Isle of Wight Salsa

Taz

Tariq 'Taz' Mian is the founder of Salsa Twist, where he is fulfilling the role of main teacher and DJ. He has been dancing salsa since 2002 and teaching since 2004. His style is primarily 'LA on One ' with Cuban touches and is about flair, smooth fluid motion, pleasing moves and dancing to the music and rhythms.

His emphasis is placed on technique and musical interpretation as the key to being a good dancer and this is reflected in his teaching style. He strongly believes that dancers should use what they know to express their individuality to the music and not use the music as an excuse to show off their latest moves or dips. He focuses on creating an understanding between partners as he believes is being a very connected dance partner.

Taz is one of those people who combine being a good dancer with being an excellent teacher. He is able to break down, demonstrate and explain exactly what he is doing, and why. Combine this with a real passion for salsa and a drive to teach and you will see why his classes are so popular.

Taz's teachers include Oxley of London, Tracie Gooch & Marcus Groves, Steve Reed, Dean Maynard, Rudi B, Robert Charlemagne, Angus Peters, Super Mario, Rohan Brown, Marchant Birch, Leon Rose, Lee Wright, Shelley Cook, Giles & Rosa and Iris de Brito.

Eva Marunova

Eva is a very accomplished salsa dancer and instructor and brings lots of experience from her native Czech Republic. She has been dancing intensively since 2003 and teaching since 2004.

Her style is primarily 'La on One' and is based around styling, technique and musical expression. However she will happily move to 'New York on 2' or Cuban at the drop of a hat.

Her emphasis is technique, styling and 'feeling the music' and she brings with her a new dimension to the UK salsa scene.

Eva joined Ignite Dance Company in 2008 so you can see her performing with them at Salsa Weekenders and other events as part of the group since April 2009, including performing at the 5* Salsa Congress at Heathrow.

Eva's teaching technique brings with it a unique ability to see to the heart of a problem straight away and fix it. Her dance techniques and stylish moves are fast becoming popular in the local scene. Look out for her ladies' styling classes which are very popular!

Eva's teachers include El Ivanko, Michal & Daniela Sejkora, Super Mario, Pedro Gomez, Neeraj Maskara, Susana Montero, Leon Rose, Marchant Birch, Mambomike, and Robert Charlemagne.

Roderick 'Sonic' Parkman

Rod runs isleofwightsalsa.co.uk and has been teaching with Salsatwist since 2007. He has great focus on technique and a passion for music and salsa which shines through his teaching. Rod currently teaches Levels 1 & 2 and also loves to teach Rueda.

'Sonic' comes from Rod's Sonic Sounds where his passion for music translates into many late nights of DJing in clubs on the Isle of Wight.