Official Bio

Mikko Kemppe’s Official Salsa Bio

Mikko Kemppe began dancing salsa after finishing his college basketball career in 2004. In a very short period of time his competitive spirit took over and he began enthusiastically and methodically studying the art. Mikko is credited to be the founder and creator of two prominent salsa dance communities in Louisiana: Salsa Monroe & Salsa Shreveport leaving a legacy of dancers and instructors behind him as he moved to San Francisco in 2009. After moving to the SF bay area Mikko studied and trained Salsa for 6 months under the current world salsa champion Luis Aguilar traveling and performing in various different local and out-of-state events, including Seattle, New York, San Jose, and Sacramento. In his own right Mikko along with his partner Ashanti Altovese with their classy, clean, and elegant dance style took 4th place in the 2009 San Francisco International Salsa Congress and together they have quickly become one of the bay areas favorite new up-coming couples to watch.

See what other salsa dancers have to say about Mikko:

“Mikko, is definitely one of my favorite social dancers to dance with in the Bay Area and I recommend that you check out his group classes if you live in or visit the area.”

~ Liz Lira, 2009 World Salsa Champion, L.A., CA
www.LizLira.com

“I had been taking salsa lessons in several different states and even countries for 4 years before I started taking lessons from Mikko. His teaching style was so attentive and insightful that I was able to learn new patterns with ease, and even improve upon the fundamentals of my movements. His choreography of our team’s routine was brilliant, which led to a crowd-pleasing performance. I have now adopted his teaching style as I instruct several classes in Central Asia.”

~ Jeff Austin, Salsa Instructor

“From the first time I danced with Mikko, I thought that he was a talent, and a fantastic addition to our Bay Area scene! And when I saw him perform, I saw again that natural talent that makes a great dancer, very smooth. Mikko is also a kind and intelligent person. Any time I’ve spent with him has been an absolute pleasure.”

~ Tianne Frias, 2009 World Salsa Champion Finalist , San Francisco, CA
RicaSalsa Dance Company

“Mikko is definitely one of my favorite male dancers in the bay area. Ever since I saw him dance I have been trying to recruit him to my touring Latin Michael Jackson Tribute theatre production. And what I really like about him is that not only is he a fantastic dancer, but just a great down-to-earth guy and a lot of fun to be around.”

~ Seaon Stylist-Bristol, Singer, Dancer, Director, Choreographer , San Francisco, CA
Michael Jackson Latin Tribute – Rock With You Tour

“Mikko is a great instructor. Not only have I have I become a much better salsa dancer because of him, but he has also helped me become a successful salsa instructor, and now I have many students of my own. I am very grateful for all that I have learned from him and I would highly recommend for you to learn from him too.”

~ Kimberly Morgan, Fitness/Dance Instructor, Shreveport, LA
Studio FitNation

“What I really like about Mikko’s classes is how patient and positive he always is. No matter how many times you do something wrong he always simply encourages you by showing what you can do better and never makes you feel there is something wrong with you for not getting a certain move right away. You will like his classes, I promise!”

~ Brian Sutton, Salsa Dancer, Dallas TX

“Mikko has the ability to break down complicated patterns to easy, understandable, simple steps. He will jump start the absolute beginner and challenge the more advanced. His passion and love for salsa has the ability to transform communities that has continued to grow even after his departure. His passion is simply infectious, so contagious that you might not ever want to stop. That’s what happened to me, and I am loving it!

~ Robyn Moline, Salsa Dancer, Dallas, TX

“I have had the honor of dancing with Mikko on numerous occasions and I have found him to be one of the most elegant and classy dancers in our salsa world. Paired with his technique, flair and great personality he is without a doubt one of our most consummate dancers that you can find on any dance floor today. “

~ Tamara Candage, Salsa Dancer/Instructor/Performer Boston, MA

“Mikko was my first salsa instructor and started me dancing and because his teaching style is easy to follow, I advanced very quickly. After a while I became his salsa dance partner. He was always such a pleasure to work with. I am so grateful for everything that he has taught me. I would highly recommend you to learn from him too. Go check out some of his classes!”

~ Aymee Bonilla, Salsa Dancer, Monroe, LA

“Since I first met Mikko almost 2 years ago he has put the fire in me for Salsa and other Latin Dances. He is a very good teacher with lots of patience! Now I can’t get enough of it! With Mikko’s enthusiasm and love for Latin dance he has inspired me and many others. Every time he teaches I learn something new or I am reminded of things I need to work on. I do other dances like ballroom and swing but, Salsa has gotten me into better shape than I have ever been in and I am 54! Thanks for not giving up on me Mikko”

~ Donna Delancey, Salsa Dancer, Shreveport, LA