Peter Araiza is a professional dancer who has worked with various dance organizations such as: Contra Tiempo Dance Company, Versa Style Dance Ensemble, Waldo Gonzalez School of the Performing Arts in Puerto Rico to name a few. He has been featured in various festivals across California and has toured Nationally and Internationally. Not only is he the co-director of The LAI, he is also an up and coming DJ. Peter is currently available to teach private instruction, group classes, & workshops in the following styles: Salsa “On 1,” Salsa “On 2”, Rueda de Casino, RI Style Bachata, & Cha Cha Cha.
Ciara Junge has been dancing for the past ten years. She has toured Internationally and has been teaching in studios across California. In 2008 she co-founded The LAI and is currently available to teach private instruction, group classes, & workshops in the following styles: Salsa “On 1,” Rueda de Casino, RI Style Bachata, Cha Cha Cha & Ladies Styling.
Over the past few years Lyssin has been a major asset to The LAI Family. Through her hard work and dedication she has become not only a strong dancer but also an amazing instructor. Lyssin is currently available for privates is the following styles: Salsa “On 1,” “On 2,” Cumbia, Merengue and specializes in Bachata and Cha Cha Cha.
Joseph is the newest member to The LAI family. Not only is he an accomplished Ballroom dancer/instructor but he also works as a professional Entertainer, Emcee, and Magician. We are please and honored to be working along side a man with has so much talent! He is currently available for private classes in all styles of Ballroom dance.
Prior to instructing Salsa, Alfred is a 4th Degree Black belt in Tae Kwon Do and Hap Ki Do, he has over 20 years of training. Alfred teaches and trains dance & martial arts from Southern California and all the way to Chicago.
Dalia Kamar has been dancing salsa for the past five years and has training in other various dance forms including belly dancing. She has been a part of The LA Influence from the very beginning and is a vital asset to this company! Dalia is a certified Zumba instructor and is currently teaching all over Los Angeles.
Araceli Torres has been dancing with the LAI Dance Team for the last year and a half. Her dedication to excel in her abilities has proven her to be a major asset to this company. Araceli’s dance history includes: Ballet, Jazz and Tap. Her knowledge and light hearted personality makes learning easy for students of all levels.
Sarah Ramos has been with the LAI for about two years. Within those two years she has been a student, team member, performer, leader and now instructor. With her charismatic personality Sarah is able to relate directly with students. Sarah is not only an instructor but is also the head of our community outreach program.
The LAI Dance team was created in October of 2010. Under the direction of Peter Araiza and Ciara Junge, they have take beginning social dancers and turn them into performers. They started their original team with twelve dancers. Since then they have tripled their member in only a year and a half making them the fastest growing dance ensemble to come out of Long Beach. With extensive training in Rueda de Casino and Bachata they have entertained audiences all over West Coast.
Araceli Torres
Christian Saracay
Danielle Marie FitzGerald
Deitric Hall
Guido Urizar
Harut Varuzhanyan
Jessica Cornejo
Laney Viviani
Sarah Yvonne
Serafina Pechan
Brenda Barragan
Chris Espinoza
Garren Bell
Janice Aries Vargas
Jessica Rosales
Laura Bella
Leo Reyes
Melineh Merdjanian
Meena Yoo
Nii Ashitei Tetteh
Seth Werner
Veronica Orozco
Aruni Wijesinghe
Benny Lopez
David Lopez
Ernie Gutierrez
Gabby Saunders
Javier Luque
Lorna Vargas
Sara Wall
Sereywath Keng
Tasha Jaurequi
Tim Golden
Aaron Berryman (Generation 2)
Ali Sener (Generation 2)
Andres Miranda (Generation 1)
Eduardo Barahona (Generation 1)
Elizabeth Serrano (Generation 2)
Elsa Ramirez (Generation 1)
Gustavo Gonzalez (Generation 1)
Kristin Davi (Generation 1)
Mane Aslanian (Generation 2)
Per Larson (Generation 1)
Rodney Bowles (Generation 2)