Meet Our Staff

Abel Ortega

Bio Coming Soon.

 

 

 

 

 

Darlene Balducci

Darlene was born and raised in New Jersey but has always been a true Floridian at heart. She first found her love for dance at Simone’s Salsa Dance Studio and then followed by the instruction of Juan “Ta-To” Paredes at Latin Groove Dance. She has studied different styles of dance but Salsa and Bachata is definitely where her passion is. Darlene teaches regular weekly classes at LGD and workshops showing patience and compassion in her instruction. She dances with the passion of her heart and will always bring her smile to the dance floor.

 

John Tauceda

In 2003 – His original foray into the Salsa scene was purely social, to meet new friends, but his love for the art of Salsa dancing quickly became an obsession. He started teaching at the Latin Groove when it first started with the company’s founder, Juan Paredes, and is now one of the principle instructors. Half Italian and half Honduran, John brings his passion from both cultures into his Salsa teaching experience when instructing his students. He regularly states that Salsa is the “gift that keeps on giving, because no matter what, you are always learning new techniques and meeting cool people.”

 

Jaime Inman

Jamie grew up in North Carolina where she began her gymnastics career and ended it as a level 9 Regional qualifier.  In college, she was involved in various theatrical groups including a percussion group, FX, that traveled to many places in the US and also to Venezuela and Colombia to perform.  Her trips to South America sparked her interest in the Latin culture and after graduation she began taking salsa lessons.  Jamie has been an assistant for Latin Groove Dance Academy for the past four years and was a part of their 2010 performance team.

 

Bill

Bill is a Tampa native. As a pilot, Bill has spent that last decade in rehab from a plane crash. Literally learning how to walk all over again, he was determined to get his “spunk” for life back. In 2009 he met Juan Paredes at Latin Groove Dance and was the only “gringo” with 2 left feet. His love, passion and feel for the music got him from the 1,2,3…5,6,7 to where he is today. The smiles on people’s faces and seeing the students just “get it” is what drives Bill to share that same love and passion to our LGD family.