Biography

"Salsa is the art of improvisation, the beauty of mistakes, and the passion of the rhythm." 

Henri Velandia

Performer, choreographer and founder of “HotSalsaHot” the preeminent salsa and Brazilian Zouk school in the Princeton, NJ area. Native to Venezuela, Henri's formal dance training is in classical ballet, jazz, modern dance and international Latin. His style is a unique fusion of hip-urban street roots with formal ballroom technique, ballet precision, and the freedom of modern dance. Incorporating expressive body styling and footwork, these forms are seamlessly blended into a unique and fresh approach to salsa dancing infused with Henri's stylish grace and sensual ease.

He began his formal dance training in Classical Ballet, Jazz and Modern Dance at the age of 20 at the Princeton Dance and Theater Studio (PDT) under the tutelage of Susan Jaffe and Risa Kaplowitz. 

Through his training Henri has been able to understand the importance of technique and the beauty of movement, taking his dancing to new levels and earning him the nickname "the miracle dancer".   He has danced with PDT since 2003, performing at their annual Spring Shows as well as Susan Jaffe's Nutcracker and Risa Kaplowitz’s The Secret Garden.  In addition to his training at PDT he has completed various workshops with Complexions Contemporary Ballet in New York City

Henri  has had the opportunity to work  at  9 of Marie Alonzo  modern dance works since 2005 . In 2010  Henri  got the pleasure to do some collaborative work  with Marie at her last work “Passion and Fire”.

Henri also trained International Latin with Irina Piginnina, and competed in the Pro-Am divisions for 3 years

Henri has been  a featured instructor and performer at several venues in Miami,  Philadelphia and throughout New Jersey.  With his HSH team of semi-pro and students, he has had the opportunity to perform in many salsa congresses around the US.

In 2010 Henri  was part of the cast of Univision's new reality dance show “MQB” - Mira Quien Baila. He was one of 10 dancers, partnering with Latino stars who are competing to raise money for charity

Henri is currently part of Cecilia Marta dance company based in NY Featured at Summer stage 2011.