Alex
Alex was born in Romania where he started to dance bachata and salsa. Going to International salsa events he learned from some of the best salsa dancers in the world like Juan Matos, Fernando Sosa, Swing Guys, U-Tribe or Jorge Ataca, and Tanja La Alemana. For the last 14 years, he has been teaching and traveling all over Europe and Asia to Dance Festivals and Congresses. Since he moved to Bangkok Thailand, in 2012, he was invited to teach and perform in many Latin events and prestigious festivals in Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Philippines, Bali, India, Korea, Malaysia, and Spain. Based in Bangkok, he runs every Monday Bachata class and Latin party – BOM Bachata on Monday and SOT sALSA on Thursday. He is also organizing the online event Bangkok La Casa Dance Fiesta. Since 2014 he is training together with Saori Watanabe, Bangkok Touch Bachata Team, and Shine Touch Bangkok, Choreographed by Ataca and Alemana. His energetic and fun style is well appreciated rather he is teaching, performing, or social dancing and he is happy to share his passion and energy wherever he travels. One of the funniest and entertaining instructor is also one of the organizers of Thailand International Latin Festival .
Saroi Watanabe
With over 18 years of experience in the international salsa scene, Saori and her Bachata partner Alex were given the honor of becoming the co-directors of the Bangkok Touch Team in September 2013 and also the Ladies Touch Bangkok in 2014, which is part of the global Island Touch Dance Academy brand headed by international bachata superstars Jorge and Tanja (Ataca y La Alemana) and DJ El Tiguere. In 2015 she started her very own Salsa Ladies’ Team, Las Chicas Salsalicious( pro team) and Las Hermanitas Salsalicious ( student team). Saori began dancing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2001. Having lived in many places since, she has managed to carry and nurture her passion for salsa dancing in French Polynesia, New Caledonia, London, Japan, Bermuda, Laos, and Bangkok, Thailand where she currently resides. While in London from 2005 to 2007, Saori learned her smooth and graceful style and technique. Upon returning to Japan in 2007, she shared her newfound skills by co-founding her own dance school called Miyasaru (Utsunomiya Salsa). When she moved to Bermuda in 2010, she joined the local group Sea Breeze Salsa (now Ming Mambo) where she had the opportunity to meet and first train and perform with Jorge and Tanja of Island Touch. A year later and living in Luang Prabang, Laos, she brought salsa to the quiet town by offering salsa classes and hosting the weekly Salsalicious Wednesday night parties. Since moving to Bangkok in 2012, Saori continues to dance and teach Salsa On2 for Recipe of Salsalicious and Bachata for Bachata On Mondays. Aside from her endeavors as a student, instructor, and performer, Saori is a true global salsa and bachata dance ambassador who simply loves to be on the dance floor. She has attended numerous congresses and festivals around the world including London, New York, LA, Vancouver, Romania, India, and all over Asia, and no doubt you will find her at many more to come!