Fernando Ponce de Leon, originally from Peru now living in Bahrain - A Former Hotel Club Manager, now
running his own business "Club IpaNema & TaBu Ice Lounge " in Bahrain.
In Salsa, he is The Legend, the God Father, Mentor/ Event Organizer Salsa Abu Dhabi 1999 - 2005
He established SalsaMotion and started teaching salsa at the Alamo Restaurant then moved to Galouas then
Both Alamo & Coleseum Club where he first brought the Local Salsa Performers from Dubai then lastly at the
L.A.B. Rotana Beach Hotel where he brought Salsa Performers from Portugal - Nunu & Vanda thru Dubai
Salsa Organizer.
Before leaving Abu Dhabi, he organized a remarkable first big Latin Festival 2004 at the Beach Rotana Hotel
which had a turn out of more or less 5,000 people.
running his own business "Club IpaNema & TaBu Ice Lounge " in Bahrain.
In Salsa, he is The Legend, the God Father, Mentor/ Event Organizer Salsa Abu Dhabi 1999 - 2005
He established SalsaMotion and started teaching salsa at the Alamo Restaurant then moved to Galouas then
Both Alamo & Coleseum Club where he first brought the Local Salsa Performers from Dubai then lastly at the
L.A.B. Rotana Beach Hotel where he brought Salsa Performers from Portugal - Nunu & Vanda thru Dubai
Salsa Organizer.
Before leaving Abu Dhabi, he organized a remarkable first big Latin Festival 2004 at the Beach Rotana Hotel
which had a turn out of more or less 5,000 people.
Jimmy S.A is a surgeon by profession , now living and working in Newcastle, U.K.
His Salsa passion continues, which now established the Latin Connection in Newcastle , U.K.
In Abu Dhabi Salsa, he is Remarkable, The Father La Rueda, Mentor/ Event Organizer Abu Dhabi 2002 - 2005
Founder "Salsa Abu Dhabi" 2002, Salsa instructor with Tammy then Alison Berguin. Participated with dance
shows from Abu Dhabi in Dubai Salsa Cup 2001-2005. He introduced La Rueda de Casino to Abu Dhabi
2001/2002. Jimmy is the person who established 2 Nights Salsa at Tequilana Club, Hilton International Abu
Dhabi where he created fantastic salsa event and numerous activities bringing salsa performers/shows and
instructors from France, London, portugal, Los Angeles South Africa.
Jimmy was awarded in Dubai Salsa Cup, 2003 for efforts in promoting salsa in UAE.
www.salsaabudhabi.org & www.thelatinconnection.co.uk
His Salsa passion continues, which now established the Latin Connection in Newcastle , U.K.
In Abu Dhabi Salsa, he is Remarkable, The Father La Rueda, Mentor/ Event Organizer Abu Dhabi 2002 - 2005
Founder "Salsa Abu Dhabi" 2002, Salsa instructor with Tammy then Alison Berguin. Participated with dance
shows from Abu Dhabi in Dubai Salsa Cup 2001-2005. He introduced La Rueda de Casino to Abu Dhabi
2001/2002. Jimmy is the person who established 2 Nights Salsa at Tequilana Club, Hilton International Abu
Dhabi where he created fantastic salsa event and numerous activities bringing salsa performers/shows and
instructors from France, London, portugal, Los Angeles South Africa.
Jimmy was awarded in Dubai Salsa Cup, 2003 for efforts in promoting salsa in UAE.
www.salsaabudhabi.org & www.thelatinconnection.co.uk
Brando is from Islands of Philippines. A Document Controller by day and Salsa Dancer/ Instructor by night.
His 1st salsa mentor and event advisor is Fernando de Leon followed by Tareq Al-Shihabi. With their help, he
became active in SalsaMotion group in Abu Dhabi and started giving private salsa classes in 2003. Later,
he began teaching salsa group classes for (6) months in Dubai at Harry's Place, Concorde Hotel & Grand
Hyatt. He then moved back to Abu Dhabi at the ff. venue: Rotana Beach Hotel Health&Spa in 2004 - 2005,
A.M.P.M Intercontinental Hotel & Sahara Residence in 2005, Zenith Club - Sheraton Hotel 2006 till 2007 and
now teaching LA Cuban Salsa, Cha-Cha on2 together with Janny & Virag at the International Music Institute.
Brando's first group performance was in Dubai Bacardi Cup in 2004 and has done numerous salsa
performances in Abu Dhabi with SalsaMotion Group. Brando is the 1st Salsero from Abu Dhabi attending the
International Congresses and Festivals, start with Philippines in 2005 followed by Spain in 2006, Australia &
USA in 2007 & latest Cyprus in March 2008. He encouraged many salsaholics in Abu Dhabi to attend as well.
Brando organized successful events:- Salsalloween Party - I 2006 & II- 2007, Ultimate Salsa in 2007 bringing
International artist couple Angel & Tulane from San Diego, USA together with Local Artistes - James & Alex
from Dubai, JJ & Naida and Noble & Nazik from Abu Dhabi to name a few. His next event is Salsa Fiesta! El
Reencuentro de los Salseros this October 30, 2008. >>>> READ MORE...
His 1st salsa mentor and event advisor is Fernando de Leon followed by Tareq Al-Shihabi. With their help, he
became active in SalsaMotion group in Abu Dhabi and started giving private salsa classes in 2003. Later,
he began teaching salsa group classes for (6) months in Dubai at Harry's Place, Concorde Hotel & Grand
Hyatt. He then moved back to Abu Dhabi at the ff. venue: Rotana Beach Hotel Health&Spa in 2004 - 2005,
A.M.P.M Intercontinental Hotel & Sahara Residence in 2005, Zenith Club - Sheraton Hotel 2006 till 2007 and
now teaching LA Cuban Salsa, Cha-Cha on2 together with Janny & Virag at the International Music Institute.
Brando's first group performance was in Dubai Bacardi Cup in 2004 and has done numerous salsa
performances in Abu Dhabi with SalsaMotion Group. Brando is the 1st Salsero from Abu Dhabi attending the
International Congresses and Festivals, start with Philippines in 2005 followed by Spain in 2006, Australia &
USA in 2007 & latest Cyprus in March 2008. He encouraged many salsaholics in Abu Dhabi to attend as well.
Brando organized successful events:- Salsalloween Party - I 2006 & II- 2007, Ultimate Salsa in 2007 bringing
International artist couple Angel & Tulane from San Diego, USA together with Local Artistes - James & Alex
from Dubai, JJ & Naida and Noble & Nazik from Abu Dhabi to name a few. His next event is Salsa Fiesta! El
Reencuentro de los Salseros this October 30, 2008. >>>> READ MORE...
Mareejoseph, a Lebanese Australian lawyer who hails from Sydney. She worked and lived in Abu Dhabi from
2005 to 2007. She is known as the “Icon”, A Megastar, Brilliant Promoter & Event Organizer. She formed the
Salsa Arabia in 2005.
She is renowned for bringing the most famous Salsa Icons in the world to Abu Dhabi: Jamie Jesus & Little Liz
and Oliver Pineda & Luda Kroitor (5 times World Salsa Champions) introducing LA and NY style salsa to Abu
Dhabi (Aussie-style salsa); introducing Bachata; and establishing some of the most popular salsa venues in
the UAE and the Middle East including the ever-popular Zenith Salsa Night, Sheraton Hotel, Abu Dhabi; Open-
Air salsa night at the Le Royal Meridien Hotel, Abu Dhabi.
2005 to 2007. She is known as the “Icon”, A Megastar, Brilliant Promoter & Event Organizer. She formed the
Salsa Arabia in 2005.
She is renowned for bringing the most famous Salsa Icons in the world to Abu Dhabi: Jamie Jesus & Little Liz
and Oliver Pineda & Luda Kroitor (5 times World Salsa Champions) introducing LA and NY style salsa to Abu
Dhabi (Aussie-style salsa); introducing Bachata; and establishing some of the most popular salsa venues in
the UAE and the Middle East including the ever-popular Zenith Salsa Night, Sheraton Hotel, Abu Dhabi; Open-
Air salsa night at the Le Royal Meridien Hotel, Abu Dhabi.
Tareq Al-Shihabi is an Engineer originally from Jordan now living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
He learnt his Salsa in the UK & Jordan and when living and working in Abu Dhabi, he started sharing his
dancing talent with his friends. He was Fernando’s right hand and assisted in giving Intermediate salsa
classes. In 2003, Tareq created a group known as “SalsaMotion” which still remains in Abu Dhabi Salsa till
today through it’s devoted original members.
Tareq is renowned to be a good leader, a Salsa & La Rueda Choreographer, and a “perfectionist” performer.
If we have "Papi" in salsa, we have "Tito" as well as the "The Shines King".
He learnt his Salsa in the UK & Jordan and when living and working in Abu Dhabi, he started sharing his
dancing talent with his friends. He was Fernando’s right hand and assisted in giving Intermediate salsa
classes. In 2003, Tareq created a group known as “SalsaMotion” which still remains in Abu Dhabi Salsa till
today through it’s devoted original members.
Tareq is renowned to be a good leader, a Salsa & La Rueda Choreographer, and a “perfectionist” performer.
If we have "Papi" in salsa, we have "Tito" as well as the "The Shines King".
Lubna Fahmy originally from Egypt now living in New York - USA
Lubna started dancing in Abu Dhabi in 2002 In Salsa and is well known for her dancing ability to follow and
lead, as well for her grace and kindness.
Lubna is the first lady performer from SalsaMotion to compete in Dubai's Bacardi Cup 2003 and later
supported Abu Dhabi Salsa by giving Salsa Classes at the Intercontinental Hotel 2004 - 2005.
Lubna started dancing in Abu Dhabi in 2002 In Salsa and is well known for her dancing ability to follow and
lead, as well for her grace and kindness.
Lubna is the first lady performer from SalsaMotion to compete in Dubai's Bacardi Cup 2003 and later
supported Abu Dhabi Salsa by giving Salsa Classes at the Intercontinental Hotel 2004 - 2005.
Mohammed "Alfredo" Haffar, originally from Syria. A Pharmacist by day & Salsa Dancer/ Instructor by night.
From the group Salsa Abu Dhabi, He became one of the best product of Jimmy & Tamy in 2004. He has
supported Abu Dhabi by teaching Salsa Class at the Tequilana & Hiltonia - Hilton International Hotel since
2005 and still continuing to teach group and private salsa classes till date.
From the group Salsa Abu Dhabi, He became one of the best product of Jimmy & Tamy in 2004. He has
supported Abu Dhabi by teaching Salsa Class at the Tequilana & Hiltonia - Hilton International Hotel since
2005 and still continuing to teach group and private salsa classes till date.
Naida Akaeva, from Caucasus region of Russia. A Jewelry Designer by Day & Salsa Dancer / Instructor by
night.
Emerged from the group Salsa Abu Dhabi with Jimmy, she competed & performed salsa in Dubai's Bacardi
Cup in 2005 & 2006 and performed in Ultimate Salsa Abu Dhabi 2007 and in several other events in Abu
Dhabi. She attended the Salsa Congress in Switzerland in 2006 and later formed the group known as “Salsa
Pasion”, and continues to support Abu Dhabi Salsa by giving private classes and group classes at the
Hiltonia and Zenith Club from 2006 till date.
night.
Emerged from the group Salsa Abu Dhabi with Jimmy, she competed & performed salsa in Dubai's Bacardi
Cup in 2005 & 2006 and performed in Ultimate Salsa Abu Dhabi 2007 and in several other events in Abu
Dhabi. She attended the Salsa Congress in Switzerland in 2006 and later formed the group known as “Salsa
Pasion”, and continues to support Abu Dhabi Salsa by giving private classes and group classes at the
Hiltonia and Zenith Club from 2006 till date.
JJ Shaban, originally from Palestine. An I.T. professional by day & Salsa Dancer / Instructor by night.
From the group Salsa Abu Dhabi, he become a good dancer in 2006 and started performing salsa at the
Ultimate Salsa Event 2007 & Bacardi Cup, later this year at the Dubai International Dance Festival. One of the
Abu Dhabi Salseros who attended Int'l. Salsa Congress Australia in 2007, Cyprus & Malaysia 2008
and have organized Salsa event in Abu Dhabi early 2008 bringing James & Alex of Dubai. He started
supporting Abu Dhabi Salsa by teaching salsa classes at Abu Dhabi Health & Fitness Club and Zenith Club
from 2007 till date.
From the group Salsa Abu Dhabi, he become a good dancer in 2006 and started performing salsa at the
Ultimate Salsa Event 2007 & Bacardi Cup, later this year at the Dubai International Dance Festival. One of the
Abu Dhabi Salseros who attended Int'l. Salsa Congress Australia in 2007, Cyprus & Malaysia 2008
and have organized Salsa event in Abu Dhabi early 2008 bringing James & Alex of Dubai. He started
supporting Abu Dhabi Salsa by teaching salsa classes at Abu Dhabi Health & Fitness Club and Zenith Club
from 2007 till date.
| People behind Salsa in Abu Dhabi - 1999 till date... |
DJ Moe Shamseddine DJ & Music Composer DJ Joe Hannah DJ Wissam Wehbeh
Farra
Farra
| Salsa Promoter, SalsaArabia 2005 - 2007 |
| Vicki Halpins |
| OUR SUPPORTIVE DJ's TO SALSA COMMUNITIES IN ABU DHABI 2005 till date: |
