Lead Instructor

CHARLIE RUBIN

Hellllooooooo everyone! I’m Charlie, and I’m in my third year of a 3+1 program studying math and statistics with a minor in Spanish. I’ve been dancing since I was four in the great state of Missouri, but I hadn’t tried Latin-style dances until I came to UVA.

I love the partner and social aspects of the dancing we do, and I’m excited to continue teaching it over the next year. I’m a lover of all things music, movies, and Roots bowls. I look forward to meeting you all 😇

amasa maleski

Howdy! My name is Amasa and I’m a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering major from Arlington, VA. Ever since I was a little kid, dance is how I expressed myself—I started as a tap dancer, but when I arrived at UVA I decided to try something new!

Learning partnered dance has been an exciting way for me to meet new people and push my comfort zone, especially through social dancing. Outside of salsa you can find me on Carr’s Hill Field playing the saxophone in the Cavalier Marching Band. Wahoowa!

silvana newcomb

Hi! My name is Silvana Newcomb and I’m the Artistic Director, and an instructor this year! I’m a 2nd year from Long Island, NY hoping to study Psychology and Speech Communication Disorders.

I grew up dancing many styles but latin dance was more new to me! I’m Colombian and Salsa has helped me feel more connected to my roots and find a sense of community at UVA. I have so much love for this club and I’m really excited to contribute and make this year super fun!

Outside of Salsa I love playing guitar, reading, listening to music, swimming, or participating in any competition-style game where my ego says I can win (I never do). I love meeting new people and I’m a big yapper so please don’t hesitate to ask me questions or reach out!

jason kim

HELLO BACHATEROS!!! (That’s right, Bachata is better) Not only am I your EC, but I am also one of your lovely instructors. A bellydancer for five years and a salsero for four, I am so happy to spread the joy of dance across grounds. While I’m busy working in France for the Fall, I eagerly await the opportunity to meet all of you. 

When I’m back, and not at lessons, you’ll find me social dancing (PU!!!!), running my evil experiments in Gilmer, or investigating international relations for the GI podcast (on Spotify #shamelessplug). I can’t wait to dance with you!!!!

Demis martinez

Que bola mi gente! I’m Demis, a second year majoring in Biochemistry and Spanish on the Pre-Med track. I’m from Cuba so Salsa is in my bloodstream: I don’t walk, I glide with tumbao and “AZUCARRRR”, as Celia Cruz would say. If a timbales hit, I’m already halfway on the dance floor.

My favorite salsa style is “Casino”. Fueled by coffee —a good Cuban cafecito is never rushed and I need it everyday.My favorite place in the world is the beach, and you’ll probably hear me talk way too much about missing it. I’m so excited to hang out and dance with all of you this semester!

lina liakakos

Hi guys!!! I’m Lina and I’m a second year studying History and French on the pre-law track. This is my second year in Salsa Club and second semester on the instructor team. I was committed to Salsa Club before I knew I was coming to UVA. I was looking for a tight-knit community similar to the one that defined my high school dance experience, and I was blown away by the warmth and talent of UVA salsero/a’s.

My favorite style is bachata, but I’m always down for a salsa or chacha! Come find me at lessons - I always appreciate song recs I can add to my ever-growing Latin playlist!!

Abel Rodriguez

Yo, I’m Abel Rodriguez, a third year electrical engineering student from Harrisonburg VA. Despite growing up Dominican surrounded by merengue, bachata, and salsa,

I only started to get into dance in my senior year of high school. I later joined the University Salsa club and loved improving my skills as a latin dancer.

Sarah Bolles

Hi, I’m Sarah and I am a 4th year from Arlington, VA. I study Commerce & Economics with a minor in Business Spanish. This is my second year in Salsa Club and last year I was the Finance Chair for SalsaFest!

My favorite style is salsa but bachata is a close second. When I’m not dancing, I like being outside, traveling, trying new food and reading :) I’ve made great friends through this club and I would highly recommend anyone interested to show up to lessons or audition for showcase. It was the best decision I made in my 3rd year!

Carialy Pillot

Hey hey! My name is Carialy, I am a 3rd year studying Civil Engineering on the construction management track with a minor in business. From the actual beautiful Island itself Ponce, Puerto Rico but currently reside in Newport News, Virginia. Growing up music has always played such an important aspect of my life. My mom exposed me to a large variety of music, especially Hispanic/latin music. I use to watch my mom dance all the time when I was younger which later on developed my love for dancing. Once I got to college I knew I wanted to learn how to dance more, later finding a flyer for Social Dancing for this Amazing club. Fell in love with the vibe and haven't looked back since :)

I am super excited to be an Instructor this semester and continue to learn as well! There's a reason we are called the spiciest CIO on grounds...so come and find out ;)