Maria Vanessa Peña

Hometown: Ozone Park, Queens

Dance School: Lorenz Latin Dance Studio

Dance Team: Reflejo De Lorenz

Short Bio: Vanessa admits that she started dancing because she was forced by her sister and teammate Julissa to join a Salsa class, and to her surprise she instantly loved it! She's been dancing for about 4 years and what she loves the most is performing and traveling to new places. Her goal is to spread the amazing art of salsa dancing by teaching and performing with the Lorenz Latin Dance studio, so that she can hopefully inspire others to learn how to dance and feel the passion she feels when she is on the dance floor.

Designer of Costume: Valentina Matytsin

SALSEEK: Tell us about your costume.

VANESSA:  It's a mint color fabrci that drapes off one shoulder for the Greek Goddess look.

SALSEEK:  What is the inspiration of the design?

VANESSA:   The idea for the dress came from us wanting to look elegant, like Greek goddesses!  We wanted the dress to flow and add a whimsical look to our spinning.  It added a nice touch to our Arollando routine.  

SALSEEK:  What do you love most about this costume and why?

VANESSA: I love the fact that when I have it on I feel like a Goddess.  The dress is very elegant but still sexy and fun. The color is very unique and it really makes our team stand out.

Photo by Chasi Annexy