Master Salsa, Bachata, & Latin Rhythms With Ismael Otero
Founder of the Caribbean Soul Dancers. Known worldwide as the "Million Moves Man" for his innovative turn patterns and trendsetting dance styles in bachata and salsa. He is also known for creating world-renowned superstars within his dance company who later successfully started their own dance companies.
Ismael Otero
Caribbean SoulWorld-renowned dance master, innovator of unique salsa turn patterns & original footwork styles.
The "Million Dollar Man"
Inventor of signature Salsa On2 spin techniques
Meet Ismael Otero: The Visionary Behind Caribbean Soul
Ismael Otero is one of the most recognizable and influential figures in the global Latin Dance community. Known worldwide as the founder of the legendary Caribbean Soul Dancers, Ismael revolutionized Salsa and Bachata with his creativity, playful musicality, and complex pattern combinations. Ismael revolutionized Salsa On2 with his unmatched creativity, playful musicality, and complex pattern combinations.
Hailing from New York/New Jersey with deep Nuyorican roots, Ismael started dancing in the early 1990s and quickly developed a distinct style that fused traditional Latin rhythms and hip hop with urban energy, humor, and intricate turn patterns. Over the past three decades, he has trained generations of instructors, performers, and social dance enthusiasts across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Learn to listen, feel, and interpret instrument changes and clave timing naturally.
Master weight transfer, spin balance, and comfortable partner connection.
Unlock Ismael’s famous turn patterns and expressive improvisational style.
Join a welcoming worldwide family of passionate dancers and socializers.
Transform Your Dancing With World-Class Instruction
Whether you are taking your first steps or refining advanced social dancing skills, Ismael Otero offers structured classes designed for fast, enjoyable progress.
Salsa On2 Beginners
Learn essential Salsa On2 timing, basic footwork, weight transfer, and foundational turn patterns in a supportive atmosphere.
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Salsa On2 Intermediate
Elevate your social dancing with Ismael's intricate partner work combinations, spin control, and fluid transitions.
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Bachata Intermediate
Master sensual bachata fundamentals, body movement, musicality, and intricate partner combinations with Ismael's signature style.
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Upcoming Events & Social Dance Parties
Experience the authentic vibe of New York Salsa. Dance, connect, and party with the Caribbean Soul community.
New York International Salsa Congress — NYISC
Where The World Dances Together — Celebrating 25 Years! Ismael Otero confirmed as Legacy Artist at NYC's premier international Salsa congress.
Hawaii International Dance Expo — HIDE
8th Annual — 5 Nights of Dancing! Ismael Otero is a Featured Artist at this premier island dance festival featuring Bachata, Salsa, Merengue, Zouk & Kizomba.
What Pioneers Say About Ismael
Real stories from world-renowned dancers who trained with Ismael Otero.
"The way I learned with Ismael was very hard; it wasn't the easy way. It's the way that he teaches. For example, I would ask him, "So how am I doing?" and he would say, "How does it feel?" I thank him for that type of training because he made me look into me, to start working on myself."
Griselle Ponce
Mambo Diva"I always shout out my Sensei, my salsa Godfather, Ismael Otero, because you know he was always committed. As soon as we came into dance class, he was always ready to go, and he was there for a purpose: to teach us how to dance. I think having that positive attitude and that positive energy really makes the learning experience a lot more pleasant."
Alex Morel
Bachata Pioneer"This is a legend, a pioneer in New York City. I personally have known this man since I was 14 years old. He's one of the people I look up to, and I still look up to him. A lot of dancers and amazing people that you see out there came from this man's training. He's done so much for our community."
