Our Salsa Instructors
Viva Dance Studio's
Rebecca Sweet
Rebecca Sweet
Acclaimed Dancer, Instructor, and Studio Director
Rebecca Sweet is a highly accomplished dance instructor with an exceptional career spanning competitive ballroom, Latin dance, and professional performance. As a principal dancer with the Eddie Torres Latin Dance Company (1999–2002), she performed at world-renowned venues, including Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall with Wynton Marsalis, The Apollo Theatre for The Vagina Monologues, and major salsa congresses worldwide, such as the Congresso Bacardi de la Salsa in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
In the world of Dancesport, Rebecca competed professionally in the International Latin division from 1996 to 2010, achieving top placements in prestigious competitions across the United States, Canada, and Europe. Her accolades include:
- Top quarter finish at the World International Latin Open Competition (U.S.D.S.C., Miami, FL)
- 3rd place at the Italian Open Ballroom and Latin Dance Championships (Rimini, Italy)
- 2nd place at the Greek DanceSport Open (Athens, Greece)
- 4th place national ranking in Canada (2008)
Rebecca’s dedication to dance is matched by her academic achievements. She holds a BA in Dance with a minor in Gender Studies from Smith College, where she was recognized as a
distinguished alumna of the Five College Dance Department (1996). She also earned an MBA from Case Western Reserve’s Weatherhead School of Management, blending her passion for dance with business acumen. Her leadership extends beyond the studio—she has taught workshops for Cleveland’s Neighborhood Leadership and Development Program and has worked with esteemed organizations like Playhouse Square Foundation and the Cleveland Museum of Art
.
As an instructor and business owner, Rebecca
co-directs Viva Dance Studio, one of Northeast Ohio’s premier dance schools since 2004, training over 125 students weekly in both social and competitive partner dance. She also coaches two amateur Latin dance teams, preparing them for competitions across the U.S. and Canada.
Rebecca Sweet’s expertise, dynamic teaching style, and dedication to her students make her a leading force in the dance community—both in and beyond the studio.
Columbus Salsa Classses'
Mark Legg
Mark Legg
Salsa Instructor, Studio Director
Mark’s love for salsa began in 1994 while studying music at the University of New Orleans. One night at Café Brazil in the French Quarter, he experienced live salsa music for the first time, captivated by its infectious rhythm and energy. However, it wasn’t until 2002—after encountering the live salsa band Yumbambé at the Columbus Music Hall—that he took his first lessons, immersing himself in the world of salsa dancing.
In 2005, Mark’s passion led him to explore New York-style salsa (On2) under the guidance of Shezronne Zaccardi, a celebrated local dancer. That same year, he attended a pivotal workshop at Viva Dance Studio in Cleveland, featuring salsa legends Eddie Torres and Melissa Rosado. It was during a musicality class with Rebecca Sweet, a former Eddie Torres Latin Dance Company principal dancer, that Mark’s understanding of salsa deepened. Rebecca’s insights into the rhythmic connection between salsa music and percussion instruments—especially the congas—ignited a new level of appreciation. As a former music student, Mark was hooked—so much so that he taught himself to play the Tumbao rhythms on congas to better grasp salsa’s musical foundation.
In 2007, Mark trained with Adolfo Indacochea and Melissa Rosado, further developing his technique in Eddie Torres-style salsa. However, he discovered that his true passion lay in social dancing rather than performing—traveling to congresses worldwide, connecting with fellow dancers, and immersing himself in the music and movement of salsa.
In 2013, Mark moved to Orlando, Florida, where he found himself engrossed in the On2 salsa community led by former Eddie Torres dancers. While in Orlando, Mark spent most of his time dancing as the dance scene was remarkable. It was during this time that he refined his skills in leading with precision and lightness.
Returning to Columbus in 2018, Mark saw the need for independent dance instructors to have dedicated spaces for teaching. This inspired him to open The Attic Dance Studio, a successful community hub where dancers could learn, practice, and grow. He also began DJing salsa events, helping to revitalize Columbus’s salsa scene.
Now, as the founder of Columbus Salsa Classes, LLC, Mark is fully dedicated to teaching salsa, hosting socials, and building a strong, connected salsa community. With Mark’s passion for New York-style salsa, deep musical knowledge, and commitment to creating a welcoming and enriching environment, Columbus Salsa Classes is the ultimate destination for salsa dancers of all levels.
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