Obatalá
Obatalá is an electrifying eight-piece Cuban ensemble based in Victoria, BC, bringing the soul of Cuba to the West Coast of Canada. Founded just one year ago, the band has already made waves in the local music scene, captivating audiences with their dynamic performances such as the tribute to Buena Vista Social Club at The Belfry Theatre and Fulford Hall, as well as their performances closing Victoria Latin Fest for two consecutive years.
Led by world-renowned trumpeter Miguelito Valdés, whose extensive career spans international stages and collaborations with top world artists, Obatalá is a powerhouse of seasoned musicians, each bringing their unique artistry to the group.
The Rhythmic Heartbeat of Cuban Music in Victoria, BC
Radio Tambora
International sound system Radio Tambora began as an exploration of cumbia among friends and has since grown into a creative collective of music and dance lovers exploring the ingredients of SALSA, bachata, cumbia, and Persian music, reflecting a curiosity and interest in the paths through which music has and will always continue to connect people with one another.
salsa Music in Victoria, BC
Daniela Carmona González, conocida simplemente como DANNY, es una cantante, compositora y periodista colombo-canadiense que aboga por la comunidad latinoamericana y cautiva al pĂşblico global con su mĂşsica. Nacida en Manizales, Colombia, y criada en Nueva York, DANNY obtuvo reconocimiento con su EP debut “Eternal Fruit" en el 2021. Su mĂşsica se caracteriza por una narrativa dinámica con temas rĂtmicos de amor, esperanza y valentĂa. Con EPs como “New Day" y “Guacarmona", DANNY continĂşa expandiĂ©ndose como artista y fuente de inspiraciĂłn. Ahora con su show de 'Salsa Colombiana' pone a bailar a la isla de Victoria en Columbia Británica.Â
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salsa colombiana
Jessica Huerta
Originally from Mexico, Jessica Huerta began her formal dance training in Jazz and has since expanded her repertoire to include Heels, Ballroom, and various urban dance styles.
In recent years, she has focused on Latin dance, specializing in Salsa On2. She has performed in showcases and participated in international salsa congresses, continuing to develop her artistry within Victoria’s growing Latin dance community.
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Jessica is currently expanding her work as a performer, with a focus on expressive, musical, and collaborative performance projects.
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Las Mariposas
Las Mariposas was created from a shared love for Latin music and dance.
Jessica and Hannah connected through their passion for Salsa and Bachata and quickly discovered a strong artistic chemistry. From that connection, the idea of creating their first performance team was born.
Since then, Las Mariposas has grown as a collaborative project where:
Jessica leads the Salsa side, and Hannah leads the Bachata side.
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Together, they continue developing performances that blend both styles with their own artistic identity.
Victoria, BC
Natalia & Sergio
Since 2024, Natalia and Sergio have been building a vibrant Latin dance community on Vancouver Island, helping beginners develop their skills and confidence to social dance locally and around the world. Their mission is to foster connection, community, and growth through dance.
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Salsa Caliente
Salsa Caliente is an internationally touring powerhouse based in the heart of Victoria, BC. Under the direction of World Salsa University certified instructor and choreographer Christina Morrison, Salsa Caliente has spent over two decades as cultural ambassadors, elevating the standard of Latin dance on Vancouver Island. Known for musical choreography, technique, and a passion for the history and culture of the dance, Salsa Caliente has represented Canada on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including the New York & Puerto Rico Salsa Congresses, the World Salsa Open, and Tempo Latino in France. Salsa Caliente’s dancers have had the honor of dancing on stage with Grammy winning musicians including Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Charlie Aponte, Jose Alberto “El Canario” and more. From the street festivals of Victoria to the lights of international Salsa Congresses, Salsa Caliente provides quality instruction, performance opportunities and social gatherings for all levels in an inclusive and welcoming community.
Victoria BC
Walewska Mendoza
Victoria BC
A lifelong dancer with a passion for movement and performance, I have been teaching fitness dance classes for 25 years and have performed in a variety of community and cultural events. Raised in an art gallery and surrounded by a deeply artistic family, creativity and self-expression have shaped my life from an early age, and dance has always been a natural extension of that upbringing. My dance journey has been largely self-directed rather than through formal training, guided by a lifelong love of movement, musicality, years of performance, and a commitment to sharing the joy of dance with others.Â
Today, I’m excited to share the spirited energy of Latin dance, celebrating rhythm, culture, and connection. Through this performance, I hope to inspire others to experience the confidence, joy, and sense of community that dance brings. Â
Dj FACU
Victoria BC
DJ FACU es un DJ latino originario de PerĂş y actualmente radicado en Victoria, BC. Se destaca por su versatilidad musical y su habilidad para mantener la energĂa de la pista de baile durante toda la noche. Con un repertorio amplio que incluye reggaetĂłn, latin hits, mĂşsica urbana, clásicos de fiesta y ritmos internacionales, DJ Facu crea experiencias musicales que conectan con todo tipo de pĂşblico.
A pesar de su corta trayectoria, DJ Facu ha logrado posicionarse dentro de la comunidad latina en Victoria, teniendo la oportunidad de presentarse en reconocidos venues como Capital Ballroom, Encore y Paparazzi, entre otros.
Su estilo dinámico y su capacidad para leer al pĂşblico le permiten crear momentos memorables en cada evento, llevando a los asistentes por un viaje musical lleno de energĂa y ritmo.
Dj Moses
" El Pachanguero"
Victoria BC
My name is Moises Del Olmo, and I proudly call the beautiful city of Victoria, British Columbia home. Born in Mexico and now deeply rooted in Canada, I am passionate about celebrating and promoting the vibrant traditions of Salsa and Latin culture in both of my countries. I am the founder and director of ViVa! Victoria Latin Fest, an annual celebration of Latin American heritage that has brought rhythm, colour, and community spirit to the city since 2018. I also host Postales Musicales de América Latina, a radio program on the University of Victoria’s campus station, where I share the diverse musical landscapes of Latin America with local and international audiences. Through music, dance, and cultural events, I strive to keep the heart of Latin culture beating strong in Victoria and beyond.