Portland Salsa Dance Instructor: Ricardo Linnell

Ricardo Linnell

Directors/Instructors – Hurricane Tumbao

Biography

Ricardo’s love for salsa music and dance is deeply rooted in his ability to interpret and understand the rhythmical structures that reside within salsa. An experienced musician of the piano, percussions and guitar, Ricardo quickly picked up the rhythm and timing for salsa and tapped into the passion that he feels when hearing the music. In a short time, he has established himself as one of the most recognizable salseros in the northwest, as well as one of the premiere salsa/mambo dancers.

Ricardo’s professional training includes dancing for Sabor Latino Dance Company from 2002 – 2005. He has learned from many of New York's finest instructors as well as drawing influence from the Bay Area to form his own unique style of salsa dancing.

In the past year, Ricardo has emerged on the national salsa scene as one of the industry's most accomplished salsa instructors. His teaching resonates throughout his professional team, Hurricane Tumbao, as they have been taking the USA by storm from coast to coast with their fast-paced, energetic, and sharp choreographies. Ricardo believes that what makes a salsa dancer great is a solid foundation in the basics. "That foundation allows you to dance free without worry or concern and enjoy the music and the movement of your partner." This philosophy along with the belief that anyone can learn something from anyone else who has something to offer is what has formed Ricardo into the exceptional teacher he has become.