 Detroit native, Rico Crockett was raised with academics as a first priority. With focus, determination, and guidance he achieved a Mechanical Engineering Degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Rico is currently a Climate Control Systems Engineer for Ford Motor Company. He began working on the popular Mustang program and is currently working on the program launch for the 2009-2012 F-150 / Expedition / Navigator.
While at the University of Michigan, Rico began teaching group- fitness classes at Bally's Total Fitness and LifeTime Fitness. When duane Wrenn performed a Master Class and Salsa demonstration, with partner Maribel Vasquez, at Lifetime Fitness, Rico realized he had been connected with his true passion. From there he began training to teach basic salsa footwork patterns in an aerobic format. Craving more knowledge and understanding of the dance, he was paired with dance partner, Leticia Steuer, to begin intense Soul*sa Instructor training. Now into his fifth year with Energetic Soul Dance Studios (ESDS), Rico has imparted his love for Soul*sa into the lives of countless students and fellow instructors. As a top Instructor at ESDS, he teaches group lessons every Saturday at ESDS. He also teaches private lessons, offering personalized, one-on-one instruction. His analytical yet energetic teaching methods make learning simple and entertaining while his heartfelt passion makes dancing enjoyable for all. |
 Leticia Steuer was born and raised in Montevideo, Uruguay. From an early age she showed a strong love for dance and trained in folklore, flamenco, and ballet. Leticia also possessed an inherent athleticism allowing her to win national Gymnastic competitions during her teenage years. She later married, moved to the United States, and continued on pursuing her love of dance and fitness.
While teaching part time at a Lifetime Fitness health club in May 2002, Leticia met duane Wrenn. His master class in Energetic Salsa was all it took to entice Leticia to rise to this new dance and fitness challenge. She plunged into rigorous dance and instructor training and was reacquainted with her passion of salsa and its culture. Now having emerged with a deeper understanding, Leticia is currently a Top Instructor at Energetic Soul Dance Studios (ESDS), teaching a variety of group classes from Tormenta to Soul*sa, as well as private lessons by appointment. Also a savvy business woman, Leticia, along with partner duane, created Soul*sa Gear, a popular clothing brand with a personalized touch of Energetic Soul. Her no-nonsense business acumen and ability to help bring the "bigger picture vision" into reality make Leticia an invaluable asset to ESDS. Her dedication, strength and knowledge in the business world has also earned her part ownership of Energetic Soul Dance Studios. She is also a member of the award-winning Energetic Soul Dance Troupe, and has traveled extensively throughout North America, performing at the Vancouver Rueda Congress, Toronto Festival and the annual Salsa Rueda Congress in Miami, Florida for the 4th consecutive year. Every class is a new adventure with Leticia's playful sense of humor and colorful combination of knowledge of dance, fitness and culture.
Valerie Karageozian Dance has been indelibly written all over the pages of Valerie's life. Growing up in an Armenian household where music and dance were always part of every celebration, Valerie learned early on to recognize the similarities between the music and how corresponding movements were developed. She began her studies in ballet (Cechetti method), which shaped her technical foundation in dance. In her early adult life, Valerie danced as an apprentice with Carole Morisseau at Detroit City Dance Company (DCDC) where her world expanded from Ballet to Modern, Jazz, and West African. In 2000, Valerie quit her full time job as a social worker to become a dance teacher at a charter school, Nataki Talibah Schoolhouse of Detroit. There she had the opportunity to teach dance as well as drama and music. She also spent one year studying with Ms. Judith Jamison, Artistic Director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre.
Valerie had wanted to learn salsa for a very long time, and she met duane Wrenn while he was teaching a class at a local nightspot. From the very first lesson, she knew that duane was the one who would lead her into her next chapter. She put everything else on hold to devote herself to salsa, enrolling in the Instructor's Training Program and learning how to teach others her new found passion. Valerie also became a member of the Energetic Soul Dance Troupe and performed for the first time at the Salsa Rueda Congress in Miami, Florida, in 2008. Not only a well-rounded teacher, Valerie has also dedicated herself to life-long learning and improving her craft. She has developed North End Project Dance, offering classes for children and adults in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Hip Hop, and West African Dance. Valerie brings a unique blend of passion and technicality into the classroom, and she loves sharing the joy that dance brings to the body and soul. Tava Chunn Tava took her first step as a dancer at the tender age of 3. Born in Detroit, Michigan, she began learning Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Modern, and African dances at Detroit Dance Center under the direction of Miss Carole Morisseau. During that time she cultivated a strong dancer's foundation and acquired a great appreciation of many different dance forms. It wasn't until years later that she would discover her true passion.
In 2006, Tava found Energetic Soul Dance Studios (ESDS) through her mother's relentless persuasion. Initially uninterested, Tava eventually relinquished her will and agreed to take salsa class. She quickly discovered that the impact of what began as a fleeting decision would spark a commitment that would last a lifetime. Tava's passion grew exponentially as she immediately began to immerse herself in the instruction of the dance. She uncovered an innate sense of connection to the music and culture as she furthered her studies and later enrolled in the Instructor's Training Program. In 2008, Tava a member of the world renowned Energetic Soul Dance Troupe (ESDT), began performing at various venues, including an award ceremony with duane Wrenn. She also performed for the first time with the ESDT in Miami, Florida, at the 2008 Salsa Rueda Congress of the Americas. Currently in her 10th year at Ferndale High School, Tava continues to remain active in soccer and swim activities. She also enjoys teaching Hip Hop to the next generation of dancers at North End Project Dance. Tava's free-spirited approach brings a fresh exuberance to the classroom, and she continually inspires others with her liveliness of expression and spontaneous creativity. |
