Xtravaganza Professional Latin Dance Company
All photos courtesy of Brooke Hug Photography

Teaching and performing in Pittsburgh as part of Salsa Pittsburgh's Salsa Spooktacular
Friday, October 30 - Sunday, November 1, 2009

Dancer Biographies
Biographies courtesy of Christina Escalante

	CARLOS "GABY" CRUZ Gaby Cruz is a professional dance instructor and choreographer. Gaby began dancing at the age of 9 and by the age of 13 was dancing professionally. Gaby competed in the very first World Salsa Congress held in Puerto Rico. From Europe to the United States, Gaby has traveled around the world demonstrating the high caliber of his God-given talent to dance. Gaby has performed at Detroit’s Greek Town Casino in the show “Sensuality”, and also at the 2006 Super Bowl. He has danced on stage with many famous Latin Singers such as Don Omar, Victor Manuelle, Sonora Poncena, El Gran Combo, Millie Quesada and many more. While living in Hartford, CT, fellow dancers, Nalliene and Cristian performed as part of Gaby’s group, “Fever Passion.” Gaby’s commitment and drive to the art of dance shows in all that he does.
	NALLIENE VELEZ Nally, a professional dance instructor as well as a choreographer, has been dancing since the age of 3. She attended the Julie Mayora Dance Academy and by the age of 8 was dancing professionally. She was chosen to play the lead role in the “Nutcracker Ballet” as Clara and danced with the “Ballet de Teatro Musical” de Ponce, Puerto Rico. By the age of 15 Nally decided to pursue other Latin styles of dancing. She began performing at international salsa congresses and danced on stage with famous Latin artists such as Ricky Martin, Jerry Rivera, Victor Manuelle, Roberto Roena, Sonora Poncena, El Gran Combo, Melina Leon, and many others. Nalliene’s passion in life besides her two beautiful children, is dance!
	CRISTIAN CRESPO Cristian, a professional dancer, instructor, and choreographer has been dancing since the age of 5. By the age of 13, Cristian was already performing as a professional dancer with the “Ballet Salsa Sur” in Puerto Rico. At age 15, he won first place in Puerto Rico’s National Salsa Competition and at age 17 he won first place in the Second International World Salsa Congress held in Puerto Rico. Cristian has performed throughout Europe and won “Best Duo’ in Venice, Italy. Cristian has performed with many famous Latin artists such as Huey Dunbar, Don Omar, Victor Manuelle, Sonora Poncena, Millie Quesada and more. Cristian’s love for dance shows in the way in which he not only teaches but performs.