About Salsa Beats
Our Vision
- To inspire confident, passionate dancers
- To foster a vibrant, connected community
- To empower personal growth through the joy of dance
We Believe…
- Dance is for everyone – all ages, backgrounds, and levels of experience
- Dance is pure joy – with rhythm and guidance, anyone can move with confidence
- We grow together – in a friendly, welcoming space where laughter matters as much as technique
Meet Our Instructors
Natasha Matthew
Founder & Instructor (All Classes)
Natasha has found her passion for dance some years back and has been seduced by the energy, rhythm, music and a feeling of liberation that latin dance promises. She has begun to dance obsessively and continues to do so at every opportunity.
She loves introducing latin dance and the wonderful sense of connection, expression and community that it brings to all those who wish to develop themselves and become an engaged, balanced version of themselves!
Santiago Velez
Casino Rueda, Salsa & Bachata Instructor
Growing up in a Colombian household with Spanish music all around me, I knew dancing needed to be in my life. Once I had my first class under my belt, I was hooked and have not looked back. No matter what kind of day you’re having, it’s tough not to be happy while dancing. Being able to challenge yourself, and share that time with your dance partners is an experience that is not easily matched. From the challenge, every new move brings, to the feeling of accomplishment when you see progress, latin dancing is a reward we can all enjoy in our lives.
Ash Keyvani
Salsa & Bachata Instructor
Ash has been dancing, teaching, and performing salsa for many years. He has learned from many of the top dancers in Toronto and New York City. Ash places a strong emphasis on smooth leading and following techniques, intricate turn patterns and footwork, and, above all, creativity.
When not dancing, Ash enjoys paddleboarding, photography, and learning to play the conga drums.
Valentina Cumbe
Salsa & Bachata Instructor
Valentina brings us her fiery and sensual style from Colombia. She has her Artistic Performance: Visual Arts degree and has won many performance dance competitions. She enjoys teaching children and adults alike and is offering choreography and styling classes for women at Salsa Beats.
Karen Clark
Salsa & Bachata Instructor
Karen is a dance instructor whose warm humour and encouraging presence make every class feel inviting. With roots in classical dance and later training in ballroom, she found a deep passion when she discovered salsa. She loves helping dancers of all levels find confidence, connection, and joy in the rhythm and music.
Maria Ilyukhina (Masha)
Salsa & Bachata Instructor
My name is Masha, and I’m a professional Ballroom, Latin, Salsa, and Bachata dancer and instructor originally from St. Petersburg, Russia. I began dancing at the age of four and later received extensive training from renowned coaches in both Russia and North America, shaping a well-rounded and internationally influenced teaching style. With over 15 years of experience, I’ve taught students of all ages across Canada and the United States. My classes focus on strong technique, musicality, and creating a supportive environment where dancers can grow with confidence. I’m passionate about sharing the beauty, connection, and excitement of partner dancing with every student.
Erek Fox
Kizomba Instructor
Dance was born from a passion for all things movement. Through active living I have participated in a variety of fitness endeavours and still do today whether going for a run or practicing martial arts movement has always invited me to understand myself more, this also occurs each time I step on the dance floor. It has been through the world of dance that movement points to better understanding others as well; the essence of connection and openness through moments captured highlighting one’s uniqueness and individuality by means of self expression particularly within Kizomba. This sparked intrigue and a drive for me to cultivate pathways to create space for others to fully embrace presence and express themselves to be seen and received, as I demonstrate my own freedom of expression to enjoy and discover. Naturally I started sharing how to be intentional and enthusiastic about the opportunities Kizomba offers. The excitement continues to carry and positives to pass on which has been my progression in why now you read this bio. Kizomba can bring out the best, I look forward to meeting you in class.