Meet Our Amazing Artists!
Aaron Damus
Born and raised in Miami, Aaron grew up surrounded by the influences of Afro-Caribbean culture. At 5 years old, he began his formal training in music, beginning with classical piano. Formal vocal training followed in his early teens and at 18, while a senior in prep school, Aaron became the youngest person to be hired as a professional chorister with the Florida Grand Opera. He spent 4 seasons with the FGO while studying music at the University of Miami, where he also began Cello performance studies. Aaron moved to Boston at 22 to pursue a degree in Philosophy at Boston University. Soon thereafter he began taking dance more seriously and began formal training in afro-cuban rooted dances with Joel and Ana Massicot. He has spent more than 15 years training Salsa and Cha Cha, as well as the folkloric dances of Rumba and Orisha traditions. Aaron has performed on stages in 7 countries including at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Trois-Rivieres. He has been lucky enough to have performed under the stick of the Zubin Metha and Maestro Willie Waters, and has sung behind Luciano Pavarotti. As a principal dancer with Masacote Dance Company, he has performed with some of latin music's most popular and important artists including the legendary Orchestra Harlow of Fania, Ray de la Paz, Frankie Vasquez, Roberto Roena, Gilberto Santarosa, and Luis Miguel.
|
Julissa Cruz, Latin Vintage Dance Company

Julissa Cruz has been training, teaching coaching and performing dance for over 20 years. Her genres include jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop, modern, salsa and other Latin styles.
She served as director of the Salsa Heat Professional dance company, for 4 years before venturing out on her own as a solo artist. She has performed and taught throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia on her own and with her Partner, Gordon Neil. She has done several collaborations with other world-renowned performers such as Ana Masacote, Melanie Castillo, Andy Cruz, Liz Becerra, Benjamin Cartagena and Troy Anthony. Julissa has competed as a Professional Salsa soloist at the World Salsa Summit placing 4th, and in same gender professional category with partner Melanie Castillo, as well as the Ladies large teams placing 1st.
In 2009, Julissa founded her dance company Latin Vintage in Richmond Virginia and hit the ground running, bringing more and more people into the joy of dancing. She started her popular event “Pura Vintage” in 2010, bringing in exceptional educators and performers to enrich the dance scene.
She is passionate about the creation and development of dancers, as well as creating enthusiasts of the art and culture itself. Julissa continues to be inspired by the integrity of movement, and hopes to share this with others for years to come.
She served as director of the Salsa Heat Professional dance company, for 4 years before venturing out on her own as a solo artist. She has performed and taught throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia on her own and with her Partner, Gordon Neil. She has done several collaborations with other world-renowned performers such as Ana Masacote, Melanie Castillo, Andy Cruz, Liz Becerra, Benjamin Cartagena and Troy Anthony. Julissa has competed as a Professional Salsa soloist at the World Salsa Summit placing 4th, and in same gender professional category with partner Melanie Castillo, as well as the Ladies large teams placing 1st.
In 2009, Julissa founded her dance company Latin Vintage in Richmond Virginia and hit the ground running, bringing more and more people into the joy of dancing. She started her popular event “Pura Vintage” in 2010, bringing in exceptional educators and performers to enrich the dance scene.
She is passionate about the creation and development of dancers, as well as creating enthusiasts of the art and culture itself. Julissa continues to be inspired by the integrity of movement, and hopes to share this with others for years to come.
Kat Arias, Ferocity Dance Company

Kat Arias is a professional Bachata Choreographer, Dancer and Instructor of Peruvian and Venezuelan descent currently based out of the Washington DC Metropolitan area. She found the world of Ballroom dancing at the age of 22 and became one of the owners of the Élan DanceSport Center at 25. At this studio, she used to help a local performance group focused in Bachata which is where her love for the performing art of Bachata grew; having fallen in love with the genre, and following this studio's closure, Kat created the Ferocity Dance Company in May of 2012 where she has been the Owner and Managing Director ever since.
The Ferocity Dance Company houses multiple Bachata focused competitive and performing teams, and has won various accolades throughout the years including multiple world championship titles. Her vision was to have a company that was not only focused on technique and learning, but that could also provide a space for anyone that needed somewhere that allowed them the freedom to find and be their authentic and true selves as they navigate through the art of dance.
A Fusion Bachata artist herself, she travels and receives training in order to maintain well versed in other Bachata styles. In addition to running her teams and studio, she teaches various styles of Bachata at different Congresses, Festivals and special events on the National, and International level. Kat's professional dance partner is Carolina Bonilla and they travel Internationally and Nationally competing, performing and teaching.
Kat is dedicated to creating opportunities for high quality learning - it remains the driving force behind her workshops and events and she hopes to inspire and connect with people everywhere she goes.
The Ferocity Dance Company houses multiple Bachata focused competitive and performing teams, and has won various accolades throughout the years including multiple world championship titles. Her vision was to have a company that was not only focused on technique and learning, but that could also provide a space for anyone that needed somewhere that allowed them the freedom to find and be their authentic and true selves as they navigate through the art of dance.
A Fusion Bachata artist herself, she travels and receives training in order to maintain well versed in other Bachata styles. In addition to running her teams and studio, she teaches various styles of Bachata at different Congresses, Festivals and special events on the National, and International level. Kat's professional dance partner is Carolina Bonilla and they travel Internationally and Nationally competing, performing and teaching.
Kat is dedicated to creating opportunities for high quality learning - it remains the driving force behind her workshops and events and she hopes to inspire and connect with people everywhere she goes.
Luis Santiago

Luis Santiago is a 2x World Champion Salsa and Bachata dancer. He grew up in Wilmington, Delaware. After winning the World Salsa Championship in 2015, his dance career moved him to New York City. He began teaching, performing and competing both at home and internationally. Luis was honored to represent Team USA at the 2017 World Games in Poland. In 2019, he secured a second world title with Huracan Dance Company. Luis has coached and choreographed across the globe from Mexico to Japan. His favorite part about latin dancing is developing connection through movement and helping his students grow.
DJ Julio Sabroso

Julio was born and raised in NYC where he was exposed to a wide spectrum of musical influences. After his move to NC in 2013, he quickly became one of the top DJ’s in the state’s Latin dance scene today. DJ Julio Sabroso is one of the founders of Latin Vibe Entertainment, hosting parties like Eleganza, Seduccion, The Salsa & Bachata Throw Down and Vinilo Rumba (an all Vinyl social). He can also be found spinning at parties like Mojito Night, Sabor Latino, Salsa & Bachata Affair, Aura Dance Studio Dance Social, as well as other out-of-state events where he is featured. His passion and focus for Latin music has driven him to become an avid music collector with hundreds of vinyl records. In addition to taking care of the perfect music to please the dancers, Julio takes pride in collaborating with event coordinators and vendors to ensure that events run smoothly, and that everyone is equipped with tools needed to have a great time. Genre of style and music specializing in: Salsa (and all genres that fall under the salsa umbrella), Bachata, Merengue, etc.