Our Team
Michel Yuzik
Michel is an instructor in the Salsa and Bachata Departments at Viva Dance Studio and is a co-instructor for CWRU’s Salsa Club. He is also co-director and choreographer for both the beginner and intermediate partnerwork Salsa teams at Case Western, regularly performing for many on-campus and community events. When he teaches, Michel strives to highlight the importance of connection and consent, to encourage learning both aspects of the leader-follower dyad, and to emphasize musicality. He believes the best way to improve is to dance continuously throughout the day which provides one with much happiness and joy! Lessons with Michel can be in English or Português.
Michel was born in São Paulo, Brasil. After immigrating to the United States, Michel trained in competitive Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Acro for nine years, earning titles such as Master Columbus and Platinum 1st Place at youth dance competitions, while additionally performing with the Akron Civic Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker. Also known for his musical talents, Michel trained under multiple internationally celebrated classical pianists for over a decade before diversifying into Blues, Jazz, and Pop with a focus on ear training and music theory.
When Michel started pursuing his B.S. in Biochemistry at Case Western Reserve University, he longed for an outlet for his artistic passion and drive. He was soon introduced to the world of Latin dance in 2016 where he was a dedicated member of CWRU’s Salsa Club, eventually becoming the club’s president. Michel represented his collegiate Mambo team, Afinque, in 2017 where they performed in a variety of locations around NE Ohio. During his collegiate years, Michel trained under Balázs Zombory, Brittany Carbaugh, Joe Fornadel, and Heriberto Perez & Nika Obrosova.
Michel currently performs with Viva Dance Studio’s Mambo Performance Team, Saoco de Mambo, under the direction of Irina Krychikova and Rebecca Sweet. He has been a company member since 2018 and has performed and competed at various congresses both nationally and internationally, including The World Salsa Summit in Miami FL, and the Canada Salsa & Bachata Congress in Toronto. These events gave him the opportunity to take workshops from many world-renowned dancers and world champions including Eddie Torres, Frankie Martinez, Darlin Garcia, Adrian Tenorio, Harold & Regan, Antonio & Jasmina, and Rodrigo & Wendy.
Fun Fact: Michel was a decorated competitive gymnast for more than 15 years earning two State Championship titles and podium finishes at the USA Regional Championships before a career-ending injury in 2014. His life’s experiences have led him to develop interests in fitness, nutrition, languages, and medicine.