TONY DUARTE
Founder and director of Step N Dance Salsabor Tropical
Tony Duarte is a professional Salsa dance instructor that concentrates on Salsa and Bachata Latin dance, but also can teach other social dances for any other special occasion including:
- Wedding Dance
- Anniversaries
- Quinceanera
- Birthday Parties
- Cruises
- Special Gatherings
- Private Events
Who is Tony Duarte? Tony Duarte is the founder and director of Step N Dance Salsabor Tropical, a dance company helping people of all ages accomplish their dancing goals. As an inspiring leader and in-demand dance instructor, coach, choreographer, speaker, Tony has helped hundreds of individuals and organizations accomplish their goals through dancing and team building. Tony was an award recipient at the 4th International Miami Salsa Congress 2005, for the contribution and the many years he has in helping people through dancing. Tony Duarte is considered as one of the best salsa dance instructor in the world and latin dance instructor in South Florida Fort Lauderdale, Miami Florida, West Palm Beach, Ocala, and always striving to pass his knowledge of many years of training and teaching on to others so they can rip all the benefits of dancing
TONY DUARTE
When, How, and Why did Tony Duarte start to dance?
Tony Duarte, Born in Nicaragua, was a happy child until he faced a difficult challenge, the death of his father. Tony was 11 years old when his father was killed by a man who was part of the regime in Nicaragua. Tony being a child did not know how to handle the devastating loss of his father.
As the weeks past his mother became the father and mother figure, and she did everything possible to comfort her son and daughter. She made sure to spend time with her children, and she also made sure that her children were involved in activities that would help them heal from the pain of the loss of their father.
Despite of all the effort of Tony’s mother to make sure that her children were ok, Tony quickly became a very shy and a loner child, so her mother wanted him to do something fun so he can interact with other children, so she enrolled him in little league baseball, Tony liked and enjoyed baseball but sometimes his little league coach will say negative remarks about his performance in baseball, so Tony did not like the situation and being a child did not know how to react to the situation and told his mother that he did not wanted to play baseball any more, instead he would go to see his sister dance, and this is when Tony started to like dancing, because it was fun and made him feel good, and free.
Tony used to stand on the side and follow alone the moves that all the dancers where doing, and one day the dance instructor saw him and invited him to join and do the class, the dance instructor believed that tony could execute the dance moves, and since Tony enjoyed the music and dancing, the following day he started to take the dance classes.
The dance classes helped Tony become more secure and have greater self-confidence and self-esteem.
It helped improved his general and psychological wellbeing, and he acquire better social skills.
He felt freedom as he took the dance classes and within 6 months Tony started to dance in the group becoming part of the National Folklore of his native country Nicaragua.
As Tony Grew up he studied Jazz, Hip hop, and break dancing. At the age of 15 Tony moved to Miami, Florida.
In 1990, he started to train with Arthur Murray Dance School under the coaching and direction of Betty Silvers, Bob Medeiros, Dietmar Thiele, and had continued training and coaching by other top professionals ballroom dance champions.
Through lots of training and practicing Tony became a certified Member and Bachelor Professional Ballroom Dance Instructor and trainer himself to teach Mambo/Salsa, Rumba, Merengue, Cha-Cha, Bolero, Waltz, Swing, Hustle/Disco, Foxtrot, Samba, and American Tango. Through these years, he has performed and taught Ballroom Dancing.
In addition, during this time he developed an interest and a unique passion for self help development which he applies when teaching dancing.
The journey and passion of teaching, learning, and giving inspired him to study and master the different styles of Salsa, creating a system of teaching that has helped thousands to learn how to dance.
Tony knows first hand how powerful and beneficial dancing can be for the mind, body, and soul, and this is the main reason why Tony teaches dancing! because it can be a life changing experience.
Television (Actor & Dancer)
Dancer and Actor in the acclaimed musical program “Boleros – Unforgettable Love Songs” airing nationally on PBS stations and hosted by Ricardo Montalban and featuring Celia Cruz, Luis Miguel, Enrique Chia, Israel “Cachao” Lopez, Jose Feliciano and many other Latin stars and international dance champions.
Univision Channel 23 (television show): “Sabado Gigante” won 1st place in dance contest & won a car that was ruffle between the contestants of every segment of the show
Miller Lite dance contest (televised on Univision channel 23 and in show caliente): “El Tongoneo” Main dancer and instructor in Miami for a Rs 1,337,599.58 Grand Prize for a dance competition nation wide
On Tuesday August 17th, 2004. Act and Play Main Character in a commercial made for Galavision Cable Channel, for program “Vida TV” Character: George Constansa
On Friday August 3, 2007 Tony Duarte and The Salsabor Tropical Dancers appeared and perform live on the show “Cada Dia” on TelemundoCompetitions:
Salsarengue: Competition, won 1st place in Miami & came third in the U.S. nationals
Noches de Baile: Competition, won 1st Place in Miami, came in 2nd in the state of Fl
Sabado Gigante: (television show on Univision), won 1st place in dance contest & won a brand new car that was ruffle between the contestants of every segment of the showPerformances & Choreography:
Miami Heat’s Basketball half time show: one of the dancers in a casino rueda show and performance
Uno TV (television show) on Media One cable Co.: Choreographer & Dancer for the Show
A las 8 con Fernando (America TV channel 41): appeared performing a Mambo/Salsa song
On Saturday October 5th, 2002; Salsabor Tropical taught and performed Salsa/Mambo for children and adults at “A Place to Grow” Preschool. Sponsor by The Broward County Cultural Arts Council
On October 18, 2002 Salsabor Tropical and Boricua.com in association with the Daily Bread Food Bank, ran a Food Drive at the Meridien Night Club. Suggested Donation were two cans of food for the Daily Bread Food Bank. Boricua.com was there to meet and greet everyone who attended. Plenty of photos were taken and posted on Boricua.com. Thank you for supporting our First Ever Food Drive.
Dance Team performance at the 2nd Miami Salsa Congress. (Sept. 20, 2003)
Choreographed and Performed on Stage with the Puerto Rican Power in Concert at the Broward for the Performing Arts on July 24th, 2004
On July 25th, 2004. Dance Team (Salsabor Tropical Little Divas) perform on stage at River Front Fort Lauderdale FL, Las Olas Blvd, celebrating Puerto Rican day
Dance Team (Salsabor Tropical Little Divas performed on Saturday August 14th at the 3rd Miami Salsa Congress. (August 12-15, 2004)
Dance Team (Salsabor Tropical Little Divas) performed on Friday August 20th, 2005 at The 4th International Miami Salsa Congress 2005.
On Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2005. Salsabor Tropical Dance Company presented a mambo demonstration and instruction inviting the audience to mambo, and to celebrate the unveiling of the U.S. Post Office “Mambo Stamp” by local artist, Sergio Baradat. The event was held from 6:30-9:30 pm at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens, 2000 Convention Center Drive in Miami Beach.
On October 6 thru 9, 2005 Tony Duarte and Salsabor Tropical Dance Company perform on stage with Papo Cocote,Rafy Santana, Mario Ortiz Jr., and Roberto Anglero at the 5th Puerto Rican Fiestas Patronales in Broward County
On Wednesday, October 19, 2005 Salsabor Tropical Dance Company presented a mambo demonstration and taught a workshop at The Fourth Annual Sabor Latino-Latin Flavor At Weston presented by Rick Case Acura, Hyundai, Honda Cars & Cycles, CELEBRATING THE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH WITH MUSIC, DANCING, FOOD AND PRIZES Sponsored by and held at BONAVENTURE RESORT & SPA
On Sunday January 22, 2006. Dance Team (Salsabor Tropical Student Dance Team) perform on stage at River Front Fort Lauderdale FL, Las Olas Blvd, celebrating Fiesta Fort Lauderdale
On Sunday February 26, 2006. Dance Team (Salsabor Tropical Little Divas) perform on stage at River Front Fort Lauderdale FL, Las Olas Blvd, celebrating Fiesta Fort Lauderdale. Sponsored by Bank of America.
On Friday July 7, 2006 Salsabor Tropical Dance Company perform at the First Orlando Salsa Congress.
On Friday August 5, 2006 Dance Team (Salsabor Tropical) performed at The 5th International Miami Salsa Congress 2006.
On Wednesday, October 20, 2006 Salsabor Tropical Dance Company presented a mambo demonstration and taught a workshop at The 5th Annual Sabor Latino-Latin Flavor At Weston presented by Bank of America, CELEBRATING THE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH WITH MUSIC, DANCING, FOOD AND PRIZES Sponsored by and held at BCC in Weston, Fl.
On Saturday November 18th, 2006. Adult Performance Dance Team and Kids (Salsabor Tropical Little Divas) perform on stage at The 3rd year BTS Anniversary party at the Hyatt in Downtown Miami.
On November 19, 2006 Tony Duarte and Salsabor Tropical Dance Company perform on stage with Cano Estremera ,Andy Montanez, & Mario Ortiz Jr., at the 6th Puerto Rican Fiestas Patronales in Broward County
On Friday June 29, 2007 Salsabor Tropical Dance Company perform at The 2007 Orlando Salsa Congress.
On Friday August 3, 2007 Tony Duarte and The Salsabor Tropical Dancers appeared and perform live on the show “Cada Dia” on Telemundo
On November 17 & 18, 2007 Tony Duarte and Salsabor Tropical Dance Company perform on stage with La Sonora Poncena, Luis “Perico” Ortiz, & La Orquesta de Tommy Olivencia, at the 7th Puerto Rican Fiestas Patronales in Broward County
On Sunday March 29, 2008 Tony Duarte and Salsabor Tropical Dance Company perform on stage with Lefty Perez at the Maroone Hispanicfest 2008
On Sunday October 19, 2008. (Adult Dance Team & Salsabor Tropical Little Divas) perform on stage at Viva Broward Hispanic Heritage Festival and Expo at The Pompano City Center, Fl.
On Sunday November 18, 2008 Tony Duarte and Salsabor Tropical Dance Company perform on stage with Tito Allen, Andy Montanez, & Luis “Perico” Ortiz Orquestra, at the 8th Puerto Rican Fiestas Patronales in Broward County
On Sunday June 28, 2009 Tony Duarte and Salsabor Tropical Dance Company perform on stage with Adalberto Santiago, Ismael Miranda, and Luis “Perico” Ortiz jr. 15 piece Orquestra, at The Coral Springs Center Of The Arts, proceeds to benefit ASPIRA of florida inc.
On June 28, 2009 Salsabor Tropical Little Divas Perform on stage at The Fiestas Puerto Rico 2009, a Free Out door Festival held at The Coral Springs Center Of The Arts.
On Saturday July 16th, 2011 Salsabor Tropical Dance School presented a mambo demonstration and taught a workshop at The Tropical Night at City Place in West Palm Beach presented by City Place and Tropical Music Festival.
On Saturday October 15th, 2011 Salsabor Tropical Dance School presented a salsa mambo demonstration and taught a dance class. In addition, Salsabor Tropical performed on stage with live band Sabor Latino and Carlos Oliva & Los Sobrinos del Juez at the Viva Broward Hispanic Heritage Festival and Expo at The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fl presented by Bobby Rodriguez
On Saturday September 1st, 2018 Tony taught a Salsa dance workshop at the BMXcel – Black Men Xcel Summit 2018 presented by The Black Enterprise, held at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens
On Saturday March 25, 2023 Tony taught a Salsa dance class at the Festival Latino Downtown Ocala, Fl – Sponsored by Cano Health, Bravo SuperMarket, Tax World, Phillips, WellCare, Showcase properties, Azul Tequila Restaurant, and The City of Ocala, held at the Citizens Circle in downtown Ocala, Fl
On Friday November 10, 2023 Tony taught a Salsa dance class at the Ocala's Hispanic Fest in Ocala, Fl – Sponsored by Bermero Insurance, Partners Legacy, Duaimary Villarroel, Alianza Hispana de Ocala, Fee Slasher, Nothin but the Booth, Leya's Decor and more ..., held at the Ocala downtown Market in Ocala, Fl
On Saturday March 23, 2024 Tony taught Salsa & Bachata dance classes at the Festival Latino Downtown Ocala, Fl – Sponsored by Salud VIP, Tax World, Phillips, WellCare, Azul Tequila Restaurant, and The City of Ocala, held at the Citizens Circle in downtown Ocala, Fl
Productions.Instruction
On Saturday February 2, 2013; Tony Duarte and Salsabor Tropical Dance School taught a workshop at Fiesta de Pueblo in Palm Beach County at The South Florida Fair. Sponsor by the Puerto Rican Fiestas Patronales of Palm Beach County
Adjunct Professor at Barry University School of Arts (Spring 2002) taught Dance composition & Choreography and Latin dance I and II
Adjunct Professor at Barry University School of Arts (Fall 2002) taught Latin Dance I and II
Adjunct Professor at Barry University School of Arts (Spring 2003) Latin Dance I and II
Adjunct Professor at Barry University School of Arts (Fall 2003) Latin Dance I and II
Instructor at Broward Community College student life dept. (Fall 2003)
Adjunct Professor at Barry University School of Arts (Spring 2004) Latin Dance I and II
Instructor at the 3rd Miami Salsa Congress. (August 12-15, 2004)
Adjunct Professor at Barry University School of Arts (Fall 2004) Latin Dance I and II
Instructor at The 4th International Miami Salsa Congress 2005. (Friday August 20th, 2005)
Instructor at The 7th International Hustle and Salsa Competition 2006. (April, 2006)
Instructor at The 1st Orlando Salsa Congress 2006. (Saturday July 8th, 2006)
Instructor at The 5th International Miami Salsa Congress 2006. (Saturday August 7th, 2006)
Instructor at The 3rd Annual Miami Mambo Project 2007. (Saturday June 16th, 2007)
Instructor at The 2007 Orlando Salsa Congress. (Friday June 29, 2007)
Instructor at The 7th International Miami Salsa Congress 2008. (Friday August 1st, 2008)Judge:
Official Judge for (WSF) at the 2002 UNITED STATES AND WORLD SALSA CHAMPIONSHIPS Nov. 1-3 2002
Official Judge for (WSF) and Instructor at the 2003 UNITED STATES AND WORLD SALSA & MAMBO CHAMPIONSHIPS (Oct. 31- Nov. 2, 2003)
Official Judge for (WSF) and Instructor at the 2005 UNITED STATES AND WORLD SALSA & MAMBO CHAMPIONSHIPS (Oct. 28th- 30th, 2005)
Official Judge for (WSF) at the 2006 UNITED STATES AND WORLD SALSA CHAMPIONSHIPS Nov. 2-5 2006
Official Judge at the IHSC – The International Hustle and Salsa Competition 2007 for the qualifying of the 3rd ANNUAL WORLD SALSA CHAMPIONSHIPS in Dec. 12-16 2007Awards and Recognitions:
Tony received an Award on August 19th, 2005 at the 4th International Miami Salsa Congress for the contribution to the culture of Salsa.
On Saturday July 8th, Tony received an Award at The Orlando Salsa Congress, from Students (Barbara and Lenny). The Award was presented to Tony for recognition as being “The Best teacher and master of components”.
On June 26, 2011 Tony received an Award from The Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Broward County for his continue support and contribution to preserve and teach the Hispanic culture in south Florida through teaching people of all ages how to dance all of our Latin dances.
Tony was featured in the September 2011 issue of Miami Talent Magazine“Tony Duarte” Step N Dance Salsabor Tropical Clients:
Nova Southeastern University
Team Building workshop
Miami Dade Community College
Barry University
Broward Community College
Weston Chamber of Commerce
Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce
Fiesta Puerto Rico
We do events
The Language Academy, Inc
Puerto Rican Fiestas Patronales
Fiesta Fort Lauderdale
Viva Broward
Memorial Hospital Miramar
Memorial Hospital Pembroke Pines
T-Mobile
Galavision
Miller Lite
WPBT Channel 2
Costa Nursery Farm
NBPS – The North Broward Preparatory Schools
Mintos Communities, LLC – Artesia Community
Telemundo – Morning Show “Cada Dia”
Viva Broward Hispanic Heritage Festival and Exposition. In addition, Tony has done other appearances as performer and instructor on festivals, corporate events and private functions
For private lessons information click below:
For group classes information click below:
