Instructors

Amanda Gonzales - Co-founder, Dance Instructor

Amanda Gonzales, a Memphis native, is a Hip Hop and Ladies’ Salsa Instructor. Amanda began dancing in 2005 with Salsa Memphis, and quickly progressed to semi-pro status. Amanda, along with her husband Jerry, received first place in the 2006 and 2008 Semi Pro Salsa Competition. They went on to dance with Salsa Memphis in showcases in Florida, Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina. In 2009, Amanda began choreographing for the Salsa Memphis Ladies Team. They have performed various routines throughout Memphis, and in South Carolina and Texas. In 2009, Amanda also began training in hip hop with Hybrid Performance Group. She performed with this group throughout the city in festivals, churches, and showcases.

The training Amanda has received in both genres has made her dance style both unique and recognizable. In 2011 she received the award of “Most Prestigious Adult Female Dancer” from the Destined to Dance awards in Tennessee. Amanda’s classes offer a comfortable atmosphere that encourages all levels of dancers to experiment and develop their personal style.

Edgar Mendez - Co-founder, Salsa Instructor

Director, Edgar Mendez,, otherwise known as “TunTun” in the LA Salsa scene, is a former principal dancer and choreographer for the world famous Los Rumberos dance company. One of the pioneers of the LA style of Salsa dancing in Southern California, Edgar has performed internationally in Salsa Congresses, such as the Bacardi World Congress in Puerto Rico and the West Coast Salsa Congress in Los Angeles. Edgar’s many dance credits include appearances in national commercials, films, and television shows. With his intricate, lightning-fast footwork, and his creative, innovative choreography, Edgar continues to wow audiences who watch him perform in sheer amazement.

With over 10 years experience as an instructor, Mendez has taught classes and/or workshops in over 30 cities and 3 different countries. His friendly, outgoing personality and his high technical standards have made him one of the most respected and sought after salsa instructors in the nation.

Since 2000, Mendez, has been bringing the fire and passion of Latin dance to the Mid-South. In that time, he has taught thousands of Memphians to Salsa, Cha-cha, Merengue, and Bachata. His lessons and students have been featured in The Commercial Appeal, The Memphis Flyer, RSVP Magazine, Memphis Health and Fitness Magazine, The University of Memphis Daily Helmsman, La Prensa Latina, Proud Magazine, The Lamplighter of Midtown Memphis, WHBQ Fox-13′s Nightly News at 10, WMC’s Definitely Downtown Television show, and WREG’s Live at 9!!

Deontario James - Zumba Fitness Instructor

Born and raised in Memphis, TN (ranked one of the nation unhealthiest cities) really has inspired DeeJay to set out on a mission to help his community. Since joining the French Riviera Spa 5 years ago as a Kickboxing Group Fitness Instructor, DeeJay has taught over a thousand fitness classes. Shortly after becoming a fitness instructor, DeeJay was introduced to a new dance fitness craze sweeping the globe: Zumba Fitness™. It took no time for him to realize his passion for the Zumba Fitness™ program.

Licensed in five of the Zumba Fitness™ programs, he’s able to offer easy, fun, and effective workouts for all fitness levels. DeeJay has presented/taught classes for many spas, gyms, churches, schools, corporations, and companies locally & nationally.

Recently the State of Tennessee awarded Deontario as “The Most Outstanding Fitness Instructor.” The city of Birmingham, AL awarded DeeJay with official Seal of Excellency.

DeeJay has helped numerous people from different backgrounds and walks of life change their lives for the better. At the young age of 23, DeeJay strives to keep developing his fitness legacy into something the world can experience, enjoy, and love!

Red Hot Lindy Hop Instructors -

The Tiger Rag teachers have more than 50 years of combined experience.  Read their individual biographies at http://www.redhotlindyhop.com/tigerrag.php#tr_teachers

J D - Certified Fitness Trainer

JD is a certified fitness trainer that has been training now for over 6 years. His expertise has allowed him to expand JDBS from into three current states. JD specializes in weight gain/loss, toning, core strengthening, and sports specific training.  JD understands that every client has their own specific and detailed needs for success. Because of that understanding he applies this in his training, giving each client the literal meaning of “personal” training.

Not the type of person who likes the personal attention and thrives better in a class environment? For these people we have joined with the Madison Dance Studio to bring you Fit Class each and every Saturday. Fit Class is a 60 minute calorie burning, heart pumping, full body toning aerobic type class. This class is always evolving, so come prepared for change, excitement, and a great workout.

Meredith Broadhead - Zumba Instructor

Meredith Broadhead aka “La Pareja” originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, has been learning, dancing, and performing Salsa, Bachata, and Cha-Cha since 2007 with Salsa Memphis Dance Company.   Not only familiar with the language of dance, she also speaks fluent Spanish and enjoys different cultures.  She has performed with the Semi-Pro Team and Ladies Dance teams in Atlanta, Dallas, Greenville, Orlando, and St Louis.  With her dance partners, she placed second in the 2008, 2009, and 2010 Memphis Salsa Competitions.   This passion for dancing and her experience led her to become a certified Zumba instructor.  Certified in Zumba Basic 1 & 2, she currently teaches Zumba part-time at the University of Memphis and at Madison Dance Studio.

She is extremely energetic and her appreciation for different genres of music and dance styles allows her to create fun and unique Zumba dances for her classes.  She enjoys helping her students along the way to reaching their personal goals.