OUR INSTRUCTORS

Luis Alberto, along with his partner/wife Jess Sheppard, is the co-founder and co-director of Desafio Dance Company. They are salsa/bachata instructors, performers and competitors. He has performed/taught in countless congresses across the US, including: Reno Latin Dance Fest, San Francisco SFSBK, Orlando Salsa Congress, Chicago Salsa International Congress, Bachateando, Atlanta Salsa Bachata Festival, etc. He is always training for competition and to improve in his profession.

His titles include: 2020/2021 World Salsa Summit Pro Bachata Classic Finalist, 2019 World Salsa Summit Rising Star Bachata Champion (1st Place), 2019 LA Top Social Dancer in the Professional Category at the Annual La Granada Competition, 2018 World Latin Dance Cup Am Male Salsa Soloist (3rd place).

Jess Sheppard, along with her partner/husband, Luis Alberto, is the co-founder and co-director of Desafio Dance Company. They are salsa/bachata instructors, performers and competitors. She has performed/taught across the country including: Reno Latin Dance Fest, San Francisco SFSBK, Orlando Salsa Congress, Chicago Salsa International Congress, Bachateando, Atlanta Salsa Bachata Festival, etc. Her classes focus on technique and body movement. She is also founder and owner of Standing O Cosmetics, a line of cosmetics designed for performers.

Her titles include: 2020/2021 World Salsa Summit Pro Bachata Classic Finalist, 2019 World Salsa Summit Rising Star Bachata Champion (1st Place), 2018 Oaxaca Salsa & Bachata Festival, Amateur Bachata Team (1st Place with Alma Latina)

Frida Moses is a dancer, choreographer, and instructor specializing in Latin dances. Her artistic journey has been deeply intertwined with her Latin American roots and Mexican heritage, forging a profound connection through the power of dance and the arts. Drawing inspiration from her vibrant community, Frida continues to evolve as an artist, and her unique perspective shapes her approach to sharing this captivating art form.

Based in Southern California and Salt Lake City, Frida is actively engaged in both dancing and teaching. Her experience includes collaborations with dance companies such as Desafio Dance Co, Samba Fogo, On2ourage Dance Co, Tehamata Dance Co, DF Dance Studio, and many others.

As an instructor, Frida offers energetic and meticulous guidance in various styles of dance. Her primary goal is to promote healthy movement among children and adults while fostering confidence in their artistic abilities. By emphasizing creativity, expression, and self-connection through the arts, she empowers her students to explore their full potential.