Today we’d like to introduce you to Jorge Melo.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, Jorge Melo is an international instructor of Latin-American dances
With over 20 years of dance experience, Jorge created a dance team called the Casino Stars of Venezuela in November 2005 with the intention of constructing a unique and innovative style.
The main goal always was: teaching people of all ages, and making donations and creating scholarships for low income Venezuelans with the talent and capacity to learn the art of dance.
But after a few years, he updated his goal and become international.
As team Director, Jorge has had great fortune in molding the troop with extensive coaching from world-class dancers and instructors. The fusion of Afro-Cuban Afro-Venezuelan, Ballroom dance and other dance styles such as Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Salsa, Bachata, Latin Hustle, West Coast Swing, Kizomba and flamenco dance has created a team of highly experienced and diverse dancers that are sought after globally.
The Casino Stars have performed in over 1000 festivals throughout Venezuela and in many other countries/territories including: Norway, Ivory Coast Africa, Angola, Aruba, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Italy, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Spain and the United States.
World champs multiples times.
They now reside in Houston, Texas.
Jorge Melo and the Casino Stars members, separately and together, have been awarded multiple titles/championships at a national and international level.
2nd – place Global salsa summit on2 division couples 2022
1st – place at world salsa summit solo divisions 2021
5st place at world salsa summit final small teams 2021
2nd place at world salsa summit final Proam on2 2020
1st – Outstanding of the year Houston salsa dancers 2017
1st – Outstanding dancer of the year Houston salsa dancers 2016
1st- Outstanding dancer of the year Houston salsa dancers 2015
1st – world champions ladies team WLDC 2015
2nd – place WLDC PRO-AM division WLDC 2015.
3th – place world salsa open 2015
4th – place world salsa summit miami small teams 2014
1th – best dancer international trayecctory in venezuela 2013
1st -Team at Festival de Salsa Caracas in Venezuela 2012
2nd – Group Category World Salsa Championships 2012
1st – Male solo World Salsa Championships 2012
4th – Female solo World Salsa Championships 2012
2nd – National Championship amor al baile 2011
1st – Professional Couple Venezuela Salsa Open 2011
2nd – Championship passageways Puerto Rico 2011
7th – Professional couple World Salsa Championships 2011
1st – World Salsa Championships salsa groups 2011
2nd – Female solo artistic World Salsa Championships 2011
1st – Professional Couple Venezuela Salsa Open 2010
1st – Professional Group Venezuela Salsa Open 2010
2nd – Professional Group salsa Puerto Rico World Salsa Open 2010
1st – Professional Group Caracas Salsa festival 2009
3rd – Professional Group Miami World Salsa Federation 2009
1st – Online Professional Couple Salsa Venezuela Salsa Open 2008
2nd – Professional Couple Salsa Casino Salsa Open Venezuela 2008
3rd & 4th – Curacao Professional Couple Salsa competition 2008
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Success will always never be an easy path, mine has been full of challenges and obstacles such as practicing in the street on concrete to political persecution against me and that of my relatives and dancers by the Venezuelan government and thank God Houston opened its doors for us to move forward, the important thing is never to give up.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a professional salsa dancer for competitions, shows and social dancing who has been trained in different dance styles and professional training of dancers and Latin dance groups, I think what makes me unique is the ability I have to create choreographies and definitely the training to which I apply in my dancers that makes them better every day.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Well, many people don’t know that I am an EMT and cardiopulmonary technician who worked saving lives in hospitals and ambulances for many years and that I was also a top competitive swimmer in my country.
Contact Info:
- Email: jorgemelovenezuela@gmail.com
- Website: thecasinostars.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CYPkNsCJnpy/?utm_medium=copy_link
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jorgemelovenezuela
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/a41VFnEZz0A
