Iván Rodrigo Garcia

Originally from Mexico, Iván has been teaching salsa in the UK for over 10 years. Iván is a UKA ( The United Kingdom Alliance of Professional Teachers of dancing) qualified and insured dance instructor, a qualified Zumba instructor and the director of Salsa Beat LTD. Iván has a degree in Arts Management and is also a registered ACLS community dance adult education tutor. He has extensive experience working with all areas of the community, including schools, youth groups, special needs, mental health and learning disability groups. Ivan has also undergone specialized training these areas. Iván states;  "I believe that one of my strengths is my philosophy that dancing should be a fun enjoyable and an inclusive experience for all, regardless of age or ability. In Mexico salsa and Latin dancing is a strong part of our culture and involves every member of the family from the very young to the young at heart. I have a strong conviction that anyone can tap into their 'inner beat' and develop their own skills. I firmly believe in creating an environment that is safe, non-judgmental and fun! The results speak fro themselves, It is rewarding to see how much people grow, not only in their dancing skills, but also in their own confidence and self belief."




Emma Louise Toro-Owen

Ivan's partner and co director of Salsa Beat Ltd. Emma is a degree qualified Arts Manager with research interests in cultural awareness, inclusion and integration through the Arts. Her work history include working as Event Coordinator for Local Authority projects, as well as project manager promoting Arts events for Sheffield refugee communities. She utilises her skills and past training within Salsa beat as the contact for Schools, Local Authorities and PCTs, promoting dance in education, health and community projects. 





Monica Montalvo

Teaching partner and associate instructor. Originally, from Venezuela, Monica is a fully qualified and highly experienced instructor, performer and accomplished musician. One of Monica's specialisms is teaching women's styling and techniques. Monica regularly collaborates with Ivan delivering advanced level classes and workshops in styling, spinning, and partner work techniques. She travels both nationally and internationally to congresses and specialised training venues on a regular basis in order to update her knowledge of all the latest routines and styles. Monica delivers classes independently within the Nottingham area. For details of these classes, please contact salsawithmonica@hotmail.com

Armando Murillo-Cossio

Armando comes from Mexico City, where he studied media communications and music. He played in various quality venues in Mexico before joining cruise ships in 1995. After 5 years of travelling aboard liners world-wide and producing his own show, he met his wife, Rotherham girl Karen, who returned with him to Yorkshire. As a freelance musician, specialising in Latin American music, he plays percussion, South American flutes and pan pipes, along with other exotic string and percussion instruments. He also plays in bands, both local and nation-wide, ranging from jazz to world music. He plays regularly with local bands in bars, restaurants, festivals, parties etc., leads pan pipe and percussion workshops in local schools and plays alongside well known DJ's in Sheffield, Leeds and Bradford. He is a composer, producer, and professional artist, who can lend his adaptable talent to almost any situation.



Steve Jackson