SWJ INSTRUCTORS

All Instructors are available for group classes, private lessons, and private events. Most instructors are available for performances.  Contact one of us today.

Juan Gil

Juan Gil, Master Instructor, originally from Guatemala, has been teaching and dancing Salsa and other Latin dances for 15 years.  He studied under some of the best L.A. instructors like Laura Canelias and Skippy Blair.  Juan has performed in professional groups such as SalsaConfunkshun and with his partner in the Bay Area, Ruth Caspary.  "El Maestro" as his students fondly call him, has performed and taught in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Carribean and South America. Juan Gil is known amongst Salsa and Bachata dance professionals as a Head Judge, Stage Manager and Coach for many of the competitions and festivals.  Juan's teaching philosophy focuses on having fun and enjoying that 3 minute partnership.  His 'wash, rinse and repeat' method will have you dancing in one hour! You won't find a more amusing Salsa instructor - Juan's silly jokes make students relax and laugh every time.  His classes were voted Best of the Bay 2010 -2011.  Juan teaches a wide range of levels as well as workshops in different Latin dances in Oakland, CA. "Welcome Home, dancer"!

Ruth Caspary

Ruth Caspary started dancing at 5 years old and was trained in Ballet, Jazz, Ballroom and various ethnic dances.   She loved performing and was the featured dancer in many school musicals as a teenager.  Growing up in L.A., Ruth had access to exceptional training and progressed steadily towards membership in semi-professional groups like Let's Dance L.A. and Beverly HIlls Cotillion Dance Ensemble.  Ruth has taught at Hollywood Dance Center, Microsoft Studios in Washington, Facebook, the SF Cinco de Mayo Festival and now dedicates her love of dance to teaching for Salsa with Juan in Oakland and to her partnership with Juan Gil.  She is learning to crack more jokes but her students say she is very patient.  Ruth likes to push the boundaries especially with choreography for the Salsa with Juan Training Teams primarily made up of Intermediate to Advanced students.