Instructors

Established in 2004.

PasoFino® is the first Latin Dance studio in Fulton County. Founded by Jose Maldonado, who has been teaching and performing since 1999, this amazing Dance studio has become one of the most respected in the business. Innovation - We are a professional team of Latin dancers / choreographers who teach and perform inspiring Salsa & Bachata shows pieces national and Int'l. Experience - Each PasoFino® class follows our 6-Pillars® System and Syllabus delivering technical instruction with easy, fun and energetic ambiance. Dancers improve their dance skills while having a blast! Teams - PasoFino® not only offers awesome classes, but also offers the amazing experience of joining their performance teams, who have represented Atlanta in several Salsa Congresses all over the world! Always with a smile and personal attention, we provide a quality dance class that will help you condition your mind and body with a complete social experience. Come be part of our family!

Valentina “La Roja” is a passionate dance instructor from Santiago, Chile, with over 10 years of experience. Based in Atlanta, she brings vibrant energy and deep expertise to every class she teaches. Valentina specializes in Sensual and Dominican Bachata, and also enjoys dancing Salsa and Kizomba.

As an instructor at Pasofino Dance Company, she leads both the Rojas Pro Team and the Rojas Student Team, sharing her knowledge and empowering her students. Her teaching philosophy centers around helping dancers develop body awareness, musicality, and confidence—so they can fully enjoy themselves on the dance floor. 

A skilled and passionate dance instructor, choreographer, performer, entertainer and competitor; Sharilyn is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and passion with others. 

Sharilyn was born in New Jersey and raised with her Puerto Rican culture which included a the love for music and dancing. As a result to that, dancing always came natural to her since she was a little girl. From dancing at family parties, dancing in sweet 16’s, to joining a dance company and beginning to perform at the age of 12 years old. 

Her adult dancing experience started in 2016 when she joined MDN Dance Studio in New Jersey and trained there for a little over two years. During her time there, she was able to be a part of multiple dance projects and semi-pro groups, which provided the opportunity to perform in many events including the New York International Slasa Congress. 

In 2019, Sharilyn continued her training under the direction of Chiara Tofani as part of her ladies team, where she was introduced to Chiara’s Afro-Latín style and body movement. This expanded her knowledge of Mambo and allowed her the space to establish her own style.

After her short lived journey with Chiara, due to the pandemic, Sharilyn was asked to embark on the new venture to start teaching! She taught at Estilo Dance Studio and Transformation Dance Studio in New Jersey while simultaneously continuing her training with Master level teachers in NYC such as Adolfo Indacochea, the Latino Soul Dancers, Tania Canarsa, Amneris Martinez, Angel and Stephy, and many more.

Sharilyn then moved to Atlanta in 2023 and joined Pasofino Dance Studio, becoming part of the Ladies Team. They traveled to perform at various Congresses throughout the year leading up to the 2024 Summit Competition where Sharilyn took podium in multiple categories including 1st place for the Pro-Am Salsa On2 Advanced Duo Same Gender competition and Pro-Am Salsa On2 heat with Jose Maldonado.

Since then Sharilyn teaches Salsa On2, Ladies Styling and Body Movement classes at PasoFino Studio while continuing to perform alongside Jose Maldonado.