Edwin Martinez - Dance Instructor
Edwin was the owner of the Panamania Latin Street Dancing studio in Thunder Bay that was established in 2013. His love of dance began at the age of four in Panama, dancing on top of the feet of an older sister. At the National School of Dance of Panama, he learned a variety of Latin style dances including salsa, merengue, bachata, samba, cumbia, and tipico. After relocating to Thunder Bay in 1998, Edwin was an instructor at Spirit of Dance, Journey to Wellness, Academy Afrah, Pulse Fitness Studio and the Canada Games Complex. He obtained his Level 1 Kizomba Teachers Training certificate from ALC Dance Studios based in Portugal in 2016 as well as further certification by the Angolan government to teach kizomba through Java Panzo, a well-known Angolan DJ and instructor in Toronto. At his dance studio, Edwin choreographed and participated in dance performances for the Canada Day celebrations, the CAMAT Black History Gala, the Thunder Bay Medical Association, the Thunder Bay Dental Association, and the Folklore Festival. He began teaching classes with Sharon at the studio once in-person classes started in September 2021.