BSDC Staff

 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!

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) 

BIO:  Melanie has loved latin music since childhood. Growing up in Iowa, salsa connected her to the place of her birth, Puerto Rico. Her parents gave Melanie her first dance lesson teaching her the basics and differences in music. In high school, she obtain a foundation in hip-hop and jazz through studio classes, pom squad and show choir. 

During her time at Iowa State University, she connected with other salsa lovers and together they taught themselves how to improve their techniques. She co-founded a student organization which taught classes, held socials, and performed.  In 2005, she began performing and teaching with Salsa Iowa. In 2009, she co-founded Salsa Des Moines a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that offered the most comprehensive instructional program in salsa in the state of Iowa. She also has coached various dance teams, including Island Touch Salsa and Footwork. 

Melanie moved to Baltimore in May 2018 and upon her arrival, she sought out Sentimiento to continue dancing and become a member of the team. She's performed with the semi-pro/pro team and instructed with the company.

In 2021, Melanie joined and continues to dance with the Latin Vintage Company team.

A note about your Profesor de Baile…  “Kellz” is a native Baltimorean, formally educated in Dance and the Performing Arts. Kellz, is classically trained in Ballet, Jazz, African Contemporary, Modern, and Tap at some of Baltimore’s legendary institutions such as Baltimore School for Arts, Peabody Conservatory, Baltimore Arena Players Youth Program (under Sevlyn White) , Towson and Goucher Universities Dance auxiliary programs and graduated from Walbrook SHS as a Dance Major. Kellz also attended Alvin Ailey’s Youth Program summer dance intensives under Tracy Inman and Melanie Person, she also attended UMES where she was a Biology Student with Dance as a minor.

Kellz has trained under world renown dance sages such as: Norma Pera (BSA Repertoire), Sylvester Campbell (BSA Jazz, Modern African Contemporary) , Judith Jamison (Ailey Repertoire summer intensive), Sheena Black ( Dunham Technique, Dances of the Diaspora), Alexis Hernandez (Afro Contemporary, Karelia DeSpaigne  (Cuba - Tierra Kaliente – Esquela D’Arte), the Muniquitos De Mantanzas (Cuba – Rumba Yambu, Guanguanco, and Columbian) and a host of other amazing dance instructors and ensembles.

Kellz has over 45 years of Dance and Performing Arts experience, beginning with her Aunt Denise as her first dance teachers, along with Ms. Hugie at James Mosher elementary.  Kellz has performed around the nation and even overseas as a well-recognized and respected… Dope azz House Music Dancer being seen on stage with the likes of International Djs such as Louie Vega, Dennis Ferrer, Karizma, Tony Humphries and a host of other DJs.

Kellz has spent the last 5 years training, learning and becoming immersed in the Cuban Dance Culture after walking into a Rueda De Casino Party where she knew nothing about Casino nor Rueda, but she innately felt the rhythms.  

Kellz joined the community dance group – Rueda De Casino Baltimore where she learned all about Rueda from Cedric Teamer. She then broadened her dance studies to attend DC Casinero classes, studied Afro Cuban movements and concepts from Sheena Black, Kati Hernandez, Duane Wrenn, and Yeni Molinet.
In 2018 Kellz had her DNA footprint mapped by 23& me.  Kellz just KNEW her natural Afro Cuban rhythm meant she had Afro Cuban or Latino roots.  WELP!!!!!   Part of that is true...   Kellz lineage is: 66.9% Sub Saharan African:
54.9% West African – comprised of Nigerian/Yoruba, (Igbo Bantu tribes) 21.6%, Ghanaian/Sierra Leonean 19.9%, Congolese and Angola 9.6% and Senegambia and Guinean 5.6% being the major contributors.

Since Cuba is Afro by way of the Slave Trade, the Dances of the Diaspora are integral to Cubans and their way of life…This made total since of why Afro Cuban, Casino, Salsa and Latin movements have always come natural to Kellz.

Kellz has been a dance teacher off and on for the past 25 years, teaching dance to Baltimore city students, and in recreation centers throughout Baltimore City, as well as at the college level as an auxillary dance teacher and she is also a certified Zumba instructor.

Kellz traveled to Cuba last year to train in Cuban Dance Disciplines such as Afro Cuban Folkloric Dances, Rumba, Casino, and Afro Contemporary.

 Erica Doerrler (she/her) is a 22 year old dancer from Montgomery County. Beginning as a self-taught dancer, she currently studies contemporary and ballet at UMBC in pursuit of a dance degree. In the past two years, she has had the pleasure of performing with the Baltimore Dance Project, and filming with the Institution of Marine and Environmental Technology. Outside of the UMBC dance department, she has trained with UMBC KDC and Major Definition. Her favorite dance styles are contemporary, heels, and vogueing.