Meet the heart of Go Salsa!...

Salsa crosses international and cultural boundaries to bring people together, and no one illustrates this better than Larisa.

Larisa was born in the former USSR. After an early start in traditional folk dance, she became a child star of Latin American dance at the age of 12, winning competitions in Russia and Czechoslovakia. With the Latin beat in her soul, it wasn't long before she was caught up in the passion of Salsa and used the sensual rhythms learnt through Cumbia, Guaguanco and Mambo to bring out the life of the music.

Larisa has been an important part of Yurupari Dance company for 3 years performing nationwide at all major Festivals. Their latest accolade was for a performance in Canterbury cathedral for the 13th Lambeth Conference, attended by Prince Charles and 300 Archbishops from around the world. Also Vice champion in UKA Salsa Championships 2005 with Miguel Lungo, Larisa has prooved her strength in her competing skills in Freestyle as well as Cabaret categories. Together they were invited to compete in the championships in Aruba, 2005.

Her curiosity towards the New, and perseverance in constant learning has made her a very diversified dancer, teacher and performer. Very sensual and elegant, she is at the same time allways full of fun and energy, and her performances are always full of new surprises.

You will meet Larisa in many UK and International arenas both teaching and performing. Her familiarity with all styles of Salsa (Colombian, Cuban, New York...) and Latin Folklore (or Folk styles) makes her an irreplaceble assett. Her knowledgeable approach makes her teaching/classes an unforgettable experience.

Experience:

• Teaching and performing at the popular Pontins Salsa weekends
• Workshops and shows for the "Country Courage" weekend sponsored by Courage beer
• Showcases for Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre as part of their summer dance programme
• Masterclasses and entertainment for Holmes Place, David Lloyds, John Lewis Partnership, GlaxoSmithKline
• Dance and percussion workshops at various schools across the country
• Teaching, shows and Carnival float choreographies for London's Festival del Pueblo
• Choreographing "Rueda" for the Tropicana Competition
• Teaching and judging the Bacardi Salsa Competition in Budapest, Hungary
• Salsa Congress in Skien, Norway
• Salsa Congress in Prague, Czech Republique
• Salsa Congress in Helsinborg, Sweden
• Festival in Goteborg, Sweden
• Festival in Bratislava, Slovakia
• Salsa Congress in Oslo, Norway
• BAT Conference Madrid
• Workshops in Bucharest, Romania
• Salsa Festival, Torquay
• Salsa Congress, Marseille