Jackie is a lifelong dancer, breast cancer thriver, and beloved salsa instructor at Salsa Salsa Dance Studio in Brooklyn. Diagnosed with Stage 2 triple-positive breast cancer at the age of 37, Jackie faced her toughest battle with strength, grace, and rhythm. Throughout her treatment, salsa became more than just a passion—it became her lifeline. Dance offered her a way to move through fear, reconnect with her body, and rediscover joy during the most challenging chapter of her life.
Jackie has trained in various dance styles since childhood, but it was salsa—with its rich rhythms, expressive movement, and vibrant community—that truly captured her spirit. Today, she co-teaches beginner to advanced salsa classes, sharing not only her skill but her story, inspiring students to find their own strength through movement. Jackie’s resilience, warmth, and infectious love for dance light up every studio she steps into, making her not only an incredible instructor, but also a source of inspiration and healing for all who dance with her.
Jackie and Jamal are longtime dance partners who bring warmth, energy, and connection to every class they teach. Together, Jackie and Jamal have been dancing, teaching, and performing for years—building chemistry on and off the dance floor that makes their classes feel as joyful as they are empowering. They’ll guide you through the basics of salsa in a supportive and expressive space where the focus is on movement, music, and connection.
