Joy is the director/founder of the Social Dance Studio. She has a degree in dance and over 10 years of professional teaching experience. She continues to study in LA and NY to bring the latest styles of Salsa and other social dances to MN. You will see Joy dancing at local venues, teaching a variety of energetic group classes, or performing for private parties and events.
SDS Instructors
Todd began his journey into the performing arts at age 15 as a singer and actor. Pursuing a career in vocal music performance at the University of Arizona, he found that to truly make it he needed to have the 'triple threat' (singing, acting, and... Dancing). After taking a few classes in modern and jazz, Todd began to learn ballroom and Latin dancing. Over the course of 13 years, Todd has competed professionally and with his students in Ballroom, Latin, Swing, and Country.
An East Coast transplant, born in Arizona and raised in West Philadelphia, Bryon moved to Minnesota in 2002. As a result of traveling the world, he grew to speak different languages and love many cultures. The culture of dance called Salsa has been his latest and longest lasting obsession. His LA-style Salsa infused with Hip Hop fills his dancing with expression and flair and makes him so enjoyable to watch. With still much to learn, he studies the latest performances and instructors to keep his moves fresh and challenging.
Keri is a native of Minneapolis who grew to love salsa dancing while studying abroad in Venezuela in 1996, and has been dancing ever since. Latin Dancing is her specialty, but she also has a wide repertoire including; Lindy Hop, East and West Coast Swing, Tango, and Ballroom. Keri’s dance foundation was built by “studying the dance floor” (a.k.a “going out” to local dance venues for the last decade). She also has formal training from the University of Minnesota, The Social Dance Studio, and various other local dance schools.
David Hassis is an advanced competitor on the national West Coast Swing circuit and has taught group classes, workshops, and private lessons in St. Louis, MO, Colorado Springs, CO, Denver, CO, Boise, ID, and Minneapolis, MN. Between his experience on the West Coast Swing circuit, his clear teaching methods, and his upbeat and approachable personality, David is truly a wonderful fit for the Social Dance Studio team.
Israel has been dancing typical Peruvian dances such as Marinera, Afro Peruvian dance (festejo), and Criollismo since he was six years old. He has performed competitively during primary and high school in Peru and later expanded his dancing repertoire to Brazilian Zamba and Capoeira.
Jimi was introduced to the world of Zumba while spending the winter of 2006 in Florida. He returned to Minneapolis and became an instructor at the YMCA, working with both children and adults. He brings his over-the-top energy to several locations throughout the Twin Cities, including currently offering 3 classes at the Social Dance Studio. "The positive impact on healthy lifestyles and attitudes is an awesome outlet for my passion for people. I am extremely happy doing what I do!"