About Us
Elevate Dance Center: Unity through dance, community, and connections
EDC is home to two pillars of the Rochester dance community : Salsero Roc and Roc Kizomba. Together, these dance companies have connected hundreds of community members from Upstate NY and will continue to do so in their very own dedicated home studio space: EDC!
Our Story
Meet Elyse and Darin, the dynamic duo with over two decades of experience dedicated to shaping and uplifting the dance community. For more than 20 years, they've passionately taught, hosted, and organized events and classes, each step contributing to the vibrant landscape of their dance journey.
With a history of managing individual studio spaces, they now unite their expertise to bring a singular, vibrant hub to the Upstate NY dance scene – a space alive with the rhythm of Latin and Kizomba, where community thrives and connections flourish. Welcome to a dance experience unlike any other, crafted by the passion and dedication of Elyse and Darin.
Meet The Team
Darin Price
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.
Elyse Jurutka
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.
Daniela Leon
Salsa and Bachata Instructor
Daniela Leon is an internationally renowned Salsa dancer from Medellin, Colombia. She began her training in the Latin dances as a member of El Balcon de las Artistas, and since then, has risen to become a six-time Colombian national champion in Salsa On 1 and the 2013 World Latin Dance Cup champion in Cha-Cha-Cha. She also served as co-director of one of Colombia's premier Latin Dance Academies, Sangre Dance Company. Since moving to the United States in 2021, she has worked in Chicago as director of the Mayambo Ladies dance teams (both pro and semi-pro) and has continued to dominate the stage, performing throughout the country both with professional dance teams and as a solo artist.
Anita Ray
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
Andrew Vitkus
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.
Jen & Julio Nieves
Instructor for Salsero Roc
"Julio loves to experience life and culture in its fullness, with a deep passion for his Puerto Rican heritage. Music, dance, and cuisine are central to how he connects with others and celebrates community.
Jennifer loves connecting with and caring for others. She comes from a musical theatre and swing dance background, and her introduction to Latin dance began nearly 20 years ago when she met Julio. Since then, their journeys have become intertwined, and together—with their children—they delight in bringing people together to celebrate culture, connection, and community.
For the past four years, Julio and Jennifer have trained together with Salsero Roc. Last year, Jennifer joined the Salsero Roc Ladies Semi-Pro Salsa Team, and this year Julio joins the new co-ed team.
With decades of teaching experience both in and beyond the traditional classroom, Julio and Jennifer are excited to join the Elevate Dance Studio team and help young dancers discover the fun, joy, and excitement of Latin dance."
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