Meet our Team

Heather discovered her passion for Latin and African cultures during her time as a Division 1 scholar-athlete at Elon University, where she also studied abroad in Costa Rica and Ghana. These transformative experiences ignited her love for the rich traditions of food, music, and dance in these regions.

Since stepping onto the dance floor in 2003, Heather has been deeply dedicated to the art form.
She founded Charlotte Latin Dance in 2007 and later co-launched Charlotte Kizomba Dance in 2015 with Adylson Ramos, which together was rebranded as CLTDance in 2023.

Heather's philosophy in life is encapsulated by the mantra, "Eat well, travel often."
Heather is driven by her passion for creating inclusive environments where individuals can Connect, Build Confidence, and Grow. Through teaching, mentoring, and community building, she uses dance as a powerful vehicle to uplift others.

As a multi-passionate entrepreneur, Heather engages in teaching, choreography, and selling dance shoes, all while inspiring others to discover joy and confidence through movement. She is also the co-founder of the UBUNTU Collaborative Project, established in 2020, dedicated to promoting Kizomba, Semba, and African culture through community dance initiatives.

Heather's dedication to cultural immersion is evident in her ongoing pursuit of knowledge. She continually deepens her understanding of dance's cultural roots, from studying Kizomba and Semba in Angola to exploring Cuban music and dance in Cuba and learning Bachata in the Dominican Republic.
Heather Ramos embodies a lifelong commitment to learning and collaboration, striving to enrich communities through the universal language of dance.

Adylson hails from the Cape Verde islands, where music and dance are deeply ingrained in daily life. At the age of 15, he was exposed to performance, dance, and his love for Funaná, Coladeira, Batuque, Morna, and Passada grew. Adylson is originally from Santiago Island, the largest of the 10 islands where their inhabitants are nicknamed “Badiu”. Santiago’s inhabitants, known as “Badiu,” earned their nickname as a symbol of resilience and rebellion against Portuguese colonial rule.

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After relocating to the US, Adylson settled in New Bedford, MA, within a PALOP community. There, he dedicated his weekends to exploring and celebrating his heritage through music and dance, frequently participating in Cape Verdean clubs, parties, and gatherings. He was involved in a dance group that showcased Cape Verdean history through choreography featuring Batuque, Funaná, and Passada.​

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In 2015, Adylson co-founded Charlotte Kizomba Dance (re-branded as CLTDance in 2023) in Charlotte, NC, with the aim of sharing Cape Verdean culture, music, and dance with a wider audience. As a co-founder of the UBUNTU Collaborative Project and the ColaSemba Weekender, he has organized numerous events and workshops, bringing together top DJs and instructors.

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Adylson is passionate about cultural exchange and takes pride in helping others Connect, Build Confidence, and Grow through teaching local classes, weekenders, and festivals across the US.

Christian is a software ninja by day and father of 3. He brings his love for music and experiences growing up in Ghana and living in London to his class and interactions with students. Get to know him and you will be sure to hear some of his famous British humor. 

Sarah is a proud Charlotte native and dedicated instructor at CLT Dance. Her journey in dance began in Vancouver, BC, where she discovered a deep passion for Latin rhythms through a community center class that blended various Latin styles with a touch of funk. Upon returning to Charlotte, social Latin dancing became more than just a hobby—it became a vibrant way to connect with others and build community.

Sarah has received formal training in Salsa, Cha-Cha-Cha, Bachata, and Hustle, and she is also a certified Zumba instructor with experience teaching group fitness at the YMCA. Her teaching style is fueled by her love for the dynamic energy and joy of Latin dance.

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With a commitment to continual growth as both a dancer and educator, Sarah brings enthusiasm and encouragement to every class. She aims to inspire her students, helping them develop confidence, skill, and a genuine passion for dance.

Sam, DJ Sonoro is our featured DJ at our monthly Ritmo Latino Dance Social and he is always keeping you moving to the best Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha, and Merengue.

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DJ Sonoro was born and raised in the Bronx, New York, in a family where music wasn’t just a pastime—it was a way of life. Surrounded by the sounds of gospel, jazz, classical, and the rich rhythms of Latin music like salsa, merengue, and boleros, he developed a deep appreciation for music’s emotional power from a young age.

A classically trained musician, DJ Sonoro was part of the prestigious New York City All City Orchestra and Jazz Band during high school and later earned a scholarship to St. John’s University through his talents in the university band.

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While his foundation was rooted in traditional and diverse genres, it was later in life that he discovered a profound love for Latin dance and its vibrant musical culture. That passion led him to fuse his musical background with the rhythms of Salsa, Bachata, Reggaeton, Kizomba, Chacha, and Merengue—creating sets that move both hearts and feet. Today, DJ Sonoro channels his lifelong journey through music into unforgettable dancefloor experiences, always guided by his motto: “Feel The Rhythm, Live The Beat.”

Daria is a Jersey native that has been dancing with CLTDance since 2017. You will see her grooving to any style of music from Latin to Hip Hop to House. Her personal mantra is "Lifting As WE Climb." This drives her to bring her high school teacher experience to Latin dance class. Feel free to ask her to break down moves, info about upcoming events, and about any other resources. She can't wait to see you on the dance floor.