About Us

Who we are:

The Baila Boogaloo Dance Company

The Baila Boogaloo Dance Company boasts energy and passion, promoting several types of popular and classical Latin Dances. The name 'Baila Boogaloo' takes its cue and influence from boogaloo (bugalu) music - a distinct salsa sound with an infectious upbeat harmony that combines Afro-Cuban influences, Mambo and R&B.

Heading up the some 18 dancers and instructors are Joaquin Martinez - artistic director/lead choreographer who co-founded the company with his partner, Darlene Wang - director and lead female dancer.

Born in El Salvador, Joaquin strives to continuously present within every piece choreographed and in classes, the Latin flavor and components he holds true. The Baila Boogaloo dancers embrace the many forms and styles of Latin dancing characteristically influenced from Puerto Rico and Cuba.


The Baila Boogaloo Dance Co. offers classes in a number Latin dances including- Salsa, Merengue, Bacahta, Cha Cha Cha, Cumbia and Casino Rueda. Baila Boogaloo houses 8 lead instructors and several assistant instructors teaching private and public classes through out the week.

Instructor Roster:
Darlene Wang - Director
Joaquin Martinez - Artistic Director and Choreographer

Hamzat Braimo - Lead Instructor
Doug Pereira - Lead Instructor & Lead performer
Melissa Leong - Lead Instructor & Lead performer
Joanna Lavoie - Lead Instructor & Lead performer
Ronson Fernandez - Instructor
Emily Boffa - Instructor
Grace Galvez - Lead Instructor & Lead performer
Kerry Laifatt - Instructor
Roberto Martinez - Assistant Instructor
Aaron Rafol - Lead Instructor & lead performer
Elvis Capitao - Assistant Instructor
Kathleen Livingstone - Assistant Instructor
Tatiana Alarcon - Assistant Instructor
Armando Guedez - Lead Instructor
Melyssa Moniz - Assistant Instructor
Allan Rafol - Performer
Jan Wu- Performer