Kasra lekan

Hello. My name is Kasra Lekan. I am an instructor for Salsa Club and a fourth-year from Irvine, California majoring in Computer Science and Economics. Although I enjoyed dancing before joining Salsa Club, I had no prior dance experience. I do not have a favorite style of Latin dance, however, I am currently trying to improve my Salsa skills so that’s what I am dancing to the most. I am studying abroad at Oxford for the Fall semester so unfortunately I will not see you all until the Spring. I am so excited to be back with the Salsa Club and I cannot wait to meet you.

Emma block

Hello everyone! I’m Emma and I’m so excited to be joining as a new instructor!! I’m a second year from Williamsburg, VA studying Environmental Science with a minor in Native American Indigenous Studies. I grew up dancing all sorts of styles with a heavy focus on ballet and modern. I’m so pleased to have discovered Latin dance here at UVA! So far, I think my favorite style is bachata, but I do love salsa as well. Outside of this club, I’m a member of Epsilon Eta, a newly established environmental science fraternity. So excited to meet all of you lovely people on the dance floor!

Molly rathbun

Hey! I’m Molly Rathbun! I am a third-year psychology major and ASL minor from Chesapeake, VA. I have been passionate about dance since I started competition dance at 3 years old and fell in love with Latin dancing my first year at UVA. I am involved in many organizations around grounds, but this club has to be the one I hold closest to my heart. There is no better environment to be your spiciest self, have fun, and meet amazing people. Fun facts about me: I have 20 disco balls, am obsessed with reading (please talk to me about books), and will do a body roll any chance I get! I am so excited to be your new instructor!!

DANNY PELLEI

Hi! I’m Danny Pellei, a fourth year CS major from Richmond.

I fell in love with this club after my sister forced me to join first year (thanks Meg!) and have made some amazing friends through Salsa Club.

My favorite style is Bachata and trying to fit in as many body rolls per dance as I can!

I can’t wait to meet and dance with all y’all!

DHRUV RUNGTA

Hey guys, my name is Dhruv! I’m super excited to continue being an instructor this year. I am currently in my Masters of Public Policy and studied Cognitive Science at UVA for undergrad. My favorite Salsa memories have been making new friends at lessons and going social dancing! The best thing about Salsa is the people, everyone is super nice, committed to learning, and loves meeting new people! The best style of latin dance is definitely salsa, and a fun fact about me: I play the double bass for the Charlottesville Symphony.

Mark Williams-Sierra

Hi! My name is Mark and I am a passionate salsa dancer from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Growing up on the island, I fell in love with the rhythm and movement of salsa, and it has been a big part of my life ever since. While studying abroad in Paris, I had the opportunity to learn from a Cuban instructor, and I quickly realized that salsa has a universal language that transcends borders. I am excited to share my knowledge and passion for this dance style with others and help them discover the joy of salsa. ¡Ahora, a bailar!

STEPHEN ROZEN

Hi there! My name's Stephen, I'm a second year neuro major (hopefully) from Arlington, VA. I have always loved the music videos they play on the TVs in latin restaurants, so salsa was something I wanted to learn for a long time. The club has been one of the most fun and meaningful parts of my life this past year, I think all of you should consider getting more involved!

While tricks and crazy combos always impress me, my favorite dancers to watch are the people with really good styling. I'm a sucker for flair. Excited to dance with you guys!

CECE THOMAS

Hello all! I am Cece and SO EXCITED to be a new instructor! I am a third year double majoring in Spanish and Linguistics, and I also study Italian for fun because I am an aspiring polyglot :) I am from Harrisonburg, VA, and I grew up dancing ballet, jazz, and modern. I only really got into salsa once I reached UVA, and I knew I wanted to be an instructor ever since my first semester in the club. My favorite styles are salsa and cha-cha, and my favorite part of salsa club is the wonderful people.