ABOUT US
The Salsa Center Dance Studio offers group classes and private instruction in Latin Dances. Professional Instructors devoted to teaching students of all levels. We offer a comfortable learning environment for Latin Social Dancing since opening the doors in 2011 in Lexington, KY.
Our Staff
REENA C. REYES
Founder & Director
Master Instructor
Choreographer
Artistic Director
About Reena:
Reena’s passion for dance started many years ago as a child. Reena was first introduced to formal dance training in classical ballet which gave her the basis for the movement, structure, and discipline useful for teaching and in creating her own syllabus. Over the years, she explored other styles of dance including Hip Hop, African Dance, and Latin Ballroom, but she always loved the authentic Latin Dances the most. Having a father from Cali, Colombia, a country recognized today as "The World Capital of Salsa", it was destined for Reena to own a Latin dance studio. Her study as a Latin Ballroom Instructor ultimately paved the way for her own unique style of teaching. After meeting her Cuban husband shortly after opening The Dance Place, a new stage and direction were soon arising. Thus came The Salsa Center Dance Studio; A Latin Dance Studio specializing in the Latin Dances, many of which are Cuban and the original Latin dances.
AMANDA USSERY HOUTZ
Beginner Salsa Instructor
About Amanda:
Originally from Columbia, South Carolina, Amanda earned her BA at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia where she majored in Spanish and Minored in Education. The good old Internet led her to The Salsa Center where she was introduced to Cuban style Salsa. Starting from the beginner level and advancing up through several levels of The Salsa Center’s curriculum she then found herself heading towards a completely different passion, Teaching Dance! She hopes to inspire and continue to grow with each of her students as her story is the ultimate testament that it is never too late to learn something new and pursue the things you love.
APRIL BUTZ
Fitness Instructor
About April Butz:
April Butz is the “Mama” of The Salsa Center and the biological mother of Reena Cobo Reyes, the Co-Owner and Creator of The Salsa Center. April’s dance background is rooted in ballet, jazz, modern dance, and tap. Her family loved the arts, especially music and dance and she remembers taking her first classical ballet classes at the age of 6. She has been performing since the young age of 13, as the youngest member of Germantown Dance Theatre in Pennsylvania. April’s dancing, including Salsa dancing, is highlighted by her poise and grace which stems from her background in the classical performing arts and her perfectionism to dance her best at all times.
ABEL REYES
Founder & Director. Master Instructor
About Abel Reyes:
Born and raised in a place where Salsa was part of daily life, Abel teamed up with Reena, his wife, and created The Salsa Center, a place to rediscover the passion and love of Salsa. It was only natural to introduce the traditional Cuban dances in the program and show how it developed into today's Salsa. Abel shares his salsa knowledge, style, and passion with the Salsa community of Central Kentucky. Abel's style of leading and dancing is smooth, yet adventurous. Many dancers continue to learn and feel the true essence of Cuban style Salsa through his teaching.
WES
Beginner Salsa Instructor
About Wes:
Wes started teaching after falling in love with salsa as a student at The Salsa Center. He grew up playing piano and incorporates that musical experience into his teaching. He’s a Tulsa, OK native but has called Lexington, KY home for the last 20+ years. He also graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Certification in Coaching. When he’s not dancing & teaching salsa, he enjoys working out, eating good food, and traveling.