Stephen E. Santilian

SALSA
I am a professional Salsa instructor, performer, choreographer, DJ, event organizer, and promoter.  I started teaching at Allegro Dance Studio 4.5 years ago.   I now teach as an independent instructor at various locations throughout Atlanta.   Although I learned the fundamentals of dance in Atlanta, the bulk of my training comes from countless hours of studying dancers in action and performances from around the world via DVDs and the Internet.  This method of training is definitely a rough road to take, but it is precisely this background that always entices others to tell me that my dancing is captivating and altogether different.  Personally, I think anyone can achieve the same when their instructors are the best of the best from around the globe.

As an instructor, my focus is on developing social dancers.  What I teach is an effortless, elegant, polished, stylish, and technically sound form of leading and following.  Unfortunately, attaining these high points is not be easy.  I will task the lead with technique and patterns that will make smoke come out of the mans ears.  Likewise, the follow will learn that she can spin through several 8 counts and that her hips really can move in that direction. 

Although Salsa is one of the most challenging styles of dance, it is also one of the most rewarding.  The promise of mastering this beautiful Latin dance is worth every second spent on the dance floor.  Ironically, the more we try to conquer Salsa, the more it reigns over us.

~Stephen

PERSONAL
I was born in Guanajuato, Mexico, but have lived in the US since I was 4 years old.  I lived in Los Angeles until I was 14.  My family then moved to Atlanta, which I now consider home.  Although I am intensely active on the salsa scene, I do have another life.  I have a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.  When I am not teaching class or dancing for fun, I am designing power distribution systems for buildings, campuses, hospitals, and various other infrastructures:  www.Newcomb-Boyd.com.

I hope to see you out on the dance floor!  :D
~Stephen