Our TEAM
SAMANTHA
Samantha took her first dancing steps when she was 11, studying ballet, contemporary dance, ballroom, and flamenco.
In 2001, in Italy, Samantha discovered the Caribbean rhythms, and it was pure love. Ever since she hasn’t been able to stop dancing Salsa!!
She started teaching in Galway, Ireland in 2012, with “Dance Project.” In 2015, she invaded the Cork scene, opening Salsa Cubana Cork, later Salsa Cubana Dance Academy and Now The Tribe, which quickly became the leading Cuban Salsa school in Cork City and Ireland.
She continues to expand her knowledge and teaching techniques by attending numerous Salsa festivals, traveling to Cuba regularly, and training with teachers such as Yeni Molinet, Alberto Valdes, Roly Maden, Federico M. Nunez, and Valerio Perla just to name a few.
In 2018 Sam joined and completed the World Mastery Cuban Rumba Program for Teachers, taught by Alberto Valdes.
in 2019 Sam joined the Roly Maden professional certification for teachers, and in 2020, she becomes the first certified professional teacher of Caribbean dances in Ireland.
The passion she shares for this beautiful culture is addictive, and together with her strong personality, volcanic energy, and teaching skills makes her the most beloved and respected Salsa teacher in Ireland.
Luca
Luca is well-known in the Salsa, Bachata and Kizomba communities in Ireland. He took his first steps in the world of dancing in Italy and fully submerged in Latin dances after he moved to Cork.
His primary expertise in teaching is with sensual Bachata, and he trained in Luis and Andrea’s sensual bachata school. In addition, he continuously improves and broadens his knowledge by attending international congresses and events.
With his detail-oriented approach, he strives to get the best out of his students while creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere in his classes.
Eszter
Eszter started Latin dancing in Dublin in 2016 and hasn’t stopped since! She dances Salsa, Kizomba but her favourite dance is Bachata – all of its styles included. She performed in the Dublin Touch Ladies Styling team for three seasons, choreographed by La Alemana and directed by Saray Jimenez.
After moving to Cork, she joined the Salsa Cubana team, now The Tribe, as administrator and organizer.
Paul
Paul started off his dancing journey with the maestra herself – Samantha.
Starting with salsa and moving gradually to love and enjoy bachata and Kizomba.
With a flare for technical movements (the harder the better) Paul plans to evolve to the point of competing in friendly competitions. A musical ear thanks to his passion as a musician, Paul really tries to set the bar high and light up the dance floor. His kindness and humour are contagious and make him a lovely teacher to learn from.
LUDOVIC
Ludovic stumbled into the world of dance back in 2012, when he tried and loved traditional Breton dances, back in France. The itch for moving in rhythm never left him since!
Arriving in Ireland in 2015, the first order of business was to find more dances to learn and before long, he was conquered by the sensual grooves of bachata.
Today, he embodies the full path that the Tribe offers, going from being a complete beginner to sharing his experience and teaching to a new generation of dancers. With is scientific mind and methodical approach, he is now striving to empower students both in the mastery of moves, and in the mastery of groove!
MO
Mo was first introduced to LA-style salsa several years ago while living in California. However she quickly discovered a love for both Cuban salsa and bachata—and kizomba!—after moving to Ireland and joining The Tribe Dance Academy in Cork.
She immediately found her tribe there :-), taking several classes each week and regularly attending Latin dance congresses throughout Ireland and abroad with friends she met through dance. Very soon she began assisting the beginner salsa classes and helping with communications and events.
Mo loves to deepen her knowledge and skills by taking workshops in various styles that focus on technique and musicality. She can’t wait to see you at the next class or congress!
ROVIGO
Originally from Venezuela, Rovigo has been a dance enthusiast throughout his entire life. Since arriving at the Salsa Cubana Cork Academy, he has been focused on styling and technique.
He brings his dancing passion to the core of the Tribe as a collaborator not only helping the team with ad-hoc classes (especially salsa) but also helping to define the vision of The Tribe through User Experience….and eats all chocolates!!!! Be careful!
Lana
Svitlana (Lana) started dancing at age 10 with Ukrainian folk dancing.
Years later, on a trip to Spain, she accidentally danced her first Bachata (thanks to not knowing how to say “I don’t dance” in Spanish 😅) — and fell in love.
Since 2019, she’s been dancing Bachata and Salsa in Ukraine, later adding Kizomba to the mix.
Bachata quickly became her favorite — for its incredible variety: from slow and sensual to fast, fun, and full of Dominican fire.
For her, social dancing is more than just steps — it’s a second home and a big, beautiful family she’s proud to be part of.
Roberto
Hailing from the vibrant heart of Mexico City, Roberto discovered his love for salsa at a young age, immersing himself in the rich rhythms of Cuban-Casino style. Trained for years under renowned instructors, he honed his technique and mastered the art of bringing the true spirit of salsa to life on the dance floor.
With experience teaching in top academies and dance spaces across Mexico City, Roberto has inspired dancers of all levels, sharing not just steps, but the joy, connection, and energy that make salsa unforgettable.
Manuela
Manuela is Italian and has been an enthusiastic part of the Tribe since 2023, helping with Salsa classes and a variety of other activities. She discovered Latin-American dance at around 20 and quickly fell in love with it, what started as a hobby soon became a true passion.
Since joining Tribe, Manuela has been fully dedicated to dance, constantly learning, growing, and spreading her energy. Her love for movement is so natural that you’ll often catch her dancing even while walking down the street!
thetribedanceacademy@gmail.com
Phone
+353 89 486 8387
