Instructors

Eduardo

Eduardo Diaz Rivera is a passionate Latin dance instructor and entrepreneur dedicated to growing the dance community in Charlotte, NC. Through Rumbao Latin Dance and Viva Collective, he creates spaces where dancers of all levels connect, learn, and experience the joy of Latin music and movement.

Eduardo

Eduardo Diaz Rivera is a Latin dance instructor, performer, choreographer, and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience dedicated to sharing the energy and culture of Latin dance. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Eduardo is the co-owner of Rumbao Latin Dance, one of the region’s leading Latin dance organizations, and a co-founder of Viva Collective, a creative space dedicated to supporting artists, performers, and cultural expression.

Originally inspired by the rich traditions of Caribbean dance, Eduardo has built a reputation as a passionate teacher and community builder who believes dance should be accessible, inspiring, and transformative. Over the years, he has trained and mentored thousands of dancers, helping many develop their confidence, musicality, and love for salsa and bachata.

Eduardo’s dedication to the art form has also taken him to the competitive stage. He competed in the prestigious Puerto Rico World Salsa Championships, showcasing his talent among some of the best salsa dancers in the world. In 2010, Eduardo achieved a major milestone by winning the US Salsa Open, establishing himself as a respected competitor in the international Latin dance scene. He continued to push his craft and in 2016 won the Ultimate Latin Dance Championship in Las Vegas, further solidifying his reputation as a top performer and choreographer.

Beyond competition, Eduardo has devoted his career to growing the dance community. Through Rumbao Latin Dance, he has organized countless classes, performances, and social events that bring people together through music and movement. His work focuses not only on teaching steps, but on building connection, confidence, and community.

Today, Eduardo continues to teach, perform, and mentor dancers while expanding opportunities for artists through Viva Collective, a collaborative cultural hub where dance, music, and creativity come together. His mission is simple: to inspire people from all backgrounds to experience the joy, culture, and connection that Latin dance brings.

Jennifer

Jennifer is an Afro-Latin dancer and entrepreneur born in Charlotte, NC. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology from Davidson College and a Master’s in Business from Queen’s University. She founded Rumbao Latin Dance Company in 2013 and loves building the community in Charlotte.

Jennifer

Jennifer is an Afro-Latin dancer and entrepreneur born in Charlotte, NC. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology from Davidson College and Master’s in Business from Queen’s University. Her dance journey began with Venezuelan folkloric dance as a child and then was rekindled in college as she discovered the Afro-Latin dances of Salsa, Merengue and Bachata in the Dominican Republic during a semester study abroad training under El Soberano in Santiago.

Upon returning to the states, she quickly incorporated into the NC Latin dance scene and hasn’t looked back since! Training with several different companies, attending workshops, eventually performing with Movimentos de Samba (now the NC Brazilian Arts Project, Charlotte Salsa (now RW Dance), Monica Collazo, and forming several performance projects. She founded Rumbao Latin Dance Company in 2013 and has built a thriving community of dancers alongside her team and dance partner Eduardo Diaz.

Jennifer is currently an Emerging Creative Fellow with the Arts and Science Council of Charlotte, training under Marisol Blanco to learn Afro-Cuban folkloric dance. She is passionate about the importance of social dancing for emotional and physical well-being as well as learning the cultural background and impact dance provides.

Thierry

Thierry Hart is a Latin dance instructor with 12+ years of experience. Known for sharp musicality, grounded movement, and creative expression, he teaches connection, timing, and intentional execution. His mission is to elevate dancers beyond patterns into true expression.

Thierry

Thierry Hart is a Latin dance instructor with over 12 years of experience specializing in salsa and bachata. Originally from Wilmington, North Carolina, Thierry has trained and performed across the country, contributing to dance communities in Alaska, Atlanta, and beyond.

Salsa is his first love and primary focus. Known for his sharp musicality, grounded movement, and creative expression, Thierry emphasizes connection, timing, and intentional execution on the dance floor. His classes blend structure with freedom — helping dancers not only master technique, but truly hear and interpret the music.

Driven and passionate, Thierry thrives on challenges, choreography, and pushing artistic boundaries. Whether teaching foundations or advanced concepts, his mission remains the same: elevate the standard, inspire growth, and help every dancer unlock their unique voice.

Maurice

Originally a student at Rumbao, Maurice Rahman joined the Rumbao staff in 2023, blending his 10+ years of teaching experience with his enthusiasm and passion for dance. Maurice now shines as the Director of our Salsa Rueda program and is a co-founder of the Charlotte Casineros, Rumbao's Salsa Rueda Team

Fabiola

Fabiola Quiaragua is a Venezuelan, Cuban salsa dancer specializing in social Rueda and solo ladies' Cuban style, with over 4 years of teaching experience. Trained with Team Saya in Caracas, she has competed in Venezuela and Colombia since 2022, earning podium placements in national contests.

Fabiola

Fabiola Quiaragua is a 30-year-old Venezuelan Cuban salsa dancer specializing in social Rueda and solo ladies Cuban style, with over four years of teaching experience, particularly with children and teenagers. She views dance as a powerful tool to build self-confidence and to express what the heart feels. Trained with Team Saya in Caracas, she has gone on to compete in Venezuela and Colombia, earning podium placements since 2022. She also trained in Yambú, Guaguancó, and Columbia, traditional styles of Cuban rumba, strengthening her cultural and technical foundation.

Influenced by Venezuelan mentors with international careers and Cuban training, she continues to refine her artistry through workshops with Cuban dancers and ongoing festival participation. Fabiola currently performs as a staff dancer with El Puro Events and has choreographed performances for quinceañeras and private events in Charlotte.