FABIANI DUARTE

Hola Amigos! I’m Fabiani & I’m so pumped to be returning as an instructor! I’m an Air Force JAG officer (a military attorney) and serve as a Professor of National Security Law at The U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School on UVA’s North Grounds. Although I was born & raised in Huntsville, Alabama, I’m the son of Colombian immigrants & grew up watching my parents and family dance at family gatherings, holidays, and whenever we’d visit my grandparents in South America. I started choreographing Latin dance numbers in undergrad through the Vanderbilt Association of Hispanic Students & directed Vanderbilt’s annual Latin dance festival, Café con Leche, my senior year. I also taught Latin dance lessons while I was in law school and theology school and have continued to dance off and on throughout my assignments in the Air Force. I’ve had the pleasure of being part of four UVA Salsa Club Showcases and am looking forward to more exciting memories in the year ahead.

naila rivera Morales

Hey! I’m Naila — a third-year bio major on the pre-med track from Norfolk, VA (with roots in Arecibo, Puerto Rico).
I’ve been dancing salsa for two years after finally giving in to the years-long efforts of my very dancey Puerto Rican family. Now I’m the one dragging people into dance—feels like karma tbh.

Outside the studio, I’m in cosplay club, wushu club, and I volunteer through Madison House. Also, fun fact: I’ve dissected everything from a rat to a cat... and several other specimens (please ask).

My goal this year? Get better at sensual bachata and keep building that found-family vibe we all love in the club. Let’s dance!

Ada o’Shea-yeomans

Hi! I’m Ada and I’m so excited to be your President and one of your instructors! I’m a 4th year from Philadelphia studying Psych and French. I’d never done any kind of dance before joining Salsa Club, but I quickly found my place and discovered my absolute love for it. My favorite style is Salsa, but I’m not picky if it means I get to social dance! Outside of the club, I love spending time in the outdoors, so if you ever want to go hiking or camping you know where to find me. Feel free to shoot any questions my way or just come up and say hi—I’d love to talk to you!

Charlie rubin

Hello! My name is Charlie and I’m a second year math student from St. Louis, Missouri. I’ve been dancing since preschool, but had never tried Latin dance until arriving at UVA. Salsa was one of the most meaningful parts of my first year here, and I’m excited to be joining the instructor team! Can’t wait to see you… on the dance floor 😈

Carolina martinez-alvarado

Saludos a todos! My name is Carolina and I’m a second year YSI major from Leesburg, VA. This is my first semester as an instructor and I couldn’t be more excited! After joining the club my first year I instantly feel in love with all styles of Latin dance, and it has become one of my favorite things to do. If I’m not out dancing you can find me drumming at basketball games! Can’t wait for a semester full of all things salsa 🌶️

Demis martinez

Que bola mi gente!

I’m Demis, a first year majoring in Biochemistry and Spanish on the Pre-Med track. I’m from Cuba so Salsa is in my bloodstream: I don’t walk, I glide with tumbao and “AZUCARRRR”, as Celia Cruz would say. If a timbales hit, I’m already halfway on the dance floor. My favorite salsa style is “Casino”.

Fueled by coffee —a good Cuban cafecito is never rushed and I need it everyday.

My favorite place in the world is the beach, and you’ll probably hear me talk way too much about missing it.

I’m so excited to hang out and dance with all of you this semester!

jason kim

Hello! My name is Jason Kim and I am a second year studying Foreign Affairs and Cognitive Science! I’ve been dancing for four years but I found my love for Salsa when I joined the club in my first semester. If I’m not busting a move with all the amazing people at lessons you can find me planning SalsaFest 2026, interning at the Center for Politics, podcasting as the Marketing Chair of the Global Inquirer, being an evil scientist in Gilmer, live-laugh-loving at the French House, or being UVA’s favorite Shakira wannabe (if ykyk). I can’t wait to meet you all at lessons :)

Anthony doll

Hi everyone! My name is Anthony and I’m your social chair as well as one of your instructors. I’m a 4th year math major with a possible Spanish minor and I love dancing Salsa and this club. I’m from Arlington VA and I started dancing when I got to UVA and I’ve been in love with it ever since. I’m so excited to be apart of the instructor team and I hope to see all of you at our social events throughout the semester.

amasa maleski

Howdy! My name is Amasa and I’m a third-year Mechanical Engineering major from Arlington, VA. Tap dance was my first love in the dance world, which I did for over ten years; when I arrived at college I knew I wanted to keep dancing, but I decided to try a new style! I love Latin music from classic salsa to reggaeton, and learning partnered dance has been an exciting and fulfilling experience for me. Outside of salsa you can find me on Carr’s Hill Field playing the saxophone in the Cavalier Marching Band.

lina liakokos

Hi guys! I’m Lina and I’m a first year studying History and French. This is my second semester of Salsa and first semester on the instructor team. I was committed to Salsa Club before I knew I was coming to UVA. I was looking for a tight-knit community similar to the one that defined my high school dance experience, and I was blown away by the warmth and talent of UVA salseros. My favorite style is bachata, but I’m always down for a salsa or chacha! When I’m not embarrassing my roommate with an ad-libbed body roll sequence, you can find me reading in the founding father chairs of Shannon, getting Roots for the fifth night in a row, or blasting Bad Bunny in my headphones. Come find me at lessons - I always appreciate song recs I can add to my ever-growing Latin playlist!!

silvana newcomb

Hi guys!! My name is Silvana and I’m a first year from Long Island, NY. I’m planning on majoring in Psychology with a General Business minor. I love salsa because it helps me feel connected to my Colombian roots, and I love the environment of the club! I’ve been doing ballet and other dance styles since I was 3 and I love all types of music. I’m so excited to be an instructor this semester and get to share more with everyone!!