ERIC ANGEL – Director and Senior Instructor
Eric Angel, a Latin Dance Instructor of Colombian heritage, grew up listening and dancing to various Latin rhythms and developed a passion for Salsa at a very young age. He has been teaching since 1994, promoting Latin American culture by sharing his knowledge of Latin rhythms, music, and dance.
Eric has been teaching, performing and choreographing for many years and has pioneered Mississauga's Salsa Community. He is best known by his students for his innovative fusion of Salsa styles, emphasizing self-expression and musical feel. Eric is also committed to life-long learning and maintains his up-to-date high standards of instruction by studying from internationally renowned instructors from LA, NY, and Puerto Rico. In 2002, as a member of Salsa Team Canada, he had the opportunity to perform at the Puerto Rico International Salsa Congress with the best Salsa dancers from Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa.
As a certified and registered member of the Ontario College of Teachers, Eric has successfully employed his qualifications in dance, combining them with his extensive experience, in developing a comprehensive, constructive and reputable curriculum. His philosophy always places the student’s learning experience at the centre of his work and focuses on three fundamental aspects of dance instruction: proper footwork, rhythm & timing and lead & follow technique. He is undoubtedly one of the most experienced and trusted Latin Dance instructors in the Greater Toronto Area.
The combination of Eric's professional teaching technique and his contagious, energetic and charismatic dance leadership always ensures a positive learning experience and make him the teacher to entrust with your dance development.
CAROLINE SMITH – Junior Instructor
Caroline Smith started her Latin Dance training with Sonero Productions in 2002 accelerating through the program with a high level of enthusiasm and commitment. She was granted the position of assistant instructor at the completion of her training and continued to refine her skills participating as an assistant instructor for 3 years.
In 2005 she entered our teacher training program and started to teach the Sonero Productions Beginner Level Salsa curriculum and in the process also specialized as a Bachata instructor. She has continued to advance in the teacher training program and is looking forward to completing her apprenticeship for higher levels. Caroline has also represented Sonero Productions as a Latin Dance instructor through the Dufferin-Peel Continuing Education Program and as a performer at various weddings and special events.
Caroline's related experience is also extensive having served as a Secondary level Physical and Health Education teacher with Peel for over 20 years incorporating Jazz, Swing and Hip Hop into her curriculum. Caroline is an energetic and dedicated individual with a passion for Salsa and an invaluable member of our teaching team.
ANDREA ANGEL – Assistant Instructor
Andrea’s love for dance and performance was present from a very young age when she would always be eager to participate in school plays and functions. Her enthusiasm would also translate at home into performances that she would choreograph with her sisters for family functions. Her affinity for movement disciplines in general has also seen her involved in other activities over the years such as taking 2 years of training in Karate as well as training in gymnastics, swimming, soft ball and track & field.
In 1996, she participated in the Miss Mundo Latino News pageant where she had the opportunity to perform a ballet number as well as a folklore dance from her native Guatemala.
In 2002 Andrea came to Sonero Productions with a dream to dance and perform Salsa. She had attended Latin nightclubs many times with her sisters and friends only to sit the night out because she didn’t know how to dance to this very popular Latin rhythm. Fed up, she finally made up her mind to take professional training and Sonero Productions was the answer to her challenge.
In the beginning the process was not as easy as she had hoped coming in and it took a number of repetitions and a lot of practice to get her basics to work well. In the end, however, sticking to the Sonero Productions program with discipline and perseverance has resulted in success and fulfillment. Her journey continues as she has now completed her Intermediate Level training and currently continues to participate in the ‘Advanced’ Level Workshop. She has also been volunteering as an assistant instructor with various Beginner and Intermediate Level classes since 2004.
Andrea has grown at every step of her journey and has had the opportunity to perform and teach at various weddings and private events. Her desire to learn and perform is insatiable. She is currently taking Ladies’ Styling classes and continues to train with international instructors from the U.K., Portugal, Boston, L.A., New York, New Jersey and many more.
The Sonero Productions teaching methods and practices have been a source of inspiration and motivation in Andrea’s desire to be a teaching assistant. She enjoys and cherishes every student’s accomplishments no matter how big or small. Her guidance and assistance encourages students to express themselves through the music while having a safe and enjoyable learning experience. Andrea is very appreciative and humble about how far she has come with her Salsa dancing and sincerely labors to pass on her knowledge and positive attitude to other students to help them fulfill their dancing dreams and goals.
