By Amanda Lee Domenech

"Protect yourself, push back, be stronger!" said Angel, a salsero wearing all black in a cut off tank top, slacks and a beanie that looks resistant to stay on his close-cut graying hair. You'd think we were in a mosh-pit at a local rock concert from his advice, but in actuality, we're dancing salsa at a heavily-occupied dance studio in Brooklyn, New York.

“If you don’t have your own voice than you’re not really an artist.”  - Ron “Renaissance” Prokopez

Let the Renaissance Begin

By Natalie Maniscalco & photos by Chasi Annexy

Dressed in a black and gold zip up with the words New Era stitched on the front, Ron sits on the stoop of his apartment building in Washington Heights.  With his distinctive 1950’s glasses glazed in white trim and razor sharp hair style often shaved with fresh design work, he certainly stands out, not just in height but emanates the air of young talent.  An artist by nature and a musician by heart, Ron sets the stage for the official commencement of “The Renaissance.”

When Miracles Happen

The Story of Auti Angel

By Natalie J. Maniscalco & photos by Alejandro Hidalgo

"Once a dancer, always a dancer. The spirit of dance never dies, no matter what happens to your body,” says Auti Angel, a dancer, singer and actress from California who recently performed an awe-inspiring number at the 7^th Annual Connecticut SalsaFest to raise money for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

From Japan to the World
Salsa music is the great denominator

By Angel Ortiz

Salsa music transcends and the Disc Jockeys are the messengers. From Bangkok to Boston, from New York to Norway, from Vancouver to Vietnam, Salsa music is everywhere. Introducing Nishi Naoto from Kyoto, Japan. Helping to continue in taking Salsa music around the globe Nishi, otherwise known as DJ Rodrigo, has put Kyoto firmly on the map of Salsa.

Juan de Marcos & The Afro-Cuban All Stars Electrifies New York City

By Natalie J. Maniscalco & Photos by Chasi Annexy

Cuban maestro Juan de Marcos and the Afro-Cuban All Stars left their mark in New York City on Saturday night while performing for a packed theater on the Upper West side during the high tale of their 2011 U.S. national tour.

Angel Ortiz: Then and Now
A Bird’s Eye View

By Natalie J. Maniscalco & Photos by Chasi Annexy

From South America, Puerto Rico to Europe and Asia, Angel Ortiz, one of the first professional salsa dancers to travel overseas almost 20 years ago has taught and performed in more than 114 cities and 27 different countries. As one of Eddie Torres’ principal dancers from the early 90’s, Angel