About Us
Our Story
At JAWN Dance Studio, dance is more than just movement it’s a celebration of culture, connection, and community. Founded by Betzoley Steegers, whose roots stretch from Hialeah, Miami to Philadelphia and New Jersey to New York, the studio was born out of a lifelong passion for salsa and a desire to share the vibrant energy of Salsa Caleña with others.
Born from a mix of Cuban and Colombian heritage, Betzoley has been deeply influenced by artists and culture throughout her life. As a skilled salsa dancer, she is well-versed in a variety of styles, including LA-style, NY-style, and more. However, her true passion lies in Salsa Caleña a fast and energetic style that originated in Cali, Colombia. Cali-style salsa is renowned for its rich and diverse movements, incorporating elements from all other salsa styles and truly capturing the joy and spirit of Latin dance.
Growing up between cities, Betzoley experienced firsthand the magic of "Fiestas de Empanadas Bailables" intimate gatherings often held in basements where family and friends came together to dance, laugh, and connect. Inspired by these moments, and her training in Cali, Colombia with world-renowned instructors, Betzoley created JAWN Dance Studio as a welcoming space for dancers of all levels to learn, grow, and fall in love with salsa.
Betzoley believes that Salsa Caleña has the power to bring people together and create a sense of community just like when the Eagles win! She is dedicated to sharing this style with the public in Philadelphia and hopes to use it as a way to unite the Latino community and celebrate the diversity of Latin culture.
More than just a dance studio, JAWN is a community hub where diverse salsa styles from the explosive rhythms of Salsa Caleña to the elegance of New York Mambo and the fiery passion of mambo are embraced and celebrated. Through workshops, performances, and classes led by Betzoley and guest instructors, JAWN brings the best of Latin dance
culture to Philadelphia and beyond.
Join us, and become part of a movement that’s about rhythm, passion, and the joy of dance where everyone has a place on the floor.
MEET THE DIRECTOR
PREVIOUS JAWN INSTRUCTORS
Santiago Ayala
Osva Velarde
Betzoley Steegers
Betzoley Steegers is a dynamic and passionate salsa dancer, choreographer, and cultural ambassador with roots in Cuba and Colombia, born in Hialeah, Miami, and raised between Miami, Philadelphia, and New Jersey. As the founder of JAWN Dance Studio, she is on a mission to share the power, energy, and cultural richness of Salsa Caleña with the world.
Betzoley has trained in Cali, Colombia and performed at prestigious events such as Salsódromo and Swing Latino’s Mulato Cabaret. She has also competed internationally alongside dance partner Dicksson Díaz, earning multiple awards in Cartagena, Ecuador, and Peru. Her dancing blends the explosive rhythms of Salsa Caleña with the elegance of New York Mambo and the precision of LA-style salsa—always rooted in culture and community.
Through JAWN Dance Studio, Betzoley brings world-class instruction and guest artists to Philadelphia and beyond, creating space for all dancers to grow, connect, and celebrate the richness of Latin dance.
Nicolás Heredia
Eric Mastrangelo
