Baltimore Salsa Blog

Manuel learned to dance salsa and cha-cha when he was a small child in his native Puerto Rico. His first teachers were his parents and siblings. He later developed his dance style heavily influenced by notable dancers from his homeland, such as Roberto Roena, Papito Jala-Jala, Janette Orta, Felipe Polanco and Jesus Aponte, among others.

Manuel was the pioneer of Salsa On 2 in the Baltimore Washington area. After starting the On 2 fever in DC, he formed two performing groups called Las Mambo Mamis and Salsa con Clase, which caught the public attention for their distinctive energies and their impeccable precision. While he was keeping a busy schedule in DC, Manuel joined the famous performing group called Abakua from New York City directed by acclaimed dancer Frankie Martinez.

He had been a guest instructor on various occasions at Penn State University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Maryland. Among other events, he has appeared at the Kennedy Center, Andrews Air Force Base, National Geographic Society, Hispanic Festival in Washington, DC, Diversity Day at NRC, opening act for Orquesta La Romana "Baltimore Orioles Camden Yards and a special presentation for New York Mambo instructor Eddie Torres. He also has done charity work such as Latino Health Initiative for "Latin Health Workshop and Children's Arthritis Charity at Mexican Cultural Institute. 

Mr. Martinez is also founder of Latin Dance Youth Program (LDYP), an intensive educational, cultural and artistic program targeting the youth. Manuel has given his personal, educational, and professional background and experience, founded the program as he saw the need to create an outlet for the youth where they could express themselves both artistically and socially. 

In addition to his dancing, he is a professional classical guitarist with a Bachelor in Music from the Conservatory of Music in San Juan, Puerto Rico and a Masters in Music from the prestigious Peabody Conservatory of Music of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. Manuel's comprehensive musical background and experience as a music teacher add a deeper dimension to his already formidable dance teaching skills.

5/1/12 Dear Salseros/as!
Here it is!!! Manuel Martinez (bio at the bottom of this message) will train (for FREE!!!) a number of dedicated students! He's looking for eager, Salsa-hungry, humble people who really want to improve their Salsa skills. He's not looking for stars, just dedicated people who will listen, leave their egos at home, & work hard. If you are one of those, (or know someone who would be interested) respond to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Even though this training is FREE it is very serious and will require commitment. The class will meet twice a week for three months in Arlington, plus there are certain things to which the students must commit as part of their training. Manuel is holding a meeting for those interested this Saturday May 5 in Crystal City to talk about those details. This is a great opportunity, don't miss it! Below is the information for the meeting and his bio.

In this meeting Manuel will talk about: * the commitment that this training will require * what will be taught * how to be selected to be part of the training * the enrollment process He will answer your questions (you must have many!) during this meeting. Although he had announced that he was looking to train 50 students, because of the interest that this training has generated, he's willing to open-up more spaces as to give more opportunity to as many dedicated students as possible. He'll need to offer several classes to groups of 25 students at a time. Because he has received an enormous response, your attendance to this meeting is very important. Read below for details about the meeting. He looks forward to meeting you all!

When: Saturday, May 5 at 12:30 pm Where: Synetic Theater at Crystal City 1800 South Bell Street Arlington, VA 22202Parking for Synetic Theater at Crystal City http://synetictheater.org/visit/parking.html Public Transportation Metro: Crystal City (Blue/Yellow Lines) Walking from Metro: Crystal City station is one block from the theater.

The station has only one entrance and exit. At the top of the escalator, there is a landing where you can continue up to the street level or turn right or left into the underground shopping mall. Turn left for the underground walkway, under the sign “Crystal City Shops at 2100 / Crystal City Marriott / 20th Street.” Follow the walkway, go up a small set of stairs and veer left at the Optometrist’s office. The theater is a few paces down on your right. -----------------

Last year (2011), Manuel taught a FREE SEMINAR/WORKSHOP in Baltimore called The secrets of Salsa revealed.  Description: Are you tired of being stuck where you are in your salsa? Discover the missing links to mastering salsa and how to become a much better dancer. Understand what makes others excel and how to tap into that knowledge.  Manuel received RAVE reviews for this workshop.