Best Male Latin Coaches in NYC

[ladyinred]

Hey Dance Friends -

I relocated to NYC about 5 months ago for work and it's time to get back to dancing! I am looking for a great coach in NYC to learn Latin from. I have extensive experience in smooth, but I know next to nothing about Latin. My goal is to be proficient at the open-level one day (in a long time!), and possibly compete although I am currently more interested in learning solid technique and styling.

I really want a coach that is knowledgeable at the same time that they are supportive. I want this to be a positive experience!

Any advice?

Thanks!

Lady in Red

[mamboqueen]

Hi there, and welcome.

There are a number of great latin coaches in NYC - it is really a great place to be to learn latin.

Are you contemplating pro/am, am/am...or just want to learn? I ask because some of the "top names" are somewhat hard to get regular lessons with because either they're competing/do shows and travel a lot, or do a lot of of outside coaching out of the area. So, if you're looking for weekly/regular lessons, you should inquire of any potential teacher of his availability.

Having said that, Eugene Katsevman, Jose DeCamps, Paul Richardson, Andre Gavriline, Delyan Terziev, Max Kozhenikov (sp? never get his name right) are a small selection. Ian Folker is a great guy and may be a bit more accessible. There are many more...not meaning to leave out other great teachers here. Maybe if you can tell us a bit more specifically what your needs are, we can offer some more suggestions, i.e., what part of NYC would you prefer to train in?

[sambagirl]

As mamboqueen has said, it will really depend on your goals and resources. The best known names are, of course, generally the busiest as well as the costliest. Also, don't assume that you should only be looking for a male coach -- female coaches may give you better instruction related to styling (and balance, for that matter).

Some things to think about:
- are you looking for a coach that's still competing? On the plus side he would be able to dance pro-am with you and he/she would almost certainly have knowledge of current stylistic details; on the minus side he/she may not be as available
- how often do you want your coach to be available, at what times?
- do you prefer to be based in one studio, or are you willing to go wherever your coach happens to be teaching (many instructors in NYC are independent and may teach out of several studios)? do you like that studio atmosphere, after a visit?
- how much can you/do you want to spend? if you are interested in competing pro-am, see if you can get an idea of the coach's competition fees

P.S. It's spelled Kozhevnikov.

[mamboqueen]

P.S. It's spelled Kozhevnikov.

thanks, I was being too lazy to look it up :)

[ladyinred]

Thanks -

I am not looking for someone to do pro am with. I am technically registered as a professional (due to a short pro stint when I was 18 ) so I can no longer claim amateur status. Mostly I am doing this for myself, and I want to learn from the best I can. If I one day return to competition, that's great, but I"m not sold on that yet.

LIR

[Joe]

I'm sure you could get reinstated as an amateur if you haven't done any pro ballroom stuff since that stint. Unless you are only 19, of course. ;)

[sambanada]

May I ask who would be a great choreographer to make a routine? My husband and I want to make a show for our friend's wedding, and do not know many in New York/NJ area.

[GJB]

A lot of top Pro couples work on thier show routines with Taliat Tarsinov in NYC.

[dance234]

I doubt Taliat would choreograph a wedding show for someone he didn't know... he and his wife are quite busy and notoriously selective about who they work with. They are top-flight coaches. It would be like asking Baryshnikov to come to your daughter's preschool ballet practice... he'd probably decline.

[GJB]

I may have misinterpreted but I thought is was Sambanada that would be performing and I think she has danced competitively.

[njdancegirl]

I don't know...studio owner used to bring Taliat in every few months for choreography for showdances. He was always very down to earth, willing to listen to the needs of the student and very gracious to work with. Assume you could schedule a lesson (or a few) at his studio in NYC and he would do the same.

[Joe]

I doubt Taliat would choreograph a wedding show for someone he didn't know... he and his wife are quite busy and notoriously selective about who they work with. They are top-flight coaches. It would be like asking Baryshnikov to come to your daughter's preschool ballet practice... he'd probably decline.
If you paid him enough, I bet he'd come.

[sambanada]

Yes. I used to dance competively and teach as well. However, my husband and I would like to perform for our friend's wedding. We were thnking of something like a theater arts dance..something different. Does anyone know Talat's number? Thank you for your help.

[Sunshines Partner]

Yes. I used to dance competively and teach as well. However, my husband and I would like to perform for our friend's wedding. We were thnking of something like a theater arts dance..something different. Does anyone know Talat's number? Thank you for your help.

Fred Astaire Dance Studio - Eastside
212-209-2410

[GJB]

Yes. I used to dance competively and teach as well. However, my husband and I would like to perform for our friend's wedding. We were thnking of something like a theater arts dance..something different. Does anyone know Talat's number? Thank you for your help.

So, how is it going? Did you find a choreographer?