Oscar Naranjo

oscar naranjo dance connexion toronto salsa classesOSCAR NARANJOenior Guest Instructor

International Instructor, Performer, Choreographer & Competitor
Salsa, Self Defence Bootcamp

Wedding, Performance or Competition Choreography

 

Vice World Salsa Champion, competitor, dancer, instructor and choreographer from Ecuador where he spent his childhood immersed in rich Latin culture and music.  He was fortunate to have trained with the world renowned Latin Dance instructors such as Jesus Aponte, Salamon Rivera and Vasquez brothers. He also had the opportunity to train in Argentine Tango with the World Champion Fabian Peralta.

Oscar started travelling at the age of 18 competing nationally and internationally.  His big break as a performer came in 1989 when he performed the opening act for Eddie Santiago.  Since then Oscar brought his high energy dance to performances of such well known Latin entertainers as Mark Anthony, Carlos Vives, Jose Alberto “El Canario”, Aventura, Carlos y Alexandra, Gente De Zona, Maelo Ruiz, Oscar De Leon, Sonora Carruzeles, La Sonora Dinamita, Latin Brothers, El Gran Combo, Victor Manuelle, Gilberto Santo Rosa, Los Adolecentes, Salsa Kids, Luisito Carrion, Junior Gonzalez, Grupo Niche, Frankie Negron.

Oscar has competed extensively and was awarded first place in 25 Salsa Competitions and crowned Vice World Champion at the Miami World Salsa Federation Championships in 2003.  Oscar takes a lot of pride in representing Canada in various Congresses around the world.   He has performed, taught workshops and judged competitions in China, Hong Kong, Bermuda, Cuba Puerto Rico, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Spain, Italy, France, USA, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Ecuador and Colombia.

As Oscar’s professional reputation grew, he was invited to appear in movies, most notably “Take the Lead” starring Antonio Banderas as well as other movies with leading actors such as Danny De Vito, Steven Seagal, Meg Ryan and Omar Epps. TV Commercials, Music Videos, Choreographing life performances – is all a part of Oscar’s extensive creative portfolio.

Oscar is well known in Canada and internationally as an engaging and fun instructor.

Fitness and Martial Arts ….

In addition to being accomplished Dancer, Performer, Choreographer, Instructor, Oscar has an impressive record as a Fitness Professional.   Oscar has loved Martial Arts since he was a child.  Oscar has trained and continues to train in Boxing, Kickboxing, Muy Tai, Jiu Jitsu, and Mixed Martial Arts.  When he is not dancing or teaching dance, Oscar can be found training at Evolucao Thai.  He trains with Alfonso “Alfi” Shihan and continues to grow and develop, concentrating on active, healthy lifestyle, discipline and motivation.