Hi!

My name is AB - they/them (left)

I am a queer, neurodivergent, chronically ill, non-binary dance enthusiast and teacher living and dancing in Portland, OR.

I started this business with the hope of creating a safer space specifically for us neurodivergent folks in a world that can feel very challenging to exist in.

My goal is to cultivate an environment of people who value consent, respect, and communication on the dance floor.

As a white person teaching Latin dance styles, I acknowledge that I don’t have the personal cultural understanding that other salsa teachers do. I think it’s important to support local teachers who connect to these dances as a part of their culture and lineage.

Here are some local PDX studios/groups that are owned by or employ local latinx dance teachers

on instagram:

@queerbailepdx

@cumbiacorazon

www.linesdanceacademy.com

www.danceviscount.com/instructors

www.vmacpdx.com

contact me if you want to be added to this list or collaborate!

i’ve been teaching dance for 2 years, and dancing for most of my life.

I remember always being obsessed with dancing & movement. i dabbled in hip hop and gymnastics as a kid thanks to the step up movies. lol

I was a cheerleader most of my highschool career- i love matching movement to sound. cheering and dancing to the live music of the highschool band was special.

so when i was introduced to salsa music and dance along with baile folklorico by my friend Monica Ortega in 2021, i felt that joy again that i only feel when im dancing. i love the way it makes me think

- in my opinion, each role requires a different part of my brain. with leading, i have to be very sure of myself in order to clearly guide someone through a song. I also have to be prepared to make a bunch of decisions (before you get into your flow) it takes a lot of mental energy to make decisions. with following, i have to be on alert, i’m ready for anything. I am also sure of myself and my abilities to listen to the lead’s suggestions and choose how i want to work with it. It’s a conversation.

I love dancing when it feels like a collaboration and like we’re playing and making art together with our bodies and the music.

during my 20s, i moved around a lot and i tried to dance everywhere i went. Denver, Flagstaff, Mexico City, and now here in Portland Oregon for the last 2 years at various venues & studios.

I studied ballroom for some time and i really enjoy the structure it entails.

Contact us