Welcome, My name is Joanna Sanchez-Yip. I was born July 1976, raised in Central Jersey by my loving mom, Esther Rivera. Currently I work full time at a Health Insurance Co. and have a gorgeous son named Jayden. Throughout my life, I have always felt a deep connection to my Latin roots and Peruvian heritage. My passion is salsa and I love to teach people how to dance Salsa/Mambo on2. I have been dancing for about 6+ years.
In 2003, I was introduced to Salsa/Mambo “on2”, taking my first class at the Healthy Choice Fitness Center, where instructor Jesse taught his classes. I enjoyed the classes so much that I pursued private lessons with him. Consequently, I found myself becoming captivated by Salsa, going out social dancing almost 4 times a week.
In October 2004, I joined Tropical Image Dance Co. directed by Arelis Beato a.k.a. "Magic Feet", once you see her dance you know why she got the name, truly amazing. I was with the Pro team, Elite , for about 1 year. Being in the group allowed me to travel to different states and out of the US. Besides performing at dance socials I performed with Tropical Image at the 2005 Boston Salsa Congress, LA Salsa Congress and Puerto Rico Salsa Congress.
In early 2006, I was welcomed to the Imagenes de Karisma dance group now known as Koncepto Karisma, where I learned the elegance of the “Karisma” style directed by Victor Mayovanex. I was with them for about a year and had to stop dancing because I was expecting. The love I have for Salsa/Mambo keeps me expanding my knowledge to help improve my style continuously.
In 2004, I co-founded TumiMambo with Jesse. Together in early 2006 we formed the Dream Team, "Signatura". It was comprised of Jersey's best-kept secrets and some of TumiMambo's students. It expanded as far as having some of New York's finest and talented dancers as well. In only a year we performed in some of the biggest Salsa Congresses' for example: Miami Salsa Congress and LA Salsa Congress to name a few.
As a dancer/performer I deliver a sexy but graceful style with a perfect blend of energy and elegance. As an instructor I am constantly expanding my teaching skills, emphasizing mainly on following techniques, ladies styling and spinning. Together I bring 6+ years of dance experience and knowledge to the stage, dance floor, and to my students.
I still remember my very first day in salsa class and deliver this simple but powerful message
to my students: “If you have a passion, be patient, for practice makes perfect."
Stay tuned for my future goal, which will be opening up a lounge where people can not only learn and dance Salsa/Mambo but also enjoy great music and excellent food.
Sexy & Smooth
