Emma Joanne Santino, a talented salsa dancer, performer and instructor from Derby, is a force to be reckoned with on the dance floor. With her magnetic charisma and exceptional dance skills, Emma has become a much loved figure in the salsa community, both locally and nationally.
Her passion for salsa was quickly ignited with the vibrant rhythms and energy of the dance. Immersing herself in the dance scene, Emma’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence led her to train under renowned instructors, firstly in Derby and then onto other parts of the country. Through rigorous practice and unwavering commitment, she honed her technique and developed a unique style that effortlessly combines precision and elegance.
As her skills flourished, she began performing at salsa nights and events, captivating audiences with her dynamic stage presence. Her innate ability to connect with the music and express her emotions through dance has made her a sought-after performer in the salsa scene.
In addition to her performance career, Emma is a passionate instructor and mentor. She has a genuine love for sharing her knowledge and inspiring others to embrace the joy and excitement of salsa. Through her engaging teaching style and infectious enthusiasm, she has empowered countless students to discover their own dance potential and develop a deep appreciation for salsa.
Beyond her dance achievements, Emma is also known for her warm and approachable nature. She fosters a sense of community within the scene, encouraging collaboration and camaraderie among fellow dancers. Her infectious energy and friendly demeanour have made her a popular figure among dancers of all levels, and she is often sought after for collaborations with instructors and guest appearances.
Emma Joanne Santino's dedication, artistry, and magnetic presence have established her as a prominent figure in the salsa community where she continues to push the boundaries of her art form.
Gary Thomas is a highly respected figure in the international salsa community. He is a renowned salsa dancer, instructor, and performer who has dedicated his life to spreading the joy of salsa.
Gary's journey in salsa began in the UK, where he discovered the dance and fell in love with its energy and rhythm. He quickly became obsessed with salsa and started attending classes and social events regularly. His natural talent for dance was evident from the start, and he soon began performing and teaching salsa in the UK and abroad.
Gary's teaching style is known for its clarity, precision, and attention to detail. He emphasises the importance of technique, musicality, and connection in his classes, and he has a unique ability to break down complex movements and concepts into simple, easy-to-understand steps.
As a performer, Gary has appeared in numerous salsa festivals and events around the world. His dynamic and energetic performances have won him legions of fans, and he is known for his ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level through his dancing.
Gary is also a respected DJ, having an extensive knowledge of salsa music and has played at some of the biggest salsa events in the world.
Gary's passion for salsa is infectious, and he continues to inspire and teach dancers of all levels around the world. He is a true ambassador for the dance, and his contributions to the salsa community have earned him a place among the legends of the art form.
After starting as a student with Salsa Feel Good, Becky quickly progressed under the guidance of Gary and Emma, developing into a skilled and expressive dancer. Recently she was thrilled to be invited to join the instructor team, where she continues to embody the SFG ethos of providing a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for dancers at every stage of their journey. Becky takes pride in helping SFG students build confidence and strong foundational skills, emphasising that salsa should be as enjoyable as it is educational. She believes that anyone can dance and brings that inclusive perspective into her teaching, ensuring that her classes are accessible to all. In addition to her career in technology and maintaining a vibrant range of interests, Becky is a regular at various dance events. With over 30 years of experience across multiple dance disciplines, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to everything she does. Her focus on refining technique and drawing on transferable skills from different styles enriches both her teaching and her own dance practise. We are very proud to have Becky as part of our team!
Having been in the salsa scene for just over 20 years, starting his journey with Latinmotion, since 2022 Kevin became part of the SFG team as a resident DJ for their Saturday Afternoon Matinee Social’s. A valued member of the team, Kevin loves to play a great variety of Salsa and other Latin rhythms. Some of his credit’s - Scottish Salsa Congress, Eagle Tours Holidays, Motioncity, Latinmotion NYE, Rolls Royce and many others. His aim is to see a busy and happy dance floor at any event, but will always have time for a dance. Kevin love’s what he does and brings that passion and experience to the SFG team. We love having you on board Kevin!