Dance with Passion
Immerse Yourself in the Rhythm of Victoria
The workshops are the heartbeat of Salsa Festival Victoria. Whether you are a total beginner taking your first steps or an advanced dancer looking to refine your technique, our diverse sessions are designed for everyone. Join us on August 1–2 in the beautiful Victoria, BC, for a transformative weekend of movement, connection, and high-energy community vibes.
Workshop Schedule
@ Passion and Performance Studio
3301 Douglas St. #202 Victoria, BC
AUGUST 1 • SATURDAY
Mambo Movement
DVS (SCARLETT & PATRICK)
12:00 PM
Basic Salsa on 1
SEBASTIAN & HANNAH
Footwork
SHAKA
1:00 PM
Musicality
LAYLA & RT
Rueda de Cassino
BEMBE (LAURA & JOSE)
2:00 PM
Building a Better Social Dance
Christina Morrison
Colombian Style Salsa (Calena)
SABOCO (ANGIE & JUAN)
3:00 PM
Salsa Festival
VICTORIA
AUGUST 2 • SUNDAY
Salsa Styling and Shine
SABOCO (ANGIE & JUAN)
11:00 AM
Cuban Son and Rumba Techniques
ROUDI AND VEE
Rueda de Casino
BEMBE (LAURA & JOSE)
12:00 PM
Basic salsa on 2
SPENCER & JULIA
Inter/Adv Partnerwork on 1
SHAKA DANCER
1:00 PM
Salsa Festival
Victoria
Inter/Adv Partnerwork on 2
DVS (SCARLETT & PATRICK)
12:00 PM
Salsa Festival
VICTORIA
Expert Instructors
DVS - SCARLETT & PATRICK
VANCOUVER. BC
Scarlet Moriarity is the co-founder of and an accomplished Salsa champion from Mexico. A 2018 World Salsa Champion, three-time Canadian Salsa Champion, U.S. Salsa Open Champion, and multiple World medalist, she is known for her elegant styling, musicality, and dynamic stage presence.
Specializing in ladies’ Salsa styling, performance training, and choreography, Scarlet combines technical excellence with an encouraging teaching approach. Together with her husband and dance partner Patrick, she is dedicated to creating an inclusive and inspiring dance community where students of all levels can grow, connect, and enjoy the art of dance.
Patrick Moriarity is a co-founder of Dance Vancouver and a highly respected Salsa instructor, coach, and competitor. A three-time Canadian Salsa Champion, U.S. Salsa Open Champion, and multiple-time World Salsa medalist, Patrick is known for his technical expertise, musicality, and passion for teaching.
Starting his dance journey at nearly 30, Patrick proves it’s never too late to follow your passion. He has trained with top coaches worldwide, coached Canadian and World Salsa champions, and serves as an adjudicator at international dance competitions.
Known for his clear, supportive teaching style, Patrick helps students build strong technique, musicality, footwork, and partner skills in a fun and welcoming environment. Together with his wife and dance partner, Scarlet, he has helped grow Dance Vancouver into a thriving community for dancers of all levels.
SHAKA DANCER
VANCOUVER B.C.
Shaka is professional dancer, choreographer and athlete. I has been traveling around the world providing shows as aa dancer. Creating choreographies for international dance companies and corporate groups for competition and show purposes. Including Cirque Du Soleil. He has been taught classes at different levels in the following styles (partner and solo): Bachata, Urban Kizomba, Colombian Salsa, Salsa on1 and on2, Footwork,
Latin fusion, Hip Hop, and Modern dances.
Provided classes in the most important congresses, festivals, and studios in the world, sharing his talent and knowledge in places such as the United States, Canada, Spain, France, Italy, Asia, and South America
Achieved x3 world championship titles in Group Salsa Cabaret and Salsa Solo categories in Colombia and the United States.
As a Professional Freestyle Roller Currently ranked 8th in the Blading Cup rankings Internationally-known blader in the disciplines of Freestyle Roller, Vertical Ramp, Skatepark, and Street.
SABOCO ANGIE & JUAN
SEATTLE, WA
Angie Alfonso
Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Angie Alfonso is a professional salsa dancer and instructor with over 20 years of experience in dance. She trained with several of Bogotá’s most recognized salsa academies, where she participated in and won numerous district, national, and international competitions, including a World Championship title (2015).
Angie has specialized in Colombian-style salsa and has dedicated more than 18 years to teaching Latin dance and developing dancers of all ages and skill levels. Her passion, technical excellence, and commitment to preserving Colombian salsa culture have built a passionate community around dance and salsa.
Today, Angie serves as the Director, choreographer, and Lead Dancer of Saboco Dance Company in Seattle, where she continues to promote Colombian salsa style and build community around love for dance.
Juan Manuel Palacios
Born in Pereira, Colombia, Juan Manuel Palacios is a Colombian dancer and musician with more than 12 years of experience as a dancer and 18 years as a musician. Throughout his career, he has been a member of some of Colombia’s most prestigious folkloric ensembles, representing and promoting his country's rich cultural traditions.
Juan Manuel is a National Folklore Championship winner, earning top honors in both 2012 and 2015. As a dance instructor, he has over 8 years of experience teaching Colombian folkloric dance and Latin rhythms to students of all levels. In addition to his dance career, he has performed as a musician alongside more than eight internationally recognized artists.
He is currently the Director and Lead Dancer of Saboco Dance Company in Seattle, where he continues to share his passion for Colombian culture, music, and dance with the community.
Christina Morrison
Victoria B.C
Christina Morrison is one of Canada’s premier dance professionals, bringing over 27 years of exceptional experience, passion, and technical expertise to the dance floor. Based in Victoria, BC, Christina is the driving force behind Salsa Caliente Dance Company, where she has dedicated her career to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and high-energy dance community. Captivated by the rhythm from the moment she first saw Salsa at four years old, Christina has spent her entire life immersed in movement, building an extensive artistic background that spans ballet, jazz, competitive ballroom, and a foundational career as a professional musician and saxophonist.
Widely recognized for her deep specialization in Salsa On 2 (Mambo), Christina is a certified instructor by the World Salsa University in Puerto Rico. As an elite competitor, she has represented Canada twice at the World Salsa Open Championships and has since advanced to become a certified World Salsa judge. Her visionary choreography has been featured on Salsa Team Canada, in numerous music videos, and on tour with legendary acts like the Juno-nominated Puentes Brothers and the Grammy Award-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra. Christina has shared her artistry widely, performing throughout North America, Europe, and the Caribbean.
Driven by a profound passion for preserving the rich cultural roots, evolution, and history of Afro-Latin dance, Christina has traveled extensively to immerse herself in the culture, learning from or sharing the stage with legendary pioneers and masters —including Cuban Pete, Eddie Torres "The Mambo King," Carlos Aroyo, Freddie Rios, Stacey Lopez, Nelson Flores, Tomas Guerrero, Jhesus Aponte, Jimmy Anton, Jayson Molina and Robert Castillo. This firsthand knowledge shapes her teaching philosophy, which balances meticulous technical precision with an infectious, welcoming energy. Her deep respect for tradition is beautifully enhanced by her musical background, giving her students a comprehensive, well-rounded education in timing, song structure, and authentic musicality.
Whether she is directing internationally touring teams or guiding local dancers through their very first steps, Christina delivers a world-class training experience rooted in authenticity, rhythm, and a lifelong love for the dance.
Hannah & Sebastian
VICTORIA, BC
Hannah & Sebastian
Hannah, born and raised in Victoria, BC, has been dancing all her life. With a background in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and tap, she discovered Latin dance through a salsa class at UVic, and was instantly captivated by its rhythm and connection.
Sebastian, originally from Mexico, was raised in a culture where music and dance are a way of life. Latin dance has always been close to his heart, and he’s passionate about teaching and helping the community grow through movement and expression.
They met in a salsa class at UVic, where their shared love for dance sparked something more. As partners both on and off the dance floor, Hannah and Sebastian now teach together, sharing their joy and love for Latin dance with the community.
BEMBE LAURA & JOSE
SEATTLE, WA
Bembé Seattle
Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Bembé Seattle is thrilled to join the Victoria Salsa Congress. Bembé is the exciting culmination of Laura (Colombia) and José (México) combining their 20 years of seasoned experience performing, teaching, and dancing into one refined venture.
This artistic partnership is backed by deep roots in the Afro-Latin dance community:
Laura possesses a rich background in the industry, having trained and performed extensively with specialized Salsa, Bachata, and Rueda de Casino ladies' performance teams.
José draws from years of experience in Guadalajara—a city internationally renowned for its exceptional Cuban Salsa culture—where he served as a dedicated performer and instructor of Timba and Rueda.
Following an enthusiastic reception in Seattle for their workshops, progressive series, and social events, Laura and José are ready to bring that vibrant Rueda de Casino energy to the Victoria stage.
¡Se formó el Bembé!
Veronique & Roudi
Courtney, BC
Veronique (Vee) Prevost
Vee has always been deeply connected to music and the art of movement. Her dance journey began at a young age through Figure Skating, followed by training in Belly Dance, where she developed strong body awareness and musical expression. In 2016, her passion for Latin music and culture led her to fully dedicate herself to Salsa and Bachata, training under World Class Mentors and coaches, competing, and performing under the guidance of Roudi.
After more than seven years of performing and competing on national stages and owning titles , Vee entered a new chapter of her journey—sharing her love for Latin dance through teaching. Alongside her partner, Roudi, she is dedicated to educating dancers, celebrating Latin culture, and inspiring connection, confidence, and joy through Salsa and Bachata.
Roudi Benyoucef
Roudi is an internationally recognized dancer, competitor, choreographer, and educator with 30+ years of experience performing, competing, and teaching around the world. Known for his high energy, engaging presence, and exceptional teaching quality, he has a unique ability to connect with dancers of all levels, creating an inclusive and motivating learning environment that resonates with both intimate classes and large festival crowds.
His teaching philosophy is rooted in quality foundations, clear communication, and respect for the cultural origins of Latin dance. Beyond steps and patterns, Roudi is passionate about sharing the history, music, and traditions behind Salsa and Bachata, creating an experience that is both technically strong and culturally enriching. Together with Vee, he is dedicated to building inclusive dance communities and inspiring dancers to grow with confidence, connection, and joy on the social dance floor.
Julia & Spencer
VICTORIA, BC
Julia and Spencer are a salsa On2 duo known for their fluid partnerwork, groovy styling, and infectious musicality. Since partnering in 2023, they have shared their dance across Vancouver, Montreal, San Francisco, Portland, and beyond. Grounded in strong fundamentals and musicality, their dancing highlights crisp, responsive connection and effortless flow.
As switch dancers, they explore both leading and following, approaching salsa as a space for creativity and self-expression. They invite dancers to move beyond traditional roles and discover new ways of connecting.
They are passionate about building inclusive communities and creating environments where dancers grow confidence, sharpen fundamentals, and build meaningful connections on and off the dance floor.
LAYLA
VICTORIA, BC
Layla began her dance journey at the age of four through folkloric dance. Over the years, she explored various styles, including ballet, contemporary dance, and aerial dance, developing versatility and a deep passion for movement.
After the pandemic, she discovered a new passion for salsa and bachata. Today, she continues to train and grow in both styles, with salsa becoming her main focus and greatest passion as a dancer.
Secure Your Spot
Experience the heart of Victoria’s Latin community. Space for workshops is strictly limited to ensure an optimal learning environment for everyone.
*All prices are in Canadian Dollars. Early bird registration ends soon.