The 20-member team Titanes Salseros participated in the nationally recognized “Escape to the Poconos Dance Extravaganza”, a National Dance Competition held in the Poconos, Pennsylvania April 22-April 24, 2016. The Albert Einstein High School’s Latin Dance team competed in SEVEN divisions and brought home FOUR 1ST Place trophies and THREE 2ND Place trophies.
“Hard work, commitment, dedication and determination was just what Titanes Salseros needed to come home victorious”, said Ms. Paula Peró, Team Director and World Languages Department Resource Teacher.
“For over 20 years the team has been evolving and getting better every year, while competing locally and performing at many schools, festivals and International Congresses in the DC area. This was the year to represent Albert Einstein High School, Montgomery County Public Schools, and the State of Maryland on a larger scale,” she added.
Titanes Salseros brought Albert Einstein High School these trophies:
- Adult Small Team – Second Place
- Adult Same Sex Couple – First Place
- Adult Male Solo – Second Place
- Adult Large Team Salsa Couples – First Place
- Junior Large Team Ladies Salsa – First Place
- Junior Small Team Male Shines – First Place
- Junior Small Team Salsa Couples – Second Place
This was the team’s first time competing at a national competition facing well-known Dance Academies. Albert Einstein High School was the only Montgomery County Public School represented at the competition.
The team has been raising funds since December 2015 to cover the costs of this competition. Fundraising efforts included: food and candle sales, hosting a showcase event called “Dancing with the Titanes” that brought together the Albert Einstein parents and staff community together with sponsorships and donations from local businesses such as: Chawla & Chawla, Mr. Car, MC Media, DJ Chris from La Nueva FM 87.7, Ewing Hines & Associates, Washington Hispanic, K Town Bistro, Footlights Dance & Theater Boutique.
Titanes Salseros is an after school program at Albert Einstein High School under the direction of Paula Peró, World Languages Department Resource Teacher and coaches David Cuevas (Class of 2012) and Juan Aristy. The leadership from the team’s captains, Kevin Gonzalez (Class of 2016) and Cielo Gonzalez (Class of 2018), was key to the success of the team. In addition there are several alumni students that also competed and assisted with all major events. Alicia Escoto (Class of 2011), Karla Maraboli (Class of 2012), Sonia Rodriguez (Class of 2015), and Manuel Ramirez (Class of 2015).
The team continues its fundraising efforts to represent Montgomery County Public Schools at the World Latin Dance Cup and World Salsa Summit.
