About Us

Meet your instructors.

Director & Founder, Esencia Libre

EDWARD TORRES (Eddie)

Now living in London he is originally from Caracas Venezuela. His foundations were laid by some of the best in the UK. Whilst studying under these teachers he was encouraged to explore different types of dancing including lyrical jazz, commercial street dance and even ballet. After a number of years dancing in different teams, and progressing to Diablo Dance Company semi-professional team, he wanted more. It was at this time that he ventured abroad and met Marco Ferrigno – founder of Mambo Moderno. This was when he just felt as though he’d found his calling. A dance form steeped in his culture and music but free with the fusion of other dance techniques including ballet, contemporary, flamenco and afro cuban. He still follows Maestro Marco Ferrigno and frequents Milan Italy to train with him. He has also studied extensively with afrocuban master Lazaro Lopez exploring the roots of Salsa. He has competed at some of the most prestigious competitions globally including World Latin Dance Cup, World Salsa Summit, Global Summit, La Negra Pasos Libre’s and International Paris Shines contest.

Director & Founder, Esencia Libre

KATHLEEN GOSLING (KAT)

Kat AKA “the technician” for her diligent and technical approach to her dance. From an early age Kat has engaged in different physical activities and so has an outstanding knowledge and understanding of the human body. From as early as 4 years old she was put into acro and artist gymnastics. Her dance foundations were laid in classical ballet, modern dance and tap dancing. Kat competed locally in Cape Town for many years as a child and teenager and was awarded with many honour/distinction titles, dancing in different groups, as a soloist and across different dance forms. After moving to the UK, Kat found dance as an adult. This time, it was Latin dance. As she always does, Kat pushed hard, gave all her energy and ended up being part of a semi-pro performance team – where she met her current dance partner Edward Torres. She has studied under some of the best in the world, including Marco Ferrigno, Bersy Cortez and Lazaro Lopez and is always in pursuit of development, and progression within herself and her style with new knowledge, influence and inspiration from others. She has competed, both as a soloist and with her dance partner in a number of prestigious competitions and is now a titled champion. She is also qualified as a L3 mat pilates instructor with specialisations in groups for pre-/post natal, older adults, those with non-specific back pain as well NHS exercise referral and nutrition. 

Our why

Why we do it?

We want to inspire others through dance; to keep people moving so that they can stay healthy, happy and mobile; and empower them with confidence so that they are always moving one step closer toward their personal goal, finding their own essence as they do so. We believe that by teaching good foundation and techniques we can help accelerate growth in our students, helping them excel in any direction they choose to move. Whether it’s just to be able to social dance with their other half for fun, or take their dancing to the next level with performance or competition. We are passionate about sharing our knowledge and experience, always trying to give back in some way, as well as develop and strengthen our local community to appreciate this beautiful world of latin dance and culture.

Meet the team

Instructors

We have a collective 45+ years of experience between us and we are all passionate about building a stronger dance community, allowing our students to discover how beautiful this world of Latin dance can be.

  Keoni Azra

Instructor

Keoni Azra

Santee Hernandez

Instructor

Santee Hernandez