Above: Nick & I dancing for a Persian Music Video

About India:
I grew up listening to traditional Cuban music such as Orquesta Aragón, Afro Cuban All Stars and Benny Moré. I didn't know much about what I was listening to, but I knew that it moved me. I was introduced to salsa music and dance by a friend in 2001. The second I saw the teachers dancing in the club, I knew I had to learn. I started taking private lessons that week and went to every class I could find. I danced every day, not only in class and in the clubs, but at home, at work - everywhere. I knew immediately that I had found one of the greatest loves of my life. It became clear to me that not only did I want to dance for my own self expression, but that I wanted to offer this gift to others. I started assisting Salsa instructors in the Bay Area in 2001 while continuing my dance education.

After almost two years of training (private lessons, workshops, and dance troops), and teaching salsa, I decided to go to Cuba and immerse myself in the culture that contributed so much to Salsa. During my stay, I met family, studied at the University of Havana and danced every day and night. When I left Cuba, I had gotten what I went for - the nod of approval and they told me, "Now you dance like a Cuban girl."

I came home a different dancer and infinitely inspired as a student and as a teacher. Cuba was only the beginning. Since then I have taught classes, workshops, private lessons and special events in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, San Rafael, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Petaluma, Sonoma etc. I have danced and performed in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York.

Most recently I have partnered with casino rueda instructor Salsa Nick. We have since performed at the Video Sales and Distribution Awards in Las Vegas, contracted for a feature film in NY, and performed in a music video for Kamran Songs Production. Nick and I also teach group classes & private lessons throughout the bay area regularly: Sunday @ Buena Vida Dance Studio, Tuesday @ Isabelle's Studio.