Every year, Salsa Central Denver recognizes an individual who has shown commitment and dedication to further the Salsa community in Colorado. These individuals are greatly appreciated, and without their devotion, the Denver Salsa scene would not be where it is today.

2006 Malina Farias

Malina founded Salsa Central Denver in 1996 with a vision of introducing Salsa to the general public and expanding the local Salsa scene. Malina served as President of SCD for an incredible 10 years, while watching SCD grow exponentially. In order to raise the level of dancing in Denver, Malina started bringing in guest instructors from all over the world. Without Malina’s vision, Denver’s Salsa scene would not be the success it is today.

2005 Joseph Snowhawk

Joseph has been an instructor for many years in the Denver Salsa scene and has also been instrumental in bringing in top-name Salsa bands to Denver. Joseph has worked very hard to establish “Salsa Clubs” throughout the Denver Metro area. Two of the most successful of these are the D-Note in Arvada and the Avalon in Boulder. Without Joseph’s efforts, the Denver Salsa scene would not have the variety of options we enjoy today.

2004 Barbie Novoryta

Barbie was instrumental in growing the Denver Salsa scene for many years. She was responsible for establishing the Colorado State Salsa Championship (now known as the “Colorado Salsa Open”) and for co-founding Salsa Caliente, a performance group that represented Colorado at many events, festivals, fund-raisers, and Salsa Congresses.

© 2010 Salsa Central Denver