Unity Salsa Directors
Shawn Sallee
Shawn started dancing salsa in 1997, where he helped develop the Salsa scene of that era in Seattle. He moved to Arizona in 2002, where he was pivotal in the development of the 2000's Phoenix salsa community. As Founder and Director of Salvaje Dance Company, Shawn created Salsa Thursdays at Mythos, which featured live Salsa bands, and was voted New Times' Best Salsa Club in Phoenix. He created/ran the Arizona's largest weekly salsa social for over a decade-- Salsa Sunday at Paragon (The Social). He has introduced countless performers, students, and spectators to the passion of Salsa and has been a constant pioneer of sharing his love for the art. Shawn was honored at the 2004 World Salsa Congress for his contribution to the World of Latin Music & Dance.
In 2010, Shawn lost his brother related to substance use, beginning a downward spiral into depression. Fueled by an already active, but functional alcoholism, Shawn experienced significant personal struggles, and disappeared from the world of dance. Through the help of others, Shawn has found sobriety and has discovered a new purpose in life. He has been working in behavioral health for the past 5 years, initially providing case management & navigation services at an integrated health clinic & re-entry program, and now as the Director of Unity Salsa's Human Services Department. He works to support individuals with building a longer, healthy, happier future.
Shawn has realized his passions of rhythm and helping others are not just hobbies-- but a way of life. He is committed to sharing that love with anyone that is willing.
Contact Shawn directly at (480) 453-6538 or shawn@unitysalsa.org
Shira James
Shira started dancing at a young age, and studied ballet, lyrical, and jazz throughout her youth. She took her first Salsa lesson in 2003 while backpacking through Central America. She quickly fell in love with Salsa, and started to dance with every opportunity she had. In college, Shira used both Salsa and competitive ballroom dancing to help manage depression and anxiety, and understands that dance played a major role in helping her become who she is today.
Shira has been a part of the Latin dance scene on and off for the past two decades, and returned to dance as a form of self-care after having kids.
In Arizona, she has trained under Brenda Smith, Shawn Sallee, David Olarte, and Lawrence Garcia, and is grateful for the opportunity to have learned from a variety of skilled and passionate instructors.
Shira is a licensed occupational therapist who currently works with children with special needs, specializing in autism and neurodiversity. Shira is a strong advocate for disability rights, and recently collaborated with The City of Phoenix to remodel a local playground to meet ADA compliance. Shira believes in the power of engaging in meaningful activities, such as dance, to enrich the lives of those facing hardship. Living in Phoenix with her husband and two children,
Shira strives to make our community a better place through inclusion, empathy, and understanding.
Contact Shira directly at (602) 318-4877 or shira@unitysalsa.org