About Us
Finding Inspiration and flavour in Every Turn
ShumdeSalsa is a Toronto-based dance company that specializes in authentic Cuban dance styles. The academy offers a variety of programs including Casino (Cuban Salsa), Rueda de Casino, and Afro-Cuban movement, catering to all skill levels from absolute beginners to advanced dancers. Beyond weekly studio classes, the company provides specialized services such as wedding choreography, private lessons, and corporate team-building workshops.
Our Story
Born in 2016, ShumdeSalsa isn’t just a dance school—it’s a piece of Cuba right here in the city. Our mission? To bring that raw, authentic sabor of Cuban culture to the world. We aren’t just teaching you "steps"; we are preserving the heartbeat of our ancestors, from the sacred movements of Afro-Cuban folklore to the unstoppable flow of Casino.
In Cuba, dance is how we survive, how we celebrate, and how we connect. ¡Agua! That’s the feeling we bring to every class. We dive deep into the history of the music so you don’t just move your feet—you feel the heritage in your soul. At ShumdeSalsa, our goal is to build a comunidad where you can drop your worries, find your artistic confianza, and soak up that vibrant energy that only Cuban social dance can give you.
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The Visionary: Dailyn Martinez
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At the heart of Shumdesalsa is a world-class force fueled by an authentic and a profound, lifelong devotion to Cuban culture. As a graduate of the prestigious National School of Art (ENA) in Cuba, Dailyn brings a global perspective to the dance floor, merging elite professional training with a lifetime of international stage experience.
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From the deep, soulful roots of Afro-Cuban Folklore to the high-energy fire of modern Casino and Bachata, Dailyn delivers a curriculum that is pura candela—as technically sharp as it is soulful. She doesn’t just teach you how to count; she mentors a thriving community dedicated to the art, the history, and the pure alegría of Cuban dance.
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¿Estás listo? Come find your rhythm with us.
Dailyn Martinez
Founder & Master Instructor
A master educator, choreographer, and performer with over 25 years of professional experience, Dailyn Martinez is a cornerstone of the international Cuban dance community. A graduate with honours from Cuba’s most prestigious institutions, including the National School of Art in Havana, Dailyn’s technical foundation spans Classical Ballet, Contemporary, and Traditional Folklore.
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Before establishing herself as a leading cultural ambassador in Toronto, she toured the world with iconic productions like Havana Night and collaborated with legendary musical acts such as Los Van Van and Charanga Habanera.
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As the Founder of ShumdeSalsa, Dailyn is celebrated for her "Shum" methodology—a transformative teaching style that blends technical precision with the spiritual "despojo" (release) of Afro-Cuban movement. A frequent collaborator with Juno Award-winning artists, she specializes in the full spectrum of Cuban dance, from Casino and Sonto Rumba and Orisha movement.
Dailyn’s mission transcends the dance floor; she dedicated to preserving the history and soul of Cuban culture, inviting students of all levels to find joy and liberation through authentic rhythm.
Yordan Gutierrez
Traditional Cuban Dance Instructor
Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, Yordan Gutierrez is a Cuban dancer, instructor, and performer whose passion for dance began at an early age. His formal training started at Casa de Cultura in Plaza de la Revolución and continued through Teatro Nacional de Cuba and Ballet Folklórico Nacional, where he developed a strong foundation in traditional Cuban and folkloric dance.
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Before moving to Canada, Yordan taught at Via Danza and Salsamiga in Havana while remaining deeply connected to the city’s vibrant social dance and music scene. Since arriving in Toronto, he has become an active contributor to the Cuban dance community through teaching, workshops, performances, and competitions, including earning 1st place in Toronto and 2nd place in the finals of the 2019 Salsanama competition.
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Known for his fluidity, musicality, and unmistakable Cuban style, Yordan specializes in Casino, Rueda de Casino, Son, Rumba, Afro-Cuban movement, Reggaeton and Reparto. His teaching combines strong technical foundations with the freedom and expression of Cuban social dance, helping students understand the music, culture, and movement while developing their own authentic style.
Alicia Avakian
Bachata Instructor
With over 20 years of teaching under her belt, Alicia brings an incredible depth of knowledge and a genuine love for dance to every room she walks into. Her journey started in classical Latin and Ballroom before she fell head over heels for Salsa—a passion that took her across the globe to teach and perform at congresses in places like the UK, Berlin, Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt.
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Specializing in Salsa and Traditional Bachata—along with styles like Tango, Cha-Cha, and Kizomba—Alicia breaks down technique so it feels natural, fun, and easy to understand. For her, it’s never just about nailing the steps; she focuses on creating a warm, encouraging vibe where dancers of all levels can build real confidence, connect with the music, and fall in love with the community.
Jessie Aburto
Intro Instructor & Kids Program Lead
Jessie brings over 10 years of teaching experience and a natural passion for helping students feel comfortable, confident, and supported. While her professional background began in education, her love for Cuban salsa has been part of her life for many years. After discovering Shum de Salsa, she quickly fell in love with the energy, culture, music, and community behind the dance.
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As both a Salsa Instructor and Kids Program Lead, Jessie combines patience, structure, and warmth in everything she teaches. Her approach is encouraging, beginner-friendly, and focused on creating a fun environment where students of all ages can learn, move, and grow with confidence.