Maricza is the Artistic Director, Co-Founder, Head Choreographer, Head Instructor and Performer for Latin Rhythms

Favorite Latin Dance

Mambo or ChaChaCha - I can't decide

Favorite Latin Musician/Band

Hector Lavoe

Favorite Latin Food

Malanga

What do you like most about being part of the Latin Rhythms Family?

I'm the momma. People come to LRDS wanting to learn and polish their dancing. I can mold unrefined aspiring dancers into passionate and professional dancers/performers. Being in LRDS comes with a feeling of belonging to something that cannot be compared to any other. You are part of a creative and artistic pot of gold, that presents you with endless opportunities.

What advice would you give to a BEGINNING SALSERO? - - Someone who may, at first, be intimidated to learn salsa... but truly wants to become a great Salsero/Salsera!

Have fun with dancing. It's passionate, completely fulfilling and a life de-stressor. To be taken seriously, it takes tons of discipline and patience. But the outcome is beautiful.

Please give your dance background and technical experience

I've been performing and teaching dance since 1988, and obtained my Bachelor's of Arts degree in Dance Performance, Teaching, and Choreography from Columbia College-Chicago in 1997. While at Columbia, I studied and taught Latin dance, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, and my favorite at the time, Modern. I also pursued additional Latin and Ballroom training in 2001 from former US and World Cabaret Champions, Tommye Giacchino and Gregory Day.

In 1999, I realized one of my life's dreams and co-founded Latin Rhythms Dance Company. I then took it a step further in August of 2000, with the expansion of Latin Rhythms Dance Studio.

Today, I teach & perform Latin dance locally and nationally. As much as I love dancing and teaching, I would have to say above all, choreography nurtures my soul more than anything. My ability to CREATE the passion I feel inside, and then to be able to share it with the rest of the world... nothing else compares!