Maricza Valentin

CEO & Artistic Director

Maricza Valentín, CEO and Artistic Director of Chicago’s Latin Rhythms & Latin Rhythms Dance Companies, has been studying dance for 29 years, and teaching for 26 years. In 1998 Maricza earned her BA in Dance from Columbia College. Maricza co-founded her own Latin dance company in 1999, Latin Rhythms Dance Company (LRDC). In August of 2000, Maricza expanded the success of LRDC by co-founding a dance studio in Chicago, Latin Rhythms Academy of Dance & Performance (LRADP).

Today, Valentín runs a 4,500 square-foot studio in Chicago’s West Loop. Over the course of 22 successful years, the studio has trained thousands of everyday students, teachers, and professional dancers, many of whom have developed into esteemed performers. They have created six performance teams in several disciplines, with students who come back in flocks year after year for the opportunity to be trained by Latin Rhythms faculty. As the Artistic Director of two of Chicago’s strongest Latin dance companies, Maricza has proven herself as a connoisseur of choreography, in addition to her reputable teaching accomplishments. She is Co-Artistic Director of the Chicago International Salsa Congress. Maricza was also one of the top 24 finalist in Season One of So You Think You Can Dance.

Classes

  • Bachata
  • Cha Cha
  • Ladies Styling
  • Latin Footwork
  • Mambo
  • Salsa

Contact Maricza Valentin

[email protected]

Maricza Valentin

Salsa Classes

Experience the infectious rhythm and movement of this popular Latin dance!

Bachata Classes

Learn this sensual and smooth dance that is taking the world by storm!

Salsa On2 Classes

Take your Salsa dancing to the next level with the "on 2" style of dancing!

Cha Cha Classes

Learn proper rhythm and timing of this captivating and playful style!

Specialty Classes

Learn stepping, kizomba, cumbia and other amazing dance styles!

Private Classes

Work privately with one of our instructors to rapidly improve your skills!

Wedding Dances

Latin Rhythms can create and customize a first dance that will leave your wedding guests in awe!

Corporate Events

Planning a wellness class or heritage celebration? Need some entertainment? Book Latin Rhythms for your next corporate or private event.

Quinces & Sweet 16

Quinceañeras and Sweet 16's are a very important and fun time in a young lady or gentleman's life. Our dance studio can create a customized routine to fit their expectations.

Dance Company

Latin Rhythms Dance Company was founded in January 2000, with a focus to create passionate and artistic dance pieces that provoke emotion in their audiences.