Jesse Yip
Dancer/Instructor/Performer/Choreographer

Jesse of Peruvian/Chinese decent was born and raised in Elizabeth New Jersey in January of 1973.He began his dance training in 2001 under Caribbean Soul’s Ismael Otero (Million Move’s Man) and Yesenia Peralta. In just a short time Jesse became one of Ismael’s assistants and part of Caribbeen Soul 2 (student team). Jesse obtained a distinct style, creating his own turn patterns, and mixing them in ways unthought-of. In recognition of his creativity, Jesse assisted with the group's routine choreography and performed at several nightclubs, Latin festivals and dance socials throughout the Tri-state area. After a year of hard work and dedication, Ismael asked Jesse to be part of the Caribbean Soul Dancers (Pro Team). As a professional dancer Jesse has performed along side some of the best dancers in the world at Salsa Congresses in Puerto Rico, Canada, LA, Boston and Miami.

> In 2005 Jesse sought a different style and went to Victor Mayovanex director of the Karisma Dance Company. The Karisma Dance Company is world known and mostly phrased for being "one of the most elegant mambo dance companies in the world. While learning the elegant Karisma style Victor welcomed Jesse into his Semi-Pro dance group Imagenes de Karisma. As a Karisma dancer Jesse continued to demonstrate strong showmanship and energy alongside his teammates as they performed at various worldwide venues.

> Early 2006, Jesse and his former assistant Joanna formed their very own Dance Company and named it “Signatura” which is Spanglish for Signature: meaning, “distinguishing style”. Jesse already had a vision of what kind of group and routine he wanted so he sought some of Jersey’s best-kept secrets along with some of Tumimambo’s finest students and comprised a dream team of dancers. In less than a year, the talented group performed at some of Salsa’s biggest shows including the 2006 Miami Salsa Congress & the 8th Annual West Coast Salsa Congress in LA to name a few. After two successful years the group went their seperate ways and continued on their journey and growth, learning different syles. Now in 2008, the next generation of Signatura is on the rise. Stay tuned for upcoming performances from this Jersey based Dance Company that will continue to leave their mark (signatura) wherever they perform.

Jesse is a performer, choreographer, dance instructor and director of two of his own dance groups (Signatura & Iniciales de Signatura). Jesse teaches Salsa/Mambo classes with the help of his two assistants Jacqueline Cabrel & Nury Salazar at Beyond Dance in Cranford, New Jersey. As a dancer/performer Jesse delivers his smooth style with a perfect blend of creativity and elegance. As an instructor/choreographer Jesse is constantly expanding his teaching skills, emphasizing mainly on leading techniques and originality. Together Jesse brings 7+ years of dance experience and knowledge to the stage, dance floor, and to his students.

Jacqueline Cabrel
Dancer/Instructor/Performer

Jacqueline Cabrel was born in 1987 in Plainfield, New Jersey. Currently, she works full time at an engineering company and goes to school full time.  She received her associate’s degree from R.V.C.C. and is pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Rutgers University in New Brunswick.  She is also part of TumiMambo’s pro team Signatura and has the pleasure of teaching alongside Jesse Yip.  She teaches beginner/advance beginner levels and has styling workshops about once a month.

She was introduced to the world of Salsa on2 by her cousin, Raquel Sanchez.  Raquel invited her to a Halloween social hosted by TumiMambo and she was fascinated with the way everyone danced.  She has always enjoyed dancing from a very young age but she never took Salsa lessons before.  Jacky began taking lessons with Jesse Yip at Beyond Dance in Cranford and within a few months auditioned for his student team.  She was part of the first generation of Iniciales de Signatura.  The student team made a tremendous difference in the speed of her learning.  It was difficult at first because she used to dance Salsa on a traditional style and it was hard to break the old habits.  But with hard work, determination, and Jesse’s motivation, anything can get accomplished.  Within the year she was part of the pro team!

Prior to dancing Salsa on2/mambo, Jacqueline was always active and stayed involved with her community.   Jacqueline is a certified Emergency Medical Technician and has volunteered at the NP Rescue Squad for several years.  She also studied Colombian Folklore under the guidance of Juan Vivares.  She learned choreographies for Cumbia, San Juanero, and Mapalee.  During her high school years, she participated in many clubs and sports.  She was a member of the Latin American Dance Club and they had a yearly performance on various dances like Bachata, Salsa, Merengue, etc.   She was a 4 year varsity award winner for Soccer and Track and Field.  She travelled to Australia in 2005 to compete in the 2 mile run and pole vault.  She participated in many tournaments for soccer even after high school.  Unfortunately, she had to stop playing soccer when she decided that she wanted to join Jesse’s student team.  Her soccer games and dance rehearsals were held during the same time so she had to choose one over the other.  She also took an interest in Tae Kwon Do and she attained her Pum belt (Junior Black Belt) after five years of dedication.  She also competed in several sparring tournaments.  But Jacky has not changed; she is still just as competitive and ambitious as she has always been.  It is what drives her to continue expanding her knowledge and never settling, because there is always room for improvement!

“Primeramente queria dar gracias a Dios que siempre me mantiene fuerte para seguir adelante.  Y a mi abuelita Mama Elsa que me crio desde chiquita y siempre esta ahi cuando le necesito.  A mi madre Esther que siempre me apoya en todo lo que yo hago.  Y a mi prima Raquel, que hasta hoy admiro.  Ella fue como una tercer madre para mi.  Estoy muy agradecida de tener una familia que me apoya y me motiva para llegar hasta la luna.  One final thanks to Jesse Yip for his continuous encouragement.  He has taught me everything I know when it comes to Salsa.”

View a list of Jesse's Performances