BSDC Staff
TABITHA HITCHYE CEO/Artistic Director
BIO: Tabitha Hitchye was born in Baltimore, Maryland. Her ethnic background is multi-racial. Raised as the daughter of a musician, she was exposed to the music industry as a young child and grew up singing in various choirs & groups. At the age of 19 she was introduced to Latin Dance which turned into a love and passion for her. Latin dance & music inspired her to become a dance instructor in order to share the love of dance with others. She has been teaching Salsa, Mambo, Bachata, & Flamenco for a combination of 13 years and dancing for 23 years. Musicality, Rhythm & Timing is a major focus in every class that she instructs, while also encouraging her students to add their own style into their dancing.
She co-founded Baltimore Salsa Dance Company in 2008! She has performed at various events over the years with Dance In Time Productions, Sentimiento Dance Company, Linda’s de Doza, and has instructed/performed in numerous events & charities throughout the DMV area: University of MD Eastern Shore, Penn State University, Northern Virginia Community College, The Army National Guard in DC, Baltimore National Aquarium, Baltimore City Association of School Psychologists-Charity Event, Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, March of Dimes Fundraiser, & various congresses.
She currently holds a Multi-disciplinary B.A. of Arts in Dance, Afro-Latin Studies & Business Management from the University of Maryland Baltimore county and the following certifications: Salsa Instructor & Business Development from Edie Salsa Williams in Palm Springs, CA, Flamenco & Spanish Dance from Marsha Bonet & Dancers, LLC, & Zumba Fitness I & II. She is currently a member of the Catonsville Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Tax Professionals, AAHPERD, National Association of Dance & the National Association of Professional Women. Her educational background includes Fashion Design/Merchandising, Business Management, Accounting & Cosmetology and is also an authorized IRS registered tax preparer, Assistant Meetup Organizer for the Baltimore Salsa Meetup Group & Organizer of the Baltimore Latin, Flamenco & Spanish Dance & Maryland Latin Dance Meetup Groups.
She is a Fashion Designer, Maryland Manufacturer of Protective Wear and owner of Hitchye Apparels Inc. , Hitchye Dancewear , Founder of non-profit organization Women Empowered- W.E. , the Studio Director of Dance & Artistic Expressions Studio , the Artistic Director/Lead Instructor of Baltimore Salsa Dance Company , and the Founder/ School Director of BSDC Latin, African & Cultural Dance Institute. You can find out more information on her professional & artist portfolio at www.TabithaHitchye.com
MATTHEW DEAN- Bachata Asst. Team Director
MORRIS JACKSON-Business Advisor/ Kizomba Instructor
MATTHEW DEAN- Bachata Asst. Team Director
BIO: My name is Matthew Dean and I am 36 years old, proudly born and raised in Baltimore with a beautiful wife of 4.5 years with a gorgeous 2-year old son. I have been dancing since 2006, and my passion has only grown over time. I have danced and performed many styles from mambo and bachata to classic ballroom, with great groups such as
BIO: My name is Matthew Dean and I am 36 years old, proudly born and raised in Baltimore with a beautiful wife of 4.5 years with a gorgeous 2-year old son. I have been dancing since 2006, and my passion has only grown over time. I have danced and performed many styles from mambo and bachata to classic ballroom, with great groups such as Georgia Boy Dance, Daniel and Desiree World Team Project, Zafire DC, and Sentimiento. I have always enjoyed dancing as a way of expressing myself and letting go. I’m always a student at heart, willing to learn as much as possible to improve my craft. I am humbled by this opportunity to return to the world of dancing with Baltimore Salsa Dance Company!
ANDRES ESPINOSA-Lead Salsa Instructor
MORRIS JACKSON-Business Advisor/ Kizomba Instructor
MATTHEW DEAN- Bachata Asst. Team Director
BIO: Andres was born in Queens, New York and has always enjoyed music and dance ever since he was 5. While studying at the University of Florida, he stumbled upon taking salsa classes at a local studio in Gainesville. He first learned and taught Rueda de Casino in Gainesville, FL but has grown to love and appreciate all other styles of l
BIO: Andres was born in Queens, New York and has always enjoyed music and dance ever since he was 5. While studying at the University of Florida, he stumbled upon taking salsa classes at a local studio in Gainesville. He first learned and taught Rueda de Casino in Gainesville, FL but has grown to love and appreciate all other styles of latin dance such as New York Style (On2), social Cha-Cha-Cha, and Argentine Tango. Over the years, Andres has taught salsa at various studios throughout the state of Florida (Pembroke Pines, Gainesville, and Jacksonville to name a few) and is now currently teaching in Baltimore, Maryland. Andres’ main philosophy in dance is that everything is derived from basic fundamentals. His level of technicality, emphasis on connection, and attention to detail is what makes him most notable on the dance floor! Even though he currently teaches both On1 and On2, he still gravitates to his origins of Cuban Style Salsa and loves to give back to the dancing community through his classes, workshops, and other dance related events. Fun facts: Andres graduated from the University of Florida with a double Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Before dancing, he was really big into skateboarding and would spend hours learning new tricks and tips. Current interests/hobbies include hiking, Strength and Conditioning (S&C), and Obstacle Course Races (OCRs)
MORRIS JACKSON-Business Advisor/ Kizomba Instructor
MORRIS JACKSON-Business Advisor/ Kizomba Instructor
MORRIS JACKSON-Business Advisor/ Kizomba Instructor
BIO: Morris Jackson has impacted the higher education landscape worldwide for more than a quarter century as a counselor, university professor, administrator, and fundraising and community relations professional. He has successfully interacted with academicians and educational administrators at all levels and from all ethnicities. He h
BIO: Morris Jackson has impacted the higher education landscape worldwide for more than a quarter century as a counselor, university professor, administrator, and fundraising and community relations professional. He has successfully interacted with academicians and educational administrators at all levels and from all ethnicities. He has served as anadvisor to the Ambassador of the Iraq Embassy, Washington DC (2013) and Educational Advisor for several years, Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission, Embassy of Saudi Arabia. as well as consultant to Kuwait University. He has published several chapters in text books and journal articles. He currently is a senior advisor to folks in the entrainment, international, academic arena. He has a Ph.D from George Washington DC
SYLVIA VEGA BSDC Salsa Instructor
ERICA DOERRLER K-Pop & Sexy Heels Instructor
SYLVIA VEGA BSDC Salsa Instructor
Bio:
Sylvia comes to us from Denver, Colorado where she danced salsa for many years. She has fond musical memories from her childhood…from dancing Mexican corridos in the kitchen with her dad, to balancing on her grandfather’s feet while dancing to classic salsa and swimming in his extensive vinyl collection where she was exposed to music from around the world.
Always drawn to rhythmic and soulful music, she cherishes the time she spent singing in the Pentecostal church as a young girl. In addition to dancing and singing, she has continued to pursue her musical interests to include learning and playing Afro-Latin rhythms on the conga drums and other percussion. After a long break from dancing, she recently resumed and remembered her passion and desire to teach salsa. As an instructor she hopes to share her belief that anyone can learn to dance.
Sylvia has been living in Maryland with her husband and son for the past 15 years. She enjoys her job as an instructional technologist in Baltimore. Her other hobbies and interests include: attending comic book conventions with her family, exercising, practicing meditation and self-reflection, and exploring other creative outlets. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology with a minor in Spanish Language from Metropolitan State College of Denver. She is excited to share her passion for salsa and looks forward to continued learning to build her skill, both as a dancer and instructor, at BSDC.
MANUEL CACERES- BSDC Salsa Instructor
ERICA DOERRLER K-Pop & Sexy Heels Instructor
SYLVIA VEGA BSDC Salsa Instructor
Bio:
Meet Manuel Caceres, our newest addition to the BSDC Salsa instructor team! Originally from El Salvador, Central America, Manuel's artistic journey began at a young age, immersing himself in music and Latin dance groups in his homeland. After moving to the USA in 2004, he spent seven years dancing with "Bailes de Mi Tierra," a Mexican Folklore Dance Group in Baltimore.
For the past four years, Manuel served as an Administrator with the SalsaAddicts group, where he played a pivotal role in promoting Salsa-Bachata social dance events. His passion for Latin rhythms led him to embark on a career as DJ MC, hosting vibrant Salsa Bachata Latin Nights across Maryland.
In addition to his dance endeavors, Manuel is a dedicated Spanish Immersion IB Teacher. Now, as a graduate of our BSDC Salsa Instructor Training Program, he brings his rich cultural background and dynamic energy to our academy. We're thrilled to have him on board to inspire and guide our students in the art of Salsa!
ERICA DOERRLER K-Pop & Sexy Heels Instructor
ERICA DOERRLER K-Pop & Sexy Heels Instructor
ERICA DOERRLER K-Pop & Sexy Heels Instructor
Bio:
Erica Doerrler (she/her) is a talented 22-year-old dancer hailing from Montgomery County. Starting her journey as a self-taught dancer, Erica is now pursuing a dance degree at UMBC, focusing on contemporary and ballet. Over the past two years, she has showcased her skills with the Baltimore Dance Project and collaborated on film projects with the Institution of Marine and Environmental Technology.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Erica has honed her craft with UMBC's KDC and Major Definition. Her passion shines through in her favorite dance styles: contemporary, heels, and vogueing. We're excited to have Erica bring her vibrant energy and expertise to BSDC as our K-pop and Heels instructor!
MONICA CALUDA Communication Coordinator
Monica is a certified teacher and music therapist with Baltimore City Public Schools. She has been a board certified music therapist for 7 years. Monica found her love of dance through cheerleading in high school and college. She enjoys being part of the Ladies Bachata Team and taking as many dance classes as possible in her spare time.
Monica is a certified teacher and music therapist with Baltimore City Public Schools. She has been a board certified music therapist for 7 years. Monica found her love of dance through cheerleading in high school and college. She enjoys being part of the Ladies Bachata Team and taking as many dance classes as possible in her spare time. As communications coordinator she distributes information to our team members about upcoming events and potential performances.
MARIA ROTHENHEBER BSDC Student Advisory Board Coordinator
BIO: coming soon!
GIGI FLETCHER BSDC Administrative Assistant/ BSDC Activities Crew Coordinator
GIGI FLETCHER BSDC Administrative Assistant/ BSDC Activities Crew Coordinator
BIO: coming soon!
EMILY IMBER BSDC Social Dance Crew Coordinator/BSDC Salsa Instructor Trainee
GIGI FLETCHER BSDC Administrative Assistant/ BSDC Activities Crew Coordinator
BIO: coming soon!
AIMEE AISPURO
BIO: Coming soon!
MERIDIAN TOALEPAI -BSDC Massage Therapist
Bio:
Meridian Toalepai (she/her) is a massage therapist from Baltimore. Graduating from AACC with her license in Massage Therapy in 2021, she is excited to bring wellness and relaxation to all of her clients! She
currently offers Swedish, Deet Tissue, and does Chair events. Outside of Massage Therapy she is a dancer! Meridian has been dan
Bio:
Meridian Toalepai (she/her) is a massage therapist from Baltimore. Graduating from AACC with her license in Massage Therapy in 2021, she is excited to bring wellness and relaxation to all of her clients! She
currently offers Swedish, Deet Tissue, and does Chair events. Outside of Massage Therapy she is a dancer! Meridian has been dancing since the age of five, and is a current member of Elysian Dance Company and her family's very own Meki's Tamure Polynesian Arts company.
She also enjoys the musical theater scene and when she's not in office, you can find her singing and dancing on stages all over Maryland. Her dream is to work on Broadway or Disney one day! Meridian hopes to continue combining her passion for movement and wellness by studying more on Sports Massage and Kinesiology. She wishes all of her clients nothing but the best!