Felipe Telona

[guille_bdancer]

I booked a lesson with Felipe the next time he comes to Los Angeles. I like his dancing and performance, hence the lesson. But I've never even talked to him in person. He seems to be a fun person and very charismatic. Can anyone tell me more about him and his teaching? I just want to have an idea of what I just got myself into... that doesn't sound right, but I think you might know what I mean. Does he and Carolina have a website?

[GJB]

I never had a lesson with him but I met Felipe and Carolina at the hotel bar in Miami a couple of years ago. They are two of the nicest people you'll ever meet.

[fascination]

I have only heard very good things

[samina]

BF has taken lessons with them... raves about how nice they are.

[bailamos]

I booked a lesson with Felipe the next time he comes to Los Angeles. I like his dancing and performance, hence the lesson. But I've never even talked to him in person. He seems to be a fun person and very charismatic. Can anyone tell me more about him and his teaching? I just want to have an idea of what I just got myself into... that doesn't sound right, but I think you might know what I mean. Does he and Carolina have a website?

I know them both, and they are the nicest couple you've ever met. He definitely is a fun person and charismatic, I can't imagine you not having anything less than a good lesson. I haven't taken lessons from Felipe, but I have taken a few from Carolina. She is extremely interested in having you dance your best and making your best better. I would think they both would have this same goal in giving lessons. They both are active competitors, and can give you insight from their experiences.
I think you are in good hands. Let us know how it goes!

[guille_bdancer]

Thank you guys... I'll definately keep you guys posted.

[mamboqueen]

Did they teach out of Battista's? My aunt and uncle take lessons there and my aunt was describing this really good dance couple and that they won some competition....and it was F&C. She said they were incredibly down to earth and friendly. In fact, (plug for the studio) they said the atmosphere in Battista's is overall very welcoming and friendly. No snob effect. But, she told me that F&C told her they were moving to California. True?

[alemana]

True.

[mamboqueen]

Hah...my aunt just e-mailed me as I pawned off some (extra) tickets for that International Dance Stars show in Stamford in a couple of weeks on her and my uncle and she said F&C are supposed to perform there, too. Going to be a great night!

[SDsalsaguy]

I have never taken lessons with them but have been friends for years, including staying with them at her parents' house in Toronto and his parents' house in LA, and can assure you that they are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. Most importantly to me, they aren't different people in different settings, but genuine and freindly people who are always just being themselves.

[alemana]

how rare in our business.

[samina]

Did they teach out of Battista's? My aunt and uncle take lessons there and my aunt was describing this really good dance couple and that they won some competition....and it was F&C. She said they were incredibly down to earth and friendly. In fact, (plug for the studio) they said the atmosphere in Battista's is overall very welcoming and friendly. No snob effect. But, she told me that F&C told her they were moving to California. True?

yes. i don't take lessons at battista's, but i go to socials there all the time. i find the place very friendly & enjoyable. BF mentioned a couple months ago that F & C were moving to CA...

[reb]

Felipe and Carolina are among the nicest, most genuine, down-to-earth people.

We have been fortunate to go to his parents restaurant . . . his parents are salt-of-the-earth, friendly, loving, caring, etc.

I'm not sure how much I am at liberty to say about some things, but I do know I can say that they are moving here in a big way and are available for lessons in SoCal, probably on a permanent basis after the California Open mid-February. If we can get groups of people who want to take lessons at places like Avant Garde, Londance, South Bay, etc., they are willing to travel in Socal to teach individuals, groups, Amateurs, and pro/am.

We have started to take lessons from them and are thrilled with every aspect about it. They dismissed choreography for now, concentrating entirely on theory with immediate technique application and drills (and if you watch them when they watch comps, you will see them drilling themselsves as they stand in the corner). Felipe will make a rhythm dancer of me yet! And DW is coming from the opposite direction at the same time - they are transforming her from Latin to Rhythm.

A lesson with Felipe is one where he practices right along with you. He's not watching and wondering when you'll get it. He does it right along with you.

If I can be of further assistance, please ask or PM me.

[guille_bdancer]

Wow!!!

Doesn't it feel good to find people that way in our industry? vs. other snobs you see on and off the floor? Thank you all for your comments. I'm really looking fwd. to my lesson with him. I'm sure they would be thrilled to know how much they're liked and appreciated by the dance community.

And Jon, of all of your pictures, I think I like the one you have of them on your home page the best (b&w).

[latingal]

A lesson with Felipe is one where he practices right along with you. He's not watching and wondering when you'll get it. He does it right along with you.

I love that. I have other types of dance in my background, and I am used to having (as part of the learning process) the dancer/choreographer dance with the students/performers. In latin and some of the other ballroom type dances, IME I have found that this is mostly not the case. Since I am a visual learner, it has been tough adapting at times (though I've found a pro who has figured me out now). It's nice to know that some of the best will get out there and dance it with you...

[samina]

i'm spoiled... i've never known an instructor not to dance it with me. wow... am thoroughly puzzled... how can they teach it if they don't? i gotta see it ("again, pleez!") and feel it repeatedly.

that's great to hear that felipe's like that.

[IlyZislin]

I booked a lesson with Felipe the next time he comes to Los Angeles. I like his dancing and performance, hence the lesson. But I've never even talked to him in person. He seems to be a fun person and very charismatic. Can anyone tell me more about him and his teaching? I just want to have an idea of what I just got myself into... that doesn't sound right, but I think you might know what I mean. Does he and Carolina have a website?

Never had a lesson with them, but talked to them on several occasions - they are really nice people.

[DancerForLife]

Wonderful people, great dancers, and in their own admission, 'we're better teachers than dancers'.

They have a very thorough understandning of what they do and how to acheive it - there are some instructors out there who are great at showing you things, help you feel things, but cannot put it in words how to achieve the desired results. F&C are very-very good at breaking it all down to little, digestible pieces that are easy to understand and follow.

If you're interested in working with them, send me a PM and I can connect you.

And they have no website just yet, but working on it (if I remember right)

[guille_bdancer]

If you're interested in working with them, send me a PM and I can connect you.

Thank you DFL... I emailed them through the NDCA and I've gotten in touch with them, my lesson is scheduled for mid February, but if I'd like to hear more about these great people, I'll be sure to get in touch with you or REB

[guille_bdancer]

Ok, so my lesson is tonight... can't wait!!!! I'll keep you posted.

[latingal]

Good luck and have a great time! Would love to hear how it goes....

[guille_bdancer]

OMG!!!!!

Phenomenal... one of the best lessons I've ever had. Very focused, very much aware of the body and how it moves. It was very very good. I would definately take more lessons with him and I'd recommend to him to all

[DancerForLife]

From the man himself :-) :

"Please relay that all your kind words are truly appreciated and we will continue to give our very best to those we are able to share our insight with and come in contact with.

Carolina & Felipe"

[latingal]

guille bdancer - am glad to hear that your lesson was awesome! what did you work on?

and DFL, how nice that Felipe (and Carolina) would send word...thank you for relaying their message. Did you also have lessons?

[guille_bdancer]

We basically cleaned up our entire Rumba routine, the way stand, understanding where and how our body moves and thus having cleaner picture lines and footwork and be able to present ourselves better to the audience. How to be more masculine. And lot more in between.

[guille_bdancer]

From the man himself :-) :

Thanks Felipe.