ABOUT US
WHAT DO WE WANT YOU TO TAKE AWAY FROM MAMBOJAZ STUDIO?
We Welcome Everyone!
This is a safe environment! We have both students and staff of all ages, shades, sizes, backgrounds, and sexualities. And we believe every single one of them are perfect just the way they are!
The Power of Movement
Whether you are here for fitness or dance, whether you are a professional dancer or have never danced in your life, whether you are young or old, move easily, or struggle to move certain parts of your body; We encourage you to move in a healthy way that works best for you and your body!
Welcome to the Family!
We are a family owned business that loves hard! Once you’ve joined our studio, you are practically a part of our family! We are always here to help guide you through your classes, and support you with anything you may need during your time here at Mambojaz Studio.
Meet the Owners
Mambojaz Dance Studio is owned by, mother-daughter power duo, Jasmin(right) and Vianna Pantoja(left). But this all started with Jasmin. Jasmin has been dancing a wide variety of dance styles since the age of 9. Though she was trained in jazz, tap, hip hop, african, and modern, She quickly discovered her passion for latin dance. She started taking classes with the King and Queen of NY style mambo on 2, Eddie and Maria Torres, at the Kips Bay Boys and girls club in the Bronx, NY. She continued to study and train in the Eddie Torres technique and later became a dance instructor herself. During her dance career she has been able to perform with GOYA at the NY Puerto Rican Day Parade, Perform for the legendary Tito Puente and Bobby Rodriguez y la Compania, and dance at hundreds of venues all over the tri-state area. After falling in love, having her daughter, fighting cancer twice, and going through all that life throws, Jasmin took a long break from dancing. As Vianna grew up, Jasmin made sure to teach her everything she knew about dance. Because of this Vianna grew up having a passion for performing. From Kindergarten to her Senior year of high school, she did every talent show, was a part of every musical and did every dance production she could be a part of! After graduating high school Vianna thought her life of performing would be over. Little did she know she’d soon be running a dance business alongside her mom.
What Made them decide to open Mambojaz Studio?
Vianna says “For as long as I can remember, whenever me and my mom would drive past a place that was available for lease, my mom would always say ‘look, If i hit the lottery, that could be my dance studio’. Having a studio was always a dream, but it felt just like that, a dream. Who would’ve thought that us getting the opportunity to perform at One World Festival would be us ‘winning the lottery’”. Jasmin went years without performing but in 2022 she was asked to do a 40 minute performance for One World. With a small crew of just close family and friends, she was able to pull off an amazing show. It was there that she met Marie Cleaves Rothacker, owner of Move It Studio. Marie was very impressed by Jasmin’s performance and encouraged her to join the Move It team. For 2 years Jasmin was a Teacher there, eventually Vianna joining as a teacher as well. As time passed Jasmin’s dance classes became more and more popular. She also was able to develop a dance company that now performs at all kinds of local events. Marie says “For a while, I’ve been searching for a way to lovingly hand off this sweet baby(Move it studio) I’ve nurtured - over the years - I’m tired and am feeling the need to explore what’s next while prioritizing my loved ones.” The timing of everything was way too perfect to seem real. A time where Marie was ready to let go, and Jasmin was ready to step up. So now Mambojaz Studio has been given this beautiful opportunity to take over Move It Studio. Still offering some of the same classes that was loved at Move It. All while offering some new classes and programs into the mix.
The heart of Mambojaz Studio is family! You’ve met Vianna and Jasmin, but let’s introduce you to, brothers, Victor and David Pantoja. Victor is the loving husband of Jasmin, and father of Vianna. As Mambojaz has become more and more established so has Victor’s love for dance. After over 25 years of being with Jasmin he has finally joined the dance world and is absolutely killing it! Victor now becoming one of Mambojaz Dance Company’s most beloved dancers! Without his support, investments, and dedication to this business, there would be no Mambojaz Studio. David Pantoja learned to dance from Jasmin when he was 19 years old, becoming one of the original members of Jasmin’s first ever dance group. After over 20 years, his love for dance has been reignited. He is now proud to be a principal dancer and dance captain of Mambojaz Dance Company.
So, as you can see, there is no Mambojaz Studio without this beautiful, supportive and loving family.