Carolyn Barreno, Maria Joukovskaya, Dance Vita Ballroom

Carolyn Barreno teaches Salsa on Wednesdays at 8:00pm (Beginnner) and 9:00pm (Intermediate) at Dance Vita Ballroom. She is known for her thorough, patient instruction, teaching her students not just steps, but the technique and understanding to really dance. Carolyn began teaching in 2005 at Vima Dance Studio. From 2009-2012, she danced with RicaSalsa’s pro team, under the direction of Ricardo Tellez and Tianne Frias. In 2013, Carolyn began competing in the Professional Rising Star American Rhythm ballroom division, where she has already enjoyed a number of distinctions, including 2016 & 2015 World Rising Star Rhythm Finalist, along with various championship titles. While dancing competitively, she retains her passion for the fun and spontaneity of social dancing, and loves bringing the joy of social Salsa, Mambo, ChaChaCha, and Bachata to her students. She also teaches in San Francisco. Maria Joukovskaya teaches Bachata on Wednesdays at 7:00pm and Ladies Styling on Fridays at 2:00pm at Dance Vita Ballroom. Originally from Russia, Maria began dancing at the age of 6. She has 15 years of Professional International Ballroom Dance experience. In 2009 Maria moved to the US, where she started dancing social styles such as Salsa, ChaChaCha, and Bachata. She has won numerous titles, including 1st in Bachata at the International Salsa Open; Bachata Couples finalist and 2nd in ChaChaCha at the 2013 World Latin Dance Cup; and World ChaChaCha Champion at the 2014 World Salsa Summit. Nowadays Maria continues teaching and dancing in the Professional Ballroom division and sharing her dance inspiration with people! Learn more at dancevita.com.