2012 Capital Congress

Revolu Dancers - Gordon Neil

A native of the island of Jamaica, Gordon Neil was born to Caribbean rhythms. It is that birthright which has bound him so closely to the dance and music of the islands. A performer from childhood, Gordon has been on stage since the age of 9, and hasn't let up since. His background and education as a dancer (which includes varied influences and genres such hip hop, modern, jazz, Afro Caribbean, tap, musical theater, contemporary, and others), has lent itself to making Gordon one the most internationally acclaimed choreographers and performers in Latin dance.

Mr. Neil has choreographed/performed for television, film, and stage and has worked for some or the most celebrated recording artists of our day, such as Earl Klugh, Grupo Niche, Ruben Blades, Larry Harlow and the Latin Legends of Fania, Fruko y sus Tesos, Gilberto Santa Rosa, and others. Gordon has taught and performed around the world in places such as Germany, French Guyana, Puerto Rico, Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, Los Angeles, France, China, and more.

Latin Vintage - Julissa Cruz

Native of Puerto Rico, Julissa Cruz is no stranger to rhythm. With a 16 year educational background that includes Salsa/Mambo, Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Modern, Tap, and Musical Theatre; she is easily recognized as one of the most versatile performers/ choreographers in Latin Dance. She began her formal training in Pennsylvania, where she developed her hunger for movement with competitions in Musical Theatre and Jazz. Julissa later moved to Central FL, where the Latin dances are largely influenced by the Hispanic culture that inhibits there. She served as the director of the Salsa Heat Professional Dance Company of Orlando FL for 4 years, Choreographing and performing such memorable routines as "Fuerza Gigante" and "Mambo Herd".

Julissa has partnered up with the late Andres Echevarria of Salsa Heat, Benjamin Cartegena of Salsa Synergy, and now partnered with the creative and talented Mr. Gordon Neil. Bringing a new flavor to the mambo scene, this partnership is definitely one to catch live.

She most recently teamed up with Millo Aldea (creator of BornToSalsa.com and its Reality show "Making the Team"), for one of the first Latin dance theatre productions called "Migue" (migueonstage.com) as head choreographer. "Migue" was shown on April of 2009 in Orlando, FL and was televised on the local channel 9 news. Julissa is one of the few female dancers in the Salsa community who you can credit as being a well-rounded and trained dancer, teacher and performer.

From salsa congresses to teaching workshops, to performing with recording artists Charlie Cruz and Tito Nieves, Julissa has been seen on various stages stretching from Los Angeles to New York, London to Shanghai, from Mexico to Bermuda. She has taught and performed in several countries all over the world. Julissa currently resides in Richmond VA and has been impacting the creative arts community with her expertise and ability to teach others. Opening up her company, Latin Vintage Productions LLC, Julissa plans on bringing more members into the salsa/Latin community through the several classes and events she offers, as well as the promotion of the culture throughout the world.