Ashley Rivera is a Philadelphia dancer, educator and director who co-founded MamboLab Latin Dance Academy with Elian Gomez. Her career spans concert dance and salsa, with performance experience at Philadanco and the Latin Soul Dancers. She has also taught at Empire Mambo NYC.
A graduate of Esperanza Academy, Rivera returned to the institution as an educator and helped develop its dance program. She continues working with students in the Esperanza Dance Ensemble while teaching and performing internationally. Her approach to education emphasizes confidence and discipline, alongside an understanding of the culture and community surrounding dance.
At MamboLab, Rivera works with students ranging from first-time dancers to those pursuing professional training. The academy’s classes include salsa On2 partnerwork and shines, with progressive levels for continuing study. She and Gomez also lead Báilalo Social in the Philadelphia area. Their September 2026 appearance at Esperanza Arts Center brought their salsa partnership to the stage for an evening of performance and cultural conversation.