Laura and Leo

Laura Fernandez, an accomplished dancer, choreographer, and teacher, hails from Arizona and originates from a dance-loving Cuban family. Growing up in Cuba, she embarked on her dance journey at a young age, immersing herself in various disciplines such as Arts School, Contemporary Dances, and Folklore Dances.

In 2013, she graduated from the prestigious University of the Arts of Cuba, honing her skills as both a dancer and a researcher specializing in Cuban Folklore. Throughout her career, Laura has graced the stages of renowned Cuban dance companies, including Endedans and ISA Dance, while also sharing her expertise as an instructor at esteemed international festivals such as “Baila en Cuba” in Havana and “Cuba Baila” in Spain and France.

As a passionate artist, she ardently devotes herself to sharing her love for dance and the vibrant Afro-Latin rhythms and dances, enriching the lives of those around her.

Leonardo León is dancer, choreographer and teacher, originally from Venezuela and currently residing in Arizona. His passion for dance, particularly Salsa, ignited at a tender age. In 2002, he embarked on his dance journey by immersing himself in the captivating world of Casino (Cuban Salsa).

Eager to refine his dancing skills, Leonardo made multiple trips to Cuba, attending workshops and participating in festivals, where he not only expanded his expertise but also delved into the realms of rumba and Afro-Cuban dances. Inspired by his experiences, in 2008, he founded his very own dance academy in Venezuela, named “Rumba Casino.”

In 2011, at the Salsa Festival “Baila en Cuba,” destiny brought Laura and Leo together, marking the commencement of an extraordinary love story intertwined with a significant period of professional evolution for both dancers. Collaborating synergistically, they merged their talents and diversified their expertise within the Rumba Casino Academy.

The year 2015 saw their journey take them to the United States, where they have since embarked on a remarkable teaching venture, imparting their knowledge of Cuban Salsa and captivating Afro-Cuban rhythms to eager learners, a passion they continue to share till this very day.

In addition to their individual endeavors, Laura and Leo have collaborated with dance academies such as Arazando. They founded the QVA Dance Company, which closed due to unforeseen circumstances. Undeterred, Laura and Leo continue to persistently channel their unwavering passion teaching the essence of salsa to others.

Laura and Leo pedagogy encompasses the profound significance of body movements, the artful interpretation of music, and a deep understanding of the Afro-Cuban roots that enrich Latin dances as a whole.