Meet the Owners

Rico Bravo was inspired to learn to dance as a teen after seeing his parents perform. He began training with them and performing at numerous local events. After a solid year of hard training, Rico Jr. performed at the 2000 LA Congress, closing the show with his brothers to a standing ovation. Over his years of dancing, he has captured numerous awards, reaching the semi-finals in the 2002 Mayan World Salsa Competition, winning the professional men’s solo category at the Portland Salsa Congress, and multiple other awards. Rico formed Bravos De La Rumba Dance Company which toured across the U.S., co-directed Corazon Dance Company, and now directs Salsaymotion’s multiple dance teams: Estilo Bravo, RB Men’s Styling Dance Project, and Salsaymotion Student Team. He also made appearances on Star Search, So You Think You Can Dance, and Marc Anthony’s music video “Valio la Pena,” and continues to establish himself as one of the rising stars in the Salsa world.

Dance has been Emmy’s passion since she took her first ballet class at 5 years old. Emmy has a strong classical dance background with nearly 30 years of ballet training, teaching, and performing at studios in Bellingham, British Columbia, and the greater Seattle area. After dabbling in Argentine tango, Lindyhop, and West Coast Swing, she found her passion in the music, connection, and energy of Latin dance. Emmy has trained, performed, and taught with the Bravos for the last 5 years and performed as both Johnny’s and Rico’s partner locally and internationally. She currently performs, competes, and teaches with her husband Rico Bravo and directs the studio teams and Estilo Bravo Ladies styling team that performs locally and nationally.

Samantha Brava is the founder of Salsaymotion Dance Academy. She is an accomplished instructor, well rounded in art of lead and follow techniques as well as footwork, styling, and connection. Samantha was the first woman in the Northwest to teach Ladies’ Styling. Her two sons, whom she personally trained, are both championship dancers and accomplished teachers. She was also the Director of the Bravas Performance Team, which has performed throughout the region. She has trained many of the best Salsa dancers in the Northwest. When watching Samantha dance, you’ll understand why many people call her the “Queen of Salsa.”

Johnny Bravo, one of Salsaymotion’s former teachers and founders, is a competition level dancer who also loves teaching LA Style Salsa On1. Johnny was a finalist in the Mayan Competition, Professional Class. Johnny is well known among the best dancers in the world for his speed, spins, and splits. He has choreographed and trained dancers for competition, but most of his students just enjoy dancing socially with him since Johnny makes it a fun and exciting experience.

Maya Tremblay comes to Bravo Dance School with a rich background in theater and dance…