Instructors

Leo

Founder, Director, Choreographer & Instructor

Leo

Leo was born and raised in Havana, and took his first steps in dance at age eight with a Cuban dance group that was part of the iconic “Casa de la Cultura” in Havana. In 2003, he was selected to study at the prestigious National College of Art and Music Shows (ENAEM) in Havana. His tenure at ENAEM allowed him to become a professional dancer and choreographer with extensive knowledge of traditional Cuban and international dances, including Afro-Cuban, Afro-Haitian, ballet and contemporary dance such as Mambo, Cha Cha Cha, Pilon, Mozambique, Rumba, Salsa, Son, Guaguanco, Columbia, Yambú, Spanish dance, and Tango. After completing his undergraduate studies, he was chosen by one of the most prestigious dance companies of Cuba: “Santiago Alfonso”, whose principal was the director of the world-renowned Tropicana Dance and Music Show in Havana.

After moving to Edmonton he started the Cuban Movements Dance Academy in 2013 to share his passion and love for Cuban dance with the Edmonton community. In 2020, he found a permanent home for his dance academy on 124th Street and was also awarded the Mowat Diversity Award by the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival for his original dance musical production called “Mi Habana Querida”. This dance musical is a 1-hour immersion in the rich cultural heritage of Cuba through a dance journey from traditional AfroCuban to the modern styles of today. It debuted at the 2021 Edmonton Fringe Festival, selling out six out of the seven scheduled shows to critical acclaim from well-established Fringe reviewers.

In 2021 he was selected by the Good Women Collective to be part of their curated showcase for Expanse 2021, a dance and movement festival part of the Chinook Series in Edmonton. For Expanse, he debuted The Power of the Drum, a 15-min original piece combining a fusion of AfroCuban and contemporary dance, drumming and narrative. This piece has been selected to be one of four theatre projects for RISER Edmonton, and will evolve into a 1-hour mixed media show intended as a homage to the power of the drum and dance for the resilience, adaptability, creativity, and autonomy of the Cuban Diaspora in the midst of struggle, crisis, and uncertainty. It will debut at the Backstage Theatre in February 2022.

Cecilia

Born and raised in Argentina, dance has always been part of Cecilia’s heart and soul. For her, dance is a sacred space for freedom and self-expression, as reflected in her approach to teaching samba. She is also the Manager of Cuban Movements, and part of the International Samba Congress team (LA).

Cecilia

Cecilia was born and raised in Argentina, and moved to Canada to pursue a PhD in Human

Geography from the University of Guelph, Ontario. Although Cecilia took her first dance class

only 10 years ago, dance has always been part of her heart and soul. For her, dance is a sacred

space for freedom, creativity and expression. Starting as a dancer with Samba Edmonton, then

becoming part of the performance ensemble for the Cuban Movements Dance Academy,

Cecilia's approach to dance is all about expansion. This journey has led her to become not only

the Manager for the Glenora studio of Cuban Movements since 2020, but also the Producer of

its three original dance-theatre productions: Mi Habana Querida (Fringe 2021 and 2022), The

Power of the Drum (RISER Edmonton 2022), and Ay Candela! (Fringe 2023).

Together with her husband Tyler Baker, Cecilia is part of the team behind the nonprofit

organization Tyler Baker Photography, with the mission “To use artistic photography as a way of

supporting, promoting and empowering artists who are ambassadors for the arts and culture

through their artistry and dedication, but who lack access to high quality visual images to

support their advancement activities.”

She is also a member of team behind the nonprofit International Samba Congress, based out of

Los Angeles, with the mission to inspire, empower and support cultural groups of Brazilian and

non-Brazilian dancers and musicians who are dedicated to Samba and Brazilian culture by

promoting a sense of belonging, identity and expression.

Eric

Eric is a life-long student of the ancestral legacies of dances from Ghana, and have been teaching and dancing since 2008. He move to Edmonton in the winter of 2020 to pursue doctoral studies in Anthropology at the University of Alberta. In 2023 he wrote, choreographed and directed “Paper Ship: A Choreographic Odyssey of Struggle and Liberation”. This choreographic piece skillfully weaved together poignant narratives of pre-slave trade Africa, the haunting journey across the trans-Atlantic, and the indomitable spirit of those who triumphed over adversity.

Vivian

Vivian is an artist and a scientist who loves dancing. Born and raised in Brazil, she trained in ballet for seven years. While in Canada, she completed Zumba Basic 1 and 2 trainings and volunteered as a Zumba instructor for six months when she went back to Brazil. Vivian’s love for Pagode Baiano began at the age of 11 during a family trip to Bahia, where she was introduced to this vibrant dance style with deep African roots. Ever since, she has been captivated by its cultural richness, energy, and joy. Now, Vivian is excited to share this upbeat, transformative energy of Pagode Baiano in Canada, as she believes it can connect people and inspire them through the universal language of dance.

Deborah

Deborah Kissi is a vibrant and versatile dancer with extensive training in Afrobeats, Afro-contemporary, and traditional West African dance, all taken in Toronto. Her experience also includes choreographing and directing creative projects, teaching dance classes at dance studios and performing.

Deborah

Deborah Kissi is a vibrant and versatile dancer whose career spans a diverse range of styles and roles within the dance community. With extensive training in Afrobeats, Afro-contemporary, Liturgical and traditional West African dance from institutions in Toronto, she has made significant contributions as a performer with prominent groups. She began dancing at the age of 13 and didn’t stop ever since. Her passion and aim is to impact and inspire her audience through dance. Her experience also includes choreographing and directing creative projects, teaching dance classes at dance studios and performing. With a foundation in various dance styles from hip-hop to liturgical dance, Deborah continues to inspire and engage audiences through her dynamic and expressive performances.