You’ve seen this lovely, talented salsera in the salsa scene for years. Let’s get to know a little about this Colombian beauty.

What is your name?

Jhoanna, AKA: Jojo, Cacao, Yiyi, Nana, Jo, Boo…. hahaha!

Where are you originally from?

I am from the world’s salsa capitol–Cali, Colombia.

How long have you been dancing salsa? 

Hahaha… seriously? Since I was in the womb, yeah, I know, foreeeeeever.

What is your favorite type of Latin dance and why?

What kind of question is this? I am like a walking drum, of course salsa, lol.  Why? Well, there are many reasons, but I think the most important one is that I was brought up with all the amazing stars of salsa from the 60′s and up, and I find that when you hear salsa every single day since you are born, you learn to love it.

Where did you learn?

In my living room! My father was a very recognized dancer of his era. He danced for amazing artists like Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz. He has always been my dance model and teacher–he would dance with me on his arms since I couldn’t even walk.

I remember him having huge salsa parties in our living room, parties that many times got so big, people ended up dancing on the street until the next day. I remember as a little girl dancing with all the big men, dad, his friends, uncles, neighbors… and stepping all over everybody’s toes (I still do that) ha!

What interesting fact do the salseros NOT know about you? (Until now!)

I am a huge a nerd–I love school.