Mike Andino
Founder, Instructor

Born in Manhattan, but raised first in Ecuador and later back in the New York area, Michael is proud of his dual heritage. He was first introduced to salsa in 2000, while in college at Rowan University. There, he studied history with the goal of becoming a teacher and took up salsa as a hobby. By 2001, that hobby had become a passion for dancing, which led Michael to become a performer and—with his experience with teaching—an invaluable dance instructor. Through dedication, creativity, and skill, Michael quickly earned the reputation as one of the East Coast’s finest. His gentle lead and smooth movements made him a popular partner among the women, while his unique styling and shines made him the envy of the men.

Michael’s drive and motivation led him in 2004 to become a founding member of Art in Motion Latin Dancers. Later that year, he launched the successful children’s dance group Kids Con Estilo.

In 2006, Michael’s motivation led him to open Estilo Dance Studio in Philadelphia, PA, where his passion for teaching and dancing is evident every day. Now, 13 years later, Michael has two locations: a studio in South Philadelphia and—in a return to Fishtown—a new studio on Frankford Avenue.

The always-smiling Michael works hard and takes his career seriously. His knowledge of Latin dancing extends beyond salsa and includes such popular styles as mambo, bachata, cha-cha-cha and casino rueda. From his home base in Philadelphia, Michael travels extensively, teaching private and group lessons as far north as Princeton and Trenton, to as far south as Delaware, as well as closer to home in Bucks County.

As a performer, Michael appears at salsa events locally and at salsa congresses locally and internationally. He also helps energize the local salsa scene as a creator and promoter, providing salsa-dance lovers a variety of venues to choose from through his weekly and monthly events.

His skills as an instructor and promoter and his passion for dance is evidenced by his large following. Look for the large crowds in the salsa scene, at Lucha Cartel, Brasils night club, and Lucky Strike to name a few, and you’ll find Michael Andino teaching in the center. He welcomes students from 5 to 85 and is well known for helping the beginner-level dancer feel comfortable and confident—even giving instructions in Spanish—while reinforcing his most important rule: to have fun.