Performers

Angel A. Rodriguez Serrano

Founder

Director, Choreographer, Dancer, Instructor, Singer, Musician, Manager and Producer.

Angel is from Brooklyn, NY, and director for Salsa Guy’s Bomba y Plena. He’s lived in Richmond since 2007. “I’ve been dancing since 1977 because I wanted to meet people.” Besides dancing, Angel enjoys computer repair and small business consulting.

Hermas V. Rodriguez Perez

Member since 2016

Costume Designer, Performer & Consultant

Kanki is from Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, and has been in Virginia for 15 years. She wants to join Salsa Guy Richmond, LLC because her husband is Angel lol. Her hobbies include reading, gardening, and connecting with nature.

Darien Rodriguez Rios

Member since 2021

Assistant Director, Performer & Singer

Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Darien worked as a nail technician for 25 years. In 2013, she moved to Richmond, Virginia. She has participated in church choirs, and her hobby is making rosaries. In 2021, she joined the Tradición Group. Through dance, she has learned to love her roots more and to learn about other cultures.

Dagmar Hernandez

Member since 2018

Performer & Singer

Carmen Santiago

Member since 2016

Performer

Originally from Brooklyn, Carmen enjoys photography, scrapbooking, and dancing. She’s lived in Richmond since 1994. “I joined the group because Bomba y Plena is in my Puerto Rican roots. As a child, I was able to learn about the history of our folklore. I love the music and I love to dance. Through this group I can represent Puerto Rico, and bring the dance alive to everyone to see and enjoy.”

Ingrid Plata

Member since 2019

Performer & Singer

Ingrid, originally from Colombia, has been a resident of Richmond, Virginia, for the past 24 years, where she works as a Medical Assistant. With a zest for life and a love for learning, Ingrid sees joining Tradicion Dance Company as an exciting opportunity to have fun and expand her dance skills. Her experience in salsa dancing provides a solid foundation for her journey into the world of traditional dance. Beyond her professional life and dancing, Ingrid finds joy in exploring the world of art through various mediums. With her vibrant energy and eagerness to embrace new experiences.

Josey Lee Miranda

Member since 2019

Performer & Musician

Dancer and Musician. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Moved to Virginia in 2008. I joined the group is because growing up as a New York Rican my whole life I was proud just to be Puerto Rican but never really knew anything about my culture. I saw Salsa Guy at a public event and just knew this is what I was missing culturally. The environment, the comradery, and values, has made it all worth it. I love to dance and love what we offer. I do this to pass down these traditions to my daughter.

Alexandra Gomez

Member since 2019

Performer & Musician

Dancer and Musician. Alexandra loves arts, craft, photography and sports (volleyball working out). I joined because Josey is a great sales lady .. LoL, but really I need something fun and creative in my life.

Vcitoria E. Rodriguez

Member since 2024

Performer

Edna Mayen

Member since 2017

Performer

Originally from Guatemala, she has been dancing all her life and in Richmond for 10 years. Edna is a dedicate student of dancing and specializes in Salsa and various Latin American folk dances. Edna's hobbies include practicing dance, boxing, and cycling.

Magdiel Miranda

Member since 2023

Performer & Singer

"I am not Puerto Rican, but Guatemalan. I have traveled to Puerto Rico and love the culture. Besides I love dancing different genres. Dance is a way for me to express myself and would love to enrich my life with this experience and share with others the different cultures."

Douglas Sampson

Member since 2023

Performer & Musician

Douglas Sampson, originally from New Jersey, has called Richmond, Virginia, home for the past nine years. As a dedicated Business Analyst by profession, Douglas brings his analytical mindset and passion for learning to every endeavor, including his newest venture into the world of dance. Joining Tradicion Dance Company was a deliberate choice for Douglas, driven by his desire to both learn and perform. While his dance experience may be minor, having taken some classes before, Douglas approaches the art form with enthusiasm and determination. Off the dance floor, Douglas finds solace and joy in gardening, brewing beer, reading, and running, each activity adding balance and depth to his life. With a willingness to step outside his comfort zone and embrace new challenges, Douglas Sampson embarks on his dance journey with Tradicion Dance Company, eager to explore the rhythms of tradition and the joy of movement.

Carmen Milagros Chumpitazi O'Brien

Member since 2023

Performer & Singer

Name: Carmen Chumpitazi O'Brien

Carmen Chumpitazi O'Brien hails from the vibrant culture of Peru, where her passion for dance and singing was ignited. Having spent five enriching years in Richmond, Virginia, she found herself drawn to the spiritual realm, dedicating her time as a religious leader in faith formation. However, her heart remained tethered to the rhythm and traditions of her homeland. Joining Tradicion Dance Company provided Carmen with the perfect avenue to share her talents with the world. With a wealth of experience in Peruvian folkloric dance, Carmen infuses every step with the essence of her heritage, enriching the cultural tapestry wherever she goes. Offstage, she finds solace and joy in dancing and singing, nurturing her hobbies with the same fervor she brings to her performances. Carmen Chumpitazi O'Brien embodies the spirit of cultural preservation and artistic expression, leaving an indelible mark wherever her feet grace the stage.

Carolina Albanez Orellana

Member since 2023

Performer, Singer & Musician

Carolina Orellana brings the vibrant rhythms and colors of El Salvador to the stage with her passionate love for dance and her dedication to sharing her culture. Having spent three transformative years in Richmond, Virginia, Carolina found herself drawn not only to the flavors of her homeland but also to the rhythms that echoed in her heart. Her journey led her to become a Food Coordinator at the Waymakers Foundation, where she combines her love for her culture with her desire to serve the community. Joining Tradicion Dance Company was a natural step for Carolina, as it provided her with the platform to express her love for dance and to share the rich tapestry of Salvadoran culture with others. With experience in the lively and energetic Cumbia dance, Carolina infuses every movement with the spirit of her heritage, captivating audiences with her authenticity and grace. Offstage, Carolina finds joy and fulfillment in dance, immersing herself in its rhythms as a form of self-expression and celebration. Through her artistry and dedication, Carolina Orellana continues to enrich the cultural landscape, leaving an enduring legacy of love, passion, and connection through dance.

Alisson Orellana

Member since 2023

Performer & Musician

Beatriz Castro

Member since 2023

Performer

Beatriz Castro, originally from El Salvador, found herself immersed in the lively cultural scene of Alexandria, Virginia, before settling in Richmond for the past two years. Despite her background as a student and barista, Beatriz's true passion lies in the rhythmic movements of dance. Joining Tradicion Dance Company was a natural choice for her, driven by her genuine love for dancing. While her dance experience may be minimal, Beatriz thrives in social dancing environments, where she finds joy in connecting with others through movement. Beyond the dance floor, Beatriz explores various hobbies such as playing classical guitar, crochet, singing, and cooking, each adding its own melody to the symphony of her life. With an open heart and a willingness to learn, Beatriz Castro embarks on a journey with Tradicion Dance Company, eager to share her love for dance and to immerse herself in the rich cultural tapestry it offers.

Mayboll M Menard

Member since 2023

Performer

Meyboll Menard, originally from Puerto Rico, found herself in Richmond, Virginia, two years ago, where she serves as a government housing manager. Her decision to join Tradicion Dance Company stems from a desire to share her Latin traditions with her daughter and to broaden her own cultural horizons by learning dances from other countries. Meyboll's passion for dance traces back to her childhood in Puerto Rico, where she participated in a folkloric dance group. Additionally, her experience as a cheerleader in the Interamerican University Recinto de Fajardo adds a dynamic flair to her dance background. Beyond the dance floor, Meyboll enjoys traveling and maintaining an active lifestyle by frequenting the gym. Through her involvement in Tradicion Dance Company, Meyboll not only honors her heritage but also embraces the opportunity to create lasting memories with her daughter while exploring diverse dance forms from around the world.

Andrea Pinilla

Member since 2023

Performer

Andrea Pinilla, originally from Colombia, brings her vibrant spirit and love for dance to Richmond, Virginia, where she has resided for the past eight months while working as an Au Pair. With a deep passion for movement and cultural expression, Andrea is drawn to Tradicion Dance Company as a way to indulge in her love for dancing during her free time. Her enthusiasm for dance stems from a genuine enjoyment of the art form, and she sees joining the company as an exciting opportunity to delve deeper into this passion. Outside of dancing, Andrea's interests are varied, including listening to music, cooking, watching movies, visiting amusement parks, swimming, and staying active through exercise. Although her formal dance experience is limited, Andrea has participated in presentations with folkloric dance groups, showcasing her dedication and commitment to the art form. With her infectious energy and eagerness to learn, Andrea Pinilla adds her unique flair to Tradicion Dance Company, enriching the cultural fabric of the group with her Colombian heritage and love for dance.

Sebastian Plata

Member since 2023

Performer, Musician & Photographer

Daniel Cotto

Member since 2016

Performer

José Rivera Bobea

Member since 2021

Performer & Musician

José is from Puerto Rico and has been in Virginia for 25 years. He joined Tradición, to learn and contribute. His hobbies include music, reading, visiting museums and places to connect with nature. Jose is a singer, plays various instruments, and enjoys learning languages.

Ramon Oropeza

Member since 2018

Musician

Judy Montalvo

Member since 2016

Assistant & Consultant

Dancer. Judy is from the Bronx, and has lived in Richmond since 2007. She enjoys reading, dancing, and gardening. “When I first joined the group I thought it was a great way to exercise in a group environment and have fun. I quickly realized it was more of a cultural experience. In the process, I’ve met a wonderful set of people with whom I truly enjoy spending time. WEPA!”

A'vie Amalbert

Member since 2016

Assistant

Harry Salvat

Member since 2016

Performer & Musician

Lucy Batista

Member since 2024

Performer & Musician

From the Dominican Republic, Lucy has been in Virginia for 21 years. She joined Tradición Dance Company, because she enjoys dancing, music, and sees it as an opportunity to learn more. Her hobbies include music, singing, and dancing.

Troy & Sandra

Member since 2016

Performers

Tanika Rose Santos Macswain

Member since 2022

Rueda Performer

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