dance is life
Mission
Vision
Values
Foster fun, quality dance activities as a means of developing and diversifying the Latin Dance scene in Greenville, SC, thereby enriching the community at large.
Build an inclusive community and celebrate cultural diversity through Latin Dance.
Diversity.
Community.
Authenticity.
Inclusivity.
Interconnectedness.
Fun.
a bit about me…
Latin Dance instructor, choreographer and performer. Events producer and promoter. Founder and organizer of the #GVLgozadera Latin Dance Festival with Randi Rollen. Based in Greenville, SC.
I grew up always wanting to learn to dance. My life changed when I finally got the opportunity. A Colombian friend was the first to introduce me to Latin Dancing. Since that moment, I have never looked back.
I lived in Medellín, Colombia, for a few years, where I studied dance and began performing. My first-ever dance performance was the adrenaline rush of a lifetime. And here I am, probably hundreds of dance performances later, still loving it.
Since 2013, I have had the pleasure and honor of performing on many different Latin Dance teams in Colombia, Chile, and the US. During my time living in Santiago, Chile, I also taught, choreographed for, and later directed a children’s group.
In 2016, I completed the DanceAbility International teaching certification in Oregon, a certification rooted in inclusivity and improvisation.
Over the years, I have studied dance in Colombia, Chile, Cuba, Italy, a bit in Ireland and Spain and across the US. I have danced Rueda/ Salsa Casino, Salsa Caleña, Salsa On 1 & On 2, Bachata Tradicional & Sensual, many Colombian folk rhythms, Merengue, Chachachá, Pachanga, Son, Tango, Cumbia, Contra, a bit of Hip-Hop, some Afrocuban rhythms, etc, etc.
I launched my own dance company in 2023 and founded the #GVLgozadera Latin Dance Festival (formerly the #GVLgozadera Weekender) in 2024 with Randi Rollen. I teach classes for adults and kids; choreograph for quinces, weddings and pageants; dance at concerts and in music videos; host Latin Dance socials; teach and perform at Latin Dance congresses; organize community events; offer workshops at schools and businesses; bring in internationally-acclaimed artists; and provide live entertainment for corporate and private events!
Here’s to another year of spreading dance opportunities & enjoyment!
Meet your instructors
At Sarah G Barton Dance, we have a fun group of committed and approachable instructors. We come from varied cultural and dance backgrounds, but we have something in common: we all LOVE to dance and want to make dancing accessible to others.
¡A GOZAR se dijo!
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Rueda / Salsa Casino, Bachata, Salsa, Ladies, Kids (Mini Ritmo + Más Ritmo)Born in Greenville, SC, I’ve lived in 9 countries and am fluent in English and Spanish (I also speak French but am a bit rusty haha). I have performed with groups in the US, Colombia & Chile. Over the years, I have studied a wide variety of Latin rhythms in Colombia, Cuba, Chile, Italy, Ireland, Spain and the US.
”Dance makes life more beautiful, more meaningful and more fun!”
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Bachata, Salsa, RuedaMy journey in the world of dance commenced in 2016 when I began dancing ballroom and swing. The dynamic nature of dancing and the opportunity to connect with incredible individuals quickly captured my heart. After a couple of years, I discovered the allure of Latin dancing, a group of styles that have since become the focal point of my passion.
Latin dance, with its freedom of movement and profound connection to African roots, resonates with me on a deeply personal level. Among the myriad of Latin styles, it's the rhythmic beats and infectious energy of salsa that has become my absolute favorite.
This dance journey has not only allowed me to express myself physically but has also served as a cultural exploration, connecting me to the rich history embedded in the movements. As I continue to immerse myself in the world of Latin dance, my passion for salsa with an Afro-Cuban influence remains steadfast, representing not just a dance style but a celebration of heritage and expression.
COMMUNITY PARTNER
“Girls Empower Girls is a nonprofit organization which focuses on providing educational resources to young girls and teenagers in the community in order to help develop them into the next generation of strong and dedicated leaders!”