North Bay Salsa & Rueda

About India:
I grew up listening to traditional Cuban music such as Orquesta Aragón, Afro Cuban All Stars and Benny Moré. I didn't know much about what I was listening to, but I knew that it moved me. I was introduced to salsa music and dance by a friend in 2001. The second I saw the teachers dancing in the club, I knew I had to learn. I started taking private lessons that week and went to every class I could find. I danced every day, not only in class and in the clubs, but at home, at work - everywhere. I knew immediately that I had found one of the greatest loves of my life. It became clear to me that not only did I want to dance for my own self expression, but that I wanted to offer this gift to others. I started assisting Salsa instructors in the Bay Area in 2001 while continuing my dance education.

After almost two years of training (private lessons, workshops, and dance troops), and teaching salsa, I decided to go to Cuba and immerse myself in the culture that contributed so much to Salsa. During my stay, I met family, studied at the University of Havana and danced every day and night. When I left Cuba, I had gotten what I went for - the nod of approval and they told me, "Now you dance like a Cuban girl."

I came home a different dancer and infinitely inspired as a student and as a teacher. Cuba was only the beginning. Since then I have taught classes, workshops, private lessons and special events in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, San Rafael, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Petaluma, Sonoma etc. I have danced and performed in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York.

In the past few years, I have been teaching salsa and casino rueda in the Bay Area for group classes, special workshops and private lessons. I was in Cuba for 3 weeks between Dec. 2008 and Jan. 2009 to visit with family, dance and study. Upon returning from my trip, I taught at the Bay Area Salsa Rueda Festival in February 2009. I was also in Cuba for 3 weeks between Dec. 2009 and Jan. 2010. I am currently studying in the area of Cuban popular dance: danzon, son, and chachacha and also guaguanco (rumba).

I am currently guest lecturing at UC Berkeley for Cuba class as a dance instructor, teaching at La Casa Restaurant in Sonoma, and teaching private lessons and for special events.