Native of Puerto Rico, Julissa Cruz is no stranger to rhythm. With a 16 year educational background that includes Salsa/Mambo, Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Modern, Tap, and Musical Theatre; she is easily recognized as one of the most versatile performers/ choreographers in Latin Dance. She began her formal training in Pennsylvania, where she developed her hunger for movement with competitions in Musical Theatre and Jazz. Julissa later moved to Central FL, where the Latin dances are largely influenced by the Hispanic culture that inhibits there. She served as the director of the Salsa Heat Professional Dance Company of Orlando FL for 4 years, Choreographing and performing such memorable routines as "Fuerza Gigante" and "Mambo Herd". Julissa has partnered up with the late Andres Echevarria of Salsa Heat, Benjamin Cartegena of Salsa Synergy, and now partnered with the creative and talented Mr. Gordon Neil. Bringing a new flavor to the mambo scene, this partnership is definitely one to catch live.

She most recently teamed up with Millo Aldea (creator of BornToSalsa.com and its Reality show "Making the Team"), for one of the first Latin dance theatre productions called "Migue" (migueonstage.com) as head choreographer. "Migue" was shown on April of 2009 in Orlando, FL and was televised on the local channel 9 news. Julissa is one of the few female dancers in the Salsa community who you can credit as being a well-rounded and trained dancer, teacher and performer.

From salsa congresses to teaching workshops, to performing with recording artists Charlie Cruz and Tito Nieves, Julissa has been seen on various stages stretching from Los Angeles to New York, London to Shanghai, from Mexico to Bermuda. She has taught and performed in several countries all over the world. Julissa currently resides in Richmond VA and has been impacting the creative arts community with her expertise and ability to teach others. Opening up her company, Latin Vintage Productions LLC, Julissa plans on bringing more members into the salsa/Latin community through the several classes and events she offers, as well as the promotion of the culture throughout the world.

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