Choreography: Eugene Holley
Music: Jack Costanzo
Dancers: Eugene Holley
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Choreography: Eugene Holley & Robersy Romero
Music: La Playa Sextet, Vitin Aviles
Dancers: Jasmine Booker & Jairo Kuoman
Our mission at Malémbe Dance Company is to provide quality Latin dance instruction to the local Jacksonville community. Our main goal is to build technically strong, knowledgeable, open-minded, team-oriented and passionate dancers. Malémbe is primarily a Salsa on2 Company. Aside from offering weekly dance classes and engaging in multiple meaningful community events, the company trains, travels, and performs all over the USA. The company is directed by Eugene Holley and Robersy Romero. They first became dance partners in 2019. Together, they’ve traveled around the USA and trained under many well established artists. They love social dancing, performing, and teaching. They are so excited to be able to provide a safe and nurturing space for dancers to learn and grow. With nearly 20 years of experience each, Eugene & Robersy are committed to continue their training alongside their students to maintain and honor a growth mindset within Malémbe Dance Company.
Choreography & Performance: Leilani Leo
Music: Peral Jam
Born on the west coast of the U.S. as the only daughter of a Navy Service Officer and a fire-eating performer, Leilani Leo was immersed in the performing arts from an early age. Growing up on the East Coast, she performed Polynesian dance in her mother's group Kona Revue. Embracing the rich cultural movement that would lay the foundation for her lifelong passion for dance. While she initially dreamed of becoming a visual artist, it was through her connection with a mentor in 2011 that she expanded her creative journey, picking up a paintbrush for the first time. However, dance remained at her heart, and over the years, she has continued to blend her love of movement and visual arts.
Leilani is not only known for her dynamic artistic works in various media but also for her deep commitment to Jacksonville’s local arts scene, capturing its energy through photography and her creative costuming. Through her unique blend of dance, visual artistry, and metaphysical exploration, she continues to inspire others in her lightworking journey.
(dedicated to Mom and Dad and my Jai Jai's)
Choreography: JoAnna Ursal
Music: Faisal Monal
JoAnna Ursal is an American choreographer of Filipino descent, known for blending contemporary and world dance forms inspired by her polycultural heritage. Born in British Guyana to Filipino immigrants from Cebu and raised in Michigan, JoAnna’s work weaves Filipino mythology, intercultural movement, and social themes. She holds advanced degrees in dance education from UCLA and in choreography from Jacksonville University. Her choreography has earned national and international recognition, including the 2015 Choreographers Connection Award and honors for her dance film Hammer and Rain. JoAnna has taught at Miami Dade College, Union College, and Jacksonville University, and currently teaches history at Global Leadership Academy in Duval County. She is most proud of her three children—Sheraan, Anyse, and Lucien—and draws inspiration from her family’s immigrant journey and service.
Choreography & Performance: Shalene Raysor
Music: Live
Shalene Raysor is a passionate dancer whose journey began over 20 years ago with a deep connection to African dance. She was first introduced to the form through classes at the Amelia Arts Academy, where she studied for two years. Known for her natural rhythm and joyful spirit, Shalene brings authenticity and vibrant energy to every performance. She dances to honor the roots, traditions, and celebration embedded in African movement, sharing its power to uplift and connect.
Choreography: Meghan Gapusan
Music: Rising Appalachia
Dancers: Meghan Gapusan and LuSynda
Meghan and LuSynda have shared a deep bond through dance for many years, both as devoted students and as “dance sisters.” Their journey began with training in Middle Eastern Raqs Sharqi, commonly known as belly dance, which included folkloric regional styles, structured choreography, and solo improvisation. Over a decade ago, they discovered Fat Chance Belly Dance’s American Tribal Style® (ATS®) and were captivated by its unique blend of group improvisation, shared dance vocabulary, and striking costuming. This format, developed by Carolena Nericcio and her troupe, allows dancers to communicate non-verbally through movement, creating spontaneous yet synchronized performances.
The roots of tribal belly dance trace back to Jamila Salimpour, who pioneered a fusion of folkloric dances and costume traditions from the Middle East, North Africa, India (such as the Banjara of Rajasthan), and Spain. The ATS method builds on this legacy, offering a structured yet improvisational approach that allows dancers from across the globe to seamlessly collaborate—regardless of language, background, or experience level. Today, Fat Chance Belly Dance® Style (FCBD® Style) is a global phenomenon, with communities of dancers flourishing on every continent. Enjoy the magic of this universal dance language!
Choreography: Naomi Vail
Music: El Duende
Dancer: Margarita Dodd
Naomi Vail (Founder, Director, Instructor, Choreographer, and Costume Designer)
Born and raised in northern Maryland horse country. She eventually migrated to Philadelphia where she became immersed in the Hispanic/Latino community. It was there that she was introduced to Julia Lopez of Flamenco Ole, and started her education in Flamenco in the late 1980’s. Her study of Flamenco has since then included Albuquerque Flamenco Institute, workshop with Antonio Vargas, Jose Greco II, Farruquito, Juan Siddi, Juan Paredes just to mention a few. In 1998 life brought her to Jacksonville, Florida where she sought out the Flamenco Community only to find that there was none. However, a chance meeting with Dulce Anaya of the Jacksonville Ballet Theatre opened the door for Naomi to teach Flamenco. In 1998 “Flamenco de la Costa” was born. Since then, the group has flourished, grown, and built a reputation which keeps them in high demand for performances in St. Augustine, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee.
Among their many accomplishments they have personally hosted such artists as Antonio Vargas (Strictly Ballroom, Mission Impossible 2), Juan Siddi (Arte Flamenco, Sante Fe), Juan Paredes (Soniquete, Spain), and have danced on stage with the Gipsy Kings at the St. Augustine Amphitheater. Flamenco de la Costa continues to grow in popularity.
Margarita Dodd (dancer) comes to us with a long history of teaching Middle Eastern Folklore and dance and has the versatility of dancing “Puro Flamenco” as well as “Nuevo Flamenco and fusion. She has traveled extensively to many countries exploring cultures and represents a fascinating representation of Al-Andalus. Her travels and thirst for knowledge give her a deeper understanding and authentic representation of multiple dance art forms. Margarita has a vibrant stage presence with the ability to influence communities and audiences. “Margaria El Amrna” is a proud member of Flamenco de la Costa for more than 20 years and continues to contribute a deep connection with passion and Duende! Ole!
Choreography and Performance: John and Julia Boyd
Music: Kikagaku Moyo
John and Julia come from backgrounds spanning multiple movement diciplines. Elements of acrobatics, martial arts, yoga, and improvisation inspire this duo's style and technique. They use their creative backgrounds to form visually compelling pieces often inspired by nature, humanity, and interconnectedness. After marrying, performing together for several years, and obtaining various certifications in movement study, the duo founded Acro Fit in January 2023. At their location in the Historic Springfield neighborhood of Jacksonville, they teach weekly partner fitness classes and offer mobile personal training. They also teach workshops both locally and abroad, with a focus on partner acrobatics and performance elements. Their mission is to spread the joy and freedom that their movement studies have brought into their own lives, and encourage their students to move creatively in a way that supports longevity of their practice.
Music: El Trabadedos from Ensemble Gurrifio
Dancer: Samantha Colina (Founder Dancer)
Culture. Identity. Belonging.
Venezuela Marka is a nonprofit cultural organization based in Jacksonville, Florida, dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and sharing Venezuelan heritage through the performing arts. Founded in 2022 by Maria Kellermann, the foundation uses traditional dance as a tool to connect immigrant and first-generation children with their roots—empowering them with a sense of identity, pride, and resilience. At the heart of Venezuela Marka is a vibrant training program that blends Venezuelan folklore with ballet, flamenco, jazz, and contemporary dance. Students as young as five years old participate in weekly classes and are offered opportunities to perform at high-profile cultural festivals, community events, and national dance competitions. Through partnerships with educators, artists, and institutions, the foundation provides academic support, scholarships, and a nurturing environment for holistic growth.
In just two years, Venezuela Marka has performed at the Hispanic Day Parade in NYC, been invited to showcase at halftime of NFL Jacksonville Jaguars games, and spoken at the Organization of American States (OAS) on the emotional impact of migration in youth. The foundation has proudly represented Venezuelan culture at the local and national level, building a legacy of belonging through art.
From its studio in Jacksonville to stages across the country, Venezuela Marka is more than a dance school—it’s a cultural movement rooted in memory, community, and transformation.
Choreography and Performance: Rebekah McKay
Music: Chris and Michelle McLoughlin
Rebekah McKay’s dance journey began at age 10 in Louisiana, training under Sheila Ryan—the first American Irish dancer in Riverdance. After moving to Florida five years later, she joined forces with world champion Brent Wood and Abby Wood, launching her competitive Irish dance career. Performing at weddings, festivals, and Irish pubs across the Southeast, Rebekah developed both skill and stage presence.
Following her competitive years, she expanded into ballroom and began teaching recreational Irish dance to students of all ages. Her passion for dance continues to shine as she inspires the next generation of dancers.
Choreography: Jenne Vermes
Music: Jeremy Renner
Dancer: Jenne Vermes
Jenne Vermes is a Professional Tap Dancer from Jacksonville, FL. She is currently the Artistic Director of two professional tap companies: Noise Complaint - Tap Dance Theatre and Rhythm Theory Tap Ensemble. She is also co-owner of Arts on the Edge, a dance studio in Fleming Island, FL. Over the past 20 years, Jenne has taught at several competitive dance studios and at workshops around the country. Additionally, for the past 14 years, she has performed as a backup dancer and dance captain for the internationally acclaimed band, The Crüxshadows, which has allowed her to travel across Europe, The Caribbean and North America, dancing on international stages. She is also a backup dancer and dance captain for K-Pop idol, Black On, for his US tours.
