Our Instructors
Luis
Luis Alberto is the co-founder and co-director of Desafío Dance Company, alongside his partner and wife, Jess Sheppard. Together, they are nationally recognized salsa and bachata instructors, performers, and competitors. With a passion for Latin dance and a commitment to excellence, Luis has taught and performed at some of the most prestigious dance festivals across the United States, including the Reno Latin Dance Fest, Las Vegas Super Congress, LA Bachata Festival, San Francisco SBK, Orlando Salsa Congress, Chicago International Salsa Congress, Bachateando, and the Atlanta Salsa Bachata Festival, among many others.
Driven by growth and artistry, Luis is constantly training—both for competition and to refine his craft as a dancer and educator.
His titles include:
- 2020/2021 World Salsa Summit Pro Bachata Classic Finalist
- 2019 World Salsa Summit Rising Star Bachata Champion (1st Place)
- 2019 LA Top Social Dancer in the Professional Category
at the Annual La Granada Competition - 2018 World Latin Dance Cup Am Male Salsa Soloist (3rd place)
Jess
Jess Sheppard is the co-founder and co-director of Desafio Dance Company, which she runs alongside her partner and husband, Luis Alberto. Together, they are nationally recognized salsa and bachata instructors, performers, and competitors known for their dynamic style and technical precision. Jess has taught and performed at major dance events across the U.S., including the Reno Latin Dance Fest, Las Vegas Super Congress, LA Bachata Festival, San Francisco SBK, Orlando Salsa Congress, Chicago International Salsa Congress, Bachateando, and the Atlanta Salsa Bachata Festival, among others. Her classes emphasize strong technique, fluid body movement, and musicality.
In addition to her dance career, Jess is also the founder of Standing O Cosmetics, a performance-focused makeup line designed to meet the unique needs of dancers and stage artists.
Her titles include:
- 2020/2021 World Salsa Summit Pro Bachata Classic Finalist
- 2019 World Salsa Summit Rising Star Bachata Champion (1st Place)
- 2018 Oaxaca Salsa & Bachata Festival,
Amateur Bachata Team (1st Place with Alma Latina)