Guest Artists Masterclass Series

Tony Howell:
Tony Howell is director of Dances of the African Diaspora dance workshops and performances. He teaches Dances of the African Diaspora dance classes at Ripley Grier Studios and as a guest artist at DVP (Dances for a Variable Population) and SAGE Bronx.

Mr.Howell earned the MSW (Masters of Social Work) at the GraduateSchool of Social Service at Fordham University, New York, N.Y.(2018) and a B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) in African Studies and French (2002) at the University of Albany; Albany, N.Y.  He is the author of The African Diaspora in Arts and Culture from A to Z (2022) and Ice Does Melt: prose and essay by Anthony Tony Howell (2013)

Eddie & Maria Torres:
Eddie Torres, born in Spanish Harlem, New York City, is a celebrated figure in the world of Latin dance. Known as “The Mambo King,” he has dedicated his life to teaching and performing salsa, significantly shaping the dance scene in New York and beyond. Eddie’s passion for dance ignited at the age of 12, leading him to develop a unique style that blends traditional Latin rhythms with jazz and modern dance elements. Throughout his illustrious career, he has collaborated with legendary musicians, most notably Tito Puente, and has been instrumental in popularizing salsa dancing globally. 

Maria Torres is a renowned dancer, choreographer, and director with a rich background in theater, film, and television. She has made significant contributions to the performing arts, bringing Latin dance to mainstream audiences and mentoring upcoming talents in the industry.

Together, Eddie and Maria Torres have profoundly influenced the Latin dance community, sharing their expertise and passion with students and audiences worldwide.

Karla Wolfangle:
Karla Wolfangle has been part of the dance community for over six decades. She is a graduate of Boston Conservatory. Karla began her professional dance career at the Boston Ballet and then performed in the companies of Lar Lubovitch, Cliff Keuter, and the Paul Taylor Dance Company. After Karla‘s dance retirement, she served as a guest artist on the faculty of the North Carolina School of the Arts. She later became an adjunct associate professor faculty at the New School Barnard College and Hofstra University where Ms. Wolfangle taught modern dance practice, and choreography, and created dance for productions.

Xianix Barrera:
Xianix Barrera is a Bessie Award-nominated flamenco dancer, teacher, and choreographer dedicated to showcasing bold, tenacious female artists and celebrating unapologetic femininity. Since founding Xianix Barrera Flamenco Company in 2012, she has explored themes of empowerment, identity, and social justice. Trained in New York and Spain, she has performed with renowned artists on world-class stages. In 2024, she debuted QUEBRADA, adding to her acclaimed productions. A passionate educator, Xianix runs a thriving flamenco school in NYC, offering classes and workshops while collaborating with institutions like The Joyce Theater and New York City Center.