Karen is a skilled and passionate Latin dance instructor based in Chicago. As an alumna of Latin Street, Karen’s love for salsa started in 2021 and has since grown into a fiery passion that she brings to everything she does. Her dedication to dance goes beyond just the physical movements – she firmly believes in the transformative power of dance and its ability to heal and liberate individuals.

Karen is a member of Latin Street’s Salsa team, Melao’, where she has performed at highly acclaimed events like CSBF and CICS, allowing her to develop a deep understanding of salsa music and culture. She is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment in her classes that makes everyone feel comfortable and confident in their abilities.

For Karen, anyone can learn to dance salsa with the right mindset and dedication. She understands that everyone has different learning styles, and her teaching methods focus on guiding her students step-by-step, emphasizing details to ensure they grasp every movement. Karen is dedicated to helping her students achieve their dance goals, whether it’s gaining confidence on the social dance floor or competing professionally.

Beyond salsa, Karen is also an accomplished cumbia instructor. Her students appreciate her inclusive mindset and patient teaching style, which enables them to follow along and enjoy every lesson fully. Karen is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all her students, regardless of their backgrounds and experience levels.

Karen studied English at UIC and is passionate about becoming a music therapist one day. Her love for helping others and her dedication to dance make her a uniquely compassionate and talented instructor. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a beginner looking to learn the basics, Karen has the skills, knowledge, and experience to help you achieve your goals and discover the joy of Latin dance.