Yemaya Salsa Dance Company is not your ordinary dance studio. One visit to this place and you will realize what you've been missing out on! They aren't the usual "blah blah" salsa lessons. They add another dimension by teaching classes specifically for "footwork, styling, and body movement" that will help you elevate your dance to another level.

Not only do they teach something different, but they offer quite an aerobic workout. I almost started to break a sweat as I sat through the "Styling & Body Movement" class! Whew! Talk about a great cardio exercise! You kill two birds with one stone in this time-driven, health crazed world. What a deal!

Yemaya is all about the dancing, no doubt! The teachers are performers themselves, coming from a rich dancing background. Their dance teams perform all over California and Nevada in events such as the Sacramento County Fair, the Festival de la Familia, Salsa with the Sacramento Kings, etc, etc. They moved to this new locations recently, conveniently located downtown off Braodway. They also stay very active in the salsa community. Check them out!

Q: Who owns Yemaya?

A: Emelie Andagan founded the company in 2000. And since 2004, Yemaya has been incorporated in California as a public-benefit corporation, serving the Sacramento area community and beyond.

Q: What is your background?

A: Emelie picked up salsa dancing within a short time due to her dance background and many years of experience as a ballet/jazz student, and later a teacher at the Ballet Theatre of Dover Dance Conservatory. The troupe, Yemaya Salsa, started as a small group of only a few couples rehearsing in various garages and practically anywhere with a smooth surface. Since 2000, the company has grown ever since and has been entertaining audiences in the Sacramento area community and beyond, thanks to the support of many of our associates, friends and families.

Q: How would you characterize your dance style?

A: Yemaya is primarily an "On 1" salsa dance company. Most of the routines are danced on the 1 beat of the music. Our style varies and is unique from routine to routine, from beginner patterns/footwork to more advance tricks and styling. Our main goal is to entertain audiences and share our passion for salsa dancing to the community and to develop our dancers' strengths to the best of their abilities.

Q: What kinds of teams do you guys have and who can particpate?

A: We have teams for all ages and all levels. Currently, they are: Yemaya Teens, Training Team, Salsa Libre, Ladies of Yemaya, and Yemaya Salsa. Anyone with an interest and passion for dance can participate. We hold auditions once a year. If you have a solid dance background, and can commit to rehearsals at least once a week, please contact us about your interest.

More FAQ's