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.
The Visionary: Dailyn Martinez
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.
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.
¿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.
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.
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.