About Us

Founder of Salsero Roc, Instructor, Studio Owner

In 2009, Darin founded Essence of Rhythm Latin Dance Co., now known as SALSERO ROC Dance Academy 2011, Darin began DJ'ing events in our local community, across the US and even internationally. In 2017, He decided to take his love of landscape, portrait, and special event photography more seriously and began offering his services for portrait and event photography.
 
Darin (Or as many call him, "Salsero") is known across the entirety of  Upstate NY as the premier instructor, performer, choreographer and organizer for Salsa on1, , Bachata, Cha-Cha and Afro-Latin Jazz.
Darin hosts several of the longest running Latin dance socials in Rochester  NY on a monthly basis, while also offering private and group lessons for adults and youth for all levels of learning.

His primary focus is to enrich the region through creativity, culture and community. He accomplishes this by facilitating space for all to share their passion. He prides himself on providing a welcoming atmosphere for clients to connect, share and celebrate what this wonderful arts community has to offer. 

Founder of Roc Kizomba, Instructor, Studio Owner

Elyse, founder of Roc Kizomba, brings over 12 years of experience as a dance teacher, community builder, and event organizer. Specializing in Kizomba, she has taught, performed, and trained extensively across the United States, Canada, and Europe. Elyse's journey in dance began over a decade ago, and since then, she has honed her craft under the guidance of renowned instructors worldwide. With a passion for fostering community and spreading the love for Kizomba, Elyse has led workshops, organized socials, and even formed kizomba performance teams. Her dedication to her art and her community continues to drive her to expand the reach and appreciation of all of the dances that fall under the Kizomba umbrella.

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Salsa, Bachata and Yoga Instructor

"I am a med-peds primary care provider and play an active role in medical residency education.  I have always loved movement as a form of art, exercise and stress relief -  I grew up dancing and have training in classical ballet, jazz and tap.  As an adult, I found a love for yoga as a way to play with movement and meditation while building strength and developing flexibility.  I am relatively new to Latin dance, but I immediately fell in love with it.  There is unspeakable joy for mem in finding connection with music, movement and other people.  I hope to give new dancers basic tools and confidence to find their own joy in dance

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Instructor for Salsero Roc and Roc Kizomba

"Rochester is my hometown.  Growing up, I studied tap, jazz and ballet and competed nationally.  As an adult, I was introduced to salsa and bachata when my sister gifted me with dance classes.  What I love most about salsa dancing are the strong connections I make with other dancers and the warm sense of community it brings.  My main goal as a dancer is to bring joy to others through my dancing.

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Salsa and Bachata Instructor

Heather fell in love with Latin Dance as an adult and never looked back! "Everywhere I have moved since I have always found good friends and a community through dance.  Dance is fulfilling in so many ways - physically, mentally, and socially, and I hope to help newcomers find what they love about it! 

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Belly Dance Instructor

Shape, Texture, Color, Movement

"My first passion, I attribute to my Mother, who introduced me to many of the Visual Arts that woke up a creativity gene I didn't know I had.
My second passion, I attribute to my father, who got me into Buffalo State College, where I could choose my Phys Ed course.  I chose dance.

With my first passion, I brought my Visual Arts into my dance art, where I became comfortable sharing what I love doing.  Thank you Kariamu & Company, Garth Fagan Dance and thank you parents.

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Kids Dance Sampler Instructor

Jenny's dance journey began at the age of 3 in Rochester, NY where she was born and raised.  She began with Tap, Jazz, Ballet, and Contemporary.  In High School, she trained in Ballroom and Latin.  Jenny pursued her higher education at Nazareth College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Dance Studies.  She has shared her love and passion for dance by teaching a diverse range of styles to students of all ages.

Afro-Caribbean Fusion Instructor 

Neyda is a Freelance teaching, performing, and creative artist from Rochester NY.  She began her dance journey at 3 years old, taking Caribbean and West African classes. She has continued and developed her training with Borinquen Dance Theatre and at the School of the Arts.  Neyda is also an alumni of UB where she was a part of the Latin Dance team Alma Nanichi. Neyda has been teaching Modern, Latin, and Afro-Caribbean classes for 8 years to students of all ages and levels.  Her goal is to educate and make community connections through her work!

Yoga Instructor 

Sarah has been practicing yoga for 2-decades and is a Yoga Alliance registered practitioner. She attained her 200-hour teacher training in March of 2023. Sarah discovered yoga in her later teen years and was immediately captivated by one flow’s ability to facilitate strength, healing, and connection between the mind, body, and spirit like no other physical practice. With a background in vocal performance, Sarah is passionate about leading others to discover the power that maintaining a regular yoga practice has in supporting various physical practices, whether it be music performance, dance, sports or strength training, all while regulating the nervous system through breath. She is thrilled to be part of an effort to connect Rochester’s yoga and dance communities, bringing a multi-level Creative Vinyasa flow to Elevate Dance. “Let’s elevate our Asana!