About Us

nancy congas salsa cha cha cha — **Somos Latin Dance** is more than a dance school — it’s a community, a movement, and a celebration of culture through the art of dance.
We believe dance is more than steps and turns — it’s connection. It’s where music meets soul, where strangers become friends, and where confidence blooms on and off the dance floor.
Since officially launching at the end of 2021, Somos Latin Dance has become a home for anyone looking to explore the richness of Latin rhythms. From salsa and bachata to merengue, cumbia, and beyond, we invite you to discover the stories, influences, and traditions that live inside every beat.
Latin dance is ever-evolving, and so are we — but no matter where the music takes us, the fundamentals remain rooted in passion, community, and joy.
So, come as you are. Join our growing familia, move your body, feed your spirit, and let the rhythm lead you. With **Somos Latin Dance**, you’re not just learning steps — you’re becoming part of something bigger.
**Salsa. Bachata. Ritmo. Comunidad.**
It all starts here.

Meet the Team

Nancy Bocanegra

OWNER AND INSTRUCTOR
Nancy is a dynamic and passionate dancer with over 15 years of experience in teaching and performing a variety of partner dances. Her journey began with Ballroom and Latin styles—Hustle, Tango, West Coast Swing, Foxtrot, and Waltz—but it was Salsa and other Latin rhythms like Bachata, Cha Cha Cha, and Merengue that truly captured her heart.
She has competed in major cities across North America, including Philadelphia, Miami, New York, and Montreal. Nancy has performed with the prestigious Eddie Torres Jr. Dancers, appeared at Madison Square Garden during halftime shows for the Knicks and Liberty, and danced alongside Latin music icon Tito Puente Jr. She has also been featured on national television, including a segment on Fox News 5.
Nancy is a 200-hour certified Vinyasa Yoga instructor, bringing a unique blend of body awareness and mindful movement to her dance instruction. She continues to train with top coaches and is committed to helping students build strong foundations and connection in partnerwork dancing.
Andrea Ude

INSTRUCTOR
Originally a concert dance performer with a background in styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, modern and african, Andrea Ude holds a BFA in Dance Studies. Her partner dance career began with Ballroom in 2010, before she ventured to the social Latin dance scene of NYC teaching and performing in styles such as salsa, bachata, merengue, and cha-cha. With more than 30 years of dance experience, Andrea has used her diverse background to teach and connect with students for over a decade. She currently teaches salsa, bachata and merengue as the 2nd half of Swagchata and is a Co-Director/Choreographer of Latin fusion performance team, LFX Dancers.
Brian Thomas "El Matatan"

INSTRUCTOR AND DJ
Brian "El Matatan" is an NYC-based Latin dance instructor & DJ with over 10 years of experience in the scene.
He is a co-founder of the "Swagchata" brand as well as the BachaDura Social Club, helping to spread Caribbean cultural awareness & social dance etiquette.
Giuliana Totagiancaspro

INSTRUCTOR/ PERFORMER
Giuliana, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a professional dancer and instructor with over 14 years of experience. Giuliana specializes in the different dance styles of jazz, salsa, modern, samba, and tango, having performed them in various stages, theaters, and television programs. Abroad, Giuliana taught salsa in Australia, danced as the lead role in Cancun’s Coco Bongo spectacle, participated in an axe moi company based out of Brazil, and toured with various Latin American artists. Giuliana was granted her artist visa in 2024 and has settled in New York City, where she remains a Latin Dance instructor.
Robert Arvidsson

INSTRUCTOR
Robert grew up in Sweden and began dancing at the age of 8, and started competing in Ballroom at the age of 11.
Along with his dance partner, Robert was honored to be ranked as Sweden’s best couple, representing the country in various international competitions and World Cups.
Robert moved to New York in 2012 and now brings over 35 years of experience as a dancer and over 25 years as an instructor. He specializes in Ballroom and wedding dances but also dances and teaches social dances like Salsa, Hustle, West Coast Swing.
Additional Highlights:
- Part of the National Team in Sweden in the Latin divison
- Hired as a dancer for the TV-show Dr. OZ
- Hired as a dancer for a Hugo Boss commercial
- ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing) certified in International Ballroom Latin
Manny Santana

GUEST INSTRUCTOR
Manny began his dancing career back in 2018. Since then he has participated in multiple dance teams and special classes. For two years Manny was on a semi-pro team leading to multiple performances, private events and congress events including BIG NYC, Boston salsa festival, and BIG Houston. Manny has also participated in community focused events such as night against crime and community engagement in corona.
Dance has helped him improve memory, along with body and mind coordination, it has been a great way to relax when stressed and or sad. Moreover, it has helped him improve his social skills.