The aim of one of the organisers of Mambo Nights is to always make them bigger and better. And for this summer?s three-day event they have new artists and a new layout, said Marshall Weller of SalsaMania Productions.

Last year the event saw over 700 salsa patrons at the event and this year organisers are looking to top that number. Classes at the events will range from beginner?s Tango, Bachata, Merengue and of course salsa to advanced tuition. Also there will be local performances from the Sabor Dance School and Salsa Elegant? and a live Latin Band.

Two of the international performers are Juan Calderon and Christina Piedra, who represent one of the world?s premier teaching and performance salsa dance troupes, Cultural Explosion. ?This troupe has thrilled audiences with dazzling moves at all the major international salsa events,? said Mr. Weller. ?Juan and Christina bring with them two of their company members, Rebecca Piedra and Arial Perez.?

Two of the other performers are Ana and Joel (Masacote) Massicot. ?They are the founders of Masacote Entertainment and after meeting on December 22, 2001 on a visit to a New York City social they became official dance partners a month later.

?They are known for their rare and unique control of their body movements and are dedicated to conveying a message through their choreography, using dance as a form of self-expression.

?Their aim is to take salsa to an artistic level, fusing the intoxicating rhythms of the music with the sensual Latin movements of dance in a unique musical interpretation. Joel is also an accomplished jazz/reggae musician and he has studied piano for 20 years and the trumpet for 19, and the saxophone and drums since for about 15 years.

?Although this versatile musician has trained to play in different musical genres such as jazz, reggae, funk, salsa, and Latin jazz, he decided to focus on his love for Latin jazz in 1997 and has since trained with some of the top musicians in the industry.

?He will be presenting, along with local artists, songs off his latest CD for our enjoyment.?

Mr. Weller added that Mariana Parma is a specialist in partner dancing and teaches the Tango, salsa, and the West Coast Swing.

?She is an acclaimed performer that combines her extensive dance background in her performances on stage and in film. She has travelled world-wide performing and choreographing for film and theatre productions. Mariana is a specialised dance instructor at Dance Manhattan Ballroom School and at Steps on Broadway.?

While Mr. Weller another instructor Jason Colasino has an even wider array of dance background. ?This includes the west coast swing, the lindy hop, the east coast swing, country and western, Argentine tango, salsa, jazz, ballet, ballroom dances and theatre arts.

?He travels across the nation teaching, choreographing, competing, judging and performing. And Mariana and Jason combine their dance backgrounds to create a fusion of tango, the West Coast Swing and Modern Dance in their choreography.?

Along with all of the above the event will also feature the Mambo Tribe Salsa Dance Company, of Toronto. ?They will bring you their new multilevel salsa classes,? he said. ?Together Mark-Anthony Sheppard and Stephanie Gurnon have over 19 years of teaching and performing experience in the Canadian and international salsa circuit.

?Their specialised salsa classes will feature timing, technique, turns and spins, cool up-to-date turn patterns, shines/footwork, body isolations and styling both On1 and On2. ?They teach a combination of New York, Puerto Rican, Los Angles, Cuban, Colombian and Toronto salsa styles... to ensure that you can dance to any style in the clubs.

?Known for their clear and concise breakdown along with a fun filled class, Mark-Anthony and Stephanie will give you the tools to feel confident on the dance floor, whether you are a total beginner or advanced dancer.?

Another group is the Latin Energy Dance Company, which was founded by Vanesa Stay and Oscar Naranjo who have over 14 years experience in salsa dancing, teaching, performing and competing. ?Latin Energy was chosen among hundreds of dancers who auditioned to dance in the new film ?Take the Lead?,? explained Mr. Weller. ?The new dance drama stars Antonio Banderas and the movie was filmed in Toronto last summer and will hit the theatres this summer.

?They have performed and taught in many countries around the world, representing Canada in places such as: Puerto Rico, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Sweden, Bermuda, Miami, Dominican Republic and Argentina.?

And last, but not least the Chilital Dance Company directors Marie Josee Strazzero and Roberto Arenas Jr. will be here teaching again. ?Most recently the pair won first place at the Philadelphia Salsa Congress Competition ?On 1 division?, which took place on June 25 of this year. ?Chilital Dance Company strives to provide quality dance instruction for both their students and their dancers.?

Tonight: The Pre-Mambo Nights party at Ozone 9.30 p.m. to 3 a.m. Showtime 10.30 p.m. Cover: $20

Tomorrow August Mambo Night Latin Dance Showcase Featuring Joel Massacot and his live Latin Band, at the Fairmont Southampton Showtime 8.30 p.m. Cover: $45.

Saturday and Sunday 12: Latin dance classes for all levels at the Wyndham Resort from 10.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cover $20 per class or discounted Mambo Nights passes.

Saturday night: Social Dancing at Champions ?Casa de la Musica? from 9.30 p.m. Cover $10 Sunday evening: Beach and Pool Party from 5 p.m. ?until?. Free

Visit www.bermudasalsa.com for more information and times of the classes.