age. She then continued her training in the United States. Since 1993, Masayo has performed with esteemed companies in New York City, including the Anglo-American Ballet Company, Rebecca Kelly Ballet Company, Contemporary Ballet Theater, Urban Dance Collective, and Michael Mao Dance Company, among others. As a Guest Artist, she graced stages with The Kathak Ensemble, Louis Johnson Dance Company, Maki Fujita Dance Ensemble, and more. From 2003 to 2013, Masayo dedicated herself to instructing Ballet for beginners and intermediate level at Peri Dance Center in New York City. She also made significant contributions to Century Dance Company in Staten Island NY from 2009 to 2011 and she is instructing for kids ballet, Hop Jazz, Adults World Jazz at Dance Central NY in Staten Island NY from 2011 to the present. Under the banner of her Japanese dance company, “M2M Dance Company,” she has collaborated with her friend Motoko Tadano since 2011. Together, they have performed at renowned venues such as Snug Harbor Music Hall in Staten Island, Center Light in Brooklyn, and Art Lab in Staten Island. In 2014, Masayo orchestrated the successful “Masayo Tomita Ballet Showcase” at Gibney Dance Studio in NYC. Her dedication to teaching, dancing, and choreography remains unwavering in her professional pursuits. |
KATYA SHUBBOVA
Instructor, Tango Katya was dancing Charleston on the streets of Odessa, Ukraine when her father noticed her love for dance and enrolled her in ballet school. There she studied classical ballet as well as character dance and performed on stage from age 6. At 8 Katya was noticed by the artistic (rhythmic) gymnastic coach which led her to become a competitive athlete well into her young adulthood. However dance remained a big part of her life and she continued to participate in performances and to choreograph for herself and other students. At 19 she added studying pantomime to her repertoire and in her 30s she fell in love with the art flamenco. Flamenco became a passion until it was inevitably replaced by her love of tango which she discovered in 2010. Since then Katya have studied with many international tango masters, travels extensively - domestically and internationally - to tango festivals and visits the mecca of tango - Buenos Aires - frequently. Currently Katya teaches tango in NYC to grow the community of tango dancers and continues to travel the world learning more to share more. |
Marisol Torres
Instructor, Salsa Fundamentals |
carlos urrego
Instructor, Tango for Adults and Teens Carlos has had extensive dance experience, starting in 2007. He has won several Tango Championships among which are:
He has been invited to participate in the most important tango festivals in:
He has performed with world-renowned orchestras, such as:
Carlos has taught in renowned dance schools in Colombia, Argentina and the United States. He is currently based in New York City sharing his knowledge, teaching and performing at local events. He created and directed the neotango dance company in Medellin between the years 2006-2011. Creator of the first milonga in Medellin in the Buenos Aires style "El Último Cafe" 2006-2011 |
robert vidal
Instructor, Salsa for Adults Robert Vidal, a seasoned dancer with a rich history in the world of salsa, brings a wealth of experience to his instruction. Having learned directly from the renowned Eddie Torres in the late 90s, Vidal's journey into the world of salsa began with a solid foundation. Over the years, he honed his skills and expertise, eventually becoming an integral part of La Salsa De Hoy in the early 2000's. During his tenure at La Salsa De Hoy, Vidal's passion for dance led him to join the esteemed Addie-tude dance company, further expanding his repertoire and influence in the salsa community. His dedication and talent were recognized on a broader scale when he emerged victorious in a Marlboro dance competition, clinching the top spot for the Northeast region and securing second place nationally. Robert's proficiency in salsa on2 didn't go unnoticed, as he was sought after to conduct workshops in prominent cities such as Atlanta and Boston. His workshops not only showcased his expertise but also served as a testament to his ability to impart knowledge and inspire fellow dancers. With a remarkable journey marked by achievements and accolades, Robert Vidal continues to share his passion for salsa, shaping the dance landscape with his expertise and dedication. |
Alexandra Zubkova
Instructor, Salsa and Bachata for Adults Before Sasha even learned to walk, she was able to hear and feel the melodies of music. She grew up listening to Latin music in Uzbekistan and immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 15. By the age of 19 she found her way to Salsa Salsa Dance Studio in Brooklyn, where she worked diligently learning to dance a variety of Latin dances, and eventually assisted in teaching. It's been love, destiny and progress ever since! As a dynamic dancer, she has more than 10 years of experience dancing bachata and salsa, and teaches regularly at Salsa Salsa and Salsa in Queens, among others studios. Her styling brings that extra flavor to the dance floor, heating up every social she attends. Sasha has performed with Brooklyn Touch, Alma Latina, Salsa Salsa team, Somos Candela, Somos Rios and AND Formation. Truly passionate about dance, she has trained with a variety of instructors to learn how to master the technical elements, as well as the cultural background, of a range of dance styles from salsa to bachata to reggaeton to hip hop and beyond. Sasha believes that no matter your background or experience level you can learn to dance. She is excited to be part of your dance journey! |
RIZA WONG
Owner, DCNY |
SIMON WONG
Owner, DCNY |