Cary Mitchell

Assoc Vice Provost, Rsrch & Econ Devel; Int Dean, College of Grad Studies; Acting Chair, Bology Dept Salsa Connection Dance Company, LLC (“Salsa Connection” or "SCDC") is a dance company based in Richmond, Virginia.  Initially teaching and performing as a continuation of Latin Vintage Dance Company under the guidance of Julissa Cruz, co-owners Carey Mitchell, Candice Deisher, Crystal Bullock and Rudy Saint Julien first offered instruction out of the Ezibu Muntu dance studio before permanently locating their classes to Dogtown Dance Theatre (“Dogtown”) until the fall of 2022.  In November 2022, Salsa Connection opened its own studio at 23 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220.In 2019, Carey, Candice, Rudy and Crystal incorporated under the name Salsa Connection because it aptly encompasses their mission: (1) to remain connected to the Salsa community through our continued training, teaching, and performances; (2) to connect new dancers to Latin dance through classes and personal instruction; and (3) to maintain personal connections with fellow dancers in the RVA community through social events and community outreach.  Salsa Connection's technique-based training gives students the tools to be proficient leads and follows anywhere in the world. Because much of what makes Latin dance enjoyable is social dancing and community, Salsa Connection's classes are designed to ensure students are well-equipped to enjoy social dancing wherever they may be!As dancers, we continue our own growth and training by traveling to dance conventions/congresses across the country and by bringing in world-class instructors/choreographers. In 2019, Candice and Rudy put RVA on the map when they competed at the World Salsa Summit in Miami.In 2020, Salsa Connection was the RVA Dance Awards winner for the category of "Best Latin Dance Studio."  We are both humbled and excited to be awarded such an honor and we look forward to continuing to serve the Richmond dance community for years to come.