MEET THE DIRECTORS
De’Jon Polanski
Founder / Director
De’Jon Polanski is an international Afro-Latin dance instructor and U.S. Air Force Veteran born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is the founder and director of Tropik Vybe Dance Company and is known as one of the most diverse and distinguished bachata/salsa dancers in the world for his ability to teach, perform, and social dance many styles.
His dance foundation began at the age of 8 years old with New Orleans Bounce and Second Line Mardi Gras traditional dance, as well as street-style bachata and salsa until the age of 16 when he took his first formal salsa lesson. He later connected with Cuban master Aurelio Gonzales & Ana Grietal in New Orleans where he trained in son/Cuban folklore and performed rueda de casino, as well as many other Cuban-rooted genres of dance.
In addition to taking private lessons, master bootcamps, and general lessons with salsa/bachata masters such as Raymond Armant, Eddie Torres, Tomas Guerrero, Jorjet Alcocer, Troy Anthony, Sergio Jasso, Korke Escalona & Judith Cordero, Carlos Cinta, and many others, De’Jon has also trained at one of the world’s most intense salsa on 2/mambo certification programs held in Mexico, Cuerpos Creativos. He has danced live onstage with legendary Dominican bachata recording artists Kiko Rodriguez, Raulin Rodriguez, Frank Reyes, and Joan Soriano, and he has also taught at one of the Dominican Republic’s most prestigious bachata immersion programs, Bachata Paradise.
In 2018, De’Jon partnered with Clo Ferreira to form one of the most dynamic power couples in the Afro-Latin dance scene. Together they continue to train under Afro-Cuban master Marisol Blanco and principal ballet dancer, master teacher, & salsa/bachata cabaret coach Jose Serrano, frequently touring the world and spreading their passion for Afro-Latin dance.
Clo Ferreira
Co-Director
Clo Ferreira was born in Isla Margarita, Venezuela and raised in Princeton, New Jersey since the age of 5. She fell in love with dance at the early age of 8 years old because of her brother, Ry’El Zen Zouk, who is also a professional dancer and became her dance partner and mentor. Her brother enrolled her in training across all styles including classical ballet, modern/contemporary, hip-hop, American & Latin ballroom, and Afro-Latin social dance such as salsa, multiple styles of bachata, and Brazilian zouk.
She has taken class, trained under, and been coached by an extensive list of masters and dance legends such as Eddie Torres, Griselle Ponce, Braz Dos Santos, Risa Kaplowitz, Sekou McMiller, Liz Lira, Jose Serrano, Eli Torres and many more.
She has won various competitions, performed at different venues worldwide, taught numerous workshops in multiple styles at dance congresses internationally, and has won titles such as International Choreographer.
Since 2018, Clo has been traveling the world capturing the attention and acclaim of dance enthusiasts through performance, training, coaching, and social dancing alongside her dance partner, De’Jon Polanski. Together they have taken the dance scene by storm and quickly become one of the most dynamic and versatile dance couples in the world of Afro-Latin dance.
Sandy De Lara
Team Manager
This Texas Artist continues to raise the bar in the performing arts community with her exotic look and unparalleled style. Her trademark style, a neo-fusion of Latin rhythms, draws from her mastery of more than 7 distinct global methods and techniques. In Dallas, she carves out her place in history as a both a powerful performer and balanced instructor.
Sandy’s performing career has led her across the country and back, appearing in venues such as China Club (New York), House of Blues (Hollywood), Rain Club (Las Vegas), and many more. She has been featured in several national tours, including Tuaca’s: Body Art Ball, Bud Light Invasion, X-Vodka Femme Fatales, and Farouk Systems USA. She has also performed at different salsa congresses, including, NYISC, TSC, DSC, DBF, SSC, HSC, UDF. The TV screen has also seen the magic of her movements on The Cristina Show, Telemundo, WFAA8, and Univision.
With over 30 years of performing excellence, Sandy’s career also extends to the stage of platinum recording artists Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente Jr., Frankie J, Jay Perez and Baby Bash. Performing, however, is but one component of the Sandy De Lara dynamic.
Teaching dance is her life’s joy for over 20 years. As an instructor, Sandy commands the attention of her students with her unique flare, combinations, and commitment to each student’s excellence. Presently, she is the founder of De Lara Dance Academy (with students of all ages and skill levels) & S’tilo Ardiente ladies team. She also choreographs routines, offers private workshops and 1 on 1 coaching. Her mastery and precision within the classroom challenges students’ technical growth, drawing out their natural born talent.