About Us
"I had a dream…
Many people don't know, and many will never know...
Fifteen years ago, there was the economic crash of 2008...
At the time, I had a great idea to start a dance school and salsa scene here in Knoxville, TN, a small city where people did not know me, and with no one even knowing what Salsa or Bachata was.
I was broke, had no place to sleep, no car, just like many others during that hard year...
So I had a dream: to build a salsa scene in Knoxville, Tennessee, like the salsa scene in Atlanta, Georgia, where everything started for me...
So, I traveled on a Greyhound bus every Friday to start my first salsa lesson with a party afterward in a club called 'La Rumba.'
Thousands of people helped me build the salsa scene in Knoxville. Many don't live here anymore; some still do...
I never shared my struggles with anyone, not even my own wife knew what it took to build SalsaKnox Dance Company...
Until I started sharing my origin story...
The rest is history. Now, almost 15 years later, I get the opportunity with my beautiful wife to attend a salsa social by Warwick Cruz (Hacha Latin Dance Company), and I realize that my dream has been granted...
Knoxville, Tennessee, has the salsa scene I always dreamed of...
Recently, Jacqui and I went to a coaching training, and one of our coaches taught us that if we have a dream that does NOT scare us, then we dream too small....
So, Jacqui and I made one of the hardest decisions in our professional dance career and stopped doing salsa parties and socials to have the time to build a bigger and scarier dream...
But this time, we are not alone...
So, I want to thank the countless people who directly and indirectly helped us fulfill our dream and ask you again to help us build a bigger one...
Thank you to Jacqueline Solano for all the sacrifices we have made together, all the pain, sweat, blood, and tears we have shed behind closed doors to now build our dream business...
Thank you to my beautiful son Waldo Solano Junior for all the help that he gave us in making our dreams a reality...
Thank you to all the ones who have helped us and no longer live in Knoxville...
Thank you to Warwick Cruz (Hacha Latin Dance Company), Krystal Warden (Bailamos Bachata Knoxville), Kassie Lin (HK Studios), and Gabriel and Heather for carrying the heavy weight of being the only ones trying to build the Knoxville Salsa and bachata dance scene...
And a big thank you to the most important ones: you, the ones reading this heartfelt post, the ones taking the dance lessons, the ones attending the parties and socials, the ones sharing the classes and events with family and friends...
We all do this because we fell in love with a dream, and we are here to serve you. It all started with my dream, but it is no longer just mine; now, it's a collective dream of many people who work hard every day to provide you with the best service...
Can't wait to see what the next 15 years will bring...
Till then...
To be continued..."
-your forever pioneer of Salsa Knoxville
Waldo Solano
Mission of SalsaKnox Dance Company
To inspire and empower individuals through the joy of salsa and bachata dancing.
SalsaKnox Dance Company is dedicated to creating a vibrant and inclusive dance community in Knoxville, where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to learn, dance, and grow. Through high-quality instruction, engaging events, and a supportive atmosphere, we aim to foster a love for dance and promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Vision of SalsaKnox Dance Company
To be the leading dance company in the Southeast, renowned for excellence in salsa and bachata dance education and community engagement.
Our vision is to see SalsaKnox Dance Company as a cornerstone of the dance community, celebrated for its innovative teaching methods, top-notch performances, and commitment to making dance accessible to everyone. We strive to create a lasting impact by cultivating a strong, connected community of dancers who share our passion and enthusiasm for salsa and bachata.
Origin Story of SalsaKnox Dance Company
SalsaKnox Dance Company was founded by Waldo y Jacqui Solano, a passionate and dynamic duo with a shared love for dance. Their journey began in [Year], when they met at a salsa event and discovered their mutual dedication to the art of salsa and bachata. Both having extensive backgrounds in dance, they quickly bonded over their vision of creating a dance community that not only teaches people how to dance but also brings joy, connection, and fitness into their lives.
Recognizing a lack of structured dance programs in Knoxville, they decided to combine their expertise and start their own dance company. They began by offering small, intimate classes in local community centers and gradually built a following through their energetic teaching style and commitment to their students. Their classes were known for being not only educational but also incredibly fun and welcoming to dancers of all skill levels.
As word spread, SalsaKnox Dance Company grew rapidly. Waldo y Jacqui's dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment made their classes a popular choice for people looking to learn salsa and bachata. They started organizing salsa parties, workshops, and community events, which further solidified their reputation as leaders in the dance community.
Over the years, SalsaKnox Dance Company has expanded its offerings to include a variety of dance styles, performances, and competitive dance teams. Waldo y Jacqui have remained at the heart of the company, continuously innovating and finding new ways to share their passion for dance. Today, SalsaKnox is not just a dance school but a thriving community where people come together to celebrate the joy of dance.
Through their hard work and dedication, Waldo y Jacqui Solano have transformed SalsaKnox Dance Company into a cornerstone of Knoxville's cultural landscape, bringing the vibrant world of salsa and bachata to countless individuals and fostering a lifelong love of dance in their community.
