MEET YOUR LEADER (insert scary movie voice)
Ray Ray Salsa (Raymond Ryan)
A Typical Ohio Boy
Ray Ray Salsa (Raymond Ryan) began learning Salsa at the age of thirty-five. He was a typical Ohio boy with two left feet, so he knows that if he can learn to dance Salsa, anyone can.
Dad Jokes
He fancies himself to be a leader…of “goofballery”. He makes up words. He tells Dad jokes. He jokes that Salsa is his wife, Bachata is his side-chick, Kizomba is his mistress, and Merengue is the girl he flirts with at the grocery store.
He’s Serious About Dance
Salsa changed his life and he knows it can change yours too. Being a Salsa dancer has helped him get through the many ups and downs of life and it’s his desire that you experience the many benefits of learning the same beautiful dance.
US Army Veteran
He’s passionate about helping everyday people learn how to socially dance Salsa and Kizomba using the Black Belt Dance system.
He started his dance journey while stationed in Belgium, serving in NATO. He devoted twenty-two years of service to the United States Army.
Family Man
He’s a dad of four, has a Great Dane named Brutus, and is married to the beautiful Annabel Valencia, of Annabel Valencia Photography.
Meet your Apprentice Team
Creating a laid-back, no pressure experience
Our apprentices train every week to both Lead and Follow, so that you get all the dance learning and attention that you need, even if you don’t have a dance partner.
You will see our Apprentices at weekly group Salsa classes. They are also available for Private Lessons!
Annabel Valencia
- Ray’s Wife
- Black Belt Dance Certified Salsa Apprentice
- Kizomba Training Academy Certified Instructor
Annabel started learning Salsa in her 40s. She has a knack for breaking down complex dance topics into simple, understandable terms. She is a trained luxury photographer, who has been photographing since the 1900s.
Isabella Serena
- Annabel’s daughter
- Black Belt Dance Certified Salsa Apprentice
Isabella specializes in teaching non-dancers who think they can’t dance. She loves to fast-track our weekly students to their next level of dancing with on-on-one attention at private lessons.
Join our Team!
You could be our next Apprentice!
We are always looking for new Apprentices. You don’t have to have dance experience. We will train you! You just need a love of learning and a love of people. Contact us to see if our Apprentice program is a good match for you.