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Meet The Team

Abel Herrera

Director & Co-Founder

Abel Herrera

Hailing from Havana, Cuba—the heart of Latin rhythms—Abel has dedicated more than 25 years to the art of dance. Since 1997, he has been inspiring students in Dublin and Stockholm with his infectious passion and expert knowledge.

His dance journey began at age 15 when he first experienced the thrill of salsa. Since then, he has cultivated a deep appreciation for a variety of Latin genres and mastered unique techniques that define his teaching style today.

At Dublin Salsa Academy, Abel shares his energy and positivity alongside his partner Alina, delivering thoughtfully crafted classes that empower dancers to reach their full potential.

Legendary Performance • Master Instruction

Dance Instructors

Kevin

Kevin

Director & Senior Dance Instructor

Kevin, originally from Ireland's west coast, began dancing with a focus on Breakdance and Freestyle. He later joined his university's breakdance crew and even taught it for years, continuing through his master's in Scotland. His love for Salsa and Bachata began during travels in South America in 2016. After returning to Ireland, he trained at Dublin Salsa Academy and quickly rose through the ranks. With a sharp eye for detail, high energy, and a fun teaching style, Kevin is now a key senior dance instuctor & director at DSA, known for blending breakdance creativity with Latin flair.

Jonathan Navarrete

Jonathan Navarrete

Senior Dance Instructor

Born in Quito, Ecuador, Jonathan's journey into the world of dance began in January 2017 as a complete beginner. He quickly fell in love with Salsa, especially Cuban and Line Salsa styles. Within a year, he expanded his repertoire to include Bachata, immersing himself in Dublin's vibrant dance scene. Guided by his life philosophy of Kaizen—continuous improvement—Jonathan trained with top teachers and schools across Dublin. His hard work and dedication caught the eye of Alina and Abel, who invited him to join the Dublin Salsa Academy family. Now a dance trainer and performer, Jonathan has graced stages at numerous dance events across Ireland. Beyond dance, he also brings his expertise in design, marketing, and business strategy—playing a pivotal role in shaping the creative and professional direction of DSA.

Bilge

Bilge

Dance Instructor

Originally from Turkey, Bilge began her dance journey in 2013 with her university swing dance team. After moving to Istanbul, she discovered her love for Salsa and Bachata through local Latin socials. In 2019, she joined Berkan's class and started attending festivals while developing a keen interest in ladies' styling. She began taking solo classes from top Turkish instructors, which helped elevate her expression and technique. Soon after relocating to Dublin, Bilge reconnected with Berkan and joined the Dublin Salsa Academy team. Her grace, commitment, and energy make her a natural fit—bringing inspiration and flair to every class.

Laura

Laura

Dance Instructor

Originally from Italy, Laura brings over 15 years of classical and contemporary dance training to the Dublin Salsa Academy team. With a strong foundation in ballet and modern dance, she has spent 4 years teaching young dancers, sharing her passion with kids and teens. In 2017, she expanded her dance journey into the world of Caribbean rhythms, diving into salsa and bachata with enthusiasm and dedication. Since then, she has performed in numerous shows and events across Italy, bringing energy and artistry to every stage. In 2020, Laura became a salsa and bachata teacher, combining her deep technical knowledge with vibrant styles. Her classes are known for their musicality, elegance, and clear instruction – always encouraging students to grow confidently on the dance floor.

Berkan

Berkan

Dance Instructor

Berkan, from Istanbul, Turkey, began dancing through Turkish Folk traditions in school. In high school, he explored hip-hop and modern dance, but it was at university where Latin dance truly resonated with him. He dove into Salsa and Bachata in 2014, training at international festivals and learning from world champions. In 2017, he joined Danskeyfi Dance Academy and became an instructor assistant. Shortly after moving to Dublin, he joined Dublin Salsa Academy. His infectious energy and technical skills make her a standout instructor who brings passion and precision to every class.

Trainees & Assistants Instructors

Meet our team of Trainees and Assistants. We carefully select who joins our team to provide you with the best Syllabus delivery rate for reliable progress.

JENNIFFER

JENNIFFER

TRAINEE

Originally from India, Jenniffer started her dance journey with a deep passion for rhythm and movement. She loves all forms of music, ranging from traditional sounds to the vibrant Latin variety. In August of 2022, she began her salsa and bachata journey as a student in DSA. Before long, she was training to be an assistant teacher. Jenniffer brings a diverse cultural perspective and a warm, energetic approach to every class. Although she is early in her Latin dance journey, her passion for helping others, self-growth, and determination to improve her skills shines through her dedicated disposition.

NAOEMI

NAOEMI

TRAINEE

Originally from Spain, Naoemi discovered the joy of dance and rhythm through the vibrant local social scene. She loves all forms of music, and in August of 2022, she officially began her salsa and bachata journey as a student in DSA. Before long, her dedication and natural flair led her to begin training as an assistant teacher. Naoemi brings a graceful energy and a focus on technique to her classes, always encouraging her students to find their own style on the dance floor. Her passion for helping others and her commitment to self-growth make her a beloved member of the instructor team.

Admin Team

MUSTAFA

MUSTAFA

SENIOR ADMIN

TARIK

TARIK

ADMIN