WELCOME TO QUEER LATIN DANCE SD!
Building community, celebrating diversity, and moving together—one step at a time.
Join a Class See Our GalleryMeet the Team
Michelle Fernandez (she/they)
Michelle is the founder of Queer Latin Dance SD and the co-organizer of Queer Salsa Sunsets. As a lifelong performer, her background ranges from experiences in competitive gymnastics to singing with Luciano Pavarotti. She fell in love with salsa during college as a creative escape from her engineering studies, an exploration that allowed her to perform with the salsa and bachata group Sokaliente. After coming out in 2020, she set out to build an inclusive, affirming latin dance space for San Diego's Queer community.
Pat Petel (she/they)
Pat is a co-organizer of Queer Latin Dance SD and, as Michelle’s partner, has been involved in the creation of QLDSD. She is involved in photography, web development, and event planning etc. to ensure successful event outcomes. A self-taught guitar player, Pat has been playing since she was 10 years old and has a wide range of interests. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from San Diego State University, an achievement that has strengthened her problem-solving skills and helped her understand the world from an engineer’s perspective. She’s excited to explore the world of Latin dance and help grow the community alongside Michelle.
Miguel Ceron (he/him)
Miguel is a co-organizer of Queer Salsa Sunsets, he spent 15 years in NYC building careers in corporate retail dance, event production, and community development. His dance training includes Salsa, Bachata, Mexican folklorico, ballet and hip-hop, as well as performances on iconic stages like Radio City music, Madison Square Garden, and internationally in Canada, Turkey and Peru. His approach to teaching blends an understanding of body mechanics and technique with a lighthearted personality to create a welcoming atmosphere where students can explore movement while developing body awareness, strength, and control.
Our Story
Queer Latin Dance SD is a community-centered space for queer folks to connect, learn, and celebrate Latin dance and its rich cultural roots. We are committed to degendering dance by empowering everyone to lead, follow, and/or switch, regardless of gender. Our monthly donation based socials welcome all levels, no partner or experience needed. Inspired by other queer Latin dance communities, Michelle founded QLDSD with a vision for a growing community where members can build connections within themselves and with each other through dance.
“Dance is the hidden language of the soul.”
Join Our Dance Fam!
- Weekly dance classes for all levels
- Monthly social events and workshops
- Special community performances
- Safe, affirming space for everyone—no partner or experience needed!