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.
Yordan Gutierrez
Afro-Cuban Styling & Casino Instructor
Yordan brings the flavour, power, and authenticity of Cuban dance straight from Havana to the Shum de Salsa community. His style is rooted in Cuban Casino, Afro-Cuban movement, Rumba, Son, and street-style musical expression — giving students a deeper connection to the rhythm, body movement, and attitude behind the dance.
Known for his smooth flow, sharp musicality, and high-energy presence, Yordan helps dancers move with more confidence, flavour, and control. His classes are especially powerful for leads — or as we like to call them, the papi’s — who want to improve their styling, body movement, and presence on the dance floor.
With Yordan, students don’t just learn steps. They learn how to dance with sabor, confidence, rhythm, and true Cuban energy.
Jessie Aburto
Salsa 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.
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.