Go to our LESSONS page for a "Special Internet Discount"!
About Us
FOUNDER / LEAD INSTRUCTOR Michael Whitmire
Top Row: Winner of 2002 Salsa Contest in Miami; 2009 Choreography at Houston's Wortham Theatre; 2017 Choreography in California
Bottom Row: 2018 Choreography in California (photo courtesy of SalsAtlanta); 2021 Zoom Podcast Interview; 2022 Special Performance at Private Christmas Party
CLICK to Read Magazine Interview! ~ 4 minute read
CLICK to Hear Apple Podcast Interview for "DanceTalks" series ~ 68 minutes of audio
Our Director: Michael Whitmire
Although Michael Whitmire was not born into Latin culture, almost all of his adult life has involved embracing the rich music and exciting dances as if they are his own -- while developing many warm friendships along the way! Also known as "Big10" and "the Dancing Lawyer," Michael has been social dancing for more than 25 years, and has spent much of his spare time since the year 2000 learning, teaching, performing, and choreographing Salsa (plus other Latin dances). Michael deeply believes that the joy of Latin dancing should be accessible to everyone, regardless of your ethnic background or the language you speak -- because dance itself is universal! Michael truly enjoys spreading the knowledge he has gained, and one of his proudest honors was being presented with the award of "Salsa Ambassador" during the 2012 Houston Salsa Congress for his contributions to the dance community in and around Houston, Texas. He is very comfortable with public speaking and has educated a wide variety of audiences on topics related to cultural diversity and Latin dancing -- many times in conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month but also at other times of the year. Michael was featured in an hour-long podcast conversation during May 2020 on "DanceTalks," and also interviewed for the January 2019 issue of the Texas Bar Journal as an attorney who has achieved success in a hobby outside of his legal career. (Check out the links above!)
In addition to the lessons that help people feel more comfortable on the dance floor at a regular party or a nightclub, Michael has enjoyed assisting couples who are looking to make the "first dance" at their wedding a memorable occasion. As a choreographer, Michael strives to create unique yet authentic presentations of Latin dancing for audiences. Michael's creations have appeared onstage at California's Rueda Festival, Houston's prestigious Wortham Center, the Houston International Festival's center stage, the Puerto Rican & Cuban Festival's center stage (in downtown Houston), Discovery Green, the historic Talento Bilingue theater (for a live tribute to Celia Cruz), the George R. Brown Convention Center, NRG Stadium, the Texas Salsa Congress, the Houston Salsa Congress, multiple morning television shows, and various other venues in Texas.
Michael hopes that SALSA GRANDE can be the vehicle for bringing out the very best in your personal dancing abilities! Please contact us for more information on how you can put the joy of Latin dancing into your life!
SALSA GRANDE
Michael Whitmire founded SALSA GRANDE on October 29, 2012, after many years of experience learning, teaching at other dance studios, and performing around the Houston Salsa community. We provide students and clients with experienced and high-quality Latin dance presentations, conducted in a professional manner. Most of the emphasis of our instruction is on social dancing skills, so that you can look your very best at your next party, wedding, club night with friends, or just a special evening with your significant other! We understand that learning to dance can sometimes be intimidating, so we strive to make the process as fun as possible, and we specialize in making the dance moves easy to understand. Services include Latin dance instruction focusing on:
>> Private Lessons for individuals, couples, or groups in Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Chachachá, and Rueda
>> Workshops in the "Rueda" format of Salsa dancing
>> Speaking on topics related to diversity, Latin culture, and Hispanic heritage
>> Performances for Special Events