.png)
About Us
Martin Rivera-Baldera
Martin’s desire to become a Latin Dancer and choreographer started as a youth in Ponce, Puerto Rico where he was born. Through-out his dance career he has trained and studied under many respectable and reputable dance coaches both in Puerto Rico and in Rhode Island, and has develop the charisma and flare that is its hallmark style both in the Social Salsa/Bachata Dance scene and within the International Ballroom world.
Â
Martin enjoys teaching students of various experience levels. He promotes diversity, acceptance and inclusion in all of his projects while always encouraging dancers of all levels to have fun and enjoy the shared experience of dance.Â
​
Previously Martin taught at Studio One RI Dance Complex in Lincoln RI, where he had taught there for 8 years. While at Studio One RI, Martin has also been featured as one of the professional latin ballroom instructors for Dancing with the Doctors, a charitable fundraising competition gala that relies on a group of professional dancers who must train and perform alongside their selected dance doctors, transforming these doctors into graceful ballroom dancers.
​
Martin is the Co-Founder of TeamFusionRI, INFUSION Carnival & Caribala, FUSION NIGHTLIVE and FUSION CULTURE and is currently the creavtive force behind PICANTE SALSA BACHATA WEEKENDER RI a platform that unites people and encourages great partnerships. A lively production that promotes diversity and inclusion, exhibits a mix of International inspired entertainment that fuses live acts, performances, musicians, cocktails, dance, social mingling and animacion by its professionals within the Rhode Island Arts and Dance Industry.Â
​
Inara Smith
Inara’s love of music, dance, and art began early in life, nurtured through years of ballet and piano training. What started as childhood curiosity has grown into a vibrant, multi-disciplinary career. Throughout her life, she has studied extensively in movement, specializing in belly dance, ballroom, and Latin dance styles, and she continues to expand her knowledge to bring the best possible education to her students.
Her dedication to growth and cultural understanding has taken her around the world. In 2019, she traveled to Egypt with top regional dancers through Sahra Saeeda’s renowned Journey Through Egypt program—a transformative immersion into the culture, history, and lifestyle of Egyptian dance. Inara’s commitment to community and global connection continues today: she is honored to serve as the 2025 International Shimmy Mob Choreographer, contributing her artistry to an event that raises awareness and support for domestic abuse shelters worldwide.
Inara’s group classes and private lessons are known for their fun, high-powered, and energetic atmosphere. Blending precise technique, foundational movement, and expressive artistry, she brings a deep respect for the rich histories behind each dance style. Students leave her classes empowered, inspired, and smiling—equipped with solid fundamentals and a renewed love of movement. Inara is quickly becoming known as an instructor who pushes boundaries, blending traditional and contemporary techniques in creative, performance-driven ways. She encourages her students to embrace evolution, individuality, and the joy of expression.
Beyond the classroom, Inara is no stranger to the stage. She can be found performing at local venues and competitions throughout the region, both as a solo artist and with groups such as Azama and Ikonik. As a soloist, she is a featured performer at premier venues including Opa, Habibi’s, and numerous regional showcases and festivals.
Inara is also the creator and producer of multiple events including Belly & Brunch, a community-centered performance event designed to uplift dancers at every stage of their journey. The show highlights established performers while offering performance opportunities to new dancers looking to break into the belly dance restaurant circuit—strengthening local dance culture through accessible, supportive, and exciting experiences.
Welcoming students of all ages, genders, and experience levels, Inara invites every dancer to explore their own path, discover their artistic voice, and celebrate the joy of movement.
Join her on your own dance journey!
.png)