Salsa L.A / N.Y Chacha

Juan Matos
& Giada CristofariDominican Republic/Italia

Mr. Pachanga !

Growing up as a young boy in Santo Domingo, Juan Matos or better known as Juan “Pachanga” Matos had dreams of becoming a famous dancer. Leaning on the support and inspiration of his parents, Juan decided, in 1996, to set out on his own, landing on the tough streets of New York. He would work by day and dance by night, and although even at this time his dancing skills were quite impressive, it would be in 1997, when he was first introduced to the Mambo, that his dreams of dancing professionally began to become a reality.

Nevertheless, the hard work, dedication and passion for dancing the Mambo began to pay off.

In 1999, Juan Matos joined a group called the “Magic Combination Dancers,” and was later on with the Santo Rico Dance Company where he developed the Mambo style that would make him famous, not only in the New York Mambo scene, but in venues around the world. The style was called “Pachanga,” characterized by rapid foot movements and a smooth classic, style, and as Juan continued to perfect his innovative style, the dance the opportunities and invitations to instruct and perform internationally came rolling in.

Juan Matos now lives in Italy, and plans to go on sharing his incredible talent for many years to come.

We are happy to welcome this amazing talent in BEMBE 2018 where with his charming partner Giada he will share his knowledge with you!

At the age of 4, directed by her mom, former professional dancer, Giada Cristofari began her classical dance studies and started immediately to attest her skills, and it’s at the age of 13, during a dance congress, that she felt in love with salsa.

Since then, she studied and mastered many dances and styles like ballet, salsa, Mambo, NY, Cuban folklore, etc…and worked and performed already with many great artists like Mauro Rossi, Emanuela Catena, Valerio Perla, Gertrudys Iglesias, Graciela Chao Carbonero, Lilian Matos Torres and Indira Pacheco Santamaria.

She won with her previous partner Gabriele di Marzo many regional and national competitions, and became part of the official Portocubano Dance Company, which brought her to rapidly attend to famous congresses around the world.

Young talent with an amazing potential, Giada is now forming a duo with the superstar Juan Matos and we are more than happy to have this great couple performing in BEMBE 2018!

Jazzy & IrisGuatemala/Norway

Jazzy Ruiz and Iris are both professional dancers graduated from the Norwegian College of Dance with a bachelor degree in Performing Arts and Pedagogy. They take their background from jazz, modern, ballet, break dance, hip-hop, Latin jazz, flamenco and other Latin dances such as salsa, cha-cha-cha, mambo, Afro-Cuban and show dance. In the year 2000 Jazzy started Norway’s biggest salsa and Latin dance school. Very popular dance instructors and performers in Norway, they travel together to many of the most prestigious festival worldwide.

Together they have choreographed and performed in many big Tv productions in Norway, Tv commercials, magazine, newspapers and TV programs in different countries. They value musicality, a strong technical base and an artistic expression that reflects their sharpness, elegance and versatility. Jazzy & Iris are one the most versatile couple worldwide having sensual fusion show as their own style mixing Zouk, Kizomba, Bachata Sensual Lyrical Jazz as well as hardcore Mambo performances stoning audiences wherever they perform. Look out for their shows full of energy, great technique and unique music interpretation, as well as their great pedagogy and didactic at theirs workshops.

Jazzy & Iris are looking forward to dance and have a great time with you at BEMBE!