About Us
Martin Rivera-Baldera
Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Martin Rivera Baldera's passion for dance began at an early age and has since evolved into a career dedicated to artistic excellence, cultural preservation, and community impact. Throughout his journey, Martin has trained under respected coaches in both Puerto Rico and Rhode Island, developing a distinctive style that seamlessly bridges the worlds of social Latin dance and International Latin Ballroom.
Today, Martin is recognized as a Rhode Island–based dance artist, choreographer, educator, creative director, and visionary event producer, whose work extends far beyond the dance floor. His philosophy centers on creating experiences where dance becomes a catalyst for connection, storytelling, cultural exchange, and community building.
For the past nine years, Martin has proudly taught and trained out of Studio One RI Dance Complex, where he continues to mentor dancers of all backgrounds and experience levels. His teaching philosophy emphasizes strong technical foundations while fostering creativity, confidence, authenticity, and a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts. He believes dance should be welcoming, inclusive, and transformative for every individual who steps onto the floor.
Martin also serves as one of the featured professional Latin ballroom instructors for Dancing with the Doctors, Rhode Island's premier charitable ballroom fundraising gala. Through months of coaching, he partners with community leaders and physicians, guiding them from first steps to polished performances while raising significant funds for local nonprofit organizations. His ability to inspire confidence and bring out the best in his partners has become one of his defining strengths.
As the Founder and Creative Director of Picante Salsa Bachata Weekender (PSBW) and Co-Director of IKONIK, alongside dance partner Inara Smith, Martin has become a leading force in Rhode Island's Latin dance and cultural arts community. Together, they produce immersive experiences that blend dance education, world-class performances, live music, visual storytelling, and community engagement into events that celebrate diversity, artistic excellence, and cultural heritage.
Driven by a commitment to innovation, Martin continues to redefine what dance events can become creating platforms that elevate artists, inspire audiences, foster meaningful partnerships, and position Rhode Island as a vibrant destination for the performing arts.
At the intersection of creative leadership, visionary event production, community engagement, and cultural advocacy, Martin Rivera Baldera continues to build experiences that connect people, preserve culture, and inspire future generations through the transformative power of dance.
Inara Smith
Inara Smith is a Rhode Island–based dance artist, educator, choreographer, event producer, and creative visionary whose work celebrates the intersection of artistry, cultural preservation, and human connection through movement.
Her lifelong passion for music, dance, and the performing arts began with classical ballet and piano training at an early age. Over the years, that foundation has evolved into an extensive multidisciplinary dance career encompassing belly dance, ballroom, salsa, bachata, Latin dance, west coast swing, and theatrical performance, allowing her to cultivate a distinctive artistic voice that blends technical excellence with expressive storytelling.
Committed to lifelong learning, Inara has dedicated herself to studying the cultural origins and traditions behind every dance form she teaches. Her pursuit of authenticity has taken her around the world, including a transformative cultural immersion in Egypt through Sahra Saeeda's Journey Through Egypt, where she explored the history, music, customs, and traditions that continue to influence her artistic philosophy today.
Internationally recognized for both her artistry and leadership, Inara proudly served as the 2025 International Shimmy Mob Choreographer, creating choreography performed simultaneously around the world in support of domestic violence awareness and survivors. Her work continues to reflect her belief that dance has the power not only to entertain, but to heal, educate, and bring communities together.
As an educator, Inara is known for creating an environment where dancers of every background feel welcomed, challenged, and inspired. Her classes combine strong technical foundations with creativity, musicality, body awareness, and artistic expression, empowering students to develop confidence while honoring the cultural roots of each dance style. Her teaching philosophy encourages every dancer to embrace authenticity, continual growth, and the joy of movement.
Beyond the studio, Inara is an accomplished performer whose work has been featured throughout New England at festivals, theaters, restaurants, competitions, cultural celebrations, and professional showcases. Whether performing as a solo artist or alongside her dance partner Martin Rivera Baldera through IKONIK, she brings elegance, emotion, and theatrical storytelling to every stage she graces.
Inara is also the creator and co - producer of Belly & Brunch, an innovative community performance series designed to celebrate dancers at every stage of their artistic journey. The event has become a meaningful platform that nurtures emerging performers while showcasing established artists, strengthening Rhode Island's belly dance community through mentorship, opportunity, and collaboration.
Together with Martin Rivera Baldera, Inara serves as Co-Director of IKONIK, where they continue to redefine immersive dance experiences through visionary event production, cultural advocacy, dance education, and artistic innovation. Their work extends beyond performance, creating spaces where culture, community, and creativity intersect to inspire meaningful human connection.
Whether teaching, choreographing, producing events, or performing on stage, Inara remains deeply committed to preserving cultural traditions while embracing innovation, empowering others to discover confidence, purpose, and artistry through dance.
Rooted in authenticity and driven by creativity, Inara Smith continues to inspire dancers and audiences alike by transforming movement into connection, storytelling, and lasting cultural impact.
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