Instructors
Our instructors love what they do. They bring their hearts and souls to every class and dedicate themselves to the growth and success of their students. They can't wait to meet you!
Brandon is the founder of Cultura Dance Arts and teaches our bachata and kizomba classes.
Brandon has been dancing since 2008. Throughout his career, he's taught classes in RI, MA, New York City, Philadelphia, Jacksonville, and Washington DC. He's also directed dance teams that have performed all over the East Coast, down to the Dominican Republic. Most recently, he served as the choreography director for Academy Players of RI's In the Heights.
Outside of Cultura, Brandon serves as the resident dance instructor at Rhode Island Latino Arts and teaches dance during after-school programs at the Segue Institute of Learning, Sophia Academy, and Boys & Girls Club.
Kristy is one of our salsa and bachata instructors and has been dancing those styles for over 10 years. She loves dance because it allows her to express her creativity and cope with anything life throws at her.
When she's not dancing, you can find Kristy hanging out with her friends, vibing out to R&B music, and attending poetry events.
Mariana, our flamenco instructor, is an artist, educator, event producer, and multicultural communications specialist committed to community transformation through art, diversity, inclusion, and equity.
Her Brazilian roots with Spanish, Lebanese, Indigenous and Black heritage, as well as her ballet, jazz, belly dance, flamenco and music training grant her a unique artistic vision.
Mariana has been dancing flamenco for over 15 years and has learned from multiple maestras, including Symone Coelho, Trini, Ale Kalaf, La China, Carmen Talegona, Omara Amaya, Laura Sanchez, and Belen Maya. And the learning continues!
In 2024, she started the Rhode Island Flamenco project to share the flamenco cultural richness with fellow Rhode Island residents through classes, workshops, and performances.
Whitney is a passionate yoga instructor, vocalist/songwriter, and program coordinator dedicated to creating transformative experiences on and off the mat.
Rooted in her rich latin and portuguese cultural heritage, Whitney infuses her classes with music, rhythm, and intention, blending movement with soulful soundscapes that honor diversity and connection. With a deep commitment to cultivating inclusivity, she aims to make yoga accessible to all, fostering healing and self-discovery.
Her background in non-profit program coordination enriches her ability to curate meaningful sessions, while her artistry as a singer-songwriter adds a unique vibrancy to her teaching. Whitney’s classes inspire balance, creativity, and a deeper connection to self and community.