From childhood in Latin America to stage lights around the world – Jazzy Ruiz has danced her way into the hearts of thousands and is one of Norway's most important voices in Latin dance.
The key A childhood filled with rhythms and movement
Jazzy Ruiz was born in Antigua, Guatemala, and grew up in a dancing family. He began training at his parents' dance school at the age of five, and developed a strong expression and versatility as a dancer early on. He trained in jazz, modern dance, breakdance, hip-hop, flamenco, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and of course – salsa, cha-cha-cha, and mambo.
This broad background has shaped Jazzy into a dancer with rare musicality, body control and stage presence.
From Latin America to Norway
In 1999 he came to Norway and quickly distinguished himself with his talent and unique style. After an impressive salsa performance he was offered a place at the Norwegian Ballet Academy, as the first foreign student. There he completed a bachelor's degree in dance and pedagogy. He has also studied at the Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba and the Ballet Nacional de Alicia Alonso, which has given him a deep understanding of Latin dance expressions.
Founded Norway's largest Latin dance school
That same year he founded Salsakompaniet, which started with just ten students and has grown to become Norway's largest Latin dance school with over 2,000 students. Through his work, he has not only trained thousands of dancers, but has also been a driving force in the salsa and Latin dance community in Norway. He has created a community where rhythm, joy and inclusion are at the center.
Multiple world championship titles and an impressive competitive career
Jazzy has several impressive victories under his belt. He has won the World Salsa Championship several times, most recently in 2023 with dance partner Iris Reder. In 2018, he secured silver in the IDO World Salsa Championship, and he has also won five national championship titles in Norway. His ability to combine technical perfection, musicality and stage expression has made him one of the most respected dancers in his genre.
In addition to his expertise in salsa, Jazzy is also a skilled Bachata dancer and instructor. He masters both traditional and modern Bachata styles, and his teaching reflects his deep understanding and passion for the dance. He will also be my coach, trainer and co-choreographer in my journey towards the Bachata World Championship.
television, film and performing arts
Jazzy has not only made a name for himself on the competition floor – he has also had a significant presence in the world of television and film. He has been involved in a number of well-known productions, including So You Think You Can Dance Norway, Skal Vi Danse, Stjernekamp, Adils Hemmelige Dansere, Norske Talenter, Mitt Dansecrew and God Morgen Norge. He has also had roles in the popular series Pørni and the Norwegian disaster film La Palma, which received a lot of attention on Netflix in 2024.
- He is also listed as an actor on IMDb, where you can find more about his film and TV appearances:
- 🎭 His IMDb profile: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14174051/
A bridge builder between cultures and people
More than just a world champion, Jazzy is an inspiring teacher and communicator. His teaching is known for being energetic, thorough and motivating, and he has a unique ability to bring out the best in his students – regardless of their level.
Through With Salsakompaniet, he continues to elevate Latin dance in Norway, while inspiring dancers worldwide. Jazzy Ruiz is not just a master on the dance floor – he is a visionary who inspires dancers all over the world and continues to shape the future of Latin dance with his unique energy and passion.
Want to learn from a world champion? Follow Jazzy Ruiz and Salsakompaniet! https://salsakompaniet.no/
https://www.instagram.com/jazzy.ruiz_dance/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ZUMVjSFueVtYCjSNKYU5g
