Sandunga Dance Co.

Sandunga Dance Co. teaches social Latin dance—Mambo, Salsa, and Cha-Cha-Cha—under the direction of Agustin 'Augie' Guzman, who began his own training in 1989 with some of the most sought-out instructors in New York City, including Eddie Torres, Nelson Flores, and Stacey Lopez. He started teaching in 1990 and has spent over three decades building dance as a tool for community and healing.

Guzman's journey to Hurst spans decades and continents. After establishing himself as an educator and counselor in New York—using dance as a prevention vehicle for at-risk youth through the NYC Board of Education and organisations including Teatro Moderno Puertorriqueño—he moved to Texas in 1998. Shortly after, he founded Mambo Jam Plus and pioneered Mambo "On 2" dancing in the Southwest region. In 2001, MJP's dance team performed at the Puerto Rico Salsa Congress. The company evolved in 2004 when Guzman founded Sandunga Dance Company Inc. in Carrollton, with a mission to promote cultural preservation through dance. For over 10 years, Sandunga provided quality instruction, choreography and performances in a beautiful, upscale 5,700 sq. ft. studio, serving not only students but also corporate events, festivals, schools and universities. In 2005, Sandunga was chosen for the unveiling of the United States Post Office's Latin Dance Stamp collection in Dallas.

In 2015, Guzman returned to his roots in East Harlem and opened a studio there in 2016, programming for children, adolescents, adults and senior citizens. Now in 2019, Sandunga Dance Co. has returned to serve the DFW area, staying true to its longtime motto: "Beyond Dance".

Co-Director Franchesca Guzman began exploring dance at age 7 and found her true passion in mambo in 1998. She danced with MJP, performed throughout Texas at festivals and cultural events, and was part of the team at the Puerto Rico Salsa Congress in 2001. She co-taught group classes, led the MJP Kids program, and when Sandunga was founded, became a full-time instructor and Assistant Director. She continued directing the children's program through moves to New York and back to the DFW area, where she now brings health, cultural awareness and community through dance.

Contact the studio directly via their website or phone to inquire about classes, lesson options and current schedule. The studio is located at 426 W Bedford Euless Rd in Hurst.

Agustin 'Augie' Guzman, Founder and Director, trained under Eddie Torres, Nelson Flores and Stacey Lopez in New York and has taught since 1990. Franchesca Guzman, Co-Director, has danced professionally since adolescence and brings expertise in group instruction and children's programming.

Guzman is known for establishing 'an uplifting and encouraging learning environment', but contact the studio for details on beginner-specific programming.