Our Team
Our Instructors
Samantha Hernandez
Lead Dance Instructor
Sam is from the Quad Cities, where she began dancing ballet folklorico at the age of 7 and continued through age 18. During that time, she participated in workshops led by professional dancers from Mexico and performed with a competitive team, deepening her skills and passion for the art form.
Sam is a Coe College alumna and serves in the Army National Guard. She joined Fuerzas in the summer of 2023 and has grown alongside the group ever since. With a strong foundation in both discipline and tradition, Sam is dedicated to helping young dancers connect with the culture and express themselves through movement. Sam likes to stay busy! Whether she’s dancing, working on her master’s degree, at drill, or working, she still makes time to enjoy being outdoors and spending time with her family.
Erik Torres
Dance Instructor
Erik is originally from Durango, Mexico, and brings years of passion and experience to the group. He began dancing at the age of 8 and continued throughout his school years until age 19. For five years, he led his own dance group, working closely with children and youth to share the beauty and rhythm of Mexican culture.
He joined Fuerzas in the summer of 2023 and has been with us ever since. Erik brings not only his talent but also his heart to the group. He’s excited to help nurture a love for dance and heritage in the next generation of dancers.
Erik is a proud husband and father of two! When he has free time, you can usually find him at sporting events with his kids.
Jocelin Lagunas
Assistant Dance Instructor
Jocelin is from Cedar Rapids and brings a vibrant energy and diverse background to Fuerzas. She danced with the group from 2023 to 2024 and quickly stood out as a dedicated and creative performer.
A 2024 graduate of Kennedy High School, Jocelin was actively involved in band, soccer, cheerleading, and even choreographed quinceañera dances. She joined Fuerzas at the start of 2025, thanks to a grant from the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation!
Now a student at Kirkwood Community College, Jocelin continues to support the group as an assistant instructor, helping younger dancers grow in both skill and confidence. Outside of dance, Jocelin enjoys spending time with family, exploring new restaurants, and working at her server job, which she loves!
Our Board
Miguel Burgos
President
Andrew Bribriesco
Treasurer
Jasmine Hernandez
Secretary
Vanessa Audiffred
Member
Our Core Values
Student Development
We provide students with the opportunities to learn and perform traditional Mexican dances while deepening their appreciation for cultural heritage. Dancers develop confidence, discipline, and stage presence. Just like in any sport, students learn the value of perseverance, accountability, and teamwork.
Cultural Pride
Ballet folklorico is for everyone! Whether taking pride in their own roots or honoring the tradition, dancers share in the joy of preserving and showcasing this beautiful art form. Through vibrant costumes and performances across the community, students help keep these traditions alive while building connections and fostering cultural appreciation.
Equity
We believe dance should be for everyone, which is why our classes and dance attire are offered free of charge to help remove financial barriers.
Students of all skill levels and cultural backgrounds are welcome - no experience required!
Community
We proudly call ourselves the Fuerzas Family because we are more than just a dance group - we are a community. While we love sharing our art form with audiences, we also focus on building a supportive and welcoming space for our dancers. Here, everyone is encouraged to grow, connect, and feel safe to learn, make friends, and celebrate the joy of dance together.
Fuerzas was born from a spark of inspiration by community members and two Coe College students, Nallely Sanchez and Cynthia Salgado.
What began as a simple idea quickly came to life on June 1, 2022, with our very first practice at Delaney Park.
Our group started with seventeen kids and not much else! Without funding, costumes, or even a rehearsal space, we knew our first performance would be an uphill battle. But with a passion for dance, dedication from our families, and generous support from the community we succeeded, performing at our first Latino Festival in Cedar Rapids in 2022!
In May of 2023, Fuerzas became an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and formed a board of directors. The first major task was finding new instructors as the founding instructors were graduating from college and leaving the area. In July of 2023, two new instructors, Maestra Sam and Maestro Erik, stepped in to guide the next chapter of Fuerzas.
Our group has grown to over 30 dancers... and we are excited to continue to grow and be a part of the Eastern Iowa community!
