August 21-23, 2026
Join us for Athens' 2nd annual Ritmos y Raíces Dance Weekender to celebrate Latin dance styles from Angola, Colombia, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic! A bailar!
TIMBAthens is hosting a 3-day event in Athens, Georgia in collaboration with the UGA Department of Dance, the Hugh Hodgson School of Music, the Department of Romance Languages, and the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Institute that will feature Latin dance performances, live music, dance workshops, and social dancing. Our organization has received a grant from the UGA Willson Center and is currently accepting sponsorships from local businesses and individuals to support our thriving dance community and keep the costs low for attendees.
Schedule
Friday, August 21
Athentic Brewing Company • 8pm
We are kicking of our dance weekender with a three DJ set including DJ Mane, Mr. Clave, & DJ Mike Arana! Join us at 8pm for a REPARTO class with Courtney Sumpter then dance to the latest SALSA and TIMBA in the main room or bachatéate all night in the BACHATA ROOM 🔥
This is a ticketed event and is included with a full pass. Cover at the door is $10
Saturday, August 22
Workshops • UGA Dance • 9:30am - 5pm
BEGINNER TRACK*
9:30 am
10:45 am
12 pm
1:15 pm
2:30 pm
3:45 pm
5 pm
*Schedule is subject to change.
This is a ticketed event and is included with a full pass. A la carte classes will be available for $15 each at the door.
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED*
9:30 am
10:45 am
12 pm
1:15 pm
2:30 pm
3:45 pm
5 pm
Saturday, August 22
Live Wire Athens • 8pm
La fiesta sigue with another three DJ set including DJ Mane, Mr. Clave, & DJ Mike Arana! RUEDA class at 8pm with Javier Rosillo of TimbaRueda followed by performances at 9pm, then dance the night away to the latest SALSA, TIMBA, and BACHATA until 2am 🎶
This is a ticketed event and is included with a full pass. Cover at the door is $15
Sunday, August 23
Workshops • UGA Dance • 9:30am - 3:45pm
BEGINNER TRACK*
9:30 am
10:45 am
12 pm
1:15 pm
2:30 pm
3:45 pm
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED*
9:30 am
10:45 am
12 pm
1:15 pm
2:30 pm
3:45 pm
*Schedule is subject to change.
This is a ticketed event and is included with a full pass. A la carte classes will be available for $15 each at the door.
2026 Featured DJs
2026 instructors
roberto borrell
Fifty-five years of performing and instructing Afro-Cuban Folkloric Dance and Cuban Popular Dance has enabled Roberto Borrell to develop a unique and entertaining style of teaching. At a time when elegance and style counted for everything Roberto Borrell turned the nights on fire dancing to the intricate rhythms of great Cuban performers such as Chappottín, Orquesta Aragón and Neno González. He learned to dance during the heyday of the legendary Havana Social Clubs. Perfecting what is known as Cuban Popular Dance, Roberto became a master of Danzón, Son, Son-Montuno, Guaracha and the Cha-Cha-Cha. When Roberto was 18 he was noticed by Cuba's Conjunto Folklórico Nacional and asked to join the celebrated performance group. In a trial by-fire situation he was schooled in the traditional Orisha songs, dances and rhythms by the most renowned Afro-Cuban folkloric dancers and percussionists of the time. His innate talent and facility for learning allowed him to start performing with the group immediately. As Roberto continued to develop his performance skills he began to cultivate his abilities as a choreographer and musical director. Starting as the orchestra leader for his own group in Cuba , Union Cienfueguera, through to his highly successful San Francisco based orchestra, Moderna Tradición, he continued to direct musical groups and shows for over 30 years. By the time Roberto left Cuba he had developed a wealth of knowledge and a diverse mastery of Cuban music and dance which also included dancing Rumba en la calle, excelling in playing the Batá for Tambores (Yoruba religious ceremonies), choreographing for Carnival and performing on the National Stage. In order to get the highly tuned performances that he required for his shows, Roberto began to train the dancers and musicians himself. Once in New York, Roberto focused his energy on teaching. With an authentic historic perspective, he worked on creating a meticulous method of teaching that combines music and dance with the evolution of Cuba's musical history. He teaches his students how to listen; one of the most valuable skills that a dancer can have. Along with a surplus of charm and charisma, Roberto has a generosity of spirit that transpires and inspires all of his students. From a student in Cuba's pre-revolutionary dance halls to a prolific performer of Afro-Cuban dance and percussion, Roberto is able to harness the eros of the stage and direct it towards the world of teaching. If authenticity, raw talent and compassion are what you are looking for, Roberto Borrell is the teacher for you.
Michelito Herrera
Michael "Michelito" Herrera was the former Musical Director of the world-acclaimed Cuban folkloric dance group Yoruba Andabo. Alongside General Director Yosvany del Pino, Michelito led Yoruba Andabo for four years, in which he managed the musical arrangements, vocal and musical instrument performances, as well as the artistic dance repertoire of an exceedingly-talented group of dancers and musicians. A self-taught dancer and musician, Michelito has been deeply immersed in Cuban folkloric dance and performance since he was six years old, performing in child dance ensembles. A native of La Habana, Cuba, he has shared the world stage with some of Cuban’s and Latin American’s most prominent musicians and artists, including Chucho Valdes, Juan Formell & Los Van Van, Oscar de Leon, Xiomara Laugart from Yerba Buena, Calle 13 and Juanes in stages all over the globe, including the UK, France, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Brazil and Cuba. Most recently, Michelito performed with Yoruba Andabo and Chucho Valdes at Carnegie Hall in New York City in November of 2012. Michael currently resides in Atlanta, GeorgiA , and his group of music named Timbache Michael dance and musical expertise in his workshops spans from teaching students methods and techniques in the Bata drums, Rumba, Abakua dances, Columbia, and Tambor Yuca.
Duane Wrenn
Duane Wrenn is the Creator and Director of Energetic Soul. He combines music, dance, and fitness to provide a holistic approach to wellness and well‐being with a focus on movement. Duane has over 25 years of experience performing and teaching Latin dancing. He holds a degree in Exercise Science with a focus on biomechanics and Physiology. He also holds several certifications including Sacroiliac Joint Specialist, Tension and Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) under Dr. David Bercelli and is a disciple of Wu style Tai Chi Chuan under the Wu family. Duane’s focus is Cuban music and dancing, specializing in Afro‐Cuban folklore as well as popular rhythms. His last 21 years have concentrated around Cuban music and dances with a focus on Batá and popular rhythms. His three main master instructors are Roberto Borrell, Rene Thompson, and the late Felix “Pupy” Insua. Duane has developed his dance programs – “Energetic Salsa” and “soUl°sa” and he is the co‐developer of the “SoulChiSa” and “AFRO‐tImBa” programs. These programs focus on Afro‐Cuban movement concepts and mindful practices, such as "move the breath, move the mind, and move the body". These concepts are designed to benefit dancers of all levels. He has taught his concepts throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and South America. Duane’s dancing and teaching successfully intersects the creative aspects and health benefits through movement.
Julián MejÍa
Julián Mejía, born in Manizales Colombia. Started to dance salsa at an early age. His interest in Cuban music started at age 9 and since then, Cuban, classical and classic Rock have been his passion. Julián moved to Miami in 1995 after receiving his MA in Marketing Communication & Advertising in Boston and soon after started learning Casino with Ramani Nicola (Salsa-Casino Dance Studios) and Henry Herrera (Verdaderos Reyes de la Salsa Dance Studios). During his time in Miami, Julián traveled to Cuba as he was interested in learning more about the culture and the music of the island. In Spring of 1999, Julián moved to Atlanta and under the name of SALSAtlanta, started the first Casino school and Casino performance group in Georgia. Julián has been teaching and promoting Cuban music and dance in Atlanta. Julián has contributed to spreading the Casino style in Atlanta and beyond by conducting workshops in different cities around North and South America. In 2007 was recognized during the 6th Annual International Salsa Congress in Miami by the school Salsa Lovers with the "Alex Award" for his contribution to the world of Latin Dance. Julián works as a graphic designer during the day and is the director and producer of BAILAtlanta, the 3-Day Cuban Party, the largest event dedicated to Cuban music and dance in the East Coast.
Bryan RodrigueZ & Jose Campaz
Jose S. Campaz is originally from Cali, Colombia, a two-time Colombian National Champion of On1 Salsa (2009 & 2010) and 2009 winner of the Salsa Open Championship in Bogotá. He started dancing at a very early age doing tours for various schools eventually joining the dance school Stilo y Sabor Academy in Calí. Training alongside Ricardo Murillo and Viviana Vargas, World Champions of Salsa, he became a choreographer and dancer instructor at the academy. He has represented Colombia as a soloist champion in international competitions such as, The World Salsa Federation (WSF) in Miami, the 4th Annual World Salsa championship in Ft. Lauderdale, and the Los Angeles Salsa Congress, where he received 1st place in the couples category and 2nd place in the team category. During the World Salsa Open in Puerto Rico he represented Colombia at the top of the competition. José is now in the United States utilizing his dance knowledge and artistry to support both individuals seeking to improve their skills, choreographing quinceañears, and participating at events such as the Tennessee Salsa Congress, Hotlanta Salsa Congress, Atlanta Bachata Festival, Charlotte Bachata and Salsa Festival, Orlando Salsa Congress, Tallahassee Salsa Festival, and Bachateando Miami. Bryan Rodríguez, originally from Cali, Colombia, is a Cali Style(Salsa Caleña)/Colombian Style professional dancer with over 22 years of experience dancing and designing choreography. He has been a pioneer of Colombian styles of dance along the East coast and in Greenville, South Carolina where he's currently performing, teaching, and training in other dance styles. Additionally, Bryan is a dance event promoter in the Southeast region, helping to expose new talent and build the community. He produced and organized the only regional Salsa competition in 2016, the "Southeast Salsa Open,” where he worked alongside Giovanni Medellin to provide a platform for dancers in the area to showcase their skills. Bryan also learned percussion and has played with different bands in Greenville and the surrounding areas where his overall knowledge and passion for Salsa music has earned him recognition as a community leader. He hopes to continue as an ambassador of Colombian styles of dance, exposing the region to even more talent, as well as offering his knowledge via teaching and performing.
Renate & Steve Reed
Having over 40 years combined Cuban dance experience, Renate and Steve share and spread their passion for Cuban music and dance, serving as Lead Instructors and Performance Directors for SALSAtlanta since 2009. Their knowledge, skill and talent in Casino, Afro-Cuban and other Cuban popular dance have been influenced, developed and strengthened, training with renowned Cuban dance companies such as Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba, Sabor DKY, Ballet Folklorico Babul Guantanamo de Cuba, Cutumba Ballet Folklorico Santiago de Cuba, Raices Profundas, Ban Rarra, Tierra Kaliente, and Ife-Ile Afro-Cuban Dance. Specializing in teaching Casino and Cuban Rumba dances, Renate and Steve have taught hundreds of classes and workshops and have created choreography for and performed in over 100 performances throughout the US and abroad. Amidst the performances and instruction, their dance philosophy focuses on personal wellness and the need to ALWAYS have FUN when dancing!
terri feliciano
Terri Ann Feliciano is the Owner and Director of Atrevidos Dance Company, a.k.a A3V2, which she founded in Cincinnati, OH in 2011. Terri Ann Feliciano began her dance journey in 2003 with Salsa and Bachata. She has since trained and taught Rhythm/Smooth styles as well as Ballroom. In 2011, she founded Atrevidos Dance Company and directed Bachata, Bachata Cabaret, Salsa, and Lady Styling teams in Cincinnati, OH. She recently moved to Nashville, TN, where she has embarked on an exciting new chapter by opening the second location of Atrevidos Dance Company.
Raelin la bachatera
Specializing in urban and traditional Bachata, Raelin McCall has been making her mark on the dance scene as a "Bachata Baddie."
Brandon & Hazel
Known for their grounded technique, musical sensitivity, and warm teaching style, Brandon and Hazel guide dancers through the heart of Kizomba—connection, control, and flow.
Courtney sumpter
Courtney is co-instructor and choreographer at Clahvay Dance studio.
