Maria Diaz is a professional salsa dancer, choreographer, and instructor based in Los Angeles, originally from Bogotá, Colombia. She is known for her powerful stage presence, technical precision, and her role as one of the leading advocates for Colombian-style salsa on the West Coast.
Maria is the co-director of Fuego y Sabor Latino, the only dance company in the region specializing in Colombian salsa, and has helped bring visibility to this energetic and acrobatic style through performances, classes, and competitions across the country. She holds dual degrees in Dance and Biology from UCLA, and uses her background in kinesiology to promote safe, grounded dance practices for both youth and adult students.
Maria has performed with a wide range of Latin music legends, including Don Omar, Zion y Lennox, Charlie Cardona, and Wilson “Saoco” Manyoma of Fruko y sus Tesos. She has also worked closely with Patricia Padilla, known as the voice of Celia Cruz in the television series Celia, and has collaborated with top salsa orchestras like Grupo Galé and Sonora Carruseles.
In addition to her professional dance work, Maria teaches at UCLA and high schools in South Central Los Angeles, focusing on bringing accessible arts education to underserved communities. She and her team have won multiple national and international titles, including the World Latin Dance Cup, and continue to represent Colombian salsa at major events like the LA Salsa Fest and San Francisco Salsa Congress.