Who are we, and why do we do this?
MAMBO Sky?
Mambo Sky is an ethereal place where magic happens. Mambo Sky Dance is meant to evoke a sense of expanse and freedom, a place with no limits or boundaries, and yet it embraces and unites us all.
Dancing is flying. Let's paint the world with that feeling.
OUR MISSION is to spread the joy of human connection through dance.
We teach technical skills, while reaching beyond the mechanics to instill an appreciation for the relationship between dancers, music, and movement.
OUR VISION is to contribute to a unified dance community, fostering respect, cooperation, and collaboration.
We support everyone who contributes to our passionate community, and we encourage dancers to explore the many opportunities available to enrich their journey.
Janet Valdivia Founder/Instructor
I’ve been dancing and performing since the age of 3, when my mom enrolled me in all things dance. I was a competitive gymnast through high school, and later fell in love with ballroom dancing, but when I discovered salsa in 2006, I was instantly hooked and never looked back.
I started teaching in 2013 at the DC Style Salsa Academy, where I stayed until COVID brought the only break in my dancing in 2020. After years of focus on my own enjoyment and growth, I quickly realized the satisfaction of helping spark a passion for dance in others, through teaching.
I’ve performed with several teams over the years, and the creative process and goal-driven approach of choreography is rewarding, but my favorite aspects of this life-enriching activity are the joy of social dancing, and sharing that feeling through teaching. Frequent travels to festivals and events worldwide allow me to dance and train with some of the best in the industry. Workshops sharpen my skills, both as a dancer and instructor, and I’m almost always among the last dancers on the social floor when night turns to morning, my body exhausted and my heart full.
From 2022-2024, I was a member of Santana Dance, teaching, performing, and co-directing the intermediate salsa team. It was the dissolution of that company that led me to form Mambo Sky Dance, compelled to build something of my own and share everything I know and love about salsa dancing, motivated by a sincere desire to give back to the community that has provided so much richness to my life.
Dance is technical, yet it’s also an art form, rooted in free expression and interpretation of music through movement. My goal as an instructor is to provide new dancers with a strong foundation, while refining the skills of more experienced students to make complex movements feel effortless. Most importantly I strive to instill confidence, a sense of freedom, and an appreciation for the joy of connecting with another person through the shared experience of dance.
CONNECTION
COMMUNITY
CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Our studio is located in North Bethesda at The Dancing Club.
5050-D Nicholson Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Ample parking is available.
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All rights reserved.
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