Frankie Martinez

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Frankie Martinez is a well-known salsa dancer, performer, instructor and choreographer born in New York and of Puerto Rican heritage currently residing in Queens, New York.

He is one of the most recognized figures in the salsa scene today, particularly in the Eastern United States.

He is also the founder and director of ABAKUÁ Afro-Latin Dance Company, a premier dance company based in New York City.

[edit] Abakua Afro-Latin Dance Company

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The company was first established in October 2000 and ultimately incorporated in March 2008.

Mission Statement:

 Abakua advances the art of Afro-Latin dance worldwide as a legitimate 
 and established performance art form. Through the avenues of performance, 
 presence, and education, Abakua cultivates interest and talent in future 
 generations in the art of Afro-Latin dancing.

The unique style of dance practiced by Abakua Afro-Latin Dance Company is referred to as Afro- Latin Funk, a term coined by Frankie Martinez.

[edit] Additional Information

Frankie holds a 4th degree black belt in Shotokan Karate and his life of martial arts training has given him the discipline to quickly learn the art of dancing. He has performed for the late Tito Puente and is even featured in his Mambo Birdland video. He has also been trained by the famous instructor and performer Eddie Torres.

Frankie is also co-founder of the first official online mambo virtual dance academy www.rhythmlounge.org with his friend Frankie Caamano.