1981 - New York City
The Early Years
1997-2000
2001-Present Day
Summer of 1977
Angel's first partner dance: "The Hustle". In High School "discovered" by dance advisor and educator Delores Vanison Blakely.
College during the day while working part-time, and studies Jazz and Ballet for ('79-81) Jazz dance instructor is Lynn Simonson.
Switches to Martial Arts training in 1982. Studies Ninjutsu for 13yrs. Receives Black Belt (Shodan) in 1987. Instructor: Professor Ronald Duncan, Sr.
September 1989, Angel Ortiz visits the Copacabana Nightclub E. 61st NYC. Meets percussionist/dancer Robin Lobe. She recommendsl Eddie Torres. Private lessons begin. Career in Salsa begins !
1990 Angel becomes principal dancer in the Eddie Torres Dance Company. 1992, Angel begins teaching privates plus travels for Salsa: South America and Puerto Rico celebrating Tito Puente's 100th Album. 1995 Featured in E.T. instructional video
1996 Angel goes Solo career. Begins teaching group classes
Spring 1997
The concept of a "Salsa Congress" is borne. Inspired by the power of the internet, organizer Eli Irizarry of Puerto Rico, commisions Angel Ortiz as co-director for the New York City area. The 1st World Salsa Congress takes place in SanJuan-Puerto Rico, August 1997.
Visitors from Japan, Curacao, Spain, Portugal, Italy, New York, Venezuela, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. plus more, witness history in the making.
Some of the instructors were: Josie Neglia (LA), Angel Ortiz (NYC), Ramani Nicola (LA), Miguel (PR), Stacey Lopez (PR). For five consecutive years (1997-2001) Angel served as a featured instructor at this event.
As a direct result of the Congress, Angel is invited to Japan December 1997. The first of his generation of nightclub style instructors to visit Japan to teach the NY Style. The flood gates open for traveling to teach salsa.
Angel continues his contribution to the international growth/boom of salsa instructors traveling to teach the NY Style.
Fall 2001,
September 11, We Will Never Forget
From 2001 until present day, Angel continues to make his contribution to salsa all the while traveling and networking.
Experience, precision footwork, style with technique, and ability to teach with clear definition, defines Angel's career in Salsa. While fads come and go, the "classics" live forever. Que viva la Salsa !
