DEVIN RAQUEL (Houston)
Assistant Director
As the daughter of a dance educator, Devin, throughout the entirety of her youth, had much insight into the worlds of dance. Prioritizing her discipline with Salsa in 2022, she began to train with Yayita Finín in hopes to one day honor her own mother’s legacy. As of February 2025 Devin Raquel is the official Assistant Director/Instructor of Eleda Dance Co. helping imbed strong foundations into student bodies, and educating with cultural respect.
YAYITA FINÍN (Houston)
Founder / Executive Director
Yayita Finin was born to two of Houston's most beloved underground competitors in the early stages of the Texas Salsa Scene. Labor pains started in middle of a contest, and she was nearly birthed onto the dance floor. Clearly in awe of her parent's past, Yayita quickly acquired a necessity for all things dance. Though her beginnings were filled with the pride of her Puerto Rican culture, and Afro-Folkloric, Yayita's development as an artist didn't begin until a ten year apprenticeship with one of Houston's top instructors, Salomon Amaya. As of February of this year, she founded Eleda Dance Company with the hopes of aligning dance education with the preservation of history and culture.
HELENA VICTORIA (Dallas)
Branch Director
A multidisciplinary rooted in Latin-contemporary and theatrical dance. Meet Helena Victoria, an artist who, almost inevitably, became drawn to Salsa. From it’s variety in rhythms, to it’s emotional expressions, Helena quickly found the common bond between each of her worlds. Now she is Eleda’s first official branch director. Not only does she continue her studies in Salsa to better evolve alongside her students, she’s consistent and intentional with her leadership, genuine with her warmth, and constantly growing as an artist in various forms.