Tito Ortos Gutierrez is widely recognized as one of the foremost experts in Puerto Rican salsa, celebrated for his exceptional choreography, versatility, and contributions to the global salsa community. Together with his wife and dance partner, Tamara Livolsi, he has performed in over 100 cities worldwide, earning a reputation as a master of Puerto Rican salsa and other dance forms, including jazz, merengue, bomba y plena, and modern dance.
Born on December 26, 1974, in Santurce, Puerto Rico, Tito grew up in a musical household, which deeply influenced his passion for dance. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Science and studying music, he began his professional dance career. Tamara, born in Argentina on February 24, 1978, and raised in Puerto Rico, inherited her love for dance from her mother and trained extensively in ballet, jazz and hip hop.
Tito and Tamara have appeared in films such as Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, El Cantante, and American Gangster, and have choreographed for iconic artists like Gilberto Santa Rosa, Victor Manuelle and El Gran Combo. Tito has also created routines for major events, including Ricky Martin’s performance at Miss Universe 2001 and the Celia Cruz Azúcar Special in Miami in 2003.
As judges for the World Salsa Championships and Salsa Open, Tito and Tamara are influential figures in the dance world. They co-organize the Puerto Rico Salsa Congress and the Puerto Rico Hustle and Salsa Festival, while also managing Rhythms Dance Studio. Known for their extraordinary talent and dedication, Tito and Tamara continue to inspire dancers globally with their performances, workshops, and commitment to preserving Puerto Rican salsa culture.