artist lineup
Dimitris Psychogyios &
Yolena Kapoli
Dimitris & Yolena come from Athens in Greece, where they teach New York Style Salsa at La Secta Dance Company.
Dimitris Psychogyios is a teacher at La Secta Dance Company in Athens, Greece, known for pioneering the New York-style salsa. He has been dancing for 19 years, with a teaching focus on strong fundamentals and inventive shows.
He has taught at numerous international dance festivals, including El Sol Festival, World Stars Salsa Festival, and Caramelo Festival. His awards include being a 7-time Greek Salsa Champion and a 3-time Balkan Salsa Champion. He also placed 3rd at the World Latin Dance Cup in 2013.
Yolena Kapoli is a dance teacher at La Secta Dance Company in Athens, Greece, with over 22 years of experience. She began her training in ballet, contemporary, modern, and jazz, and has been dancing salsa and bachata since 2013.
She teaches commercial heels and New York Salse while also performing with her dance partner, Dimitris Psychogyios. A few of her notable achievements include a 2nd place finish at the WLDC qualifiers in Greece (2017) and multiple 1st place awards at the Salsa Spring Dance Cup. She also performs in live shows and music videos with Greek singers.
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Improver +
Room 1
Saturday 11:00-12:00 -
Advanced
Room 3
Saturday 12:15-13:15 -
Advanced
Room 3
Sunday 12:15-13:15
Workshops
Arcadia Astora & Konstantin Pinaev
with AK Mambo
AK Mambo is the dance duo Arcadia and Konstantin, and they are currently based in Stockholm, Sweden. They met in Stockholm in 2013 and have since become Mambo and Salsa ambassadors in Scandinavia. Together with Arcadia and Konstantin, you will also meet Christopher Peralta, Johan Gradin, Evelina Reuterstrand and Carolina Dexwik
Their main focus is Mambo and Salsa. They also integrate years of training in jazz, street, modern, hip-hop, reggaeton, and classical styles into their Latin performances. Their passion and teaching focus heavily on musical interpretation, technical perfection, elegance, and expression, aiming to inspire others.
They travel extensively, teaching at international festivals like the Amsterdam Salsa Festival and Egypt World Dance Congress
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Intermediate +
Room 2
Friday 19:15-20:15 -
Improver+
Room 1
Saturday 12:15-13:15 -
Intermediate+
Room 2
Sunday 12:15-13:15
Workshops
The Mambros
The Mambros, a powerful duo from London, UK, consists of Cao An and Pavle. Their primary dance styles and teaching focus are rooted in Salsa/Mambo. The duo has been invited to teach at significant festivals, including Mambo City's 26th Anniversary event, where Cao An was listed as an invited artist alongside Yimini. Their passion and focus are on Mambo and related styles.
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Open level
Room 2
Saturday 13:30-14:30 -
Intermediate+
Room 2
Saturday 11:00-12:00 -
Intermediate+
Room 2
Sunday 13:30-14:30
Workshops
Sophia Safran
Sophia Safran is a Berlin-based social dancer with a rich and evolving journey through Latin and urban dance forms. She started with Salsa over a decade ago and deepened her Mambo practice for the past four years, all while exploring the freedom of House dance and the improvisational depth of Zouk.
Her background also includes Flamenco and Ballroom training, and she’s had the fortunate opportunity to learn from inspiring teachers like Mariano Bernal. Although largely self-directed in her learning, Sophia draws admiration from figures such as Natasha Karp, Karel Flores and Franklin Diaz, shaping her unique approach to movement. Known in the European scene for her expressive, responsive social dancing, she brings joy, musicality and an inviting presence to every floor.
Festival crowds may recognize her from workshops and sessions at Mambomatic in Romania, Back 2 Mambo in Prague, and The Dance Hub in Budapest, with upcoming appearances at Berlin Salsa Congress and San Francisco SBK. Whether you’re on the dance floor or watching from the sidelines, Sophia’s passion for connection through dance shines through in every step.
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Open level
Room 1
Sunday 13:30-14:30
Workshops
Las mochis
Las Mochis, with Yimini and Honoka, are an emerging salsa duo based in London, quickly gaining attention for their charismatic stage presence and engaging social dancing across the European festival scene.
Though still early in their international journey, they are rapidly expanding their footprint, attracting growing audiences and invitations to events throughout Europe. You can expect playful yet technically confident performances and workshops from these incredible ladies,
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Open level
Room 1
Saturday 13:30-14:30 -
Intermediate+
Room 2
Sunday 13:30-14:30
Workshops
Alexistyle & Iselin Ruiz
Alexis Ruiz and Iselin Ruiz are a leading dance and music duo in the Nordic scene, known for their deep musicality, historical knowledge, and expressive movement. Based in Oslo, they combine decades of professional experience across mambo, tap, and rhythm-based dance. Together, they tour internationally teaching, lecturing, and performing with a strong focus on musical storytelling and tradition.
Alexis Ruiz began dancing and playing instruments in early childhood in Antigua, Guatemala, and was already teaching salsa and mambo by the age of 12. After intensive training in Cuba and New York, he moved to Japan at 17, where he opened a dance school, formed the Latin jazz sextet Foribale, and became a key ambassador for salsa. He was later honored by Albert Torres for his contribution to Latin dance and the Japanese salsa scene, where the term “Alexis Style” was coined. After relocating to Norway, he played a defining role in shaping the country’s mambo culture through his renowned Salsa Roots lectures and Mambo Masterclasses. Today, he is a full-time professional dancer, musician, and founder of Norway’s first mambo dance company, Allure Mambo, continuing to teach and perform worldwide.
Iselin Ruiz started dancing at the age of four and trained across multiple styles before finding her artistic focus in tap dance. She is the founder of Allure Tap Company and the owner and director of A-custica, home to Norway’s only dedicated tap school, Tickle Toes. With deep roots in the international tap community, she has taught, choreographed, and performed extensively, while also co-founding the global initiative Tap Talk. Alongside her dance career, she brings strong academic and creative depth through her work as a photographer and her degrees in psychology, pedagogy, and law.
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Improver+
Room 1
Friday 18:00-19:00 -
Open level
Room 2
Saturday 12:15-13:15
Workshops
Abdati Laatigue
Abdati Laatigue is a salsa dancer based in Düsseldorf, Germany, recognized for his sharp precision and fun combinations on the social dance floor. He is widely appreciated for his smooth lead, clarity, and ability to adapt seamlessly to different partners and styles. His dancing emphasizes connection, timing, and expressive interpretation of the music rather than purely technical display. Over the years, he has performed and taught at a number of international festivals, steadily building a solid reputation across Europe. Festival-goers may recognize him from appearances at events such as Back 2 Mambo Prague and Live 2 Mambo Budapest, where his social dancing has been widely shared. He has also taught at Bergen Mambo Weekend, contributing to the event’s learning-focused and community-driven atmosphere. Abdati is known for balancing structure and spontaneity, making his dancing both engaging and unpredictable in the best way. On and off the dance floor, he brings an approachable, grounded energy that makes dancing with him both inspiring and enjoyable
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Intermediate +
Room 2
Saturday 11:00-12:00
Workshops
Fernando Lasso
Fernando Lasso transformed his passion into his life’s work after nine years of dancing and a decisive career change from finance in 2023. Originally based in Barcelona and Amsterdam with Melaza Company, he toured Europe performing both couple and solo shows, sharpening his style and stage presence. Today, Fernando travels the world to learn from leading schools, perform, teach, and most of all, dance socially with a playful, relaxed, and connected approach to salsa.
His love for social dancing is reflected in the energy he brings to every floor, making each connection memorable and joyful. Fernando has teached at major international festivals including, where his classes emphasize musicality, expression, and community. Now based in Milan with his Greek dance partner Margarita, he continues to build his international footprint and share his vibrant approach to dance. Audiences know him for his warm, engaging teaching style and the genuine joy he brings to both socials and performances. Whether in workshops or on the social floor, Fernando’s presence elevates the communal spirit of salsa wherever he goes.
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Open level
Room 1
Friday 19:15-20:15 -
Intermediate+
Room 3
Saturday 13:30-14:30
Workshops
Bram Wildevuur
Bram Wildevuur is an Amsterdam-based salsa dancer and instructor known for his strong social dancing and clear, connection-focused style. He has danced and taught at major international events including Mambo City 5Stars Congress (UK), Odessa Latin Fest, and the Magic Slovenian Salsa Festival.
He has partnered with dancers such as Delia Madera and Bersy Cortez, and currently teaches and performs with his partner Nina Feoh. Bram is also the founder of SalsaTrain, where he focuses on partnerwork, musicality, and practical social dance skills. He returns to Bergen Mambo Weekend 2nd edition in 2026 as an instructor.
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Intermediate+
Room 2
Friday 18:00-19:00 -
Improver+
Room 2
Sunday 12:15-13:15
Workshops
Bjørn are therkelsen &
Ingeborg brøyn
Bjørn Are Therkelsen and Ingeborg Brøyn are prominent figures in the Norwegian salsa and mambo scene, known for their strong social dancing foundation and clear, grounded approach to teaching and performance. Now based in Oslo, they are active instructors and performers, regularly contributing to festivals and community events across the country. Together, they emphasize musical understanding, partner connection, and high-quality social dancing.
Bjørn Are Therkelsen began his dance journey in Trondheim during his studies and has since developed into one of the most recognized salsa dancers in Norway. He has trained extensively with Inwoo Choi in South Korea, an influence that is clearly reflected in his precision, musical timing, and structure. Bjørn Are has performed multiple times with Inwoo Choi’s team, Aura di Mambo, gaining strong international stage experience. His teaching is known for clarity, logic, and practical application to social dancing. Today, he continues to perform and teach at a high level and is widely respected for his consistency, depth, and control on the dance floor.
Ingeborg Brøyn started her dance journey in Bergen, where she also founded the dance school WeDance before later relocating to Oslo. She is known for her musical sensitivity, supportive teaching style, and ability to create a comfortable learning environment. Ingeborg brings a strong social focus to her dancing, emphasizing flow, ease, and genuine connection. She continues to develop through festivals and collaborations, contributing both as a dancer and community builder.
Today, Bjørn Are and Ingeborg perform together with Ladies and Gents of Oslo, who will also take the stage at Bergen Mambo Weekend, bringing their shared energy and experience back to Bergen.
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Improver +
Room 1
Sunday 11:00-12:00
Workshops
Cao an & Yimini
Cao An and Yimini are a London‑based dance duo who have joined forces to teach, perform, and grow the salsa community through their school, Soy Salsa. Individually, Yimini is one half of Las Mochis and Cao An is part of Mambros, and together they bring their experience from these groups into their joint duo work, combining musicality, connection, and social floor expertise. Their classes and performances focus on building technique, expressive movement, and confidence, while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for dancers of all levels.
Cao An brings the technical rigor and performance experience he has gained with Mambros to his teaching, focusing on clarity, timing, and musical interpretation. He co‑leads structured class progressions at Soy Salsa that help dancers develop consistency, body awareness, and confidence on the social floor. His instruction balances methodical detail with adaptability for dancers of all levels. Together with Yimini, Cao An ensures that their duo performances and classes are engaging, educational, and deeply connected to the broader dance community.
Yimini draws from her experience with Las Mochis to deliver classes and workshops that emphasize musical awareness, clean movement, and natural partner interaction. She helps students build confidence while exploring rhythm, style, and expressive options in social dancing. Her approach ensures strong fundamentals while encouraging personal flair. Yimini is a recognized figure in the London scene and actively contributes to community-building through events, workshops, and social dancing.
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Open level
Room 1
Saturday 13:30-14:30 -
Open level
Room 2
Saturday 13:30-14:30 -
Improver+
Room 2
Sunday 13:30-14:30
Workshops
Angie salsera
Angie Salsera is an Austrian dancer and instructor from Graz, known for her expertise in salsa, mambo, tango argentino, and kizomba. She has performed across Europe in salsa cubana and salsa clásica shows, including collaborations with Ernesto & Denisse Dancecompany in Mambo City 5 Star. Angie has played a key role in the Graz dance scene, co-organizing the GRAZy Festivals and teaching at events such as Black & White Congress, Magic Ljubljana, and A Gozar Greece.
Originally trained in Cuban salsa, rock ’n’ roll acrobatics, and ballroom (including Viennese waltz), she brings versatility and depth to her teaching. Her instruction emphasizes musicality, partner connection, and expressive movement, making complex rhythms accessible for dancers of all levels. Since 2023, she has also led the Dancer’s Wellbeing Workshop, supporting dancers’ movement health and longevity. At Bergen Mambo Weekend, Angie will host a special stretching session on Sunday, helping dancers relax, recover, and prepare for social dancing. Beyond the studio, she enjoys social dancing, traveling, and spending time in her garden, reflecting the balance she brings to both her life and teaching.
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Open level
Room 3
Sunday 11:00-12:00
Workshops
DJ lineup
DJ dmitri
Dmitri Matalka AKA DJ Dmitri is a Jordanian‑born DJ now based in Germany, widely respected for his music selection and ability to keep social floors full across global festivals and congresses. He first encountered salsa in 2002, which sparked his passion for collecting and sharing music, and soon after he began DJing professionally at social nights in Dubai and beyond. Over 16 years in the UAE made him a regular choice for major weekly socials before he transitioned to an international festival circuit.
Dmitri is known for blending classic tracks with contemporary favourites in sets that appeal directly to dancers, and his experience as a dancer himself gives him an intuitive sense of what keeps people moving. He is also a dedicated vinyl collector and has played in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. A frequent selection for events across the world, Dmitri brings thoughtful track choices and seamless mixing to every set he plays.
DJ Sezar
Sezar Dokic-Duran AKA DJ Sezar is a Turkey-born DJ now based in Oslo, Norway, with an international profile that spans festivals and social events across Europe and beyond. He began spinning vinyl as a teenager and, after exploring genres like hip-hop, R’n’B, trance, and house, he embraced salsa-related music around 2003 and steadily built his reputation from 2005 onward with gigs from Gothenburg to Warsaw and Zurich.
Sezar is appreciated for his ability to read a dance floor and deliver sets that keep people moving through varied selections and well-timed transitions. His approach is centered on playing for the collective energy of the event rather than personal preference, aiming always to connect the booth with the dancers below. He has been featured at major festivals and social nights throughout Europe, and his music roster often blends classic favourites with unexpected choices that keep the floor active. With years of DJing experience, Sezar brings both history and adaptability to his sets, making him a sought-after selection for events that prioritize engaging socials.
DJ Guachi Guaro
Torgeir Lilleskog, AKA DJ Guachi Guaro, is a Norway-based DJ known for his thoughtful sets and strong connection to social dancers. He is particularly recognized for bringing his extensive vinyl collection to events and for playing records the old-school way, adding a distinct character and warmth to his sets. His selections draw from classic favourites as well as lesser-played tracks, carefully chosen to support flow and variety throughout the night.
Guachi Guaro is a familiar name within Nordic dance communities and regularly plays at socials and festivals where musical quality is a priority. His DJ name references a well-known classic track, reflecting his appreciation for the music’s history and foundations. At Bergen Mambo Weekend, he brings both experience and vinyl-based selections that elevate the social dance experience.
DJ lasse
Lasse Grønning, AKA DJ Lasse is a long-standing figure in the Oslo salsa community, known for his consistency, musical curiosity, and strong connection to social dancers. For over 16 years, he has been the resident DJ every Monday at Mela in Oslo with Salsakompaniet, shaping the weekly social experience for generations of dancers.
Lasse is especially appreciated for introducing spicy tracks that many may not have heard before, which often become new favourites on the floor. He is not afraid to step outside familiar playlists and explore less expected selections. At the same time, his choices consistently align with what the dancers need in the moment. Lasse balances risk and awareness with precision, creating sets that feel fresh while still fully satisfying the crowd.
DJ juan pablo
DJ JP AKA Juan-in-a-million, AKA DJ Jay Pee, has been a salsa DJ since 2002, playing almost weekly since then in Oslo. He adapts his choice of music to the dancefloor, and can play everything from salsa dura, to timba to salsa romantica. Nevertheless, closest to his heart is classic salsa/son from the cuban origins to NewYorican and Puerto Rican salsa. In 2004 he started Oslos first 100% monthly salsa club concept "Club Clave". For many years Club Clave was known for the best salsa parties in Oslo, for all dancers.
The last couple of years Club Clave is held twice a year. DJ JayPee also was one of the founding fathers for the still ongoing weekle thursday salsa in Oslo, back in 2003. Since 2004 he has played at various international concerts, festivals and parties both in Norway and abroad.
DJ Sam
Samuel Schneider AKA DJ Sam is a DJ and dancer active across the European social dance scene, known for music selections that support connection, flow, and long-lasting socials. He is co-founder of Danceflavors, a community platform focused on events, classes, and knowledge sharing, reflecting his broader involvement beyond the DJ booth.
Sam regularly plays at social parties and events where he balances familiar favourites with carefully chosen surprises that keep dancers engaged. His background as a dancer gives him a clear understanding of pacing and floor dynamics. Sam’s sets are built to evolve naturally over the night, responding closely to the energy in the room. At Bergen Mambo Weekend, he brings this attentive and community-driven approach to the social floor.
DJ minis
Ieva Minis Dadurkaite AKA DJ Minis began her DJ career in 2015 with a successful guest mix on the national radio show TropicalSoundclash. Since then, she has become a prominent figure in the salsa community, hosting “Lit Salsa Show” on World Salsa Radio, the only Lithuanian radio show dedicated to salsa music. She is also part of the CoBeatParty movement and is rapidly expanding her vinyl collection, playing records the old-school way.
Ieva is the owner of a salsa school in Lithuania and serves as director of the Vilnius Salsa Festival, running since 2007, where she combines her DJ experience with community-building. Her sets are known for their tender and graceful selections, covering the full spectrum of salsa music while keeping social dancers engaged and inspired. Whether spinning vinyl or digital tracks, DJ Minis balances familiar favourites with unique finds, creating musical journeys that appeal to dancers of all levels.
dj vikingo
Elias Oulie Huse AKA DJ Vikingo is a new dj in the salsa community. Originally from Oslo, Norway, he was introduced the salsa scene in 2022, when he was asked to be a founding member of Gents of Oslo. While studying music in high school, the djing aspect of the community fairly quickly caught his eye. And after moving to Bergen in 2023, Elias also began djing there. With one of Bergen Mambo Weekends organizers, Bjarte Mundal, he created Bergen Salsa Academy, a school that teached mambo for all levels. Here the focus is on social dancing and understanding the music.
One of Elias’ philosphies are «dance is music made corporal» meaning every move should come from the music. What is played should to some extent decide what the dance will be. If you are not dancing to the music, why is it playing? His sets are known for a wast mix of all styles within the salsa community. However, he also wants the people on the dance floor to broaden their horizon in the music world, so there will always be new introductions mixed in with classics played all over the world.
dj luis
Luis Gutierrez AKA DJ Luis is a Swiss‑based DJ and social dancer with a long history in the scene, first stepping into music selection and DJing more than two decades ago. He has been actively spinning music for social dancers since at least the early 2000s, blending classic favourites with contemporary tracks that keep dancers engaged and moving. His approach reflects both his experience as a dancer and his sensitivity to the floor, allowing him to craft sets that evolve with the mood of the room.
DJ Luis regularly plays at social nights and events across Europe, where his selections are appreciated for their flow and musical awareness. He is also a teacher and promoter of social dance culture, often combining his DJ work with educational and community initiatives. Known for balancing crowd‑pleasing tracks with thoughtful surprises, DJ Luis creates sets that appeal to dancers of all levels while maintaining a strong connection to the music and the floor.