About Us
Welcome to Elemento Dance Academy, where we build dancers !
We're not just a dance school; we're a vibrant community dedicated to spreading the joy of Salsa & Bachata.
Our journey began with a simple dream: to bring people together through the exhilarating world of Salsa & Bachata dancing. At Elemento Dance Academy, we believe that dance is for everyone, regardless of age or background. Our doors are open to all who wish to step into the exciting world of Latin dance.
Our instructors are not just teachers; they are passionate dancers with years of experience, both on the dance floor and in guiding others to discover their rhythm. They're friendly, supportive, and believe in making Salsa & Bachata accessible and enjoyable for all.
Whether you're a beginner with two left feet or an experienced dancer looking to refine your skills, we've got you covered. Our classes range from beginner basics to advanced techniques, ensuring there's something for everyone. And it's not just about the steps – it's about the experience, the culture, and the vibrant community you'll be a part of.
At Elemento Dance Academy, we host regular social events, dance nights, and performances, giving you plenty of opportunities to practice your moves and meet fellow Salsa & Bachata enthusiasts. We believe in creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere where lifelong friendships are formed on the dance floor.
So, if you're ready to add some spice to your life, come and join us at Elemento Dance Academy. Let's dance, laugh, and create unforgettable memories together!
Our Instructors
Kiki D Amanno
Kiki is a multiple World Salsa and Bachata Champion. She is the director and choreographer of 12x World Champions B Queens Elite.
She received her early dance training from Mariko Murakami Houck and Cory-Jeanne M. Houck-Cox, as well as, Yvonne Mounsey and Rosemary Valaire at Westside School of Ballet. At age 9, she was performing as the youngest member of Pacific American Ballet Theatre and had the great privilege of training with Irina Kosmovska, Alexander Godunov, and the legendary Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo star, Tatiana Riabouchinska.
Her dance training also includes Hip Hop with Rennie Harris, Afro-cuban with Teresita Dome Perez and Kati Hernandez, contemporary dance training with Marie Gillespie, Oni Dance, and Cheng-chieh Yu, Yu Dance Theatre. She has received Salsa and Bachata training from various dance icons in New York, Los Angeles, and Mexico, as well as, Cabaret training in Florida, Chicago, Las Vegas, and LA. As a concert dancer she has worked with artists Mike Kelley, Alex Ebert, and performed alongside Thirty Seconds to Mars, Devendra Banhart, Korn, Motely Crue, Grupo Extra, Pinto Picasso, and Dani J among others. As a choreographer and coach her students have achieved championship titles in Salsa and Bachata solo, same-gender, and team divisions.
She is a certified Yoga, Pilates, and Gyrotonic instructor and teaches dance conditioning and movement education in Los Angeles as Director of Elemento Dance Academy companies.
CERTIFICATIONS
PMA certified
Marie-Jose Blom Pilates Certification: Core Intelligence
Romana’s True Pilates
YogaWorks Teacher Training with Maty Ezraty and Lisa Walford
GYROTONIC® certification-Gyrotonic Level 1 and 2, JSB, LEU, Archway, Gyrotoner with Lisa-Marie Goodwin, Debra Rose, Christina Stroh, Sebastian Plettenberg
Smart Core Teach and Treat Professional Course
Harkness Center for Dance Injuries- Dance Medicine
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
Multiple World Bachata Champion at The Summit Championships- Bachata Classic, Cabaret, and Solo
World Salsa Sub-Champion at The Summit Championships
12x World Champions B Queens Elite at The Summit and ULDCLV
Judge at The Summit Championships
Javier Campines
Javier Campines is a multiple World Champion in Salsa ON1, Salsa ON2, Bachata Classic, and Bachata Cabaret.
His training background includes Jazz, Tango, Salsa, Bachata, Afro-Cuban, and all Latin rhythms. His dance training began in Panama where he competed and participated in many world congresses and learned different styles in Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and in New York before settling in Los Angeles.
As a dancer he has performed alongside: Marc Anthony, Tom Cruise, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Oscar de Leon, Grupo Niche, Sonora Poncena, Rey Ruiz, Grupo Aventura, Andy Montanez, Roberto Roena, Jose Alberto “El Canario”, Jhony Rivera, Pedro Brull, Tito Nieves, Gilberto Santa Rosa and more.
As a choreographer and teacher, he is known for “Making Champions”. His work and coaching have resulted in many students and professionals achieving championship titles in solo, couples, and team divisions.
Currently, he is the Director of Elemento Dance Company-multiple World Champions in Salsa and Bachata and coaches out of Los Angeles.
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
Multiple World Champion in Salsa ON1, Salsa ON2, Bachata Classic, and Bachata Cabaret at The Summit Championships
Tribute from Albert Torres
Ambassador Award from Viva Panama Organization
Judge at The Summit Championships
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
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