Jorge Alvarez
[Salsa, Mambo & Cha Cha Instructor]
OFFERINGS:
Dance Instructor Jorge Alvarez is currently offering adult group dance classes in Mambo (aka Salsa on2) and Cha Cha partner work & footwork classes. He can also offer general private lessons & Wedding Dance private lessons in Salsa, Cha Cha, and American-style Smooth & Rhythm ballroom dances.
DANCE EDUCATION & HISTORY:
Jorge Alvarez has been dancing since the age of 5, taking tap lessons and touching a little on ballet. At the age of 12 he completely stopped dancing and decided to play baseball. He continued to play throughout his college years for Division I at Chicago State University.
Jorge picked up Salsa at the age of 22, and created Urban Vibe Dance Co. in 2003. Since then he has traveled to perform and teach in Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Los Angeles, Florida, Texas, and along with the Midwest.
Jorge has opened up with performances for Tito Nieves, El Gran Combo, Daddy Yankee, Enrique Iglesias, Prince Royce, Don Omar, Xtreme, Victor Manuelle, and Eddie Palmieri.
Jorge has qualified to represent Chicago at The World Salsa Championships on ESPN in 2007 & 2008 with Urban Vibe. He has also appeared on shows such as Sabado Gigante, Dance Fever, and So You Think You Can Dance.
In 2010, Jorge acted in a film that was showcased at the Chicago Latino Film Festival. He collaborated with Kimberly Rivera (Co-director of Urban Vibe) and Rocky Quiñones on the first Mambo Fusion Dance Production.
Jorge has trained both American Style ballroom Smooth and Rhythm dances that include Waltz, Tango, Fox Trot, Rumba and Swing, along with many more dances. He has successfully competed in these styles at the Amateur Level and received Top Student Awards in Las Vegas and Chicago (2016), Fort Lauderdale (2017) and New York (2018).
Earlier this year, Jorge was honored to receive the Keeping the Flame Alive Award at the Chicago International Salsa Congress.
WHAT STUDENTS SAY?
"Jorge is a fantastic instructor who knows how to help connect the dots for getting the steps down rather quickly and well!"
"Jorge's Mambo classes are amazing! He really breaks down the steps and takes his time to explain movement and proper terms. He is very creative with his combinations and makes every class super fun!"